American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

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.

_________________
General Michael E. F. Barycki
Commandant, ACWGC Training Academy
4th Bde, 5th Div, XV Corps, Army of the Tennessee
https://blakeacwgc.wixsite.com/trainingacademy
http://www.civilwartees.com/

Gen. Barycki,

My congratulations on what I feel were a successful 2.5 years leading the Academy. Our interactions were always direct and to the point and that's the way I like them. The Army of the Tennessee welcomes you back home.

_________________
Gen. Mitch Johnson
GENERAL IN CHIEF

General Barycki / Mike,

Thank you for your outstanding service to our Club! Your oversight of merging two academies into one was smooth and seamless, and your innovative changes left the ATA in a much better position for your successor. And while I can only “amen” your recognition of Walt Dortch, Dave Danner, Nick Kunz and others, you yourself were a tremendous contributor to our Club’s success. So on behalf of everyone, especially the newest members you brought into our Club, thank you for your tireless efforts, and best wishes for this next season of life!

<Salute>

_________________
General Scott Eichelberger, ACWGC
Commander, I Corps, AotP
UMA Superintendent 2020-2021
Union Cabinet Secretary 2020-2022

Mike,

Thank you for leading the Academy for the past 2.5 years. You successfully combined the two prior training academies and made the new one a success. You have been a great resource for all of us in a command position to train and place new recruits. Welcome back to the battlefield.

_________________
General Richard Whipkey
Commanding Officer
Army of the Potomac

Gen. Barycki <salute>

We never interacted greatly, as I recall, although I was always aware of your presence as Commandant of the Training Academy. You managed the post through a time of change, never an easy task, and did so in the finest manner and traditions of it. We all aspire to many things in the course of our service, some achieved, some not, but you depart, I propose, having succeeded in changing the face of training within the ACWGC and there are many in the past years to testify to your dedication, diligence and stalwart service.

May good fortune follow you in your journey ahead, sir.

<Salute> Sir,

_________________
Karl McEntegart
Lieutenant General
Officer Commanding
Army of Tennessee





Make my enemy brave and strong, so that if defeated, I will not be ashamed.

General Barycki <salute>:

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate your getting me started in the club. I will always proudly count myself one of your cadets.

_________________
Lt Jay Glenn
6th Bde, 4th Div
I Corps
Army of the Potomac

Mike,

Best of luck moving forward. Very happy for your help and introducing to me to the club. As one of your last (if not very last) cadets I thank you.

Regards,

_________________
Loudscott
Lieutenant
Army of the Tennessee

_________________
General Scott Ludwig
Ludwig's Light Division
Isgro's Corps
Army of Northern Virginia (ANV)