Civil War reenactor Les Buell speaks with students about medical conditions during the war.

The Talkative (October 31, 2012) -  The violent realities of the Civil War came to life for more than 150 Mexico students through a presentation given by historian and reenactor Les Buell.

   Buell's graphic presentation concentrated on the thousands of lost lives due to the lack of proper medical care; something he argues is often overlooked in traditional history books.

   "Losses...due to disease and the lack of proper medical care cost the lives of far more soldiers than deaths from gunfire and bayonets on the battlefield," Buell said.

   Dressed in a blood-stained surgeon's apron, Buell discussed the changing technology of the war, and medical challenges and advancements during the war .

   He also made connections to the war in Afghanistan and the Civil War.

   History teachers: Margaret Dadey, Jessica McKenna and Danielle Dubrule organized the two hour presentation.

   Dadey and McKenna said they first saw Buell's presentation at a Social Studies conference last year.  

   "I thought he was extremely interactive, engaging and informative," Dadey said. "He makes history come to life for students."

   McKenna was equally impressed. "He got students immediately engaged. It's always nice to have someone come and reenact. It makes  history fun and more personal," McKenna said.

   Students too, found the speaker interesting. "I thought it was very interesting. He told us how wounded soldiers underwent so many amputations. He really brought the realities of this war to life," junior Tami Bullard said.

   A retired history teacher, Buell travels the state giving lectures and graphic presentations on the war. So far he has presented to dozens of high school and college students across New York.