bbuch 
Posts: 133
Mooresville NC
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| 22 Jul 2008 12:12 PM |
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To the Family of SGT Israel Garcia
May God comfort your hearts and his soul be at peace. He has my thanks and respect for his service, May God Bless you all!!
I know this is a terrible loss to your family and I grieve with you, if it weren’t for brave men and women that were willing to stand up for what they believe in, then all would be lost. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing Edmund Burke (1729-1797), Irish philosopher
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BBuch
USN
Moresville, NC |
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Primo
Posts: 363
Whittier, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 12:21 PM |
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Clint,
Even though I'm stuck at W today I want to thank you for keeping us all updated.
Primo |
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he·ro
noun: A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life for the sake of others. |
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Angela49
Posts: 1
Whittier, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 3:52 PM |
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May you Rest In Peace Soldier. My sincere condolences to the family, my heart aches for you. Know that Isreal will live forever in our hearts.
"Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen."
In Loving Memory of PFC Joshua A.R. Young ~ gone but not forgotten! |
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"Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen."
In Loving Memory of PFC Joshua A.R. Young~ gone but not forgotten. |
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roadkingkat
Posts: 227
Long Beach, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 3:57 PM |
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Part One of our mission for Sgt. Garcia is complete. A wonderful turnout for this hero. 35 bikes, 1 trike, and 5 cages. Thanks to Jim for getting a count on that. Thank you everyone for your dedication out in the heat today and for all your help and support with mine and Erin's R/C duties.
BTW, for any of you who picked up a route sheet from me, I have an error on it. When leaving the church back to the mortuary, we head WEST on "L" street, rather than east. Sorry! (:0
Thanks everyone
Kim
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Kim
"American by birth, patriot by choice." |
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mmpainter
Posts: 150
Chatsworth, GA
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| 22 Jul 2008 4:21 PM |
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My deepest, heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of SGT Israel Garcia. I am grateful for your military service to this nation and the ultimate sacrifice you made defending it. Stand down Soldier, your mission is complete. You will not be forgotten.
Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of GOD. – Matthew 5:9
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aquakat
Posts: 131
Costa Mesa, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 4:35 PM |
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| Kim,
Good RC today.
Four additional bikes after original count.
Cant forget the cookies from Solders Angles.
Tremdous support from the Long Beach PD with at least five motors and the Seal Beach PD with a SUV and two officers.
Two airport fire engins, and airport PD support as well.
All the people especialy Clint at Airflite.
Small token of Honor for SGT Israel Garcia who gave his all.
Jimmy
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mutt595theng
Posts: 10
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| 22 Jul 2008 7:31 PM |
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I never had the honor to meet Sgt Garcia in life. But I have the very sad Honor of escorting him and his family this Friday.
Words are cheap, and what Sgt Garcia, his family & circle will pay is not.
Sgt. Israel Garcia, PRESENTE! |
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"Let me remind you, gentlemen: Extremism in defense of Liberty is no vice- and moderation in pursuit of Justice is no virtue"- B Goldwater |
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AirFlitePIO
Posts: 11
(LGB) Long Beach Airport
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| 22 Jul 2008 7:37 PM |
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You're welcome Primo.
I do what I can for ya'll as best I can.
I don't have a bike or I'd join ya, but rest asured if our fallen are passing through AirFlite I'll be there -- on shift or not.
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Sincerely,
Clint Vallee
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AirFlite
3250 AirFlite Way
Long Beach, CA 90807
800.241.3548
562.490.6200
http://www.airflight.com
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FLBATFISH
Posts: 717
FONTANA CA, & LAS VEGAS NV.
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| 22 Jul 2008 8:24 PM |
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Part Two will take place on 25 July 2008
Itinerary:
On Friday 25 July 2008 the PGR will stage at All Souls Mortuary 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA. Following a flag line we will escort Sgt. Garcia to Holy Family Parish 1011 E. "L" Street Wilmington, CA.
At the Church the PGR will form flag lines as he enters and leaves. We will then escort Sgt Garcia back to All Souls for military honors.
Timetable:
0900 Stage at All Souls Mortuary 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA.
0915 Mission brief
0930 KSU
0950 Estimated arrival at Holy Family Parish 1011 E. L Street Wilmington CA
1200 Estimated KSU
1220 Estimated arrival at All Souls Mortuary
R/C’s Kim aka Tuff Kitty & Erin aka USNsis
Please feel free attend any portion of this mission you can.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. If this will be your first mission, dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage.
You may monitor this thread by checking the “Email me when someone replies to this thread “ bug and you will receive an email if there are any changes.
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Craig H Donor
GY SGT USMC ret.
So Cal Coordinator
There are a thousand things I'de rather do.
