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Difference between revisions of "Grand Duke Travis"
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| successor1 = [[Prince Daniel Nicholas|King Nicholas]] | | successor1 = [[Prince Daniel Nicholas|King Nicholas]] | ||
| suc-type1 = Successor | | suc-type1 = Successor | ||
| succession2 = Grand Duke of Westarctica | | succession2 = [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]] | ||
| reign2 = 30 June 2004 - 14 January 2006 | | reign2 = 30 June 2004 - 14 January 2006 | ||
| reign-type2 = First Reign | | reign-type2 = First Reign | ||
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His Royal Highness, '''Grand Duke Travis''' (birth name '''Travis McHenry''') is the founder and current [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Head of State]] of [[Westarctica]], a [[Micronations|micronation]], new country project, and environmental non-profit corporation. | His Royal Highness, '''Grand Duke Travis''' (birth name '''Travis McHenry''') is the founder and current [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Head of State]] of [[Westarctica]], a [[Micronations|micronation]], new country project, and environmental non-profit corporation. | ||
The Grand Duke has been involved with various micronations, and has founded three of his own, starting in 1996 with the [[Kingdom of Casbah]], then Westarctica in 2001, and finally [[Colony of Calsahara|Calsahara]] in 2009. In between these projects, he served as a governor for two provinces of [[Republic of Molossia|Molossia]]. June 4th, the Grand Duke's birthday, is celebrated as a [[Public Holidays in Westarctica|national holiday]]. | The Grand Duke has been involved with various micronations, and has founded three of his own, starting in 1996 with the [[Kingdom of Casbah]], then [[Westarctica]] in 2001, and finally [[Colony of Calsahara|Calsahara]] in 2009. In between these projects, he served as a governor for two provinces of [[Republic of Molossia|Molossia]]. | ||
June 4th, the Grand Duke's birthday, is celebrated as a [[Public Holidays in Westarctica|national holiday]]. | |||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
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===Naval career=== | ===Naval career=== | ||
After college, Travis to pursued a career in the [[United States Navy]] where he served for eight years as an Intelligence Specialist with a Top Secret/SCI security clearance on the USS ''Kearsarge'' (LHD-3) and as an instructor at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His primary | After college, Travis to pursued a career in the [[United States Navy]] where he served for eight years as an Intelligence Specialist with a Top Secret/SCI security clearance on the USS ''Kearsarge'' (LHD-3) and as an instructor at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. | ||
His primary specialties were Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) and foreign country military capabilities. | |||
==Claiming Marie Byrd Land== | ==Claiming Marie Byrd Land== | ||
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::''Main article: [[Westarctica]]'' | ::''Main article: [[Westarctica]]'' | ||
[[File:Grand Duke Map1.jpg|thumb|Grand Duke Travis in 2005, during his first reign as ruler of Westarctica]] | [[File:Grand Duke Map1.jpg|thumb|Grand Duke Travis in 2005, during his first reign as ruler of Westarctica]] | ||
On 30 June 2004, Travis instituted new laws over his claimed territory and proclaimed himself [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]]. This new incarnation of the Antarctic [[Micronations|micronation]] proved significantly more popular than the Achaean Territory and drew dozens of citizens and volunteers wishing to work in Westarctica's government. | On 30 June 2004, Travis instituted new laws over his claimed territory and proclaimed himself [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]]. This new incarnation of the Antarctic [[Micronations|micronation]] proved significantly more popular than the [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica|Achaean Territory]] and drew dozens of citizens and volunteers wishing to work in [[Government of Westarctica|Westarctica's government]]. | ||
