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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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tjdogsoldier 
Posts: 115
Huntsville, AL
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| 12 May 2008 8:53 AM |
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| If we get to make this it will be a partial escort for us on the Tullahoma end.......using Google maps if we made the whole escort and back home it will be over 500 miles total......even changing it to meet up at Dickson or just a round trip to Brownsville still puts us at over 400 miles for the day. We will have to wait and see if it works out. |
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TJ "Dog Soldier" Gardner
Native American Veteran
USAF 1975-1988
American Legion Post & Legion Riders Post #8
Riding in Honor of retired Vietnam vet, CSgt. Maj. Glenn "Doc" Bowers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
"Lighten up, Francis." Sgt. Hulka |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 12 May 2008 9:10 AM |
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| Hey tj, just come on up to Tullahoma, and go along on the escort as far as possible. If we go straight up I-24 to Nashville, we will cross I-65 getting over to I-40. You could take I-65 back home. But, you can peel off anywhere along the way and head back to Huntsville. Hope you can make it, been too long since we've rode together. |
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 869
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| 12 May 2008 9:48 AM |
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tj my mistake! I read AL as AR oops, anybody know a good optometrist???
I contacted a guy in Paris TN and left message for the other in Lexington. Looks like I'll be bringing the wife, now nobody go and tell her any bad things(she already knows all she needs to in that area). |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 12 May 2008 9:59 AM |
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| Mrs. Doc, must be a Saint of a woman! |
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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tjdogsoldier
Posts: 115
Huntsville, AL
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| 12 May 2008 10:01 AM |
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| We'll know better later this afternoon if we will get to come up........I'll let you know either way. |
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TJ "Dog Soldier" Gardner
Native American Veteran
USAF 1975-1988
American Legion Post & Legion Riders Post #8
Riding in Honor of retired Vietnam vet, CSgt. Maj. Glenn "Doc" Bowers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
"Lighten up, Francis." Sgt. Hulka |
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Miss Scarlett
Posts: 60
Dresden, TN
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| 12 May 2008 6:24 PM |
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Hey Doc, I will not be able to make entire trip, but I will be trying to catch convoy at Jackson, if you guys are going to break somewhere there abouts. Thanks, Miss Scarlett
Proud Mom of: SR Gatewood, Larry G. USN Great Lakes, IL
Proud Daughter of: WW II army vet |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 12 May 2008 8:46 PM |
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| Change of plans. As usual, we gotta stay flexible.
We will be exiting I-40 at exit 56. capt_whizbang will be there to coordinate the connection with the escort. If you want to join in there be at exit 56 at 1215. They are trying to get into Brownsville at 1300.
The elementary school there is going to be out to welcome home the troops.
We will be running interstate speeds that prohibit flying large flags. If you meet at exit 56, and have a large flag, please have it to fly. That leg will be at a slower speed.
This will be a great welcome home, sorry for the late mission changes, but these thing happen.
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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Wags
Posts: 0
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| 12 May 2008 10:05 PM |
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| Bump for new staging time |
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tjdogsoldier
Posts: 115
Huntsville, AL
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| 12 May 2008 10:06 PM |
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| Looks like we will be able to make the Tullahoma to Dickson part.....not sure if we can do the whole ride yet. We will be leaving HSV by about 7 to make Tullahoma staging. |
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TJ "Dog Soldier" Gardner
Native American Veteran
USAF 1975-1988
American Legion Post & Legion Riders Post #8
Riding in Honor of retired Vietnam vet, CSgt. Maj. Glenn "Doc" Bowers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
"Lighten up, Francis." Sgt. Hulka |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 12 May 2008 10:39 PM |
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Awesome tj!! C ya in the 'mornin'
Ride Safe
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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Miss Scarlett
Posts: 60
Dresden, TN
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| 13 May 2008 3:32 PM |
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Home safe and sound. (Well the sound part may be debatable) Didn't even get wet. Good mission, way to go Mark and Sporty Pig and anyone else who is responsible for putting things together. Thanks for all you do.
