Greetings Fellow Colonials,
I hope everyone is doing well. This is my after action report from attending Comicpoolza on Friday the 22nd. I was there only one day due to other commitments. I still had a great time and while there I got to meet members of the Battlestar Raven. Whom I have chatted with via the internet as well spoken over the phone with. A great bunch of folks what can I tell you everyone was having a blast. At the Convention there was lots to see and do as you walked around. I look forward to doing it again whenever the opportunity presents itself and my schedule is a bit more free.
After action report time. I was there to enjoy the convention and look forward to making new friends as well recruit for Colonial Defense Forces, Battlestar Fan Club and let’s not forget the Colonial Cylon Alliance. After all when I am at any function I do my best to represent every community I can. The Battlestar Raven table looked great the setup was a team effort no doubt. First on the scene was Paul Oakley who did the initial set up with Tim Riley aka “Cylon Tim” catchy name I love it! As well as Steve Tweed. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Paul, Tim and Rob aka “Spectre” a great guy I met at Galacticon III. It was a great time being able to talk about Battlestar Galactica as well as other Sci FI genre. There was a gentleman named Doug I didn’t catch his last name. He was writer and he also joined us for some Sci Fi talk a nice humble guy I wish him all the best. He Doug that is loved the character Harley Quinn. As I had walked around the convention I purchased two beautiful art rendering and came back and presented it to Doug as a gift. The man was blown away and shook my hand. He offered me a free book and I decline it’s what I do love surprising people.
Speaking of surprise I was on a secret mission there. A few people knew of my pending arrival. I was there to surprise my friend Cherry Oclima. I had texted her to have a great time at the convention and she had replied. Little did she know I was just a few feet away from and I said HI!!. She turned and looked. It finally hit her I was there in the flesh and she jumped for joy gave me hug. She then preceded to hit me with a ball cap!! I guess she was truly happy HAHAHA!! I don’t like to commit to an event and then have to disappoint people so I always just make contact with one person only. This time it was my point man Colonial Marine Paul Oakley.
Prior to dinner I switched hats and stood up as Fleet Admiral Rivera of the BFC. I got everyone's attention b/c I like going big or just go home and everything I do has purpose or else I wouldn’t bother. Everyone's attention was on me and I appreciated their time. Especially those who came from a great distant to be part of the event. I called up Paul Oakley, Tim Reilly, Steve Tweed and George Mellis. Each of them I presented with an Award to show my appreciation for them supporting the Raven as well as representatives of the BFC Fleet! I shook hands and got a photo op going b/c I documenting things.
Finally, we were also there to celebrate Cherry Oclima time in military active duty service. She is very humble person. I asked Steve to remain standing since he is Raven XO. I asked Commander Cherry Oclima to stand. I then pulled out a framed certificate. I begun to read and let just say her expression was awe striking as well as her crew. I HEREBY PROMOTE YOU TO THE RANK OF REAR ADMIRAL!! I presented her with the certificate Steve and i stood there so we can be photographed together as part of the promotion ceremony. CONGRATULATION!! Hell I even presented her with collar rank insignia as well a Colonial cubit.
She has been trying for the lone time to get a duty blue uniform, but they cost so bloody much. I called in a few favors and got one which I wear. She can wear it until something which is more screen accurate comes along and is also truly affordable. Just hard to spend a great deal of money on cosplay you only wear 4 times a year so it’s understandable. She was floored when I presented her with the uniform. Thank you all for reading. I apologize for the long report, but I am sure you would agree it was worth reading. Please enjoy the photos and please post here.
PHOTOS::
Fleet Admiral Rivera Reading Awards Order of the Colonies and Good Conduct. Not pictured George Mellis. Last two photos of Rear Admiral Cherry Oclima receiving promotion ~Salutes!~
Comments
My older brother and I have always been the type to watch from the distance as we do not know too much about how science fiction works. But this I have to say, a successful group's success is due to the kind of leadership it has. And this is even true in real life. Every decision leadership makes has an impact on the outcome and direction of the group. And the Raven group has a great leadership structure . On the new Admiral, it is a well deserve promotion indeed! Action speaks louder than words. And your action can certainly be seen on a daily basis on multiple groups. I will also have to agree with Sgt. Hillman's assessment on the following statement made by him:
" Raven Actual certainly instilled the right attitude to take by each and everyone here on the Raven and that is to have fun, don't take anything too seriously, making sure everyone is not only here for the rank, and a family oriented group that help each other out. You cannot go wrong with that. That is a receipe for success. And to Raven Actual, I could not think of a better person to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. "
I bid you all goodnight! And congratulations to all that received recognitions! As we like to say "Keep kicking ass and take names later!"