During this time, he made many diplomatic friendships with other micronational leaders and conducted a state visit with [[President Kevin Baugh]] of the [[Republic of Molossia]] in Washington, D.C. During these early years ruling Westarctica, Grand Duke Travis' focus was on gaining recognition for his nation's sovereignty from member states of the United Nations. To this end, he sent a large volume of correspondence to leaders and representatives from countries around the world that he thought might be sympathetic to his cause. These included: Monaco, Luxembourg, Sudan, Great Britain, Haiti, Laos, Eritrea, Nepal, Nauru, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Niue, Vatican City, and Taiwan (among others). | During this time, he made many [[Foreign relations of Westarctica|diplomatic friendships]] with other micronational leaders and conducted a state visit with [[President Kevin Baugh]] of the [[Republic of Molossia]] in Washington, D.C. During these early years ruling [[Westarctica]], Grand Duke Travis' focus was on gaining recognition for his nation's sovereignty from member states of the United Nations. To this end, he sent a large volume of correspondence to leaders and representatives from countries around the world that he thought might be sympathetic to his cause. These included: Monaco, Luxembourg, Sudan, Great Britain, Haiti, Laos, Eritrea, Nepal, Nauru, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Niue, Vatican City, and Taiwan (among others). | ||
Of these, only Prince Albert II of Monaco and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg replied to his letters, although the former CEO of Antarctica New Zealand, Lou Sanson, once stated in an interview that he received Grand Duke Travis' letter claiming the [[Balleny Islands]], but ultimately didn't respond because he "didn't want to encourage him." | Of these, only Prince Albert II of Monaco and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg replied to his letters, although the former CEO of Antarctica New Zealand, Lou Sanson, once stated in an interview that he received Grand Duke Travis' letter claiming the [[Balleny Islands]], but ultimately didn't respond because he "didn't want to encourage him." | ||
In 2005, several news articles were released about Westarctica in publications such as COLORS Magazine, ''The Somaliland Times'', and the Associated Press. | In 2005, [[Westarctica in the Media|several news articles]] were released about Westarctica in publications such as COLORS Magazine, ''The Somaliland Times'', and the Associated Press. | ||
===Abdication from the throne of Westarctica=== | ===Abdication from the throne of Westarctica=== | ||
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The [[Westarctica in the Media|press coverage surrounding Westarctica]] led to Travis' superiors in the U.S. Navy learning about his routine correspondence with foreign nationals. In late 2005, Travis was asked to meet with an investigator from the Defense Security Service (DSS) who informed him that the government was considering revoking his security clearance due to his interactions with representatives of foreign governments, some of whom were generally considered enemies of the United States. After several subsequent meetings and interviews, a representative from DSS asked Travis to sign a waiver agreeing to cease all communication with foreigners. In return, they would allow him to continue holding a security clearance. | The [[Westarctica in the Media|press coverage surrounding Westarctica]] led to Travis' superiors in the U.S. Navy learning about his routine correspondence with foreign nationals. In late 2005, Travis was asked to meet with an investigator from the Defense Security Service (DSS) who informed him that the government was considering revoking his security clearance due to his interactions with representatives of foreign governments, some of whom were generally considered enemies of the United States. After several subsequent meetings and interviews, a representative from DSS asked Travis to sign a waiver agreeing to cease all communication with foreigners. In return, they would allow him to continue holding a security clearance. | ||
After these meetings, Grand Duke Travis reviewed his options for several weeks and eventually decided to stop his correspondence with foreign governments. However, this meant he would be unable to continue advocating for Westarctica on the international stage. Therefore, on 14 January 2006, he signed an instrument of abdication relinquishing the crown of Westarctica, the title of Grand Duke, and the rights of his children to inherit the throne in the future. | After these meetings, Grand Duke Travis reviewed his options for several weeks and eventually decided to stop his correspondence with foreign governments. However, this meant he would be unable to continue advocating for Westarctica on the international stage. Therefore, on 14 January 2006, he signed an [[Abdication of Grand Duke Travis|instrument of abdication]] relinquishing the crown of Westarctica, the title of Grand Duke, and the rights of his children to inherit the throne in the future. | ||
