Dispatches Of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis Vol 8 Issue #05 (May 2026)

Did you miss recent Big Muddy events or want to check on some of the games played?

After Action Reports

Our After Action Reports are now being posted on our website:
WWW.BMHGA.COM

Check there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.

The Importance of After Action Reports

Every great game deserves to be remembered, and one of the best ways to do that is through a well-written After Action Report, or AAR. In just a few paragraphs and photos, a Game Master can capture the excitement of the session, preserve the story for later, and help keep the energy of the hobby alive between game days.

AARs do much more than recap a session. At their best, they tell the story of your game, showing how the action unfolded and what made the event memorable. They give readers a chance to follow the events as they happened and understand the challenges, surprises, and turning points that shaped the outcome.

They also chronicle your part in the group’s activities. For Game Masters and players alike, an AAR is a way to document contributions, highlight favorite moments, and become part of the club’s continuing history. Over time, these reports create a valuable record of the games we have played and the people who helped bring them to life.

Photos and narrative make AARs even more effective. A few good images can show the table, the terrain, the miniatures, and the action in a way that helps others experience the game visually. Paired with a clear and lively account, they allow readers to feel as though they were there, even if they missed the session.

For those who could not attend, AARs are especially useful because they show what happened in their absence and often spark interest in joining the next game. Seeing what went on can build excitement and remind members that each session is part of something larger. That kind of shared storytelling helps strengthen participation and keeps the community connected.

This extra effort is also in the best interest of the Game Masters because it helps build the gaming community. By sharing AARs, Game Masters preserve the story of their games, encourage current members, attract new players, and create interest among people browsing our newsletter, as well as growing our website and social media.

For potential new members, AARs can be the first introduction to the kinds of games we play and the atmosphere we enjoy. A strong report gives newcomers a window into our hobby and can help them find a game that matches their interests. In that sense, AARs are not just a summary of what happened—they are an invitation to get involved.

In the end, an AAR is more than a game recap. It is a record of shared experiences, a showcase for creativity, and a tool for building a stronger community. The more we share our stories, the more we inspire others to join in, return for future games, and help keep the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance growing for years to come.

🎲 Game Day West – May

at Miniature Market Rock Hill

Join us for our next Game Day West on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00am to 4:00pm, part of our regular first Saturday gathering. We’ll once again be hosted by Miniature Market – Rock Hill—a fantastic venue for a full day of tabletop gaming.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about historical gaming, Game Day West offers a welcoming environment, great games, and plenty of opportunities to jump in.

⚔️ Featured Tables

Turning Point – Saratoga 1777

Follow Burgoyne’s advance toward Freeman’s Farm as the stage is set for one of the pivotal campaigns of the American Revolution.

15mm regimental scale for 4 players

Hosted by David Schaffner

 Narman vs Saxons Skirmish

Fistful of Lead rules takes a step back in time to the medieval era. 

Tim Lalk GM

So that we might cooperate with our generous hosts, Miniature Market Rock Hill who are holding a special store event on May 2nd we will limit our presentations to two games for our May Game Day. 

🎮 Join Us!

Game Day West is all about community, history, and great gaming. Stop by, pull up a chair, and dive into one (or 🎲 Big Muddy Game Day East – May Gathering

Game Day East

Join us for Game Day East on Sunday, 17 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, part of our regular third Sunday meetups. We’ll be hosted once again at Impact Gaming Center, a great space for an afternoon of exciting tabletop action.

This month’s lineup brings a mix of fantasy, fast-paced racing, and aerial combat—there’s something for everyone.

⚔️ Featured Games

Speed Circuit Indy 500 Racing Tryout the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 on our jumbo and enhance Speed Circuit Raceway Dennis Hill GM

Furball:  Intergalactic Fighters in Outer Space: Fistful of Lead Rules Adam Jones GM

No matter your experience level, there’s always a place at the table.

🎲 Barracks Battles Returns at DieCon 2026!

One of the most anticipated traditions at DieCon 2026 is back—and it’s ready to bring the noise, the laughter, and the clash of dice once again. Barracks Battles returns as a centerpiece of organized play, offering fast-paced, competitive fun for gamers of all stripes.

📍 When & Where

Join us at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville from June 5–7, 2026 for a full weekend of gaming excitement. With plenty of space, great amenities, and a vibrant convention atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for epic tabletop battles.

