August 2003

08.31.03

SquadFirst+ Released to the Fleet:  08.10.03
As Emailed From:  Internet Officer (HA Ari)

SquadFirst revolutionized the way CMDRs produced their websites. Since its conception over 25 squadrons had chosen to use a SquadFirst site. But, we weren't satisfied with just making a squadron management script. So, we began to make a website management script for wings, then for ships, and for battlegroups. But, why stop there? Soon enough support was added for the Infiltrator Wing, the Dark Brotherhood, and the Hammer's Fist.

The end result is SquadFirst+, one of the most ambitious projects ever created by the Internet Office. For the past month, MAJ Alex Foley has been developing the next generation of management scripts. And today, it makes me very proud to announce that SquadFirst+ v2.0.0 has been released. 6976 lines of code. Over 100 man hours of work. It's the upgrade that a project like SquadFirst deserved.

Also included with SquadFirst+ are 4 new themes. A new theming system within SF+ makes it much easier to make your own theme, having to know practically no PHP whatsoever. The new themes featured are AT-AT for the Hammer's Fist (by Alex Foley), Emperor's Hammer: Classic Scenes, the new default theme for SF+ (by Alex Foley), Stonesaber, a great new Dark Brotherhood theme (by MAJ Xander Drax), and TIE Phantom, a holonet-looking new theme for the TIE Corps (by MAJ Xander Drax and FA Leeson).

With SquadFirst+ comes a new SquadFirst website located still at http://squadfirst.minos.net.  Besides a new design, the new site also hosts The Registry, which houses a master list of all SquadFirst+ sites. Gain inspiration, find custom themes, check out custom code; whatever the end result, The Registry will extend SquadFirst+ into a community of developers. We hope you enjoy SquadFirst+!

IO-FSEA-PROF/HA Ari/CS-5/SSSD Sovereign
[MoH] [GOE] [GSx3] [SSx2] [BS] [PCx3] [ISMx9] [MoT-rh-gh] [IS-3BR-4SR-2GR-1PR]
[LoC-CSx6] [MoC-SoC-5BoC] [CoE] [CoB] [CoLx2] [LoAx2] [OV-4E]
{IWATS-SM/1-IIC/1/2/3-VBS-XML-RPG-CBX-M/1/2-GFX-PHP/1/2-ASP-AIM-JS}
Internet Officer of the Emperor's Hammer
ISD Colossus: FC's Own, 2000
IWATS VBScript Professor

OPS Open for Applications:  08.09.03
As Submitted From:  Executive Officer (SA Astatine)

Operations Office
(URL to be updated soon...!)

Overview

The Operations Officer is responsible for the timely awarding of medals within the TIE Corps, providing consultive feedback on high level medals and maintaining the Operations Manual and related materials.

Selection Criteria - Essential
1. Good written communication skills.
2. An acceptable level of presence on online media such as IRC, message boards, etc.
3. Fast email response time.
4. The ability to work with a wide range of EH personnel in a diplomatic fashion.

Selection Criteria - Desirable
1. Graphics and/or HTML ability.
2. Prior experience in a similar position.

You must address each criteria with supporting evidence. Simply saying "Yes, I can do that" will not be enough. Include specific examples of your experience. You should meet at least the essential criteria to be
considered for the position. You will be expected to perform the core duties of the position to an acceptable level. You must include at least three (3) references. At least one of these must be a former or current superior, preferably current. Ensure you have their permission first, as your application will be seen in a negative light if you have not gained their permission. Applications should be sent to the Fleet Commander and Executive Officer with the subject "Application for Operations Officer".

Fleet Commander's Note:

Please note that former OPS (AD Khaine), although he will be missed, has been kind enough to leave up the essential OPS files (click link above).  Prospective Applicants are encouraged to download all necessary files if they intend to pick up the work quickly efficiently as OPS, if selected.

