Grand Duke Travis
| His Royal Highness Grand Duke Travis | |
|---|---|
| Grand Duke of Westarctica Overlord of Calsahara Baron of Flandrensis
| |
| |
| Second Reign | 2 June 2010 - Present |
| Preceded by | Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence |
| Reign | 24 November 2009 - October 2013 |
| Preceded by | Throne Established |
| First Reign | 6 June 2004 - 16 January 2006 |
| Preceded by | Throne Established |
| Successor | Grand Duke Philip |
| In Office | 12 September 2001 - 6 June 2004 |
| Preceded by | Position Established |
| Consort | Prince-Consort Dinny (m. 2016) |
| Grand Duchess | Grand Duchess Cathryn (m. 2004; div. 2013) |
| Consular Consort | Rebecca St. Ann (2002 - 2004) never married |
| Issue | Prince Ashton Roman Prince Daniel Nicholas |
| Father | Daniel McHenry |
| Mother | Deborah McHenry |
| Born | 1980 |
Early life
Travis McHenry began life as a humble boy in 1980, but his life would not remain humble for long.
His first real position of leadership came in 1995 when he founded the break-away Kingdom of Casbah in rural Pennsylvania. Travis was proclaimed Maharaja, and ruled the agrarian nation with an iron fist. As a result of his various eccentricities and demanding temperament, he was overthrown twice, with the second usurpation resulting in his exile and the collapse of Casbah’s government in October 2000. The events of his reign in Casbah were later satirized in the stage play Delusions of Grandeur.
Westarctica
In late 2001, he discovered a loop hole in the Antarctic Treaty which legally allowed him to claim a huge swath of land on the Antarctic continent for himself. This area was initially called The Achaean Territory, but became a fully functioning nation named Westarctica in 2004.
Travis took the title Grand Duke and ruled Westarctica as a peaceful and progressive monarch. During this time, he made many diplomatic friendships with other international leaders and did much to advance the recognition of Westarctica among member-governments of the United Nations. Grand Duke Travis ruled Westarctica until 2006 when he turned over the reigns of government to his successor Grand Duke Philip.
On 3 June 2010, Travis reclaimed the throne of Westarctica from Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence and promptly proclaimed Westarctica a protectorate.
Involvement With Molossia
Immediately following his abdication of the Westarctican throne, Travis was approached by President Baugh of Molossia and offered a position as Grand Admiral of the Molossian Navy. He graciously accepted the ceremonial military post and shortly thereafter was appointed to the post of Governor of New Antrim, a ten-acre Molossian protectorate in northeastern Pennsylvania.
During his service with Molossia, Grand Admiral Travis fought in the Molossia-Mustachistan War, which lasted for two months 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. As Governor he successfully mediated the New Antrim Tobacco Crisis in 2007. Travis served as Governor of New Antrim from 2006 until the dissolution of New Antrim in late 2008.
Not one to go unemployed for long, in early 2009, President Baugh asked Travis to continue his service to Molossia by becoming the Governor-General of Desert Homestead, a Molossian province near Joshua Tree, California. While the hot, desolate province was a dramatic change from the green forests and flowing rivers of New Antrim, Travis accepted the post and began his tenure as Governor-General. His accomplishments included the clearing of rubbish from Desert Homestead, and the construction of Baugh Terrace, a monument to the Baugh family.
King of Calsahara
Travis acquired 2.5 acres of barren land in California Valley and founded the nation of Calsahara in November 2009, proclaiming himself king of the new country. In an unusual move, Travis decided to adopt a regnal name, and chose the name Montague. While ruling as King Montague, he developed Calsahara into a thriving micronation with a rich, diverse culture.
Personal life
From 2007 - 2013, the Grand Duke was a professional actor, frequently appearing on stage, film, and television. In addition to acting, he has written many books including Tales of Terror, Delusions of Grandeur, The Warrior Poet, and his best-selling book, Into the Abyss: The Memoirs of a Paranormal Adventurer.
Full title
Main article: List of Titles and Honorifics of Grand Duke Travis
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, he also has numerous subordinate titles, many of which come from realms he previously ruled or various honorifics that have been granted by 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
Grand Duke Travis has received numerous awards, knighthoods, and honorary military appointments as a result of his diplomatic outreach and cooperation with foreign nations.
Westarctican Honors
Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Snowflake, 2015- Grand Knight Commander in the Holy Order of The Cross, 2005
- Knight Commander in the Noble Order of the Sword, 2005
- Knight in the Noble Order of Westarctica, 2005
Foreign Honors
Order of the Flat Earth, 2016
Order of the Sconnish Poppy, 2015
Grand Order of the Pink Flamingo, 2015
Order of the Lion Rampant, 2015- 23x15px Order of the Blue Primrose, 2015
Knight of Shiloh, 2012- Order of the Dragon, 2012
Order of the Lion, 2011
Order of the Star, 2010
Order of Flandrensis, 2010
The Austenasian Order, 2010- Great Order of Vikesland, 2010
- Order of the Rifle, 2010
- Order of Honor, 2010
Royal Order of The Desert Heart, 2009- Illustrious Order of Thespians, 2009
- Legion of Peace, 2009
- Master of the Universe, 2009
Order of the Shamrock, 2007
Order of the Mustang, 2005
Order of the Tiger, 2005
Military Ranks
- 2014 - Present: Colonel-in-Chief of the Westarctican Royal Guards
- 2006 - Present: Grand Admiral in the Molossian Navy
- 2009 - 2017: Lieutenant General in His Majesty's Corps of Engineers
2001 - 2008: Intelligence Specialist 1st Class in the United States Navy
1996 - 1999: General in the Border Patrol Agency