For the '96 '97 HMGS-Great Lakes Board of Directors

As mentioned in the news section of The Herald, the BOD election is being held this month (January). Biographies for the nine members running for BOD are positions follow. The ballot is the last page of the newsletter; please vote for up to seven directors and return the ballot to Charles Ash, P.O. Box 1401, Delaware, OH 43015 by January 25th, 1996. The winners will be notified by phone and the election results will be mailed to the membership shortly after the ballots are counted.

Richard W. Hartley

Personal: 37 years old, married to Joyce, three daughters; Shauna, Jayne, and Kelsey.

Professional: Currently working as a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern Railroad. Military experience includes intelligence analysis for the U.S. Army, as well as, having served in the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Education: Studied computer science for two years at Ohio University; while in the U.S. Army, attended Security Manager Course, Soviet Weapons School, and Photo Interpretation course.

Gaming: Started playing Panzer Blitz at age 17. My 1st Miniatures game was run by George Koncar at a convention at Ohio University in 1977; I have been playing miniatures ever since. I have played Empires, Angrif , DBM, Age of Reason and recently Shako. My preference is to play simple and playable games, not simulations. I have run numerous campaigns for many different periods and have run several DBM and DBA tournaments in central Ohio. I have served as an officer in the Central Ohio Gaming Association (COGA) and am currently a member. I am also a member of the North American Society of Ancient and Medieval Warfare (NASAMW), for which I serve on the regional rules committee for DBA and DBM.

Platform: I would have dues be reduced and stay at $10.00 a year. I would try to increase membership by; 1) Helping Great Lakes run at least 20 games during Origins '96 (Origins will be held in Columbus in '96 and '97). 2) By getting Great Lakes members to run games at other local conventions (i.e. CAPCON or COGACON). 3) By getting Great Lakes members more involved in the organization through bimonthly scheduled meetings (maybe even some meetings outside of Columbus ... like Dayton). 4) By improving and building on Rally 'Round the Flag so the Rally '96 is even better than Rally '95. 1 would also want the Board of Directors to be run by gamers that are for gamers.

Darryl R Smith

Born: 1 August, 1963. Trenton, OH.

Education: Attended Miami University. Major: History

Personal: Currently engaged. One daughter, two years old.

Profession: Customer Service, Financial and Credit Services, Mason, OH.

Wargaming History: Introduced to hobby through a love of military history. Started boardgaming at age ten. Participated in first miniatures game in college. Have written articles for MWAN and Command Post Quarterly. Was a founding member of the Historical Simulations Club at Miami University Middletown. Served as VicePresident and President of Greater Dayton Wargaming Club. Member of HMGS East for two years. Currently serving as President of HMGS Great Lakes and as member of the Board of Directors.

There is no question that HMGS Great Lakes has had a very shaky start and a rocky road since its inception. It has always been my understanding that the Board of Directors is responsible for the continued growth of the Great Lakes chapter and is responsible to its members to provide this growth through the establishment of a newsletter, holding a flagship convention, and doing the things necessary to promote the hobby. It has never been my understanding that HMGS Great Lakes be a puppet guided by the hands of those who are more interested in increasing the size of their pocketbooks at the expense of this organization. Therefore I have always taken the stand that the Board provide a user-friendly atmosphere for its current and future members, making it easy for a person to want to join Great Lakes. I voted against raising the dues to $15.00 per year as I felt it was unfair to saddle the members (both past and present) with the monetary failure of Rally 'Round the Flag 1993. I recently voted for lowering them to $10.00 per year and will continue to support the idea that membership renewal shall be even less.

I, unlike most current BOD members, have attended EVERY BOD meeting, although I live two hours away from Columbus. I think that it is important that the BOD gets together regularly to direct Great Lakes instead of letting issues go undecided for months at a time. I feel that I also have started the process of expanding Great Lakes into more of a regional chapter by recruiting members who live outside the central Ohio area. Since January of 1995 I have mailed over 150 membership forms (at my own expense) to gamers from New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan in an effort to bring together gamers who live within our region into a collective group. I am in the process of getting game shops in those states to honor a discount to our members. I have also supported the newsletter by providing direction and articles to ensure that the members have something viable coming from this organization.

