In-The-Scope: Kenisama

Few members were around to see Kenisama's first day in TAW. Fewer still have forgotten what it's like to play along side him. A military man with a true appreciation for the kind of community that TAW provides, Kenisama is one of the last remaining members of the very first TAW game. Q of the newsletter team took a couple of minutes to get to know this TAW veteran.

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Other than being a military man with eight years in TAW, what makes you, you?

I always hate answering this types of questions, always makes me feel like I am bragging about myself. At the very core of everything I am a very laid back person both on and off line, but one thing I can say, is that when there is work to be done, it is going to get done to the very best of my abilities. If I don't know how to accomplish a task, I will find a way and figure it out. 

What are some of your hobbies and goals outside of gaming?

Outside of gaming? Is there such a thing? 

Outside of gaming I enjoy going for runs and recently I starting playing paintball whenever I can. It's more life-like FPS lol

You have been in TAW almost since its inception and in fact were a member of the very first division in TAW. How do you feel TAW has changed for the better over the years?

I initially joined the Joint Ops Division, but quickly learned my graphics card couldn't handle the huge maps, so I requested to a transfer to Delta Force [DF] Divison playing Blackhawk Down. I take credit, with NoCent's help, in dubbing it the "Old Guard" Division. The thing about TAW that has kept it separate from other "clans" out there, is that it has held onto a transitional mind set. It may have started out as a one game clan, but it allowed itself to evolve and grow into an "online community," a place for strangers to become friends and share in the gaming experience.  Instead of the lawlessness you get when playing solo via Xbox Live/Playstation Network where I have to ensure my kids can't hear what is being said. The paramilitary structure used in TAW is the best I've seen implemented outside the Army itself, I'm sure without it, TAW would have failed long ago. And that just gives credit to the amount of hard work and dedication put forth by those in all levels of the chain of command.

You have earned an astonishing 16 medals, 6 tabs, and 6 badges in your time in TAW, other than those awarded for you real life military service, which accomplishment gives you the most pride?

Wow, I haven't really kept track of those for sometime now lol. But I actually do have a medal I have very proud of, not just for my accomplishment, because it wasn't something I was able to do alone, but the pride is more for the team that gave me the opportunity to earn the TAW-Wide Tournament Medal.

It happened shortly after I had transferred from DF Division to the BF Division to play Battlefield 2. TAW had just announced plans for it's first TAW-Wide Tournament with the F.E.A.R. Combat game since the game's multiplayer was just released for free. Each Division was tasked with forming an 8-person team to compete in a double elimination style tournament. I immediately volunteered for the team and before I knew it, I was officially placed in-charge of the BF F.E.A.R. Team. We went undefeated all the way to the final match against Central Command team which we ultimately loss, but we had several epic moments throughout the entire tournament and gave the CC guys a run for their money.

This tournament lead me to be picked to run an "All-Star" team with the best players from each Division to play versus the tournament winners, yes we lost again lol. Because of those actions however, I was promoted to Major and was chosen to be the next CO for a Battlefield 2142 Battalion. It is a simple case of volunteering and opening the doors to other opportunities.

As a long time TAW member, you have been in several divisions and known CiC's before they were even DO's. What do you feel makes TAW different that other clans and what is it about TAW that keeps you coming back year after year?

Ha, in my ramblings I sort of already answered this one, but since you mentioned CiC's. Most clans run a sort of dictatorship, by which I mean, the founding member(s) is in-charge and typically stays in-charge, "my way or the highway" (at least in my experience before joining TAW). TAW adopted the term "online community" some time back, I love this term. TAW is unique by the fact that any member currently in TAW that has enough dedication and commitment to TAW could in fact, become a future CiC and that simply blows my mind and exactly why I love the term "online community." Because its the community that drives TAW and has kept it on track for years and will continue pushing it for years to come.

What makes the BF3 division a cut above the rest in your opinion?

You have a wide range of "characters" within the BF Division, ranging from wise guys, amazing leaders, and even those who can explain to you the inner details of the virtual physics of the BF3, an encyclopedia of knowledge I tell you. And then you got the guy who never let you forget that you were an Army Recruiter before... yes I'm talking to you Irish! Not to mention all of our internal matches and non-stop campaigns. Basically, there's never a dull moment here in the BF Division... [Disclaimer: expect for when we make time for dull moments lol]

What other games do you occupy your time with other than BF3?

Primarily I play FPS games, currently the other games I play occasionally are ARMA II, Diablo 3, and I just picked up Mass Effect 3 on sale, I have MW3 on the PS3. Coincidentally if you TAW guys or gals out there play on PS3 or Xbox, hit me up!

PSN:  Kenisama

Live:  Ken3v1L

Is there anything you would like to say to TAW as a whole?

Shoot, Move, and Communicate! And remember above all else, it's just a game, have fun and enjoy what you do!

Kenisama