DOUBLE ISSUE
Volume 36, Number 4-5
Indy Player 2nd in Milwaukee Cup
The 5th annual Milwaukee Cup Dawn Patrol Game was held at the AmericInn in Delafield, Wisconsin on Saturday evening, May 4th with 18 of the world's finest players competing for the championship.
The top honors went to Michael Wollan, who flew brilliantly. Ten-time Indy Squadron champ and 2002 Spring Mini Con winner Stephen Skinner finished a close second after shooting down Joe Kapustanczek's pilot with a critical wound. Still, Stephen lost by a six-point margin because he received six hit factors in his Macchi MV flying boat while fighting in the thickest part of the dogfight. Since taking enemy fire draws a penalty in Society scoring, those hits were the difference in the game.
Volume 36, Number 4-5
Indy Player 2nd in Milwaukee Cup
The 5th annual Milwaukee Cup Dawn Patrol Game was held at the AmericInn in Delafield, Wisconsin on Saturday evening, May 4th with 18 of the world's finest players competing for the championship.
The top honors went to Michael Wollan, who flew brilliantly. Ten-time Indy Squadron champ and 2002 Spring Mini Con winner Stephen Skinner finished a close second after shooting down Joe Kapustanczek's pilot with a critical wound. Still, Stephen lost by a six-point margin because he received six hit factors in his Macchi MV flying boat while fighting in the thickest part of the dogfight. Since taking enemy fire draws a penalty in Society scoring, those hits were the difference in the game.
"There's no shame finishing second to a guy who flies that well," Stephen said. "Michael was on his game. He fired on Ken Mrozak for the entire mission non-stop. My score would have tied for the win under the Indy system, but this isn't Indy. I knew their scoring system from the start so there was no complaint. Mike won fair and square. I'm just glad to have a good finish in such a strong field."
To his credit, Ken Mrozak was a good sport and showed real class despite being pounded mercilessly all game long. He congratulated Wollan with a laugh and a big bear hug after the game. Even more impressive was the selfless assistance lent by Wollan's wingman, veteran Blake Taylor, who had no luck in the game and instead spent his evening helping Wollan.
Michael Wollan openly admits that he enjoys a low intensity game and performs better under quiet conditions with a slower pace. Don't get me wrong - Wollan is a fine player and doesn't need anyone's help. But this is the type of game that he clearly prefers.
Blake continually intervened on his behalf to pause the game for critical hit checks, announcements and other time consuming tasks. Other players at the table patiently followed Blake's lead and as a result, Wollan performed at his peak level. And as it turned out, Michael Wollan at peak level was better than everyone else. The Indy Squadron was well represented with a competitive showing, but the day truly belonged to Michael.
For a full rundown of the game and all scores, please subscribe to the Aerodome journal at DawnPatrol.info. ISD covers action only from the perspective of our local squadron so please look to Aerodrome for overall scores, winners and other data. An in-depth report is expected in an upcoming issue.
To his credit, Ken Mrozak was a good sport and showed real class despite being pounded mercilessly all game long. He congratulated Wollan with a laugh and a big bear hug after the game. Even more impressive was the selfless assistance lent by Wollan's wingman, veteran Blake Taylor, who had no luck in the game and instead spent his evening helping Wollan.
Michael Wollan openly admits that he enjoys a low intensity game and performs better under quiet conditions with a slower pace. Don't get me wrong - Wollan is a fine player and doesn't need anyone's help. But this is the type of game that he clearly prefers.
Blake continually intervened on his behalf to pause the game for critical hit checks, announcements and other time consuming tasks. Other players at the table patiently followed Blake's lead and as a result, Wollan performed at his peak level. And as it turned out, Michael Wollan at peak level was better than everyone else. The Indy Squadron was well represented with a competitive showing, but the day truly belonged to Michael.
For a full rundown of the game and all scores, please subscribe to the Aerodome journal at DawnPatrol.info. ISD covers action only from the perspective of our local squadron so please look to Aerodrome for overall scores, winners and other data. An in-depth report is expected in an upcoming issue.
Spring Mini Con Review
by Stephen Skinner
For whatever one man's experience is worth, the 2024 Fits Spring Mini Con was perhaps the most enjoyable Dawn Patrol event I've ever attended for two specific reasons: the camaraderie of the players and the quiet atmosphere of the game room.
Much of the spite and argumentation that sometimes accompanies such events was simply non-existent. In this case, the brotherhood of the Fits Society actually lived up to its claims. Wyatt and Ken had open shots at helpless planes but chose to let them land. Blake spent his Saturday night helping a wingman. People brought food and coffee for each other. Debates were fewer, camaraderie was greater. This Mini Con was fundamentally different and perhaps we would be a better organization if we asked why.
