Rebel Squadrons

A Very Special Announcment by the Fleet Commander

By ADM Kirghy Lommax
Unit: The Rebel Squadrons
General Announcement, Jul 31, 2010
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Attention all Rebel Squadrons members! Standby for a special announcement from the Fleet Commander!

Good evening.

In the history of the Rebel Squadrons, our rank structure has played an important part in determining who we are. Early in our history, the ranks of Bar Admiral and Sector Admiral were the pinnacle of that structure. After a short time, those ranks were removed, resulting in the rank of Fleet Admiral becoming the highest attainable rank in the club.

The rank of Fleet Admiral is not just another Admiralty rank where you work for at least 6 months after your last promotion and do such work at a club-wide level. Instead, it encompasses a member’s entire body of work as a member of the club. It is not a case of “what have you done for me lately” but is instead recognition of the overall impact a member has had on the RS. It is a goal that many strive for, but very few will ever achieve. To date, there have only been 8 Fleet Admirals in club history:

(in alphabetical order)
FA Dave Trebonious-Astoris
FA Dev
FA Jim Heffernan
FA Kaz Falcion
FA Mike "MacMan" McEwen
FA Rahj Tharen
FA Rensal Darklighter
FA Super

Tonight we add a new name to that list: Michael Raven

Michael Raven, following the advice of a friend that he had played Star Wars sims with in an AOL chat room, joined the RS in August, 2002. For the first 4 years, he focused entirely on simming in the ABG, working his way up the ladder until becoming the ABG CO. Once on High Command, he began to branch out. Whether simming for the ABG, showing just how to exploit your opponent’s weakness in Empire at War with the RID, or flying some XvT with Phalcun Squadron in the VSG, completing the “T” mission in the process with a score of over 1,000,000 points, he excelled and thrived in the club. There were also a few meetings in the B&G with a certain Logistics Officer named David Vaughan. Vaughan’s questions about technical issues were something Raven was glad to answer. Eventually their discourse became full discussions of the Star Wars universe and a healthy working relationship between them with Raven becoming part of the Logistics Office.

During his tenue as ABG CO, he’s certainly had his chances at higher office, namely the position of Fleet Commander. After losing a bid for the position after then-VA Tyrell “Spokes” Borran resigned, he tried again after the resignation of then-RA Licah Fox. While he did not win, the new FC, FA Dave Trebonious-Astoris (and yes, I can spell that without looking at the roster) offered him the position of RS Executive Officer. Even thinking that it was a joke and that it was a pity position, he accepted. Raven quickly found that his assumptions had been wrong. Working as an effective duo, they began smashing problems and moving forward with new initiatives, namely the RS ITOD that spanned all our the club’s major gaming platforms.

When Dave resigned in July, 2007, Raven ran unopposed and was appointed the next FC. During this time, the mainstream RS attempted to reconcile with the RS Players Association in Star Wars Galaxies. This was briefly successful until new RSPA leadership decided that it would do better on its own. It also saw the departure of the RS’ long-time fiction writing group, the Aurora Force, as it split to become its own independent group. However, the RS ITOD continued to progress, and the club prospered as best it could. All of this occurred while he continued to hold the ABG CO position and guide the RS simming unit towards even greater triumph.

In March of 2008, 10 months into his term, he stepped down as FC citing real life issues. He continued to lead the ABG and serve on High Command. However, his desire to be the FC had not been diminished. Biding his time, Raven ran again for the position after ADM Castor Efrata-Landis resigned the position in late 2009. Winning once again, he began the process of something that should’ve been done long ago: reorganizing the RS. Things appeared to be on the right track as the necessary Bylaws revisions were passed by High Command. It was expected that he would be the leader to carry the club forward with the implementation of the new Bylaws.

But it was not to be. In April, 2010, Michael Raven once again stepped down as RSFC. As real life issues of school and work collided with his obligations as the Fleet Commander, he decided it was necessary to resign again from the FC position.

Of course, while we could just focus on what he’s done for the entire club, no one can deny what Raven’s done for the ABG. The entire ABG rules set has been his steady drive. While others may make suggestions, he directs the action and has the vision for what changes need to be made. His fellow simmers speak of him with a combination of respect and admiration. He has been the driving force that has made RS simming the envy of other clubs.

Raven, I’ve had the honor of knowing you for the past 3 years. Even though I didn’t know you well in the summer of 2007, you were still an encouragement when I applied for the VSG CO position. Working with you, I came to consider you a friend. You exemplify the principles that should define the RS. You work hard. You try to better yourself and your fellow members. You work for the overall betterment of the club, placing its needs above your own. For the work you’ve done and have yet to do, I do not think there is a sufficient reward. However, we can only do the best we can.

Michael Raven, by the power vested in me by the RS High Command and the Rebel Squadrons Membership, I do hereby, with great joy and happiness, promote you to the rank of Fleet Admiral. Congratulations, Raven! Enjoy the fruits of your labors.


Lieutenant General Kirghy Lommax
Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander

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