NONE are more important. |
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poppop
Posts: 237
Encino, California
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| 22 Jul 2008 8:42 PM |
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Erin and Kim,
Thank you both for assuming the R/C position! I will be at the Mission on 25 July! |
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Jerry"PopPop"Zimmermann
1st Sgt US Army Retired
Encino, CA.
Proud Patriot Guard Member#3764
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roadkingkat
Posts: 227
Long Beach, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 8:56 PM |
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Miss seeing you PopPop!
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Kim
"American by birth, patriot by choice." |
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roadkingkat
Posts: 227
Long Beach, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 9:08 PM |
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Help needed! After checking out the church location today, parking is going to be a real challenge as the church is in a residential neighborhood. Steve (hbiker) is going to go there early Friday (about 8:30) to try block off some of the street for us to park. He needs a couple of others to help out with that. Any volunteers?
Thank you!
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Kim
"American by birth, patriot by choice." |
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aquakat
Posts: 131
Costa Mesa, CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 9:54 PM |
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| I will meet Steve at the church.
I have some yellow tape.
Jimmy |
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poppop
Posts: 237
Encino, California
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| 22 Jul 2008 10:05 PM |
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Hey R/C Kim,
There will be some of us leaving from Encino at 0630 hrs on Friday, as soon as we get there I/we would be happy to help our man Steve out with the parking situation!
See y'all Friday. |
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Jerry"PopPop"Zimmermann
1st Sgt US Army Retired
Encino, CA.
Proud Patriot Guard Member#3764
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Candelario
Posts: 269
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| 22 Jul 2008 10:09 PM |
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Sgt. Garcia, It will be an honor to attend the celebration of your "Heroic Life" on Friday...
If there is any need for road guards, I will be glad to help
Candyman |
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Geezer Glide 2001
Posts: 1676
Conroe,Texas
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| 22 Jul 2008 11:00 PM |
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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Israel Garcia,Thanks for being one of our greatest heroes. God Bless. And God Bless, The fellow soldiers that stands for us everyday.Thank you for your dedicated service and sacrifice to defend this great nation of ours.
We salute you , My Friend
Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now,soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now,soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."
Paul E. Babb Sr.
Riding loud and proud......But standing tall and silent...........for the American Hero.
Paul E. Babb Sr. ( Ret. LEO )
MCSO-3110
S.E.Tx. P.G.R. Rider
A-RC / RG
Conroe, Texas
Riding in memory of
Sgt.Jack H. Holder Jr.
MCSO-3102
DIUSMC Parris Island, Buford SC.
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cruzerLB
Posts: 3
Long Beach CA
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| 22 Jul 2008 11:23 PM |
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| Thanks Kim and Erin for being R/C for today's mission. Great job. Thanks Clint at AirFlite for keeping us updated on the status of Sgt Garcia's flight. And to the family and friends of Sgt Garcia--our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy |
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hbiker
Posts: 498
huntington beach
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| 23 Jul 2008 6:23 AM |
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Thanks Jimmy and PopPop!
See you at the church at 0830
hbiker
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Two Flags
Posts: 29
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| 23 Jul 2008 12:24 PM |
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Been there, done that. How true that quote on the 1st stage of this
mission.
We did a flag line for the family as they entered the small Airflite
terminal.
We got tarmac permission which I understand is rare. We formed a long
flag line about 25 feet from the small Kallita Air private jet. We had
about 50 all told. As the small cargo door latch was released with a
snap the Sgt.'s wife's emotions got the best of her. After a short
delay, the cargo door opened very slowly. The procedure is for two
Army personnel to climb up and go inside the plane to settle the flag
draped over the coffin. Then, it was slowly lowered onto a waist high
wheeled carrier for the six member honor guard to wheel it a few feet
to the center of the tarmac.
In the meantime, we're at attention with a flag salute.
The immediate family, his wife and parents, went out and his wife got
very emotional again and had trouble controlling herself. After about
10 minutes, the rest of the family and friends, about 30 people, came
out. We were given orders to rest. It was very hot and we were told if
we had to to seek some shade. No one left, not even the women. The wife
had to be taken away, she was very visibly upset but returned a short
while later as someone lead the group in a rosary. Being Catholic, I
quietly joined in as each mystery was called out in Spanish and then
said the required prayers. I was visibly moved by this outpouring for a
fallen loved one.
After 30 minutes, the wife was lead away and the others followed. The
honor guard returned and moved the casket to the waiting hearse. We
were called to attention and another flag salute. The hearse left and
we fell out to follow the cortege a few miles to the All Souls Cemetery
where we formed again as the casket was taken into the Mortuary. We
were told of stage 2 on Friday to return and escort Sgt. Garcia to services
and return to All Souls for his final resting place there. Everything went
very well. We had a
police escort of about 6 cycles who provided traffic
control. We were
told, though, that if we approached a red light we had
to stop and wait
for the green light. After that, it was straight away
including the
change to red. I learned that today. This was my first airport
mission.