But an even greater seismic shift was when the players courteously reminded each other to keep the noise level down (a brief outburst on Sunday morning notwithstanding). Players made a real effort to maintain some sense of self-awareness and went the extra mile to politely ask others to quiet down when they became loud.
The change this made in the atmosphere of the entire venue cannot be overstated. The gaming was more relaxed. Communication was clear and vastly easier. The childish outbursts of screaming and flailing about for attention was completely absent until Sunday. The entire experience was far more enjoyable.
My personal experience was successful as well. In 23 missions I managed to score six victories while being shot down four times and losing just one pilot and an observer. I finished sixth of about 22 players overall and second in the Milwaukee Cup. I was honored to fly with Mark Seaburg, Wyatt Kapustanczek and two other pilots in an epic mission in which our flight of five Armstrong-Whitworth FK8's was attacked by German fighters. We managed to hold our own in a lengthy game that was great fun.
Overall, this Mini Con was one of the best I've ever attended. I appreciate the people who made it happen, and I appreciate the people whose behavior made it so enjoyable.
Mini Con Photos
by Stephen Skinner
For whatever one man's experience is worth, the 2024 Fits Spring Mini Con was perhaps the most enjoyable Dawn Patrol event I've ever attended for two specific reasons: the camaraderie of the players and the quiet atmosphere of the game room.
Much of the spite and argumentation that sometimes accompanies such events was simply non-existent. In this case, the brotherhood of the Fits Society actually lived up to its claims. Wyatt and Ken had open shots at helpless planes but chose to let them land. Blake spent his Saturday night helping a wingman. People brought food and coffee for each other. Debates were fewer, camaraderie was greater. This Mini Con was fundamentally different and perhaps we would be a better organization if we asked why.
But an even greater seismic shift was when the players courteously reminded each other to keep the noise level down (a brief outburst on Sunday morning notwithstanding). Players made a real effort to maintain some sense of self-awareness and went the extra mile to politely ask others to quiet down when they became loud.
The change this made in the atmosphere of the entire venue cannot be overstated. The gaming was more relaxed. Communication was clear and vastly easier. The childish outbursts of screaming and flailing about for attention was completely absent until Sunday. The entire experience was far more enjoyable.
My personal experience was successful as well. In 23 missions I managed to score six victories while being shot down four times and losing just one pilot and an observer. I finished sixth of about 22 players overall and second in the Milwaukee Cup. I was honored to fly with Mark Seaburg, Wyatt Kapustanczek and two other pilots in an epic mission in which our flight of five Armstrong-Whitworth FK8's was attacked by German fighters. We managed to hold our own in a lengthy game that was great fun.
Overall, this Mini Con was one of the best I've ever attended. I appreciate the people who made it happen, and I appreciate the people whose behavior made it so enjoyable.
Mini Con Photos
How to Deal With Loud Dawn Patrol Players
My grandfather always said, "You can't drink yourself sober and you can't borrow yourself out of debt." He also might have added, you can't out-scream a screamer.
Several players tried to do just that during the final game of this year's Mini Con with predictable results. A shouting match ensued with the screamers indignantly refusing to stop screaming no matter how many people they annoyed, including the hotel management (which seems unlikely to allow us to return). Yet these were the same screamers who had responded politely over the previous three days. So what changed? The approach.
Screaming originates from a lack of self awareness. Why does a 300 pound drunk girl dance on the bar room table? She's convinced that she's the life of the party, not even remotely aware that most others find her acutely annoying and cannot wait for her to sit down and shut up. Shouting just brings her more attention and perpetuates her embarrassing behavior. Attempting to out-scream someone who has no self awareness is like using a fire extinguisher filled with gasoline. You still lose and everything just gets worse.
When dealing with a screamer, accept the fact that there is nothing anyone can do to force the screamers to stop screaming. Yes, you can ask. But you can't actually force them do anything. So don't try. If they are so utterly absent of mind that they cannot hear your request, there is no amount of yelling that will snap them back to reality anyway. They're dancing on the table and your only options are 1) leave the bar, or 2) wait for their exhaustion to outweigh their need for attention.
So be polite. Show some respect, even if they show none to anyone else. Don't demand. Ask quietly. Better yet, use silent hand gestures. Or ask a few of the mentally present, self-aware players at that table to ask courteously on your behalf. For three days in Milwaukee that actually worked. When asked politely, most of the loud people were considerate and at least made an attempt to meet others halfway. And that's certainly a better outcome than the one produced by the shouting match on Sunday morning.
Actual Footage, Nieuport 28 Crash
My grandfather always said, "You can't drink yourself sober and you can't borrow yourself out of debt." He also might have added, you can't out-scream a screamer.
