Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ten-hut! At ease!

Now, before I start this off, I will first state that I am proud of this Army, very proud of it. In here are some of the most competent, proud, and down-right most respectable people not only in Barton but probably in Gaia as well. A very good percentile of you have proven yourselves to strive to be the best you can be, to do all that you can when a task is given to you, and to always come out on top. That is how we Bartons won last year's summer event. Through hard work, determination, and a camaraderie that can withstand anything that God's green Earth, God's red Mars, and God's random colored planetoid can throw at us. We truely are the true, the proud, the Barton Army.

So, it is with great pleasure that I, Colonel Chang Wang of the esteemed and honorable Barton Army am now able to announce that a list for promotions has been finalized. Before I award these member of the Barton Army with their new ranks, however, I will say a few things.

It has come to my attention that not all members of this Army are equal in valor and activity. Some are around and look, but don't contribute and just remain in the background. While it is appreciated that you spend what time you have looking, you have made no impact on this guild and have not helped it to progress as those to be promoted have. By posting in the guild and discussing and talking to one another, helping each other, they show the spirit of Barton and are to be commended.

In short, this batch of promotions is exclusively for those who are active enough to be deemed worthy of their promotions, half because of their higher level of duty to this Army, half to the fact that we are promoting people too fast and there aren't enough people at the bottom level.

There is one other order of business. To combat the crampedness of our higher ranks compared to our lower ranks, the ranks have been stretched a bit with the Recruit rank added and the Lieutenant rank split into First and Second Lieutenant.

Now, without further ado, I will now be personally awarding these promotions.

First to be promoted is (as of the new ranking system) First Lieutenant Brandon Lum. Brandon has been with us since the very beginning and I earnestly believe that one who is so loyal to this Army and its cause should most appropriately be known as Major Brandon Lum. Congratulations, Major.

Next is Sergeant-Major Chadwick Malcolm/Gina/person. Despite causing me immense confusion whenever I'm trying to address you in a formal document like this, you have proven great valor in the past that I believe should be awarded as well. Congratulations, Second Lieutenant.

Next, Private First Class Ved of Flames. Although I have already given him a field promotion for his great help to both myself and Colonel Martin in the Suggestions Box and in renaming and repurposing several sub-forums, I see it only fit to honor his promotion publically and officialize it. Congratulations Corporal Ved, you have both Doc's and my own thanks for the help on the sub-forums.

Of course, we cannot forget our allied guild owner Corporal Namine Melfina. Like Ved, she has been a great help with many things and is of course a prime keeper of activity and an intelligent mind as shown in our newest sub-forum, West Point. I, too, have field promoted Namine, but I shall make it official. Congratulations, Sergeant.

From the bottom of our totem pole is Private Second Class Immortal Sam RI. At first, I was skeptical of Sam as he was not a truely experienced RPer and unfortunately 'killed' two RPs, but inexperience is no excuse for not awarding him a promotion because his devotion to this Army and willingness to take the blows is exactly what we stand for. He's a very good sport about it and that showmanship is an admirable quality. Congratulations, Private First Class Sam RI.

As an honorable mention, although technically, we can not forget our dear friend Teddybear of Death who I suspect may be reading this now. T-Bod, as she is know for short, held the rank of Corporal, I believe, perhaps Sergeant before her departure due to RL reasons. In the event her return, I wish to make it clear that she will hold the rank of Commander, a commissioned rank reserved for our Army's mascot. She is a prime example of Barton Pride: Spirit, Determination, Loyalty, Valor, and Helpfullness. Even as a non-member, she has continually donated to the Army, helping along with L-zlhe, whose recent absence has unfortunately left her slightly behind in the promotions race (and because I forgot her current rank sweatdrop ) to make this Army rich.

Lastly, and only because it's to spite him, is Staff Sergeant Hammibee. Hammi has had my contempt for a very long while and still does *shoots Hammi with shotgun*. However, he is in no means entirely incompetent and is somewhat useful. That's all I'm willing to admit. You know what you've done to deserve this promotion, Sergeant Major. Now get out of my sight before I shoot you again. stressed

With that being said, I now leave the floor open for the awarding of medals by General Ember Anderson. Once again, congratulations and it has been an honor awarding all of you these promotions.

Thank you, Sir and Ma'am! 3nodding I will continue to uphold my honor and participation in the Barton Army!
*salutes* Long live the...King and Queen? That's not right.... sweatdrop

Congrats to everyone who has been promoted and/or been presented with a medal. You all fully deserved it. I must admit that I'm one of those people that comes in and occasionally just sits around... but I've determined to try to fix my issues with my parents... and I will hopefully be able to improve the guild some...

Congrats again to everyone that was promated/ awardeed with a medal!!!!!