Interview [Issue 24] Behind the Tank - MadDog21

[Vikingsrallentando 3,058]

Hello, and welcome to my new interview series called "Behind the Tank." Contrary to GoldRock's comical "Behind the Breaking News" series, this is far less funny and aimed more at finding out the person behind the tank, to open up and share with the community about who they really are.

Our first interviewee is one that is regarded highly by few, but still low by many. Please give a warm round of applause to Mr. MadDog21

Player Profile
Game Name: MadDog21
Nickname(s): MD, MD21, “Likely some unprintables dependent upon whom you ask. ;-)”
Real Name: Ron
Country: USA
Preferred combo(s): “Favorite is whatever is working well given the map and the opposition. I do favor speed over durability, so I’m often in Hornet with Rico or Smoky.”
Viking: Greetings MadDog21, I hope all is well for you.

MadDog: Thank you. Returns. Every day is fine. All it takes is deciding it will be. :)

To start this off, could you tell the readers and I about yourself; maybe to someone who has never met you?

I’m a man, not a boy. I’ve filled life richly, and i do it still. I’ve been a sales person, radio newsman, disc jockey, gunship pilot, high school educator and more. I’m retired presently. I’m Christian though hardly pure. I was a MOD and a very good one. Tanki’s loss that I’m no longer moderating, but Tanki and I disagree on critical aspects of the job.

Being the famous player you are, could you explain the significance of your nickname? One in which many recognize.

I’ve tended to demure at “famous” in a net game. It’s a diversion, and entertainment. Fame here amounts to little. The nick comes from my call sign when I flew helicopter gunships in Vietnam. I flew with the 240th AHC, Greyhounds (Lift ships.) and Mad Dogs (Gun platoon.).

How cool! I can imagine hearing your nickname said over radio. With the intelligence you exhibit, what did you major in? What did you do with those majors?

Majors in Speech/Theatre, Radio & Televsion Broadcasting and English. I taught, wrote, did a film, worked radio and much more.

You seem to have had a fun filled career, and several at that. As a veteran and experienced educator, whats an important you've learned? Perhaps one you taught to your students?

Far too much to simplify. Regarding Tanki, respect others. That shows in multiple ways. Language, grace, loyalty, integrity and much more as I noted.

What was your role in Vietnam?

I was a gunship aircraft commander and a fire team lead. I also was the officer in charge of a security platoon at Pho Loi’s base camp for the 11th CAB portion of the perimeter, 11 bunkers.

Who has been the most important person in your life?

Far more than one. Jesus Christ, and that’s not a cop out.

What period of your life do you believe was the best? The worst?

War was both best and worst. I loved education, so my university and teaching time were bests, not without challenging times, but great overall.

If you could speak with an old friend or influential person in your life, dead or alive (but not a celebrity), who would it be and why?

I do speak with some in my prayers. My heritage is Germanic, folks not known for the demonstrative natures. I’d tell my favorite uncle, my grandparents and several deceased Mates how greatly I loved them and how significantly they’ve impacted my life. Love and thanks, a good mix.

To my knowledge, you have a distaste for quitters, those that leave battles prematurely; What is your view of them and what would to tell them to possibly convince them into staying?

I loath quitters in any venue of life unless they learn they’ve really chosen a poor course. In Tanki, quitters give up too easily. They’re nothing but profiteers ho, if they think the cause is lost such that they’ll not get rewards, quite on their team. Unless I’m left with nearly no teammates, I don’t quit. People of character, integrity and honor don’t quit, but those characteristics are sorely lacking in Tanki at large. It’s dishonorable in life. Why should it be less so in game play?

With that, do you have anything else to say? To your friends, readers, and haters?

I don’t expect to affect any with my words. My play represents me suitably. Honorable players see that. The others can go pound sand. I don’t tolerate fools, and, due to age in part, Tanki has many of those.
My friends know who they are, and they know me. Games rarely build character as most coaches will say to inspire players. One certainty is that games reveal character or the lack of it.

