Tonight I want to notify the membership that I have tendered my resignation to the president of the club as commandant of the combined training academy. I thoroughly enjoyed my 2.5 years at the helm and taking on the challenge of combining two different academies with decades of training differences under one umbrella. While I was unable to fully create what I envisioned when beginning my tenure, I hope that what we achieved as an academy is deemed a success by the congress of members.
Before I ride off into the proverbial sunset, I want to thank a few people. First, to all the cadets that came through the academy since 2023 and continue as active members today. I hope the experience you had coming into the club was the genesis for the spark that has kept you here since. Second, to the instructors that volunteered their time to help train new cadets. You all received a separate email from me and I cannot thank you enough for the support you give to the club. To Dave Danner for making me want to be an instructor someday through his exceptional training of me when I was a cadet and for years after, and to Derald Riggs for making that wish happen. I want to thank presidents Marshall and Boling for supporting me and providing sound counsel when needed. To Scott Ludwig for turning around my forum requests in a prompt and friendly manner. Also, even though he is no longer with us, a thank you to Walt Dortch for always being there to train someone in a pinch and for our countless back and forth productive discussions.
Finally, I want to thank Nick Kunz, who is just simply one of the nicest people I have ever come across in life, yet alone just on the internet. Nick, you know I had big ambitions and plans perhaps a bit too tall for reality, yet you always backed me, always offered support and suggestions, and there wasn't a moment I ever felt that I was running the academy alone. When life got too busy or hard for me, you took the reigns. When I felt a failure, you offered encouragement. You're an invaluable asset to this club and I am so grateful that I got a chance to work with you.
I look forward to getting back into some competitive games, back in the saddle on the battlefield, and I will be supporting the next person to fill the office I am vacating.
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