I have started back to school to finish my degree, History - Political Science, and so I will be working full time and going to school in the evenings. Thus, my full attention can not be directed at serving on the Board. Also, I have wrestled with the problem of Great Lakes becoming too associated with the same few people doing everything on the Board. I really believe if Great Lakes is to survive long term, it must pass the test of having new people on the Board. Therefore I have withdrawn from the elections. I thank everyone who voted for me, and my only regret is that I entered the race this time at all.

Although I have withdrawn from the elections, I have not withdrawn from Great Lakes. I will continue to promote Great Lakes as a member and help where I can. One thing I will be doing is helping the transition to the new Board. I am glad to see that there are others who are willing to run Great Lakes. It is often a thankless job, but a rewarding one, when it's all said and done. I will still be running events at conventions and I'll volunteer to help out if needed at Advance the Colors, etc.

HMGS Great Lakes has come a long way since I have been involved. Six years ago, attending board meetings as a member/observer, and then two years as vice president, and finally two years as President. I have accomplished what I had set out to do. That is to help rescue Great Lakes from certain disbandment by the National Board, and then to help establish a foundation on which this chapter can continue to grow. Working with the others on the Board, I think this has been fulfilled. Now it is time for a test of what has been achieved thus far. If Great Lakes is to continue, it must be able to stand on it's own, and not depend on the same few people all the time. The new Board seems to be a capable group, so please support them and let's keep Great Lakes moving in the right direction.

If your area of the Great Lakes region feels neglected, the answer is not to join East. Of course, you can if you wish, but why would you really? The answer is to become involved in Great Lakes. Get people from your area to run for the Board. I believe we have two non-Ohioans this time round. That's great! East has huge conventions, but what else can they really offer you? Think about it. You still get a discount on admission out there with your Great Lakes membership. If it's the newsletter, just compare them, and see which one is more useful to you when you are at home. If Great Lakes members look towards building up Advance the Colors and Drums Along the Maumee, who knows? Perhaps Great Lakes will be the center of things, convention-wise. It won't happen over night. Those who remember that far back will recall it took East several years to get started as well. All I'm really trying to say is that Great Lakes can be as great as it's members want it to be. There are at least 1200 known historical gamers in our region, and who knows how many others? Just think what could happen if those people joined Great Lakes. The foundation is laid, now lets put up the barn!

Finally, I would just like to say that it has been a great honor serving on the Board with a first-rate group of guys, while serving a great membership who are just now starting to realize the potential of Great Lakes as a chapter. May the new Board be successful in continuing Great Lakes on the road to success. Thanks!