A Long Island native, Richard F. Welch received his doctorate in American history from Stony Brook University. He taught U.S. History, Western Civilization, Irish History and American Military History at Long Island University and Farmingdale State College. Dr. Welch's work has appeared in the Long Island Historical Journal, Journal of the American Revolution, America's Civil War, Civil War Times, Military History, American History and the New York Times. He is also the author of six books, including The Boy General: The Life and Careers of Francis Channing Barlow; General Washington's Commando: Benjamin Tallmadge in the American Revolution; and Long Island and World War I. He also serves on the board of directors of the Suffolk County Historical Society. He resides in Northport, Long Island, New York.