1st Sergeant, Greg Belcastro
After a family vacation to Gettysburg in 1997, Greg Belcastro’s interest in the Civil War was piqued, and he became fascinated in black powder weapons. While at a shooting demonstration, he met the Fastest Gun in the World, Joe Walsh, who suggested Greg try Civil War reenacting to learn more about the weaponry. Soon after, Greg met one of the 2nd’s Cavalry members, who suggested Greg come to the annual all-hands meeting at the Lincroft Inn. At the meeting, the different impression heads bid to see who could get Greg to join their unit. Lou Kaufer, head of the infantry, won, and Greg and his son, Matt, both became 7th Co. A members in 1998.
Greg was officially hooked in the world of reenacting after attending the 135 Gettysburg. Since that time, Greg has become an instrumental member in directing the organization through some of its most difficult times: when 1st Sergeant Mark Catona passed away in 2010, Greg took over his position, becoming solely responsible for the well-being of all the reenactors who came out to each event. And again, when Captain Lou became too ill to run the organization, Greg stepped up to head the Steering committee, and then took over the presidency upon Lou’s death. In addition to being a board member for many years, Greg was president of the Brigade from 2013 - 2017, continuing Lou’s work, and pulling the organization through some of its toughest years.
Throughout his leadership, Greg was also the program coordinator for two of our biggest annual events: Speedwell’s June living history, and Winter on the Homefront. Greg’s coordination of these two programs brought so many visitors to the little historic site, that Speedwell was able to win several multi-million dollar grants for building and grounds restorations. Greg was awarded a certificate of honor from the Friends of Historic Speedwell for his dedication to the site in 2015 and has been coordinating Speedwell’s programs for over a decade.
Greg’s dedication to public service, organizational service, and his kind and level-headed demeanor are the epitome of our creed, NJ Civil War Preservation, Dedication, Family.
We are proud to honor Greg Belcastro with Medal of Merit: #003.