Second, if you have previously sent in an application for OPS, please don't resend.  We received it :)

08.18.03

EH Memorium Flag Competition:  07.28.03
As Emailed From:  CA:LO/RA Daniel Stephens

<SALUTE>

Sir I know this is a bit of a late notice, but Id like to ask of a favor. As you probably know I am running a comp for a "flag" for the EH memorial. This comp has been running for a little over a week with a week left, so far I have recieved 3 entries. And honestly I want more, I have very little exposure for this, only the MBs, and various pestering, but Id like to ask if you would post this on the TC domain and possibly the EH domain. I have also asked the various SGCOMs to post these details on their sites but I have seen no such thing done. Anyways if you will these are the details:

Competition Name/Title A Heroes Flag

Submitted by: CA:LO/RA Daniel Stephens/CA-11/SSSD Sovereign

Parties Involved All Emperors Hammer subgroups
Missions/Battles Used none
Medals to be Awarded IS-PR to winner, IS-GR to second, IS-SR to third, and IS-br to the 4th
Miscellaneous Information This is a competition to make a "flag" of sorts for the Emperors Hammer Memorial.  I also want to have the EH logo on the flag, but I don't want the whole flag to be taken up by it.

It needs to be around 50K or less in size with a resolution that's comparable to a standard splash image, I believe the normally don't exceed 300x300, but I could be wrong. As for format we'll only except JPG, TIF, or PNG. Other formats don't have the compression to really allow a nice image to have a small file size.

Thank you in advance sir,

<SALUTE>

=====
CA:LO/RA Daniel Stephens/CA-11/SSSD Sovereign
PCx3/ISMx6/MoI/IS-1GR/CoB/LoAx4/OV-2E [DRAG] {IWATS-AIM-ASP-BX-CBX-FLA-ICQ-IIC/1/2-M/1/2-RT-SM/2/3-TM-TT-VBS-XML}
BTM/DJK/Black Falcons/Dorimad Sol/Scholae Palatinae
DC/(BN)/(LSS){SA: G:P1-G:P2-O:CORE-S:CORE-S:ISET-S:ESET}

Fleet Commander's Note:

The EH Memorium is being developed to honor all EHers who have passed away and provide them a permanent honored listing off our Domain.

Destavol Resigns as Lord Ambassador, Replacement Sought:  07.29.03
As Emailed From:  Former Lord Ambassador (COL Destavol)

EH Advanced Guard

<SALUTE>

Today is a day that I have thought long and hard. I have looked at what I have done in the past two weeks and I see nothing other than a few meetings to try and set alliances. I also know that its only going to grow worse. The AG has been my home for a long time, no matter how inactive or active it was. I am just really worn out, I was worn out before I got the job, but I kept going no matter what. I have done my best and I don't think it was enough. That's why I feel that I should step down. I am not only leaving the position of LA, but the EH as a whole. The EH has given a lot to me. I can only hope that the little that I gave back can be enough for now. I don't doubt that I will come back one day.

For now I'm pry going to join my friends. Im sorry that I couldn't have served on longer, but I will say this. This is my choice. I am leaving with no regrets. I have accomplished every thing I have wanted to in the EH. The final thing being to reach any form of Admiral and serve the EH has one of its officers. This I have done, whether I did a good job or not is up to the people that served under me and the ones that I served as an advisor. I know that I will lose my rank of RA due to me leaving to early, but it doesn't bother me. I am happy just knowing I got to serve with all of you. Thanks you guys, I don't know how I can repay you. I probably never will be able to. If I am to be expelled for my choice of joining my friends I accept all charges. I don't expect to be treated differently than any other member. If anything I should be treated harsher because I am an officer. This will pry anger many of you, and all I can do is ask for your forgiveness. I am only human. If this is a mistake, I will know soon enough. If you haven't closed this e-mail already I would like to thank three men.

Vice Admiral Darknyte - "DN, you have done so much for me, you took me under your wing and showed me the real world of the EH. You are the reason I got this job. Do not think I am casting it aisde, this is something that has been on my mind for a while. I appreciate every thing you have done for me, I know there is no way I can return the favours. Simply because you are better than me in all ways. I hope to always be your friend. Take care bro."

Grand Admiral Ronin - "Ronin, the instant I got the job you just took me on as a friend. You never questioned my word on club things. You treated me as an equal and not an underling. This is something very few commanders can do. You are a talented man and will always be a friend in my book. I could always come to you when I had a problem. Thanks Mr Ronin. This club wouldn't be the same with out you."

Sector Admiral Astatine - "Ast you have put more work into this club than I could ever imagine. I never got to get to know you. Nor will I probably ever will. However, this doesn't make you any different in my eye. I wish I could have been as good a man as you. Take care and I really hope people start seeing your work in this club, it is really more than one would think. Thanks for every thing."