Several players tried to do just that during the final game of this year's Mini Con with predictable results. A shouting match ensued with the screamers indignantly refusing to stop screaming no matter how many people they annoyed, including the hotel management (which seems unlikely to allow us to return). Yet these were the same screamers who had responded politely over the previous three days. So what changed? The approach.
Screaming originates from a lack of self awareness. Why does a 300 pound drunk girl dance on the bar room table? She's convinced that she's the life of the party, not even remotely aware that most others find her acutely annoying and cannot wait for her to sit down and shut up. Shouting just brings her more attention and perpetuates her embarrassing behavior. Attempting to out-scream someone who has no self awareness is like using a fire extinguisher filled with gasoline. You still lose and everything just gets worse.
When dealing with a screamer, accept the fact that there is nothing anyone can do to force the screamers to stop screaming. Yes, you can ask. But you can't actually force them do anything. So don't try. If they are so utterly absent of mind that they cannot hear your request, there is no amount of yelling that will snap them back to reality anyway. They're dancing on the table and your only options are 1) leave the bar, or 2) wait for their exhaustion to outweigh their need for attention.
So be polite. Show some respect, even if they show none to anyone else. Don't demand. Ask quietly. Better yet, use silent hand gestures. Or ask a few of the mentally present, self-aware players at that table to ask courteously on your behalf. For three days in Milwaukee that actually worked. When asked politely, most of the loud people were considerate and at least made an attempt to meet others halfway. And that's certainly a better outcome than the one produced by the shouting match on Sunday morning.
Actual Footage, Nieuport 28 Crash
Red Baron Fight XXXV on May 18, 2024
The Silver Goblet Has Arrived
The 35th anniversary of the Indy Squadron's Red Baron Fight is upon us! The annual spring classic will be held at Nelson Skinner's house in Lewisville, Indiana on Saturday, May 18th, with dice rolling at 12 noon.
Defending champion Rick Lacy scored a kill and an assist last year to win his fifth Silver Goblet. Click here to see all current RBF records. Click here to read the history of the Silver Goblet and how it became Indy's symbol of victory in Red Baron Fight.
This year's cup has arrived (photo) and will be presented to the winner on site. We'll see you at Red Baron Fight XXXV next weekend!
Book Review:
Manfred von Richthofen,
The Red Baron & The High Price of Glory
by Tim Hillier-Graves
This book should have been written decades ago. For more than a century, Germany's famed Red Baron has been held up as the symbol of Prussian duty and honor. Yet such a remembrance is a terrible disservice to the German ace.
The truth is that Manfred von Richthofen was destroyed by war, just as war destroys everything and everyone else in its path. Morose, depressed and disillusioned after four years of combat, Richthofen had been reduced to a marketing puppet at the time of his death. And he knew it.
Just as the US government needed the Lusitania hoax to deceive its population into war (the ship was, in fact, illegally transporting munitions and German warnings to US passengers were deliberately pulled from US newspapers), Germany needed the Richthofen propaganda machine to perpetuate it.
The false narratives surrounding 9/11, Ukraine, Hamas, covid, mass shootings and Israel are obvious, but sometimes we forget that disinformation precedes our era. This book relies on personal testimonies and eyewitness accounts to establish that government propaganda was tragically effective in Richthofen's day as well.
Of all the books this reviewer has seen in over 40 years of WWI aviation study, this is the first one that Richthofen himself would approve. It is a must-read. Not just for WWI air enthusiasts, but for anyone who seeks truth in a universe of government lies.
Manfred von Richthofen,
The Red Baron & The High Price of Glory
by Tim Hillier-Graves
This book should have been written decades ago. For more than a century, Germany's famed Red Baron has been held up as the symbol of Prussian duty and honor. Yet such a remembrance is a terrible disservice to the German ace.
The truth is that Manfred von Richthofen was destroyed by war, just as war destroys everything and everyone else in its path. Morose, depressed and disillusioned after four years of combat, Richthofen had been reduced to a marketing puppet at the time of his death. And he knew it.
Just as the US government needed the Lusitania hoax to deceive its population into war (the ship was, in fact, illegally transporting munitions and German warnings to US passengers were deliberately pulled from US newspapers), Germany needed the Richthofen propaganda machine to perpetuate it.
The false narratives surrounding 9/11, Ukraine, Hamas, covid, mass shootings and Israel are obvious, but sometimes we forget that disinformation precedes our era. This book relies on personal testimonies and eyewitness accounts to establish that government propaganda was tragically effective in Richthofen's day as well.
Of all the books this reviewer has seen in over 40 years of WWI aviation study, this is the first one that Richthofen himself would approve. It is a must-read. Not just for WWI air enthusiasts, but for anyone who seeks truth in a universe of government lies.
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