⚔️ What Is Barracks Battles?

Barracks Battles are designed to capture the spirit of convention gaming at its best: quick-to-learn, exciting-to-play, and full of memorable moments. These sessions feature a mix of skirmish-style encounters, tactical challenges, and scenario-driven conflicts, all packed into accessible time slots that let players jump in without a long-term commitment.

Whether you’re commanding a squad, leading a daring raid, or outmaneuvering your opponent in a tight tactical puzzle, Barracks Battles deliver high-energy gameplay with a competitive edge.

🎮 Built for Everyone

One of the strengths of Barracks Battles is its accessibility:

  • New players can jump in and learn quickly
  • Veterans can test their skills in tight, tactical matchups
  • Observers will find plenty of action to enjoy

Games are structured to keep things moving, making them perfect for convention schedules where you want to experience as much as possible.

🏆 Compete, Conquer, and Connect

Barracks Battles aren’t just about winning—they’re about shared experiences. Expect:

  • Friendly competition
  • Unique scenarios crafted by talented Game Masters
  • Opportunities to meet new opponents and allies
  • Plenty of post-game stories worth retelling

Some sessions may even feature leaderboards, achievements, or bragging rights, depending on the event structure.

🧭 A Highlight of the Weekend

Set within the vibrant atmosphere of DieCon 2026, Barracks Battles embody everything that makes convention gaming special: variety, energy, and community. It’s the perfect place to try something new, sharpen your skills, or simply enjoy a great game with fellow enthusiasts.

🙌 Join the Battle

Whether you’re stepping onto the battlefield for the first time or returning for another round, Barracks Battles at DieCon 2026 promise action-packed sessions and unforgettable moments.

Grab your dice, rally your forces, and prepare for battle.

American War of Independence 250!

Special Event! 

An Underappreciated Victory Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779

Saturday, July 25, 20261:00 – 3:00pm

Old St. Ferdinand Shrine School House

1 Rue Saint Francois St, 

Florissant, Saint Louis, MO 63031-5126

An Underappreciated Victory

Meet Author Steve Kling as he introduces his new book about the American War of Independence in the West. 

Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779

By Stephen L. Kling, Jr and Kristine L. Sjostrom

Gálvez’s Mississippi River campaign in 1779 during the American Revolutionary War is truly an unappreciated victory today. While brief, it was tremendously impactful. Not only did it secure the Spanish rear and permit the free flow of aid up the Mississippi River to the Americans, but it also paved the way for the Gulf of Mexico operations against Mobile and Pensacola. It has been largely overshadowed by the more spectacular sieges of Mobile and Pensacola where Gálvez had abundant military resources. However, considering the difficult circumstances and limited military resources for the Mississippi River campaign, it is much more impressive. Gálvez overcame terrain and weather difficulties, logistical challenges and British fortified positions, all with the knowledge that he had to strike swiftly and secretly before British superior forces converged on New Orleans. The almost negligible number of casualties weighed against the capture of several forts and posts and hundreds of prisoners in such a short period is as shocking today as it was to the British high command. Every military campaign needs a little luck, but Gálvez took a huge risk against considerable odds and ended victorious. The close examination of the campaign in this book reveals its brilliance.

In collaboration with The Historical Game Company, Historic Florissant Inc, The Florissant Valley Historical Society, Friends of The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, The Reverend John Clark Chapter DAR and Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis. 

This event is Free and Open to the Public but reservations are necessary. You may make a reservation by emailing info@bmhga.com

🛍️ Support Your Local Game Stores

Local game stores are the backbone of our hobby. They’re more than just places to buy games—they’re gathering spaces where friendships are formed, new players are welcomed, and communities like the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance come to life.

From hosting weekly events to providing tables, terrain, and knowledgeable staff, these stores invest in us every time we walk through the door.

🎲 Why It Matters

When you support your local game store, you help:

  • Keep gaming spaces open and accessible
  • Grow the local player community
  • Encourage events, demos, and organized play
  • Ensure new gamers have a place to discover the hobby

These stores take a chance on hosting events, often dedicating valuable space and time so we can play.

🤝 How You Can Help

Supporting your local store doesn’t have to be complicated:

  • Purchase games, supplies, or hobby materials locally when you can
  • Participate in store events and game nights
  • Invite friends and help grow attendance
  • Be respectful of the space and staff
  • Spread the word about upcoming events

Even small actions make a big difference.

