Names on the Masthead

“A free bird leaps on the back of the wind”
—Maya Angelou

After this issue, two names will have to be removed from our masthead.
We pay tribute to Ed Bearss, the legendary Civil War historian and member of our advisory board, in our Miscellany section (P. 8).

The second name cuts a deep personal gash for me and the Civil War Times team. Art Director Jennifer Vann passed away due to cancer on October 1; she was only 52. After an out-of-nowhere diagnosis in June, Jennifer’s rare, angry cancer attacked her without remorse. She endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and other treatments, but the dark force engulfing her body scoffed at her brave efforts.

She and I worked together for nearly 20 years. Two decades of designing and discussing magazine issues, traveling to locations, and working hard to make each issue the best it could be. An art director takes images and story text and designs them in attractive, compelling layouts. She could often read my mind when it came to that.

We didn’t always see eye to eye, mind you, but that is expected when two creative, and at times headstrong, people work together. The few disagreements quickly became water under the bridge, and she was soon giggling as I told a ridiculous story about my past or poorly imitated a Civil War general.

I know I probably shouldn’t use this space for such a personal lament, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I just want to give my friend her due. She worked hard for you, and hard for me, and fought hard against her disease. Now she is free from pain. Thank you, Jennifer, for everything. We’ll never forget your name.

— Dana B. Shoaf, Editor