OUR VIEW: Congrats on 20 years of service to the BSF

» The Brandy Station Foundation has done wonderful things for our community, the least of which is saving our historic battlefields

Sometimes it just takes time to be appreciated.

The Brandy Station Foundation has discovered that the hard way. Twenty years ago the foundation was seen as a scourge to development and growth in the county, but now is seen as responsible neighbors simply trying to preserve history.

What changed? Not them. The BSF has stuck to its guns, no matter what others have thought of the organization.

In the past 20 years, the foundation has fought to preserve thousands of acres of the Brandy Station battlefield and has done an excellent job of educating the public about the history that took place on the hallowed ground.

The addition of the Graffiti House early in the 2000s also helped promote the BSF’s cause, and has helped bring in tourism to the county.

The foundation is to be commended for its tireless volunteer efforts, constantly having the correct focus in trying to help save something most others take for granted — land.

The original leaders of the foundation should be properly honored for their contributions to the county’s preservation efforts, and we hope that in another 20 years we can continue to talk about the success story that is the Brandy Station Foundation.

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Speaking of honor, we don’t want to forget to honor Culpeper bugler Gerry Schuck. Schuck plays Taps for about 50 soldiers’ funerals a year and played the tune Friday in memory of 9/11.

Schuck’s service is one that is greatly appreciated, especially by the families of the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed everything for our freedom.

His playing is always haunting and yet beautiful. We recommend finding him on Memorial Day or Veterans Day and enjoying his blessed prayer on the trumpet.

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We also want to thank Army Ranger Spc. Jason Billstein for sharing his unique story of recovering from injury with us. Billstein has shown that a soldier’s life doesn’t have to end after facing catastrophic injury, and his resilience and drive should be commended and appreciated. Best of luck in the future, Spc. Billstein.