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By completely immersing ourselves into the event, Brian taught me ways to engage and challenge others by using historical vignettes, anecdotes, and military tactics. Brian DeToy is a masterful teacher and presenter. He has an uncanny knack for leadership, and he can command any group’s attention.

At Gettysburg, we benefited from Brian’s deep historical expertise, his knowledge of the terrain, and his insights into many personalities that shaped this incredible battle—a battle that, indeed, shaped our country. Brian provides deep and fascinating insights at all levels: leadership, decision-making, strategic, operational, and tactical.

Brian stopped our group in the middle of Antietam Creek, adjacent to Burnsides’ Bridge, and recounted the decision-making process, leadership challenges and motivation for the forces arrayed on both sides of the span. He possesses a unique blend of insight and passion to make his lessons resonate for years. Brian DeToy captivates his participants, getting them involved in their learning in ways that would otherwise be impossible.

I’ve often wished I could once again listen to memorable lectures and banter with a special professor. I would think “If I had that opportunity again, I would get so much more out of it now; I would know to truly appreciate it.” With EHE and Brian DeToy you get that chance, with a wonderful vacation thrown in. Brian is more than a poised, confident and enthusiastic guide; he is an educator. He is careful to tailor his presentations so that all members of the audience, whatever their age or background, will come away with a memorable experience. If you prefer to sit back and listen or jump up and reenact a historical figure, there is something for everyone here. Brian is seemingly indefatigable as well; he can lead a recreated patrol through the hedgerows of Normandy then hold court into the evening hours displaying a masterly command of a wide range of topics. Regarding the vacation aspect of the trip, EHE is a bargain considering the quality and depth of the experience. The scouting trips Brian and his wife Sheryl take before result in wonderful local food and accommodations for their clients’ trips. Sheryl competently manages all aspects of the day-to-day experience so that Brian can concentrate on sharing his knowledge and passion of the area and its history. My wife and I have taken two trips with them so far with our Cuba adventure coming up this October. EHE trips will continue to be one of the experiences we very much look forward to in the coming years. Regarding Essential History Expeditions, I would simply tell anyone that we plan on using them for the rest of our lives. While we consider ourselves blessed to be friends with the owners, anyone signing up for one of your tours will be friends at the end.

We ended our Civil War tour at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. This is where it all came together for me. We had walked the battlefields, had seen where brother had fought brother, had heard Brian tell us their stories, yet I still couldn’t wrap my head around the justification for so much bloodshed. Here at the cemetery, Brian shared his love for his cadets who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. And I finally understood the heart of a soldier. I am so grateful for their dedication and courage and I hope that we can continue “to take increased devotion to that cause which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion”. We each had chosen a stone from somewhere on the battlefields and at the cemetery we placed that stone on the grave of a fallen soldier and spent some quiet, sacred time honoring and thanking him for his sacrifice. Lauren carefully weaved a wreath of fallen leaves around the headstone of her unknown soldier. It was very moving to see that all the youth on the trip had taken Brian’s lessons to heart.

Brian is more than a poised, confident and enthusiastic guide; he is an educator. He is careful to tailor his presentations so that all members of the audience, whatever their age or background, will come away with a memorable experience.