With this said I place my resignation and leave. Take care you guys, I will never forget the great times you allowed me to have. If you never want to see me again, its the least I can do for all the things you have done for me.

-RA Destavol Gin-

Fleet Commander's Note:

We are sorry to see Destavol leave the EH for the TRIC, but we each make our way in life...and he has chosen his path.  Fear not, Destavol, the TRIC isn't an enemy of the EH...No one has even mentioned expelling you :)

Interested applicants should email me with their resumes...

Catching Saddam's Sons - An EHers Report from Iraq:  07.26.03
As Emailed From:  RSV/VA Khameir Sarin/Frigate Phoenix

GA Ronin,

Greetings,

Just wanted to pass on a report about Saddam's sons. There is currently a gag-order on talking about the
operation as it holds a security clearance is above civilian speak. What I can say is that the 101st Airborne was at the operation, the Operation was in Mosul, and the soldiers involved wore black hearts (each brigade wears a different symbol, we are the Black Heart Brigade) on their kevlar helmets. I can also say that myself and my men are stationed in Mosul, we are a part of the 101st airborne, and we wear black hearts on our helmets. heh

Everything here is going well, my men have all had a case of low morale due to the fact that it appears we will be here until March, that will be one year for us. My bank account will love it, my fiancee will not. My wedding date was in December. hehe, not anymore.

I just recently bounced back into the DB, moving in as the Arcona Pro Consul due to the lack of members in Arcona. Felt like lending a helping hand. Not to mention i need some relaxation time when I get on the computer. Still waiting for a joystick before returning to the TC where I am going to steal somebody's Battlgroup, hehe!

That's about it for my update now. Currently myself and my men are in Arbil, Iraq doing a quick week mission with some secret squirrel civilians. We are rather close to the Iranian border. That is a bit chilling.

I will email you again in a month or so with another update. Ill try to pass on a picture of myself and my boys before to long.

Take Care,

And Happy Birthday!

LT Matt Crawford

AKA

=====

RSV/VA Khameir Sarin/Frigate Phoenix

SW Khameir Sarin (Sith)//Oriens Obscurum of Arcona

Fleet Commander's Note:

VA Khameir, keep your head down and come home safe !  And thank all you guys for us Imperials...We're rooting for 'em !

Inquisitor FA Moreco Awarded Imperial Cross (IC) Medal:  07.17.03
As Recommended By:  High Inquisitor (HA Royal)

(Please see Operations Manual for Medal descriptions)

It's almost been a year (july 30th 2002) since FA Moreco (pin# 2134) took the reigns of Tribune to the HCI and performed admirably within his role and often replacing me while I was on leave. So it's my privilege to
recommend him for an Imperial Cross.

Fleet Commander's Note:

I remember back when FA Moreco ran the Infiltrator Wing.  He has always been a very reliable and capable EH officer.  With his recent work filling in for HA Royal and handling some high-profile EH HCI cases, FA Moreco certainly deserves this award !

Congrats !

Keiran Idanian Retires and Awarded Imperial Cross (IC) Medal:  07.19.03
As Emailed From:  Former Special Operations Director (HA Keiran Idanian)

Greetings friends, fellow peers, and members of the Emperor's Hammer,

<salute>

The last time I had to write a letter such as this, was when I resigned as Reconnaissance Officer. And, I must admit, they haven't gotten any easier.

Over the past couple months, I have found that I have been unable to devote a lot - if any - time to the Emperor's Hammer. Granted, we always say, "real life comes first", but this club, with it's membership and publicity... it does require as much of your free time as you feel your position requires of you. Thus, I have decided it would be best for the club and myself to step down and enter into retirement.

For four years, I have been a member of the Emperor's Hammer, and there wasn't a day that went by which I did not enjoy. Even in the Emperor's Hammer's darker hours (the rDB Movement and the Minos Cluster Conflict), I felt that it brought out the best in the officers, allowing them to solve the situation and get the club back on it's path in as little time as possible. So much as changed the past year, many new rising and promising officers have made their names known. And, with much regret, I know very little about them. It are those officers who hold the future of the Emperor's Hammer. Their ideas will help us expand and grow into our Tenth Year!