One phenomenon of note is the safe distance of the internet that insulates rude twits from those who, in face time, would harshly correct and remediate. This isn’t exclusive to Tanki or other games. It’s epidemic to the net. Cowards nestle behind their monitors throwing insults, offensives and profanities they’d never do in face time. Remember? REVEALS, not builds, character.

Blessings.
MD21

A big thanks to MadDog for agreeing to do this interview, as well as to the faithful readers of the newspaper. Stay tuned to see who gets interviewed next month!

Thanks for Reading, Hope you enjoyed.

Edited January 7, 2018 by Vikingsrallentando

[falcosenna1 8,320]

Nice interview. VERY interesting to read it!!

[blackopspaul 753]

^Yea nice viking!

[Guest Maserati]

nice!

[hogree 4,179]

A true legend. You picked the right guy. What an incredible career. O.o

[Atakhan 1,229]

Most unique interview I have read so far.

[UAA619 97]

You chose the right guy to start this off. Well thought out questions and interesting answers... Overall, great interview.

[robbie56 2,403]

He's nub :mellow:

[Papitoi 294]

He's nub :mellow:

So are you  :lol: 

[robbie56 2,403]

So are you  :lol: 

I find it funny said by you :rolleyes:

 

#King Hy6

[Reckoning 178]

"Welcome to my block list - buh-bye"  :lol:

[lukey0 27,543]

^lol 

and great article vikingsrall. 

[whodat34 58]

"Welcome to my block list - buh-bye"  :lol:

lol thats his signature saying

[canadarules 1,938]

lol

[gazatron30 513]

Awesome, would love to see more of this!

[403giggity 15]

Good to know .... .... ....

Edited July 26, 2014 by 403giggity

[KittyMewMew 1]

I have to say I have truly enjoyed seeing this article... you could not have chosen a better person to interview ... I give praise as well that MD was allowed to speak so freely and allowed to state his faith and just who he is.

MD is a good man... the salt of the earth ... a what you see is what you get kind of guy with no candy coating... he always conducts himself with honor & loyalty, something rare for this day and age...   You either like or dis like MD right away even strongly dislike him lol... and those that have stuck around long enough to see the person behind the name... gladly stay and makes a true friend & ally ;)  

There's no one I'd rather have my back in a battle then Dawg_1, MD and or a small net group of well loved friends I have... I am blessed.... they are the guys you know will drop into a battle and get to it right away and cover you... they'll have your back weither your winning or losing and not abandon you or any team mate in the heat of the battle...  So for some of you that have sorely misjudged MD ~snickers~... you just might give this fella a closer look ...  MD... He's one heck of a Tanker & Ally!  in the words of my fiance Dawg_1... Wooof! haha.

 

Blessings...  *~Angel~*

[KittyMewMew 1]

I'd love to see an interview with the combo of daitchman & Daslec lol!... when these two get going on the chat... they have people in stitch's... I can have the worse day and when you see those two cracking up on the chat... well it's just infectious ;)  

What topics do they broach?.... LoL.... not to much is off limits...  bless them both.

 

*~Angel~*

[r_PC-JACK0 91]

 Vickingsrail -- I really enjoyed your article about MadDdog21 -- he is my Best Friend in Tanki for sure. Ron is reall a true warrior and a hero for what he did during the vietnam war for sure. Your questions and leading the discusion was really good and bery thoughtfull. THANKS MAN :):)

Edited July 10, 2014 by r_PC-JACK0

[Lt.Tank-Marshall 32]

I like MD, Hes a cool guy.

 

 

Ooh Interview Me! I'm Famous! I have so many fans! *cricket chirps on top of dead silence*

[EatYourMeat 27]

Lovely interview man, I admire your choice. MadDog really seems legendary!

[Tofu 6,773]

I like MD, Hes a cool guy.

 

 

Ooh Interview Me! I'm Famous! I have so many fans! *cricket chirps on top of dead silence*

LOL. I guess that the cricket is ur only fan lol

[MARKANHRVATxdXD 71]

Nice.,

[nexx_mowarek 35]

Nice and interesing interwiew! Thanks Viking!

[7919zola 252]

Lovely interview man, I admire your choice. MadDog really seems legendary!

He doesn't, "seem," legendary, he just is. Not sure why so many regard him so lowly though.