What is a "man on horseback" as used in this article? Well, it is an historical term for an individual who comes along to save the day, to take charge or who will give resources to help out. The hobby of historical miniatures wargaming needs more such people and all of us can be "men on horseback" in varying helpful degrees.  Over the years as I and others with whom I have discussed this topic have observed activities such as conventions and activities within a wargame club, it is plainly evident that the same folks often continually organize them and that they are usually short of help. Such organizers yearn for volunteers to come along to help them and/or perhaps to replace key staff and executive positions as people move or to other things. Since all things eventually come to an end, it would be nice to insure various things we all enjoy in our hobby with additioan logevity in the form of more volunteerism by the masses. Such a surge of volunteerism will lessen the chances of burn-out in those who are organizers in the hobby so the things we all enjoy so much will continue on and on. Let the comments of this short article let it be known to those who have the desire to help make the hobby of historical miniatures wargaming improve, thrive and grow and who do not know how to accomplish same, that there are many ways to do so and to make a fine contribution as well. 1. All of the major midwestern conventions need additional workers. Perhaps those who want to run their own mini-cons could gain some useful experience with the bigger ones first. Indeed, perhaps as one considers the enormous number of smell, medium and large cons in the midwest, some may wish to merge conventions and staff personnel with others to lessen workloads and to strengthen the ones that remain. Many people want to serve and to help out and do not know how to start. Such people are wanted and encouraged to do so, believe me. Don't be shy about asking. MWAN member Rich Black maintains a list of all midwest conventions and these appear in MWAN from time to time. Contacts are therefore easy. Why not check the list now and write a letter today? 2. Joining HMGS-MIDWEST would be another way to serve the betterment of historical miniatures wargaming. Members can help in a variety of ways by attending meetings and expressing views at same, by simply paying the modest $2.00 membership fee to help fund organization activities and/or by volunteering to work on committee tasks with eventual movement into committee chairmanship positions and perhaps into the executive board if desired. This organization is just getting underway in the midwest and surely needs help in these various areas. 3. Wargamers can contribute as well right in their own local wargame association of friends. This can be done by volunteering to run a game or in designing a scenario from time to time to give the other fellows who usually do so a break. Further assistance can be given by contributing a unit or two to a period in which you game but for which you have never had a unit. This shows interest and a willingness to contribute for the greater good of the whole. Contributions of "munchies", soft drinks and the like is a good thing to do too. Finally, a change of venue may at times be appreciated by families of some hosts. Why not volunteer your place? Even if you do not have enough miniatures or space to host the usual extravaganza, try a weeknight evening wargame that takes minimal effort and time; perhaps a small naval action or a quick playing skirmish with individually based miniatures would serve. It isn't difficult to be a "man on horseback." Back to MWAN # 20 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1986 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com