Advance the Colors '99

Advance the Colors '99 now is an historical fact. Attendance was up, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Therefore, I think it's safe to call it a success. Many thanks to the staff and to all of those who pitched in and did their part to make ATC'99 an enjoyable time for the attendees. Although I didn't get to the dealer area much myself, the comments I heard from staff and attendees were very positive. I attempted to get photos of the events, but due to my commitments with the CD3 Tunis event, I didn't get as many as I would have liked. So, if anyone has pictures of events for any day, particularly Friday and Saturday, please send them to me and I'll get them up on my photo gallery.

The Membership meeting was positive. A couple of members volunteered to run certain aspects of next year's con. In particular, a silent auction to replace the raffle, and a media person to get the word out more effectively to the general public. Thanks! We need volunteers.

Drums Along the Maumee is shaping up nicely. I'm looking forward to attending. The Colby Street Irregulars have stepped up and volunteered to run this event with Great Lakes assisting. This is how we get conventions going in various areas of our region. Volunteering I Thanks, guys. War Party was discussed and it is also shaping up nicely. Although smaller than "Drums," it promises to be a great time. Thanks to all those who took the time to attend the meeting -- we do benefit from the input of our members.

CD3 "Race for Tunis"

The big Command Decision 3 "Race for Tunis" event went pretty well. Greg Novak, who edits the "Command Post Quarterly" magazine, was playtesting the system we used and it will appear in a future edition. We managed to play out several days in the campaign, five tactical games and a pickup game afterward -- one Friday night, two Saturday morning, two Saturday afternoon, and the pickup game Saturday night. Greg Novak, who was running the strategic end of things, declared the game an Allied victory, but the next turn would be interesting and crucial to fully decide the campaign.

My thanks to Jeff Burris, Tom Harris, Rich Bliss and Jerry Merrell for doing the lion's share of the refereeing and terrain placement, freeing me up for the tedious task of unit organization and sorting, etc. Turnout was good indeed. Thanks to all that played in the tactical games and took part in the strategic planning for both sides. I would now like to thank all of those who responded to my call for assistance with miniatures and terrain: Bob Cobb, Bob French, Ray Garbee, Mark Lauber, Jerry Merrell, Greg Novak, Brian O'Leary, Scott Savory, and Jack Shaw. Thanks, guys, it could not have been done without your assistance -- I just don't have that much 15mm WWII myself, at least not yet, anyway. Feedback was very positive, and there is talk about doing another CD3 event next year (but not nearly so large). Also, thanks goes out to Paul Jones of Terrakit (http://www.terrakit.com) for doing the hills.

HMGS National News

Last issue, I promised an update on the National Board meeting at Historicon. As predicted by the poll, the chapters voted to disband the National Board. We had a quorum, 9 out of 11 chapters being in attenclan P Hilton McManus of Gulf South, whom the Chair position rotated to, presided over the meeting. First, we voted on Gamers International moving from a provisional chapter to full chapter. GI did not meet all of the requirements for full chapter status, and it failed to pass by a large margin (8-1). Great Lakes voting against the measure. The missing requirement was that GI needs to incorporate within in a state. The confusion resulted from GI being the only chapter not tied to a specific area of the country or world, for that matter. They agreed to incorporate in a state and try again.

The main issue came next, and as stated above, HMGS-National was dissolved. HMGS-National was incorporated in Missouri and was dissolved in accordance with Missouri State Law, Part of those requirements made it mandatory that all funds be disbursed from the Treasury. That has now been done and all Chapters have received a check based on what was contributed by that chapter. Great Lakes got back $269.

A new system to replace HMGS-National was discussed at the meeting and all the chapters present agreed on some basic guidelines. The new organization is currently called HMGS- National Coordinating Council (NCC). As the new name implies, it will be some sort of council and less of a formal board. For simplicity, Hilton McManus will continue in the capacity of Chairman. The NCC will have some sort of oversight capacity to admit new chapters and to make sure they meet the requirements for chapter status. Chapters are not required to send a representative to the council, but are encouraged to do so. There will be no Treasury for the NCC, so chapters no longer pay the $1 per member dues.

As needs and crisis arise, the NCC will be the place to lobby the other chapters to contribute. National Insurance is a dead issue. It was deemed to be unnecessary. The pamphlet idea is being done at the regional level. East is doing work on it now and Mid-South set aside funds as well to work on one as well. So, the idea is that when it's done, they will offer it to the other chapters at a nominal fee to cover costs. Space will be left for any chapter to add their label. Each chapter can then use it or do their own, if so desired. The details will be worked out in the coming months and work has begun on it.

So, a weak NCC and strong regional chapters is the plan. Due to the vast geographical distances between chapters, and the differing needs of each as well, this should be the way to go.

Thanks again for making Advance the Colors'99 a success! That's all for now.