Lloyd Coates was born and raised in Pennsylvania and prior to joining the Army, he had never traveled more than 140 miles from his hometown. One interesting note that is often laughed about these days is the fact that he hated History while in High School. Lloyd got interested in Civil War Reenacting after visiting Gettysburg Battlefield on a vacation back in 1995. “When I walked into the National Cemetery I had an emotional reaction that to this day I cannot explain”. “After returning to Omaha I heard about the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry and after watching and participating in their event at Nebraska City I was hooked”. It didn't take long for Lloyd to purchase all of his equipment and his first event was at the 135th Battle of Shiloh. "My tent still has some of the red mud stains from that event” explains Lloyd.
He has been a member of the 1st Nebraska (Company A) since 1996 having served as a private for many years and working his way up through the ranks & serving at various NCO, Officer & Club positions. He was Captain of the unit for 4 years. In 2012 he was asked to serve on the Battalion Field & Staff of the U.S. Muddy River Battalion where he has been 2nd in Command of the Battalion since that time. In 2013 Lloyd Commanded as Battalion Commander at the 150th Gettysburg and again in 2017 at the 155th Shiloh event when Colonel Crofutt had to go and serve as Brigade Commander.
Lloyd is a Vietnam Veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force back in 1967 & he served a tour that country. It was because of the Air Force that Lloyd found his way to Omaha Nebraska and he never left after getting out of the service. He has been married to his wife Diane for 32 years and they have 1 daughter that lives in Houston Texas. When not Reenacting Lloyd enjoys playing softball and is an avid reader. He really enjoys watching spectator sports such as his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers!