🌟 A Shared Community

In the St. Louis area, we’re fortunate to have stores that actively support gaming groups and events. Their partnership helps make everything we do possible—from casual weeknight games to large-scale game days.

Discord

Plans are underway to launch a BMHGA Discord server in early 2026.
More details will be shared as they become available.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance Name Tags

We have received the test run of our new group name badges and they look very good. Those interested in ordering one contact info@bmhga.com You can estimate the price to be around $15.00 each. If we get a discount on the order it will be passed along. 

🎲 Game Masters Wanted: Help Power Our 2026 Game Days!

As our gaming community continues to grow, we’re gearing up for an exciting second half of the year—and we need your help to make it unforgettable.

From July through December 2026, we’re actively looking for enthusiastic Game Masters (GMs) to run events at our regularly scheduled Game Days and weekly gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned GM or someone who’s been thinking about running your first game, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.

🌟 Why Volunteer as a GM?

Being a Game Master is one of the most rewarding ways to engage with the hobby. When you step behind the screen, you’re not just running a game—you’re creating memorable experiences, building community, and introducing players to new worlds.

As a GM, you will:

  • Bring your favorite historical eras, systems and scenarios to life
  • Meet new players and connect with fellow hobbyists
  • Help shape the local gaming scene
  • Gain experience running games in a fun environment

🎮 What We’re Looking For

We welcome a wide variety of games and styles, including:

  • Miniatures and skirmish games)
  • One-shots, campaigns, demos, or experimental formats

Whether you prefer lighthearted adventures or  tactical challenges,—there’s a table waiting for you.

📅 When Are Events?

We host events throughout each month, including:

  • Weekly Tuesday and Wednesday night gaming sessions
  • Semi Regular Retirees daytime events
  • Monthly Big Muddy Game Days (West & East locations)
  • Reindeer Wars (December 26 – 31) Our annual shop crawl across the metro area. 

You can volunteer for a single session, a recurring slot, or anything in between.

🧭 What You Need to Bring

  • A prepared game or scenario
  • Any materials needed to run your session
  • A willingness to guide players and keep things fun and inclusive

That’s it—we’ll help with the rest!

🙌 Ready to Run a Game?

If you’re interested in volunteering as a GM between July and December 2026, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know:

  • What game(s) you’d like to run
  • Preferred dates or locations
  • Whether you’re looking for a one-time or recurring slot

No experience? No problem. We’re happy to support first-time GMs and help you get started.

Step up, take the reins, and help create amazing gaming experiences for our community. We can’t do it without you.

If you are considering running a game, please submit details to
info@bmhga.com

🇺🇸 AWI 250 Project: A Call to Game Masters

With the 250th Anniversary of the American War of Independence, upon us our community has a unique opportunity to bring history to life in the best way we know how—through games.

We have launched the AWI 250 Project, a long-term initiative inviting our Game Masters to commemorate this milestone by recreating and exploring the conflict year by year at the tabletop.

🎲 The Challenge

We’re calling on GMs to dive into the American War of Independence (1775–1783) and chronicle the war through playable scenarios, following its progression across the years. From the opening shots to the final campaigns, each session becomes part of a larger living timeline.

This is more than just running games—it’s about telling the story of a revolution through strategy, decision-making, and immersive play.

⚔️ What Can You Run?

The scope of the project is intentionally wide to encourage creativity and variety. We welcome:

  • Skirmishes and small-unit actions
  • Raids and frontier engagements
  • Large-scale land battles
  • Naval encounters and privateer actions
  • Campaign-linked scenarios or one-shot historical moments

From New England to the southern colonies, from the frontier to the high seas—all theaters of the war are in play.

📜 Build the Timeline

Each game session contributes to a broader chronological journey. Whether you choose to focus on a single year or revisit multiple points in the war, your games help build a shared narrative across our events from July through December 2026 and beyond.

Players won’t just be rolling dice—they’ll be experiencing the unfolding of history.

🌟 Why Participate?

  • Explore a rich and pivotal period of history
  • Challenge players with real-world-inspired scenarios
  • Contribute to a unique, community-wide project
  • Showcase your creativity as a Game Master

Whether you favor historical accuracy, cinematic storytelling, or a blend of both, there’s room for your style in the AWI 250 Project.

