Goodbye and thank you

[Mark Choate]

Ladies and gentlemen of the A/C,

I recently told Eric, Paul and the other moderators some of the details that are behind a difficult decision that I have had to make. Without going into details, suffice it to say that “life” has inserted itself firmly into my plans and as such will virtually eliminate my further participation in this wonderful hobby as a mounted cavalryman. So, after 21 years, I am hanging up my spurs. As such, I cannot in good faith continue as a moderator for the Cavalry forum and so, as I have told the others I will be stepping down from this position effective the end of this month. Announcements will soon be made as to my replacement. I do plan to retain my membership to the site.

I want to thank all of you that I have gotten to know and have exchanged information with. I am a better and more knowledgeable person as a result of my interaction with each of you.

My thanks also to Eric and Paul and the other moderators who have done so much for the advancement of authenticity in this hobby that we love so much. Special thanks go to Mr. Ken Knopp who first recommended me for this position and whom I have learned so much. He has forgotten more about the mounted side of this endeavor than I will ever know. Ken will continue to oversee the Cavalry forum and will lead in that area.

Thank you all and continue to learn and improve.

Regards,
Mark

[brown]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Bless you wherever your journey leads.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Good luck, Mark. You will be missed. That Cav program you put on at STRI last year was the impressive thing I have seen out there.
Your formations are better on the backs of those horses than we are on foot!

[desotobob]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Mr. Choate - You indeed will be missed here and in the field. Blessings on your journey forward.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Mark:

You are a true gentleman and I have enjoyed working with you since I returned to the AC. Your knowledge, leadership, enthusiasm and general good nature will be missed. I know this hasn't been an easy decision for you and I want to say here publicly, that the door is always open for you to return. I wish you all the best and thank you for your time, dedication and support. Thanks for everything Mark. We will cross paths again.

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

All,

I have known Mark a long time. He has been both a stalwart champion of striving for authenticity in cavalry (proving it in his own impression and encouraging it in others) but always also the most engaging, accommodating and approachable person at the same time. He is probably the most organized, dedicated and tactful person I have ever seen in this hobby. His work here on the AC and in the field are his testimony.

Just one example, most will remember the several Camp of Instructions (COI) that were organized by Mark at Carnton Plantation. From my point of view and those that attended, the last one we did would be hard to top by anyone-anywhere. One cannot imagine the amount of work that goes into something like that. Sadly, I do not think we will ever see the likes of them again. Unfortunately, his above talents were often either taken for granted or mis-understood so the hole he leaves will be noticeable.

Mark knows how I feel about him personally so I will not get into that here (except to note that the entire planet will suffer and no doubt be a much lessor place without our regular bourbon and cigar think-tank sessions) ....

but.... to say that his contributions and leadership here will be "missed" is a gross understatement.

Ken R Knopp

[Mike Nickerson]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Mark, I hope all becomes well in the future and you can return to the ranks! You will be truly missed and it has been a pleasure riding with you on the several occasions our paths have crossed.

Mike Nickerson

[Army30th]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

I don't know you, Sir. Good luck, and God Bless.

[bamabubba]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Mark,

Again, many thanks to you, Ken, and the boys for allowing me to come and film at one of your COI's at Carnton Plantation. Needless to say your demeanor, command, and attention to detail left an everlasting impression upon me. The little documentary I was working on for Streight's Raid in Alabama has been well received. You fellers can catch a few scenes of Mark in command at a minute mark 2:43 at this link: https://john-kelton.squarespace.com/new-page-2

Again, many thanks.

Your obedient servant,

John Kelton, Huntsville, Alabama

[Micah Trent]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Thank you Mark for not only your time here on the AC, but for helping others, like myself, to better understand cavalry tatcis. Also, thank you for your support at events where you were such a huge help (cough, cough...Perryville!) I think everyone on this forum can vouch that the COI you pulled off set the bar high and is the standard that everyone doing cavalry, especially confederate should learn and apply.
Again, thanks for everything Mark. You've been a blessing to many us!!!

[rbruno]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

Mark, best of luck to you. I was glad I had the opportunity to meet you in person even only for a brief time at 1st Manassas.
Thanks for your work here as well.

[Utley]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

I wish you the best Mark, you have always been a gentleman and great asset to the hobby. I'll see you around at various Subways!! LOL. Take care!!

[Mark B]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

I know where you live. Don't think this is over.

[malachi]

Re: Goodbye and thank you

I thank you for all your patience with those of us who don't know a lot, but asked much. You were always a perfect gentleman.
God bless brother,
Greg Tucker