Milestone

This Herald seems like a milestone for me. It marks the start of my sixth year as editor. "Half a decade" isn't usually an anniversary that is celebrated, I know. However, this didn't seem to be "just another issue."

So, how much longer will I keep editing The Herald? Well, I sense no inklings of wanting to quit. The Herald IS a lot of work, but I enjoy it. It is one of the few things I do in my life that utilizes my degree in Journalism from Ohio State University. (Speaking of OSU, congratulations to my football Buckeyes on winning the National Championship!)

My goal, when I started out as editor six years ago, was to make The Herald into an informative and entertaining read for the membership. I had big plans. I wanted more pages, regular columns, artwork on the cover, campaign and battle reports -- the works! I wanted people to look forward to that time when The Herald was due to show up in the mailbox. And when the magazine arrived, I wanted them to smile and think, "Yay! The Herald is here!" Well, thanks to the many members who have contributed articles, and to the ever rotating, but ever supportive Board members, I think The Herald DOES have that effect, at least in a good number of cases. I've read it in the e-mails of members, frustrated that the vagaries of bulk mail mean that others have received their Heralds, but their own copy has yet to arrive. And I've read it in the praise that flows from you guys regularly.

That helps keep out thoughts of quitting. Another is the "rush" I feel when I pick up the latest issue from the printer. It is part exhilaration, pride and satisfaction -- and of course, relief! It is probably akin to the feeling you get when you finish a painting project, and look out over the assembled ranks and "ooh" and "ahh" like a kid (especially if no one is watching!). So, each Herald is like a new army I've just finished painting. I eagerly (and probably not too wisely) flip through the pages on the drive home from Delaware, OH, almost hoping for red lights, because that will give me more time to scan it. I can't wait to get it in the mail and on its way to those awaiting it.

So, on this 6th anniversary of my editorship, I would like to thank Great Lakes for giving me this thrill -- to be their editor. Some single me out for praise (my friend John Stafford heaps accolades on The Herald in each MWAN). I've said all along it is the contributors that really deserve the praise. If they hadn't supported me from the very first issue, five years ago (and if I had to write most the articles as some editors do), I would have burnt out long ago. As it is, "Half a Decade" has arrived, and it isn't much of a milestone, after all.