The era of Keiran Idanian has come to a close, and with it - I hope - a great legacy is left. Only in years to come will someone realize what their efforts proved to this club, and every person makes their own contribution. I have no regrets for what I have done for the Emperor's Hammer, the time I took for this club. I loved doing it. Sitting at my computer - as the time ticked away. If I had the chance to do it all over, I would gladly take it. Because the years I had with the fleet were some of the fondest of my life.

I would like to thank:

Grand Admiral Ronin for always allowing me to pursue my ideas, and trusting me with such important jobs so early into my time with the fleet. I came to think of him as not only a friend but a mentor.

All my friends I've made in the fleet. Each of you hold you're own memory. From the pilots I served with on the SSD Avenger, to my commanding officers who always had their "doors open". I think I will miss the people most of all. Feel free to look me up and chat, if you don't feel like to talking to a retired officer. :)

Last, but not least, the Command Staff - past and present - for always putting up with my annoying reminders, as CA:FC. And recently, allowing me to continue with my ideas when I was Reconnaissance Officer.

I Keiran Idanian, High Admiral of the Emperor's Hammer Strike Fleet, current Special Operations Director, former Reconnaissance Officer, ex-CA:FC, Alvaak Consul predecessor, and many others... :) Hereby enter retirement...

I will always look fondly on my years with the Emperor's Hammer and hold for it, and it's members a special place in my heart...

In the service of the Empire,

-Gerry Bella, Jr.

-= High Admiral Keiran Idanian, Special Operations Director =-
SOD-VROY/HA Keiran Idanian/STRKC Escutcheon
MoH/GOE/GS/SS/BSx2/PC/ISMx3/MoI-BC/MoT-1rh-1gh/LoC-ISx10/MoC-4BoC-5SoC-3GoC-3PoC-1DoC/CoL/CoB/LoAx11/OV-3E [CAVL] {IWATS-AIM-ASP-BX-CBX-CHAR-FLA-GFX-IIC/1/2/3-JS-M/1/2-RPG-SM/2-TM-TT-VBS-XAM-XML-XTM-XTT}
KNP (Krath)/TYR/Dominatus of Alvaak
SB/(SC-SoI)/(SE)/(BNG)(BN)/Cr-1R/(LSAg)/CoL {SA: CORE}
"For the honor of the Emperor's Hammer"

Fleet Commander's Note:

I would like to personally extend my gratitude to HA Keiran.  He has single-handedly started up the Honorary Members program and had the chutzpah to actually contact most of them and keep bugging them until they responded.  He has done more for exposure of the EH in the Star Wars community than any other single EH Member, most probably including myself !  He most certainly deserves this IC medal !

(Please see Operations Manual for Medal descriptions)

Keiran should serve as an example to all EH Members of what one can accomplish if you put in the effort and hard work.  The EH is what YOU make of it !

Keiran, it has been a pleasure to serve with you.  Best of luck in all that you do !  You'll always have a home in the Emperor's Hammer.

XvT Week(s) of War:  07.18.03
As Emailed From:  CMDR/MAJ Kenath Zoron/Hornet/Wing XV/ISD Vanguard

---------------------------
All EH pilots (that means Sith, TC or IW or anyone else!) are reminded that the XvT Week of War has started today in the ZoneLan DirectPlay XvT Room in the Game Tables 25-45. Get out there and fly to support the EH!

If you have any questions feel free to ask the COO staff or myself.

Also, for the XWA pilots, the XWA Week of War starts next Friday, so make sure you are registered on www.battlestats.com in the EH division.

Good luck and shoot straight! I Hope to see you out there!

CMDR/MAJ Kenath Zoron/Hornet/Wing XV/ISD Vanguard
-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your time sir and this would really help out, because DB or IW pilots rarely seem to know about the WoWs and the TC pilots aren't much more aware of it than that. I'd love to see more pilots out there winning and having fun.

BTW - I hope I got the hyperlinks correct :$ If not, could you be so kind as to correct them for me? Thanks.

Respectfully Submitted,

Major Kenath Zoron
CMDR/MAJ Kenath Zoron/Hornet/Wing XV/ISD Vanguard
SSx2/BSx6/PCx3/ISMx3/MoI/IS-8BW-5BR-2SW/LoC-TS-IS-CSx2-Rx4/DFC-BW-Rx1/MoC-2BoC/CoB/LoAx5/OV-2E [TMPR] {IWATS-AIM-CBX-ICQ-IIC/1/2/3-M/1/2-RT-SM/2/3-TM-TT-XTM/1-XTT}