Prior to the public abdication, Travis had already arranged a transfer of power with Westarctica's [[Minister of Information]], Philip Karns, the [[Duke of Ravencroft]]. Philip had been Travis' friend since the late 1990s and was an important Minister in the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet]]. | Prior to the public abdication, Travis had already arranged a transfer of power with Westarctica's [[Minister of Information]], Philip Karns, the [[Duke of Ravencroft]]. Philip had been Travis' friend since the late 1990s and was an important Minister in the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet]]. | ||
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During his time as the leader of New Antrim, "Grand Admiral Hess" participated in the [[Molossia-Mustachistan War]], which lasted from May - June in 2006. The Grand Admiral served with distinction on the Eastern Front by leading the Molossian Navy to victory in the [[Battle of Lake Jean]], a feat for which he was awarded the Mustachistan War Medal. He also successfully mediated the [[New Antrim Tobacco Crisis]] in 2007. | During his time as the leader of New Antrim, "Grand Admiral Hess" participated in the [[Molossia-Mustachistan War]], which lasted from May - June in 2006. The Grand Admiral served with distinction on the Eastern Front by leading the Molossian Navy to victory in the [[Battle of Lake Jean]], a feat for which he was awarded the Mustachistan War Medal. He also successfully mediated the [[New Antrim Tobacco Crisis]] in 2007. | ||
In April 2009, after Travis had left the Navy and moved to Southern California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, President Baugh and the Grand Admiral both agreed that the Protectorate of New Antrim had run its course and outlived its usefulness as a Molossian side-show. The protectorate was quietly retired without fanfare or an official announcement at the end of that month. | In April 2009, after Travis had left the [[U.S. Navy|Navy]] and moved to Southern California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, President Baugh and the Grand Admiral both agreed that the [[Protectorate of New Antrim]] had run its course and outlived its usefulness as a Molossian side-show. The protectorate was quietly retired without fanfare or an official announcement at the end of that month. | ||
===Governor of Desert Homestead=== | ===Governor of Desert Homestead=== | ||
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While Governor-General, Travis made his first visit to the Molossian home territory in northern Nevada on 26 April 2009. During this trip, he presented President Baugh with a framed poem he wrote (titled ''The Micronationalist'') to celebrate micronationalists. | While Governor-General, Travis made his first visit to the Molossian home territory in northern Nevada on 26 April 2009. During this trip, he presented President Baugh with a framed poem he wrote (titled ''The Micronationalist'') to celebrate micronationalists. | ||
It was at this time that President Baugh pressed Travis to return to the community of | It was at this time that President Baugh pressed Travis to return to the community of [[micronation]]s as a leader in his own right. The President encouraged Travis to get a surplus military uniform and possibly buy a plot of cheap land out in Joshua Tree. These persistent entreaties, as well as Travis' overall impression of the simple beauty of the Molossian home province, suitably convinced him that it was time to become a ruler once again. | ||
==Ruler of Calsahara== | ==Ruler of Calsahara== | ||
[[File:Dictator-Sitting.jpg|thumb|The Dictator for Life in Calsahara]] | [[File:Dictator-Sitting.jpg|thumb|The Dictator for Life in Calsahara]] | ||
::''Main article: [[Colony of Calsahara]]'' | ::''Main article: [[Colony of Calsahara]]'' | ||
In late 2009, Travis learned that his mother-in-law was part owner of a 2.5 acre tract of land in central California. After viewing pictures of the property online and finding it to be a barren wasteland, Travis promptly proclaimed it a sovereign nation with the name "Calsahara" (California = ''Cal'' and Desert = ''Sahara''). | In late 2009, Travis learned that his mother-in-law was part owner of a 2.5 acre tract of land in [[Carrizo Plain|central California]]. After viewing pictures of the property online and finding it to be a barren wasteland, Travis promptly proclaimed it a sovereign nation with the name "Calsahara" (California = ''Cal'' and Desert = ''Sahara''). | ||
