What's your callsign?
SteelRanger .
Let's get to know you – can you describe yourself in five words?
I like to have fun.
Tell us about your history in TAW.
I started in TAW in June 8, 2012 when I was recruited by Trathen WT 1PL, who at the time was WT 1TS and told me about TAW while I was playing World Of Tanks. After Looking at the web site I waas hooked and signed up, I quickly progressed through the ranks after making PFC from TI, to DI, TS to SO. After getting over 35 recruits into the battalion I was selected among other things to become WT DO. I was promoted to WT DC on June 16, 2013 and my current DO is Jaidcael who is from Hong Kong., our first ever Oceanic TFO.
What was your initial impression of TAW?
TAW is a place with its act together and built on a Para-Military System, which me coming from many years serving in the U.S. Army this was right up my ally!
Tell us about your division, and what you do there.
My Division is World Of Tanks and it is just that "TANKS"! The game is based on WW I, WWII, and Cold War Tanks many are real that were used in past battles but there are many still they have that are what are known as paper tanks or proto-types, they never hit the battle field some never saw the production floor. We go into training rooms or tank companies and battle using tanks we have in our account garages, which you have to build up from tier to tier 10. My job is Division Commander which means running the big show and reporting to 4th Corps CC. I love my job and my DO and I work well together to oversee three Battalions on three different servers; NA, EU, and OC. My motto down hear is always, "Friendship, Loyalty, and Fun!" If my members aren't having fun then I am right there to make it happen!
What would you like someone considering joining TAW to know?
TAW is not just some fly by night clan that will be here today and gone the next. That we have been here for 13 years and we are not going, we are growing! TAW is has so much to offer with so many games and fun gaming community that makes you good about being a member.
Do you have any special hobbies or activities outside of TAW?
I spend time with my lovely wife of 13 years Amanda and my 4 kid Lily, Tony, Zach, and Cody. I love Deer Hunting, Duck Hunting, and Fishing (Fresh Water), I collect O-Gage Trains with my brother, I study Roman Warfare and Tank / Artillery Warfare. .
If you could change one thing about TAW, what would it be?
Update the TAW Website and make it faster.
Tell us about some of the people you've met during your time in TAW.
Ekis in OS has to be one of my best go-to guys when it comes to needing something fixed on the TAW site and he is a great friend!Jaymorr WT 1CO is one of my other go to guys on the NA side and he is always there when I need him. TigerFang WT 6CO is a great friend on the EU and he makes me laugh and has I have a lot of trust in him. Subrat and Stealthmist are two of the best leaders a DC /DO could have, I have and continue to learn agreat many things from these men. Sooner OKC is among the top wisest people in TAW and that's no joke! As many times as he has talked and I have listened, his words speak volumes.
What's your favourite thing about TAW?
Getting on Team Speak and platooning with the members of my division and having a great time.
How does TAW affect your offline life?
It doesn't , I keep them separate..
What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
After US Army Boot Camp I went to Airborne School and then to Rangers and got tabbed I switched MOS to Tanks then later I was a Platoon Sgt in the Tank Crops. I served 4 combat tours and 2 peace keeping tours under 2 different Presidents. I was also a Volunteer Firefighter for 11 years.
What's your favourite retro videogame? Why?
Has to be Atari Space Invaders, I loved playing that game back in the 80's. I remember begging my mom to buy it when it first came out. That was so hart trying to shoot the ships before they came down on top of you and if you were not fast enough they sped up the closer they gt to you.
If you could choose any TAW member to be stranded on a desert island with, who would it be and why?
Most likely my DO Jaidcael since he has lived on an island and would know how to survive by eating from the ocean. I grew up next to the Atlantic Ocean so with out combined knowledge of the sea we could find food to eat and share common things thus making being castaways more bearable .
Do you admire any celebrities? Why or why not?
I don't really, for one I rarely watch TV as it is because my kids are always on them. Mostly because its all fake just to get their name in the spot light for 15 minutes of fame. I don't go for pantomime Shows so that's why I don't go for Celebs.
Who do you believe is going to be the most influential figure in gaming in the next three years?
Hard to tell at this point since there are so many names out there making waves. I would keep my eye on War Gaming.
For their time, effort and dedication, this member will be awarded our In-The-Scope member tab for completing the interview.
Great article!