Platform: To continue to keep membership dues at $10.00 per year, and work to make renewals for current members $5.00 per year. To continue to contact gamers in our region to recruit more members to our standard. To continue to seek the support of hobby shops in our region to obtain discounts for our members. To ensure that Rally 'Round the Flag continues as a yearly event which won't cost the members excess funds to support and to make improvements to the convention. To listen to the members who provide suggestions for improvement and act on those suggestions. To ensure that HMGS Great Lakes stands on its own two feet without having to rely on outside sources to provide monetary input. To pay off ALL past debts. To make sure that financial reports are regularly published in the newsletter. To help establish HMGS Game Days at shops in our region which will promote both Great Lakes and the hobby. To establish regularly scheduled BOD meetings. To add an amendment to the By-Laws that states that a BOD member must attend nine out of twelve meetings a year or they are removed from the BOD and replaced by someone committed to HMGS Great Lakes.

My performance in the past has been one of performance. I hope the membership will continue to give me both the opportunity to serve and improve Great Lakes.

Scott Savory

I have been gaming with historical miniatures for nearly 20 years. I game many different periods, and I enjoy trying different sets of rules. I've run games at several conventions, most recently at Rally Round the Flag `95, where I ran an ACW naval game and an Age of Sail naval game. I've contributed articles to a few wargaming publications, most notably the Midwest Wargamer's Association Newsletter (MWAN). I've been a member of HMGS Great Lakes since 1993, and I've decided to run for the Board of Directors; because, I want to see the organization continue to grow and move in a direction which will promote historical gaming. To let you know where I stand, here are some of my views on a couple of issues.

(1) HMGS-GL needs to achieve financial independence. That is, it should not have to depend on any privately owned business for its funding. By being closely associated with any such private enterprise, the chapter could be viewed as existing merely to serve the goals of that business. Don't get me wrong; I feel that HMGS-GL can and should work with Commercial enterprises (i.e., the hobby stores) where the goals will benefit both groups. For instance, the chapter can encourage hobby stores to offer discounts to HMGS-GL members, in exchange for a commitment to run games at the stores. Similarly, the chapter can work with dealers to encourage their participation in future conventions. However, I feel that there should be a clear separation between the chapter and the hobby stores when it comes to the chapter's finances.

(2) Planning for any future chapter conventions should continue with the tradition set at Rally `95. That is, it should be restricted to historical gaming. I strongly believe that the most basic premise of HMGS, both as national organization and as a regional chapter, is that the organization exists to promote historical gaming. I applaud everyone who worked on Rally '95, and I agree with their decision to make it a historical convention. Although I have heard a few complaints about the con, I have to say that from my point of view as an attendee and as a game master, it was a pretty successful convention. A good number of historical games were run, and from what I saw, most of the players seemed to enjoy themselves. If there is to be a Rally `96 (and I certainly hope that there will be) it should be on the successes of Rally `95 by continuing to be a historical convention. If HMGS-GL can establish Rally as its annual flagship convention, its reputation will go a long way to bring in more historical gamers, both as new attendees and as new members.

J. Matthew Davidson

Born: 13 January 1964, Manchester Connecticut.

Education: Junior, Miami University, double majoring in Political Science/History Personal: Single, Present address: 193 Rosemarie DR., Lebanon, Ohio 45036-1239.

Profession: Department of Cemetery and Parks, City of Lebanon.

Wargaming: First miniatures game in 1978; have been hooked ever since. Favorite Periods; ACW, AWI, WW II, Naval WW 11, and ACW Naval. One of the founding members and president of the Lebanon Military Strategist Association (Lebanon High School). One of the founding members, and served a term as Vice President and also a term as President of the Historical Simulation Club, Miami University, Middletown Campus. Also sat on the Miami University Student Advisory Council as a liaison between the University and the aforementioned club. Member for many years of the Greater Dayton Wargaming Club. Member of Waynes Legion Historical Gamers. Member of HMGS-East. Member of HMGS-GL.

I have run miniatures games of various periods at a variety of conventions including, COGA-CON, CAP-CON, Kettering Game Con., Rally Round the Flag, and have assisted in running games at Cold Wars. I have also run many games for the various clubs to which I have belonged over the years, and continue to do so.

As a member of HMGS-GL, I have attended most of the BOD, membership, and convention planning meetings in the past year. I have been directly involved in Rally `95, by working at the gate, and by running two games. Therefore, I have been able to observe the activities of this organization, and I have formed some definite opinions on what works and what does not.

I will start with some of the items that do not. Firstly, I would wholeheartedly support a motion to limit the number of BOD seats that a store, company, or corporation may occupy to ONE. As many of the membership are aware, a monopoly by a certain group can cause no end to problems from financial to recruiting.

