*blushes* Thank you so much! This past year we have seen so many changes to the Band, and though there have been some interesting challenges (burn you and your (lack of) internet, Corki!
), I'd like to take a moment to thank a few people who have made a huge contribution to my success.
First, Woolhead. Wooly, without you double checking what I do, there would be more confusion as some of my mistakes would not go unnoticed until it was too late! Thanks for tactfully walking the line between keeping me in check and not making a public deal out of things... your tact is much appreciated, as is the immense help you have been. Also as one of my first RLO's, you helped to create the coordination we have today, which has made the whole process smoother. Also you have stepped in whenever I have been gone, which was especially a huge help when I had to fill in for Corki for all those weeks.
Second, Cadsuane. During your time as RLO, you were among the trio of RLO's who helped me revolutionize the program, making it more organized and more conducive to keeping the recruits retention rate high, causing the Band as whole to better flourish. You never hesitated to give me your opinion (at least as far as I know!) and your insight was extremely valuable.
Twinflower. As the RLO for the Cavalry, you were the other person responsible for helping my efforts to help the Band. You were a huge reason why the Regiments were able to get coordinated in the recruiting efforts, and coming in with a fresh new perspective, you helped me better understand how I could explain things to new staff members as they come in.
Now I realize I just thanked three RLO's, just one area of the Band, even though my award is a Band-wide award. There is just one thing that needs to be said about that. When Corki's internet kept him away for several weeks, I was left in charge of the Band, in addition to my XO tasks. Those three were each from a different Regiment, and their support of me enabled me to be able to get the job done even with the increased workload.
I would also like to thank the Band as a whole, both for nominating and appointing me as the 2006 Bander of the Year, an honor which I am extremely touched and grateful to recieve, but for also supporting me throughout the entire year. The Cavalry when I lead them through some dark and difficult times. The Archers and Infantry for accepting a former Cavalry member into the ranks of the Band's leadership, and for making me feel welcome in their boards. Also for being understanding during various "corki's internet" related delays!
And last but certainly not least, I'd like to thank all my friends and almost family I have made here in the Band.
My Banded... Leane and Katiora. You two have been great friends for me. We have shared some great experiences and some not so great experiences together, but through it all we have been able to rely on each other to help us get through the rough times. Lazy I'd mention you too as my Banded but you were too... Lazy! to be on much! hahaha
My Bonded... Lady Elyssa. Even though RL has kept you offline for the most part in the latter half of the year, you have also been a good friend and have made dragonmount that much better this year. Even though the WT is not part of the Band, our Bond carries beyond any border of any org.
My Beautiful Wife... Vorkia. When Cupid struck me with an arrow intime for the Valentines Day Dance here at the Band, you actually played along until it ceased to be as much of a joke as it became a special friendship, just as close if not closer than a normal bonding we could have in such an online community. Thank you!
If there is anyone else who I probably should have mentioned, I'm sorry but I have already rambled way too much and should probably be a script writer for the Oscars, so to spare you the boring speech, consider my thanks to you in my general thanks to the Band!
So thank you all so very much, and I look forward to another great year for the Band of the Red Hand!
Carai an Shen an Calhar!