🙌 Answer the Call

If you’ve ever wanted to run a historical game—or are looking for a fresh theme to inspire your next session—this is your moment.

Join us in commemorating 250 years of history by turning battles into stories, and stories into unforgettable gaming experiences.

Take up the challenge. Build the timeline. Roll the revolution.

Of Interest: 

Battle of St. Louis Living History Event

On May 23, 2026, Gateway Arch National Park will host a special living history program commemorating the British-led attack on St. Louis in 1780. Rangers and volunteer reenactors will interpret the events of May 26, bringing to life a lesser-known but significant moment of the Revolutionary War on the western frontier.

The program runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM near the South Reflection Pond and is free to the public. Throughout the day, visitors can engage with historical interpreters and learn how the defense of St. Louis shaped control of the Mississippi Valley.

A highlight of the event will be scheduled musket and cannon firing demonstrations at the top of each hour beginning at 11:00 AM, with additional firings at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 PM.

For those interested in Revolutionary War history beyond the eastern seaboard, this program offers a vivid and accessible look at the conflict in the trans-Mississippi West.:::

Weekly Gaming E-Update

To receive the weekly gaming update email info@bmhga.com.
Public events may be submitted for inclusion.

Central Illinois TableTop Warriors

A long-standing group meeting in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign, IL. Their events are included in the calendar below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/435910586619700

2026 Gaming Calendar

May 2026

05/02: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am

05/05: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

05/06: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

05/07: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

05/12: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

05/13: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

05/14: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

05/17: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm

05/19: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

05/20: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

05/21: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

05/26: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

05/27: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

05/28: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

June 2026

06/02: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/03: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/04: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

06/05: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL 

06/06: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL

06/07: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL

06/09: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/10: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/11: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

06/16: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/17: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/18: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

06/21: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm

06/23: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/24: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/25: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

06/30: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

July 2026

07/01: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

07/02: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

07/07: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

07/08: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

07/09: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

07/11: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am

07/14: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

07/15: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

07/16: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

07/19: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm

07/21: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

07/22: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

07/23: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

07/25: Author Event – St. Ferdinand Shrine School – 1pm

07/28: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm

07/29: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

07/30: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

For all of the above events listed remember that you do not need to bring along anything to play as all items necessary will be on the table and ready to go.

Suggestions/Ideas/Articles? 

If you have any suggestions for 

Dispatches of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis 

our Reddit Page, Facebook Page, Website or know of someone who would like to be included in our email listings please feel free to let us know.Just email info@bmhga.com

To have your event listed please email

Info@bmhga.com 

no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event

While we strive to be as accurate as is possible all events listed are subject to last minute changes, substitutions and/or cancellations.

In Memoriam

We were deeply saddened to learn recently of the passing of Rick Costa of our gaming community. He is eloquently remembered here by Craig Ackerman 

Rick Costa was a gifted teacher, a devoted mentor, and a beloved presence in the lives of many children and gamers. He taught fifth grade students with patience and care, and he also shared his love of miniatures gaming with children of all ages, bringing imagination, learning, and friendship to every table he touched.

If you knew Rick in one setting, you likely knew him in the other as well. His life as a teacher and his life in the gaming community were deeply connected, each reflecting his generosity, curiosity, and warmth. 

Rick and his late wife, Sue, complemented each other beautifully. Together, they made the world a better place through the kindness, encouragement, and steady example they shared with others. Their legacy lives on in the many lives they touched.

Rick will be remembered with affection and gratitude by family, friends, students, and fellow gamers. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and game table, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

Rick’s Name will be added to our In Memoriam list on our website where we remember the fellow gamers who with we shared our hobby over the years. 

Our website page to acknowledge and remember the members of our gaming community who are no longer with us.

If you are aware of any names that should be corrected or added please email info@bmhga.com

🎲 Get Involved with the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis

If you’ve ever been curious about historical gaming—or you’re already passionate about recreating the battles, campaigns, and stories of the past—the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis is your gateway to a welcoming and active community.

Whether your interests lie in ancient warfare, black powder battles, or modern conflicts, there’s a place for you at the table.

🧭 What Is Big Muddy?

The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance is a group of hobbyists dedicated to tabletop historical gaming in all its forms. Members share a love of history, strategy, miniatures, and storytelling—bringing the past to life through engaging and interactive games.