Having learned his lesson from his previous experience running a micronation, Travis decided to play it safe and adopted a regnal name, ultimately choosing the name ''King Montague'', in honor of the Montague family from Shakespeare's ''Romeo and Juliet''. While ruling as King Montague, Travis developed Calsahara into a thriving micronation with a unique culture. He conducted state visits with the micronations of [[Kingdom of Vikesland|Vikesland]], [[Republic of Molossia|Molossia]], and the [[Kingdom of Shiloh]]. On 10 September 2011, he was an honored guest at the wedding of President Baugh to the new First Lady of Molossia, [[Adrianne Baugh]]. | Having learned his lesson from his previous experience running a micronation, Travis decided to play it safe and adopted a regnal name, ultimately choosing the name ''King Montague'', in honor of the Montague family from Shakespeare's ''Romeo and Juliet''. While ruling as King Montague, Travis developed Calsahara into a thriving [[micronation]] with a unique culture. He conducted state visits with the micronations of [[Kingdom of Vikesland|Vikesland]], [[Republic of Molossia|Molossia]], and the [[Kingdom of Shiloh]]. On 10 September 2011, he was an honored guest at the wedding of President Baugh to the new First Lady of Molossia, [[Adrianne Baugh]]. | ||
In 2014, after the competition of his divorce from his wife, [[Marquise of Walgreen|Cathryn]], Travis began to feel conflicted concerning his continued Kingship over a land he was no longer truly entitled to rule. In deference to his ex-in-laws, Travis abdicated the throne of Calsahara and turned over the crown to his son, [[Prince Daniel Nicholas|Nicholas]]. He initially served as Calsahara's Head of Government, with the title Dictator for Life, but in 2017, that office was also relinquished, leaving Travis to focus his efforts entirely on Westarctica. | In 2014, after the competition of his divorce from his wife, [[Marquise of Walgreen|Cathryn]], Travis began to feel conflicted concerning his continued Kingship over a land he was no longer truly entitled to rule. In deference to his ex-in-laws, Travis abdicated the [[King of Calsahara|throne of Calsahara]] and turned over the crown to his son, [[Prince Daniel Nicholas|Nicholas]]. He initially served as Calsahara's Head of Government, with the title Dictator for Life, but in 2017, that office was also relinquished, leaving Travis to focus his efforts entirely on [[Westarctica]]. | ||
==Return to Westarctica== | ==Return to Westarctica== | ||
===2010 Coup=== | ===2010 Coup=== | ||
::''Main article: [[The Great Return]]'' | ::''Main article: [[The Great Return]]'' | ||
From April - May 2010, Travis received impassioned pleas from the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet|Cabinet of Westarctica]], asking him to take action to restore Westarctica's prestige in the micronational community. After his departure from the throne in 2006, Westarctica had suffered several blows to its image as a sovereign nation, including the loss of its [[Westarctica Domain Name|official website]] and a [[Siple War|prolonged conflict]] with other [[Antarctica|Antarctic]] micronations. | From April - May 2010, Travis received impassioned pleas from the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet|Cabinet of Westarctica]], asking him to take action to restore Westarctica's prestige in the micronational community. After his departure from the throne in 2006, Westarctica had suffered several blows to its image as a [[sovereignty|sovereign nation]], including the loss of its [[Westarctica Domain Name|official website]] and a [[Siple War|prolonged conflict]] with other [[Antarctica|Antarctic]] micronations. | ||
The ruler of Westarctica at that time was [[Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence]], who had previously served as Westarctica's chief herald and had assumed the throne from [[Grand Duke Philip]] in 2008. His rule had been criticized from Westarcticans and foreigners alike as both aggressively hostile as well as isolationist and, ultimately, negligent. | The ruler of Westarctica at that time was [[Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence]], who had previously served as Westarctica's chief herald and had assumed the throne from [[Grand Duke Philip]] in 2008. His rule had been criticized from Westarcticans and foreigners alike as both aggressively hostile as well as isolationist and, ultimately, negligent. | ||
[[File:Grand Duke Survives Brush.jpg|thumb|The Protector of Westarctica meeting with King Christopher of Vikesland in Beverly Hills]] | [[File:Grand Duke Survives Brush.jpg|thumb|The Protector of Westarctica meeting with King Christopher of Vikesland in Beverly Hills]] | ||