Two Flags
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roadkingkat
Posts: 227
Long Beach, CA
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| 23 Jul 2008 12:43 PM |
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Posted By Two Flags on 23 Jul 2008 12:24 PM
"We were given orders to rest. It was very hot and we were told if
we had to to seek some shade. No one left, not even the women."
"Not even the women"? I resemble that remark. 
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Kim
"American by birth, patriot by choice." |
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ShantiDass
Posts: 157
So Cal
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| 23 Jul 2008 1:49 PM |
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"No one left, not even the women."
Um.......WOW.
I wish I could attend but that w thing remains in the way. Thanks to all for attending and helping this family. |
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Joann
God does not bless America only.
Live simply, that others may simply live. |
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roadkingkat
Posts: 227
Long Beach, CA
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| 23 Jul 2008 2:04 PM |
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Hi everyone...
I spoke with Irene, the mortuary coach driver/coordinator for Sgt. Garcia. She said that most likely Sgt. Garcia's family will be at the mortuary on Friday morning around 9:15am or so, so hopefully we can all be there ready for a flag line for their arrival. We will have "California Motorcycle Escorts" company taking us from the mortuary to the church, but she is not sure about the return trip back to the mortuary yet.
She also expressed her thanks to us for being there yesterday for Sgt. Garcia. Said it was nice to know that there are people out there that still care about what happens to our soldiers.
See you all Friday. Ride safe. Especially the women!  |
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Kim
"American by birth, patriot by choice." |
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AirFlitePIO
Posts: 11
(LGB) Long Beach Airport
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| 23 Jul 2008 4:30 PM |
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Two Flags -
I'm glad you able to attend. Thank you for your dedication.
I remember the second flight that we recieved - Sgt. Carrillo, Alejandro USMC. We were still working out the kinks of handling these flights (i.e. the needs of the family, escorts on or off the ramp?, fire and police present, etc.) Heck we still weren't clear on off-loading of the casket. This second flight in particular we weren't aware of the lift apparatus that Kalitta carries with them or the rails used to deploy it. I remember someone asking me if we should use a belt loader that was in back at the fuel farm. I said, "Heck, NO We are not off-loading a fallen soldier (Marine) in front of his family like so much luggage! ... I'll break my back in half before I'll allow that to happen." Well, I was close to the mark on that last one. The crew didn't want to deploy the rails and so myself and five other guys unloaded the lift apparatus out of the plane by hand. I was sore the day after, but you know something? I'd do it again and again -- a thousand times over if that's what was needed. I will not be detered from making sure that the proper respect is shown to our fallen warriors. I will not have families think that America has forgot their loss or dosn't care -- this American will NOT. No sir, I will not have that. I will wake up the next morning aching back and sun burned and do it all over again if that is what required of me, because I can go home at night to my wife and kids because of their sacrifice. |
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Sincerely,
Clint Vallee
---------------
AirFlite
3250 AirFlite Way
Long Beach, CA 90807
800.241.3548
562.490.6200
http://www.airflight.com
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lonetexan2u
Posts: 922
Phelan, Ca. High Desert
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| 23 Jul 2008 6:16 PM |
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| Well said Clint, It has been an honor to meet and see you at work helping all in what do do. Semper Fi from this old Marine, Job well done! |
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Billy "Hawkeye" Mathews
Sgt USMC 1969 - 1972 Texas
Proud Patriot Guard Rider
American Legion Post 262
American Legion Riders Post 777
Proud Father of 1st Sgt G.R. Mathews 1st Cav US Army, East Texas
Proud Grandfather of B. Mathews Airman recruit USAF, East Texas
Proud Grandfather of B. Frank Airman First Class USAF, Calif.
Proud Father-in-law of C. Stoney Spc US Army 1st Cav, West Texas
Riding in Memory of:
My Father, George G. Mathews Pvt US Army WWII Purple Heart, Texas
Uncle Henry W. Mathews Pvt US Army WWII, Texas
Uncle C.L. Lynch Sgt US Army WWII, Texas
Cousin C.M. Lynch US Navy Vietnam, Texas
Cousin T.E. Lynch US Navy Vietnam, Texas
Cousin George W. Weldy Jr. USMC KIA Vietnam, Texas
Cousin Bennye W. Cowley USMC KIA Vietnam , Texas
Cousin Jackie D. Bradford US Army, Arizona
And all those whom have served this great Nation throughout our history |
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"Wookie"
Posts: 1251
Olympia, WA
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| 23 Jul 2008 6:17 PM |
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Our Sincere Condolences to the Family and Friends of SGT Israel Garcia!
Our heartfelt Prayers for Comfort and Strength during this time
of Remembrance for your Loved One !
We “Thank You” for a Hero who has served us so faithfully!
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Respectfully,
John"Wookie"Enoch |
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