Hello all, As for getting off easy i guess that can be said unless your on the receiving end. I feel sorry for her Hubby he got the wrost for sure. You know i have rules that i follow and there are many. As for the world of Fandom and Sci Fi there are a few that i often preach to everyone b/c perception reflects reality on all levels. I have shared many with Cherry no doubt there b/c her and i have had our ups and downs together.
Just a few to post here as a reminder to all and serve as guidance and Fellowship.
1- Sci-Fi Fandom is to be kept fun regardless of what outside forces are upon you. Meaning if you are having a bad day. Don't take out on us. We are here on different Sci Fi Communities to have fun and get away from the day to day stresses and drama. How can we have that freedom of escape and relaxation when that same stress and drama follows.
2- Sci Fi Communities need to be about "Quality" only and not about "Quantity" So what a Chapter has over 200 plus people. They are obviously not all participating. From postings on different Communities and Social Media you can actually count how many are really partaking. It always gets me to here we have X amount of members. REALLY?? I don't see the participation. However, i know real world issues and life come first. However don't make the mistake of speaking for other people. They can do that on their own.
3- Being part of a Sci Fi Community is about having fun and giving in order to be supportive. I can be an Ensign or not even have a rank and still be the same kick ass person i am. As for me and anyone can ask Cherry or anyone who really knows me. It's never about rank NEVER.... It's about YOU the members whether it here, Colonial Defense Forces, Colonial Cylon Alliance etc etc. I am for the members i have been like that for years. All members should aspire to that in their own way. Of course it takes time.
4- Don't ever forget who you are. If you came to have fun and be part of something then keep on course. Participate at the level you are comfortable. No one should be trying to force anyone to do anything. If we do that we risk our integrity, but worst we will lose a member. Who basically just wanted to be a part of something on their own terms not ours. Remember always its about fun and not just keeping it serious. God Bless you all and keep the faith. SO SAY WE ALL! ~Salutes~
Congratulations to everyone! And about Raven Actual, I couldn't agree more with what Rob said here!
Admiral Rivera Sir, you got off easy when Raven Actual only hit you with a ball cap. Someone much closer to her did not LOL! On a more serious note, congratulations to each and everyone that got the recognition. The recognition that is done here on the Raven is certainly with style and always a lot of fun and most importantly, well deserved! That is why I am very proud to be a part of the crew. Raven Actual certainly instilled the right attitude to take by each and everyone here on the Raven and that is to have fun, don't take anything too seriously, making sure everyone is not only here for the rank, and a family oriented group that help each other out. You cannot go wrong with that. That is a receipe for success. And to Raven Actual, I could not think of a better person to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. And I know I am not the only one who think so that she should have been promoted a long time ago. And I am willing to bet all of my cubits there on that statement. :-) And on your statement of saying she is a very humble person, I TOTALLY agree with you on that. She is a very humble person INDEED. Just don't anybody get her pissed off lol. Quickest way I have seen her get mad is when someone tries to mess with the Raven. It is like watching a dragon awakens flapping its wings, breathes fire and ready to defend her nest like a mother dragon does when she is protecting her hatchlings. And we, the members on the Raven, are her hatchlings ;-) :-) Much respect to her! So Say We All!
Hello, Yes it took her some time to dig up a ball cap to hit me with. I could swear I could have simply ran off and dodged her. However I let her b/c there will always be a next time whenever that is right. As for your pinching of a life time wow!! I bet there were some bruises...LOL. Better you then me. Be safe.
At least all you got from her is being hit with a hat Miguel! I got the pinching of a lifetime on my side when she got the first part of her surprise. Her expression was so priceless when she got it. OUTSTANDING pictures from the convention so far. I am glad Dragon Lady and everyone with her had a lot of fun. The Raven group always seemed to have fun no matter what they do.
Congratulations, Admiral!
So say we ALL!
It was a great time had by all. Paul Oakley, Tim Riley, Steve Tweed and George Mellis none of them knew they were getting an award. It was all surprise to them. As for Cherry well the look on her face was pricessless. However all well deserved by all. Promotions are very important to me I am not big into giving it away just to keep a member. Just have to be out there to be seen and working it as best a person can. I watch everything. Be safe everyone.
I Speak for the Entire Raven Air Wing When I say We KNEW an Admiral's Star was in Actual's Future!
CONGRATULATIONS ADMIRAL DRAGONLADY! SO SAY WE ALL!
(And, It's Definitely Making me Psyched for G4!)
Leonidas,CAG,BFC-002
Sorry I missed this, Admiral, sir. Looked fun :)