Michael A. Riley never went to West Point, but several times each summer the roofing salesman dons the uniform of a major general.
Riley, 50, of Lancaster, has portrayed Civil War Gen. John Reynolds for 20 years. A Lancaster native, Reynolds was best known for his courage at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was killed when a Confederate bullet struck him behind the ear.
Riley also posed as Reynolds for a painting and wrote a book about the general, "For God's Sake, Forward!"
He and other Union "generals," such as Grant and Sherman, will hold a campfire conversation at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Daniel Lady Farm, 986 Hanover Road, Gettysburg. Visitors can ask the generals about any event from their lifetimes.
Riley was a consultant on Reynolds for the 1993 movie "Gettysburg," and a double for actor John Rothman, who played the general. Most of his footage was cut, he said, except for one scene where Gen. John Buford, played by Sam Elliott, cried as he saw Reynolds approaching on horseback.
"I brought tears to Sam Elliott's eyes," Riley joked.
Riley never formally studied history, but read Civil War and genealogy books on the side. He also studied letters written by Civil War soldiers to learn the vocabulary they used.
He said that his interest in the Civil War began in childhood, when his parents took the family to Gettysburg every year.
"I was in awe of the place and became fascinated with the Civil War," he said.
His wife, Rebecca, and daughters Megan, Laura, Katie and Rebecca, enjoy the re-enactments, but have declined to join in, he said. His son, Ethan, did some re-enacting before moving to Arizona, but didn't portray a specific person.
Riley said that he typically meets three types of people at re-enactments: "The ones who really get into it, the ones who like to see if they know more than you, and the ones that want you to fill them in."
But re-enacting is about much more than memorizing facts, he said.
"We try to bring a little humanity to it, talk about what it was like to fight."
In my spare time I: Ride my Harley-Davidson Road King, golf, yell at the TV while watching the Eagles and Phillies, and collect pocket watches.
Pets: We own a soft-coated Wheaton terrier named Kaylee and a cat named Juliet.
The book on my nightstand is: One of the best Lincoln books written called "A Team of Rivals."
My favorite movie or TV show is: "The Searchers" or "The Quiet Man." Or just about any John Wayne movie.
I drive a: 2008 Dodge Nitro.
I chose Gen. Reynolds because: He was a superior soldier who was greatly admired by all of those who served with him, including my great-grandfather (John B. Riley), who served in Reynolds' first command.
The best part of re-enacting: The friendships and education I have acquired around the campfire with like- minded history enthusiasts.
The worst part of re-enacting: The summer heat in a wool uniform!
My favorite re-enactment/event is: Gettysburg. It is thought by many to be the pivotal battle of the Civil War and John Reynolds played a crucial role. Also, the close proximity to our hometown makes it even more interesting.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, I would pick: My first thought would be a figure from our past, and for sheer energy and wealth of knowledge on various subjects I would choose Teddy Roosevelt. For fun I would chose the "Rat Pack," Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. For plain crazy, every man's choice, Moe, Larry and Curly.
One thing people wouldn't guess about me is: My iPod contains all types of music from the Beatles, Celtic, old country, to rap.
If I could do anything I wanted tomorrow, I would: Ride my Harley across country.
In five years I see myself: Hopefully healthy, working with less stress and able to afford a gallon of gas.
In 20 years I see myself: Retired and living someplace warm, golfing every day.
Megan Hart is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mhart@lnpnews.com.
