September 19, 2023

In his presentation, “An Introduction to Mosby’s Rangers”, Eric Buckland will discuss the forming of the unit – formally known as the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry – and how it became a highly effective and efficient Partisan Ranger unit. He will talk about some of the “myths” and “legends” that have been passed down over the years and separate fact from fiction. Eric will also provide anecdotes and biographical information about a few of the more “colorful” Rangers.

Eric Buckland has written several books about the lives of some of the men who rode with the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry – Mosby’s Rangers. He has given over 100 presentations about the stories in his books. He has appeared on C-Span and had two articles published in America’s Civil War magazine.  

Eric graduated from the University of Kansas and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. The majority of his 22-year military career was spent in Special Forces. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Some of his awards include the Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Combat Diver Badge, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

He retired at the end of 2021 from his second career as a Policy Analyst in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

He recently completed his third term as President of The Stuart-Mosby Historical Society and continues as the Editor of the Society’s newsletter, The Southern Cavalry Review.

Eric and his wife, Maureen, have been married for over 44 years and reside in Centreville, VA. They have three sons and four grandsons.