Secondly, I would like to see the focus of the Great Lakes Chapter shift away from the Columbus area. The Great Lakes Chapter is a regional chapter. What I mean by regional chapter is that we must, in order to continue to grow, get the entire region involved. So far, the BOD has Focused this chapter on the Columbus area. The region is not just Ohio, but also includes Western Pennsylvania, Western West Virginia, Northern Kentucky, Eastern Indiana, and Southern Michigan, and even Ontario, Canada as well. I would like to get the rest of the region involved by doings things like, sponsoring mini-cons at, a National Guard Armory or the like, in the "four corners" of the region. Also, to contact the local hobby shops in all areas of the region about honoring a discount for HMGS-GL members.

Thirdly, the membership dues in the past have been confusing, an as a result driven away many who might have joined or rejoined. I would push for lower rate such as $10.00 initial and $5.00 renewal or simply $5.00 across the board.

And now, some things that work. The idea of holding a raffle at the conventions to help cover the costs of putting out the newsletter is a brilliant one. Not only do those who wrestle with the newsletter get some return on their own investment, but the convention goers got some nicely painted miniatures or the like for a bargain price. This is another way that the membership can get involved. If working at the con is not your thing, then maybe painting some miniatures for the raffle is.

There has been an effort by myself and others to show up at other conventions in our region to run HMGS-GL events. This is a very good idea, as it increases our visibility, helps to promote good will with other groups, and can, as has already been demonstrated at Fallcon in Cincinnati this year, put us in contact with new members.

I joined HMGS-GL; because, it caters exclusively to Historical Miniatures Gaming and has a regional as well as national affiliation. If I am elected to the Board of Directors of HMGS-GL, I will strive to help make this chapter better than it has been by promoting the hobby in such a way as to attract as many new members from as many areas of our region as possible.

Chong Chin

Personal: Age 34, married to Beth, three kids; Katie 5, and twins Abby and Alex 2 1/2.

Professional: Stay home Dad, owner and store Overseer of The Soldiery, Inc.

Education: BA in Computers from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, worked as a System Programmer at GM, EDS, Goal, WCI, Nationwide Insurance.

Gaming: Enjoy gaming of all kinds, last year or so playing a lot of CCGs, but finally getting back to miniatures and painting. I'm one of the old GW and Citadel freaks. Historically, I have Vikings and am working on painting Pony Wars figures.

Currently on the BOD of HMGS/GL, Convention Committee Chairman for Rally'95, and one of the owners of the Soldiery. 1 look forward to serving HMGS/GL again this year. Last year HMGS/GL had a great year, membership increased, and Rally '96 did not lose money, but there is still room for improvement. 1 hope to see a this year a regular gaming time for all members to meet for gaming, a couple of one day minicons to be set up to raise money for HMGS/GL, Rally'96, increased membership, getting area gamers involved with HMGS/GL in general, and continuation of our bimonthly newsletter. In the past I have been one of the more active HMGS members and I hope that you will let me be able to continue this as a BOD member.

David Preuss

Age: 34 Birthdate: 5/18/61 Occupation: Research Chemist/ Chemistry Instructor

Education: MS, Analytical Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 1992

Gaming History: Began gaming in 1978. My first game was the old Panzerblitz board game. I went on to other board games, Star Fleet Battles, and some role playing in the 1980's. I became interested in miniature gaming with the advent of SFB miniatures in 1986. I began historical miniatures gaming in 1992. My first system was Desperado, by Tom Kelly. I have since expanded my taste to DBA, Fire and Fury, English Civil War, WW I, WW II Aerial combat (Ace of Aces, Red Baron) and the Boxer Rebellion.

Accomplishments: Convention Worker at: Tri-State Con 1985, 1986,1987 FallCon 1983,1986, 1987,1994, 1995(Convention Chairman) CinCon 1992, 1993(Assistant Convention Chairman) Norse Con 1992

I am currently secretary of CAG (Cincinnati Adventure Gainers) and my term expires April 1st, 1996. 1 have helped Cag go from 24 members to 56 in the past two years. FallCon'95 had a total attendance of 187 people and turned a profit of $241.

Platform: 

I believe that it is important to introduce historical gaming to new people similar to the way I was introduced. This can be done by putting on Gamedays, assisting with local gaming clubs, and running events at major gaming conventions. These events should be at the basic/introductory level so that new gamers will not be intimidated by the rules.

If I am elected I will do the following:

1) Help to arrange the first joint event by HMGS and CAG. This would be a one day Gameday to be held in Cincinnati. This could be a showcase for new gamers, a chance for HMGS and CAG to expand membership, and a chance for both groups to help historical gaming in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana area.