From large convention events to casual weeknight sessions, Big Muddy provides opportunities for gamers of all experience levels.

🎮 Ways to Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to jump in, depending on your interests and schedule:

Join a Game Night
Weekly meetups offer a relaxed environment to learn new systems, meet fellow gamers, and get models on the table.

Attend Game Days
Big Muddy hosts regular “Game Day” events across the St. Louis area, featuring a variety of hosted games and open tables.

Try Something New
look outside your current interests into another era or historical period. A new scale, new game systems are always welcome. 

⚔️ Become a Game Master

Want to take a more active role? Consider running a game. Game Masters are the heart of the community—bringing scenarios, rulesets, and enthusiasm to every event.

You don’t need to be an expert. If you have a system you enjoy or a historical moment you’d like to explore, you’re already on your way and our current GMs are happy to help you. 

📝 Contribute Beyond the Table

Big Muddy isn’t just about playing games—it’s about sharing the experience with the whole community. Members are encouraged to:

  • Submit after-action reports – Tell the story of your games and how they played out
  • Send in photos – Showcase painted miniatures, battle setups, and memorable moments
  • Help document events – Capture the spirit of the community for others to enjoy

Join our Communications Team to help with our E-Newsletter, Weekly Updates,       current and future social media. 

Help Organize Events
Behind every weekly, monthly game day or convention is a team making it happen. You can help coordinate schedules, recruit Game Masters and ensure events run smoothly. Join our Organizers Working Group that meets each month to plan events. 

The Next Generation 

Want to share your passion for history and historical gaming with the next generation? Consider joining our History Through A Different Lens Initiative that takes gaming into museums and classrooms, showcasing the hobby and helping to educate participants about our past.  

These contributions help preserve and distribute the history we create at the table and inspire others to join in.

🏛️ Take a Leadership Role

For those looking to make a deeper impact, consider stepping into a leadership position. The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance is member-driven, and volunteers are essential to its continued success.

Opportunities include:

  • Running for board positions
  • Helping guide the direction of the group
  • Supporting long-term projects and initiatives

It’s a great way to give back and help shape the future of the organization.

🤝 A Community First

What truly sets Big Muddy apart is its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. It’s not just about competition—it’s about:

  • Sharing knowledge and resources
  • Encouraging creativity
  • Building lasting friendships
  • Celebrating a shared passion for history and gaming

🌟 Why Join?

  • Explore history in an interactive way
  • Learn new games and systems
  • Meet a welcoming community of gamers
  • Participate in unique events and projects

Whether you’re a seasoned grognard or just discovering the hobby, Big Muddy offers something for everyone.

Pull up a chair, roll some dice, and make history come alive. The table is waiting—and there’s more than one way to be part of the action.

Pull up a chair, roll some dice, and make history come alive. The table is waiting.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming 

Alliance – St. Louis 

***OFFICIAL NOTICES***

💰 Support Big Muddy – 2026 Donation Campaign

As we continue into a new fiscal year, the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance is asking for your support to help sustain and grow our community.

Our current fiscal year began on November 1, 2025, and with your help, we can ensure the financial stability of the organization while continuing to host and expand our full schedule of gaming events through 2026 and beyond.

🎲 Why Your Donation Matters

Big Muddy thrives because of its members. Your donation directly supports:

  • Convention and event programming
  • Venue partnerships and game days
  • Community initiatives and special projects
  • The continued growth of historical gaming in our area

Your contribution helps us keep the tables full, the dice rolling, and the community strong.

🗳️ Member Benefits

By making a donation for 2026, you become an active supporting member of Big Muddy and gain the ability to:

  • Vote in officer elections (November 2026)
  • Run for board positions
  • Participate in organizational votes and initiatives throughout the year

The 2026 donation period runs through June 1, 2026, so be sure to participate and make your voice heard.

🤝 Built by the Community

Big Muddy exists because of the dedication and generosity of its members. Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, or participate in events, you are what makes this organization possible.

We are grateful for every level of support and remain committed to providing a welcoming and active gaming community.

