Even today French locals , other Europeans and Americans find themselves drawn to the Meuse-Argonne region of France. Once drawn there, many return time and again; often working on a multi-year research or preservation project. In this irregular interview series, the webmaster hopes to introduce readers to some of these individuals and their labors of love.
1) What are your name, nationality and occupation?
Randy Gaulke, USA, Financial Analyst
2) Which languages do you speak, and how fluently do you speak them?
English and German fluently, a bit of French
3) When was your first visit to the Meuse-Argonne?
1990 briefly
4) When did you really find yourself drawn to the Meuse-Argonne?
1994, the first time that I connected up with the Deutsches Erinnerungskomittee Argonnerwald for a work weekend.
5) What is your primary interest in the region?
The German-American battle that began on 26 Sept., 1918
6) Approximately how many times and/or how often do you visit the Meuse-Argonne?
Almost annually since 1994
7) What do you do when you visit?
I generally follow in the footsteps of a particular regiment or division—sometimes on the German side and sometimes on the American side. I also tend to time my visits to meet up with some of my European historian friends.
8) What research or preservation projects are you working on currently?
Restarting this website after a very long hiatus
9) What research or preservation projects have you completed in the past?
Most recently, I prepared two chapters for Ed Lengel’s book, A Companion to the Meuse Argonne. (Wiley-Blackwell, May 2014) Both chapters summarize the American Meuse-Argonne Offensive from the point of view of two German infantry regiments.
10) What is your favorite spot in the Meuse-Argonne, and why?
Exermont. I first began reenacting in the 111th (German) Infantry Regiment. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive that regiment attacked the 35th Division, AEF around Exermont. It had great initial success, but its fortune changed when the 1st Division, AEF replaced the 35th.
11) History aside, what is your favorite thing to do in the Meuse-Argonne?
Strolling along the High Street of Verdun on a beautiful day and taking a break to eat at a patisserie. The latter rarely happens, because I try to squeeze so much into a vacation.
12) Schedule permitting, would you consider being a tour guide for individuals or groups traveling to the sector?
Right now that is not a very viable option. However, I plan to spend more time in the Meuse-Argonne in 2017 and especially 2018. Stay tuned for details. That said, I do enjoy assisting individuals in planning their vacations.
13) How can readers contact you for assistance or for more details?
14) Any other comments?
With the Centennial of the battle fast approaching, now is the time to plan a pilgrimage to the sector. I hope to see readers on the Western Front at some point in the next few years.