2)I would assist HMGS/Great Lakes by being the "Cincinnati contact". Over the years I have made numerous contacts in the gaming world by my participation in numerous conventions and by being the secretary of CAG. I believe that I could assist Great Lakes not only in membership drives, but also by introducing gamers to the world of historical gaming.

Brian O'Leary

I am a 31 year old professional model builder who started historical gaming in 1977. Although historical gaming started out as a very peripheral hobby for me, over the years it has grown to effect every part of my life, from the house I live in to my profession to how I spend virtually all of my free time.

I think that historical miniatures gamers need a vehicle to bring the hobby together. As the hobby becomes more widespread, we, the gamers can only benefit. HMGS is a perfect vehicle; through which, we can accomplish this.

I have been a member of HMGS Great Lakes since August of '93; editor of our newsletter, The Herald, since September of '94; and a BOD member since January of '95. During the last year and a half I have put a lot of effort into making Great Lakes work and would like to continue to do so.

I would like to see Great Lakes accomplish the following during 1996:

1) Have a more efficient, more effective BOD by establishing a firm meeting schedule with a structured meeting format focusing only on HMGS business.

2) Fulfill its obligation to its members by having a more informative newsletter, completing a membership directory, instituting a gameday scheduling system and running a better Rally Round the Flag.

3) Promote historical miniatures by introducing the hobby to people in traditionally non-gaming environments, such as scout meetings, schools, reenactments, libraries, and historical centers.

And, by the way, I promise not to raise taxes!

Ferkin Doyle

One More Hat Into The Ring

Unlike my cohorts I'm not going to feed you a 'Cliff Notes' of my resume but for the few out there that don't know me.... I'm a balding, bifocaled, beer-bellied forty-nine year old that has been into wargaming since 1958. I'm lucky enough to be married to a fellow wargamer, Carol de Vegvar, as well as to work at my 'hobby'; I'm part owner of Columbia Games, Inc. I play well with others and the only mean bone in my body is called DIPLOMACY, any variation thereof.

Why am I running for our board of directors? Am I sick enougk to do another couple of years of this? 'Cause the job ain't done yet; and yes, I am.

I support the ideas presented by Darryl and the rest of the guys but I want to focus on the larger picture of HMGS with the following three items.

Promoting our hobby on both the national and local levels.

Soliciting outside funding to support our newsletter and other expenditures. The HERALD has been printed by Brian and myself and I've footed the bill for all of the mailings. If we used membership dues the organization wouldn't have a bank account

Establishing single-day gaming events around our region.

Can I achieve the above? That will be subject to the test of time but I do know I've got the experience. Thru my short yet twisted life I've worked in advertising and public relations, I've run a non-profit drug center (supported by private and government grants), I've written grant proposals and I am fairly well-known in the gaming community. With a little sweat, time and patience I think we can achieve all of the above.

If you need another reason to vote for me I'll give you a practical one. I'm the only one I know of in our group that can make it to the national board meetings wherever or whenever they are. I call them business trips and sell some games. 

Ron Bixel

Brian O'Leary introduced me to historical gaming about six years ago, and I've been an avid gamer ever since. I even made enough scenery to run a WWII micro armor scale game at Rally `95. 1 had so much fun playing games there that I want to be sure that our convention continues to thrive. I thought about how to best contribute to the local gaming community and future conventions and came up with an idea: I'll run for a Board of Directors position! Although I met many of you at Rally `95, there arc still more members who do not know me. For those who I have yet to meet: I'm a 32 year old guy in the beginning stages of balding. My beer belly has been slow to develop, but it may come along at any time. I don't make models for a living, but I do get to play with models from time to time to do my job properly (I try to figure out what happened in automobile accidents). As far as qualifications for being on the BOD, here goes:

I have extensive experience in information research which will help when it comes to determining the best strategies for convention (Rally and mini cons) marketing. I have management experience which should help with organization of meetings and conventions. More importantly, I wouldn't commit myself to something if I weren't prepared to follow through; I'll attend every meeting possible and I'll be active in Rally `96 and mini cons.

As far as issues, I think that keeping dues low is very important to increase membership, but we must organize frequent game days and/or mini cons all over the region. By the way, my idea of a mini con is a glorified game day with one or two vendors, a couple of door prizes, etc. Naturally, other members may be able to improve this concept. The next two ideas arc far from original, but 1 consider them vital to the prosperity of Great Lakes chapter.

1) Rally Round the Flag must be primarily, if not entirely historical.

2) Participation in the Great Lakes chapter must be based on a philosophy of benefiting the chapter and HMGS.

Above all, everything we do should be either interesting or fun and hopefully both.