🎩 A Tip of the Hat

The Board of Directors would like to recognize and thank the following members who have already contributed their 2026 donations:

Les Hostetler,  Britt Eubanks, Dale Wentz,  William Doelling,, Steve King , Patrick Connanghton, Mark Johnson, John Voelker,  Les Hostetler, Jon Bancoft, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Mark Luechkenhoff, Eddie Mosley, Pete Palmer, Curtis Turner, Gregg Dieckhaus, Alex Gluck, Ray Gluck, Steffen Gluck, Keith Struckmeyer,  Warren Burris, John Nozka, Ed Menefee, Richard Schumecher, Jim Broshot, Burt Campbell, Dave Harrison, Adam Jones, Tim Lalk, Edward  Menefee, Benjamin Ash,Daniel Carter, Cliff Mudd

Board Elections 2026

Four-Year Terms

  • Vice President – James Kantor (Incumbent)
  • Treasurer – Bill Doelling (Incumbent)

Two-Year Term

  • Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)

Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to Director@bmhga.com

Communications Received 

Important Update to the Community

Recently, several comments were received regarding Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis events and related online content. We value feedback from our community and would like to share the steps that have been taken in response.

We have received from one Game Master/Member thoughts on the following topics

Game Postings on Social Media and Subsequent Feedback
He indicated that he will no longer submit photos or written reports from his games, citing limited response to one event on one of our social media platforms. While we regret this decision, we respect the GM’s choice. Game Masters who choose to continue submitting reports and photos will, of course, continue to be prominently featured in Game Day posts on the website and on our social media channels.

Quality of Game Presentations
Expressed concerns regarding the quality of some tabletop presentations at our Game Day events, particularly at Monthly Game Day West. In response, adjustments have been made to the event schedule. The Member described as having lower quaintly presentations in this case is voluntarily withdrawing his games from Barracks Battles and upcoming Game Day West schedules. He has indicated that he will limit himself to our weekly sessions and supporting Game Day East. These changes are intended to minimize concerns about presentation style or content while still providing opportunities for members who wish to participate. This may limit the number of player slots available as there will be no back up game on standby at our Game Day West events so early arrival is encouraged.

Campaign Games

Indicates that we as a group have moved away from the practice of campaign gaming and believes that it should be re-instituted. While certainly a few campaigns have been successful in the past, many more have been little more than a flash in the pan. A moment’s inspiration followed by large buys of models, hours of painting and a fizzled level of interest. Experience and conversations across our community support this viewpoint. Nevertheless it is not our goal to pour cold water on any suggestion, but rather to look for ways to make them work if that can be the case. With that in mind we now have in the works one, possibly two limited format campaigns that will be rolled out in the second half of the year using off the shelf components. 


A new player participant of the overall gaming community raised these concerns.

Use of AI-Generated Images
A concern was raised about the use of AI-generated artwork in event advertisements, particularly regarding potential creative rights issues and its possible effect on the group’s broader appeal. In response, AI-generated images will no longer be used in future Big Muddy postings. While the use of AI was intended to lighten the workload on our all volunteer communication group. We are happy to report that a member of our Organizers Working Group has offered to pitch in and help with content creation. This may still slow the pace of updates due to the additional time required to produce content manually, but the change reflects our commitment to addressing this participant’s concerns.

Three Musketeers Game Report
Another issue involved the description used in the February 19, 2026, game report for a Three Musketeers session. The wording used in that report was viewed as inappropriate. The related posts have been removed from both the website and social media. Additionally, the previously scheduled Three Musketeers game at Barracks Battles @ DieCon 2026—along with two other planned games—have been withdrawn.

July 2025 Game Day East Incident
A concern was also raised regarding comments made by a participant during the July 2025 Game Day East event. The individual involved has been contacted and has expressed a willingness to improve their language and conduct moving forward.

These actions are intended to address the concerns that were raised and to support a positive and welcoming environment for all members of the gaming community.

Communication of concerns of issue.
As a reminder, questions or concerns about group activities are always welcome and can be directed to the organization through the main group email address info@bmhga.com. Direct communication—either through email or in person at Game Day events—helps ensure that issues can be addressed promptly and constructively.

We appreciate the continued participation and support of our members and look forward to future events together.

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After Action Reports

Our After Action Reports are now be posted at our Website: WWW.BMHGA.ComCheck there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.

Reddit

We are now on Reddit at 

r/BigMuddyHGA

Website, Facebook Page & Reddit

Are the places to check for the latest updates & news in our area.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis (BMHGA) strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby in the St. Louis Metro Area “By demonstration, presentations at conventions, schools. libraries, and other events, where the theme includes military or gaming.

For further information email: info@bmhga.com

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