To fulfill the wishes of the people of Westarctica, from May - June 2010, Travis participated in a coup to remove Jon-Lawrence from the throne. The coup was successful and on 4 June, a [[Transitional Government]] was proclaimed that effectively reduced Westarctica's sovereign status to that of a Protectorate (unofficially a protectorate of Calsahara). As he was still King of Calsahara, rather than take the title Grand Duke, Travis adopted the title Protector of Westarctica and gave Westarctica's Minister of | To fulfill the wishes of the people of Westarctica, from May - June 2010, Travis participated in a [[The Great Return|coup to remove]] Jon-Lawrence from the throne. The coup was successful and on 4 June, a [[Transitional Government]] was proclaimed that effectively reduced Westarctica's sovereign status to that of a Protectorate (unofficially a protectorate of Calsahara). As he was still [[King of Calsahara]], rather than take the title of Grand Duke, Travis adopted the title "Protector of Westarctica" and gave Westarctica's [[Minister of Defense]], [[Duke of Waesche|Wolf Tulier]], the position of [[Prime Minister of Westarctica|Prime Minister]]. | ||
===Restoration of the throne=== | ===Restoration of the throne=== | ||
On 21 September 2012, Travis declared an end to the [[Transitional Government]] which had been ruling Westarctica as a protectorate and formally reclaimed the title Grand Duke | On 21 September 2012, Travis declared an end to the [[Transitional Government]] which had been ruling [[Westarctica]] as a protectorate and formally reclaimed the title of [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]]. | ||
Later, on 5 December 2014, Travis incorporated Westarctica as a non-profit corporation in the state of California, thereby also becoming the Executive Director of Westarctica. | Later, on 5 December 2014, Travis incorporated Westarctica as a non-profit corporation in the state of California, thereby also becoming the Executive Director of Westarctica. | ||
From December 2014 onward, Grand Duke Travis has grown Westarctica to a status few previously thought possible with its highest citizen counts ever and a dramatic expansion of the [[Peerage of Westarctica]]. For the first time in its history, Westarctica became financially solvent and was able to meet its operating expenses exclusively through the donations of its supporters. | From December 2014 onward, Grand Duke Travis has grown Westarctica to a status few previously thought possible with its highest citizen counts ever and a dramatic expansion of the [[Peerage of Westarctica]]. For the first time in its history, the [[Government of Westarctica]] became financially solvent and was able to meet its operating expenses exclusively through the donations of its supporters. | ||
Utilizing the lessons he had learned from his years as a micronationalist, the newly-restored Grand Duke Travis leveraged his abilities as a public speaker and put his many years of experience as an actor to use by becoming a living symbol of Westarctica, its values, and its people. | Utilizing the lessons he had learned from his years as a micronationalist, the newly-restored Grand Duke Travis leveraged his abilities as a public speaker and put his many years of experience as an actor to use by becoming a living symbol of Westarctica, its values, and its people. | ||
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The Grand Duke's full title as used in his capacity as Head of State of Westarctica is: ''His Royal Highness, Travis, Grand Duke of Westarctica, Overlord of Calsahara, and Baron of Flandrensis''. | The Grand Duke's full title as used in his capacity as Head of State of Westarctica is: ''His Royal Highness, Travis, Grand Duke of Westarctica, Overlord of Calsahara, and Baron of Flandrensis''. | ||
However, | However, His Royal Highness also has many subordinate titles, most of which come from realms he previously ruled or various honorifics that have been granted by [[Foreign relations of Westarctica|foreign governments]]. Additionally, he still possesses a litany of unused titles from his time as [[King of Calsahara]], none of which were abandoned when he quit the throne. | ||
==Honors and Awards== | ==Honors and Awards== | ||
Grand Duke Travis has received numerous awards, knighthoods, and honorary military appointments as a result of his diplomatic outreach and cooperation with foreign nations. | Grand Duke Travis has received numerous awards, knighthoods, and honorary military appointments as a result of his [[Foreign relations of Westarctica|diplomatic outreach]] and cooperation with foreign nations. | ||
===Honors of Westarctica and its Territories=== | ===Honors of Westarctica and its Territories=== | ||