Proud Mom of: SR Gatewood, Larry G. USN Great Lakes, IL |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 13 May 2008 7:10 PM |
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Despite all of the 11th hour changes, this turned out to be a GREAT welcome home. Once again in PGR style. I'm hangin out in Jackson tonight...doing a bit of recon for the Western TN GOTH... I'll give a full ride report tomorrow after I "swim" my way back to Nashville. (wonder do they have BBQ in Jackson???) LOL
Thanks to all that worked together to make this happen. It really was a total team effort!! |
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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tjdogsoldier
Posts: 115
Huntsville, AL
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| 13 May 2008 7:58 PM |
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| Dog Soldier and Ghost Bear are safe and sound back in ARKabama.....Like that Doc? We had originally planned to head back at the Dickson stop but we had a last minute change of heart and went the whole way......521 miles later we can say it was well worth it. It was AWESOME. |
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TJ "Dog Soldier" Gardner
Native American Veteran
USAF 1975-1988
American Legion Post & Legion Riders Post #8
Riding in Honor of retired Vietnam vet, CSgt. Maj. Glenn "Doc" Bowers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
"Lighten up, Francis." Sgt. Hulka |
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fuzzyquilter
Posts: 62
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| 13 May 2008 8:58 PM |
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Thank you all!! It was more than awesome. I had debated going the whole way. I am so glad I decided to go to Brownsville. It was spectactular.
This was my first super long ride in one day. 485.7 miles. Just a few more and it would have been a mini Iron butt. That part of my body is not sore. My shoulders are though.
The only mishap, was the left lens of my eyeglasses falling out somewhere on I-24 East bound on my way to Tullahoma. But, I could still see and went the whole way. When I got home, got out my old pair.
It was great meeting everyone. Can't wait to get together with everyone when hubby can come along.
A special thanks to Mark, you really boosted my confidence level. |
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Miss Scarlett
Posts: 60
Dresden, TN
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| 13 May 2008 9:27 PM |
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Come on Sporty Pig, tell the truth, you had to stay over and check out "Redbones"......
Proud Mom of: SR Gatewood, Larry G. USN Great Lakes, IL |
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Joey
Posts: 3
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| 13 May 2008 10:36 PM |
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400+ miles for me today and worth every one of 'em thought we were going to get a little wet from dickson to brownsville but glad it didn't happen! now if somebody would tell me how to post the pics i took, I'll get them up!
Joey |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 13 May 2008 11:00 PM |
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Posted By Miss Scarlett on 13 May 2008 9:27 PM
Come on Sporty Pig, tell the truth, you had to stay over and check out "Redbones"......
Proud Mom of: SR Gatewood, Larry G. USN Great Lakes, IL
Yup......"dat's all I got ta say bout dat." |
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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tjdogsoldier
Posts: 115
Huntsville, AL
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| 14 May 2008 5:06 AM |
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What my better half does is upload her pictures to her Photobucket account and then post the link.
Posted By Joey on 13 May 2008 10:36 PM
400+ miles for me today and worth every one of 'em thought we were going to get a little wet from dickson to brownsville but glad it didn't happen! now if somebody would tell me how to post the pics i took, I'll get them up!
Joey
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TJ "Dog Soldier" Gardner
Native American Veteran
USAF 1975-1988
American Legion Post & Legion Riders Post #8
Riding in Honor of retired Vietnam vet, CSgt. Maj. Glenn "Doc" Bowers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
"Lighten up, Francis." Sgt. Hulka |
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fuzzyquilter
Posts: 62
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| 14 May 2008 9:25 AM |
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Right under where you type this message, there is a place for attachments.
Click on browse and find your photos and post them.
You have to do it one picture at a time. However, if you have Webshots,
photobucket or any of the other online photo sharing sites you can use them
and upload your photos. Then put a link to them on here. Hope this helps.
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Joey
Posts: 3
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| 14 May 2008 12:09 PM |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 869
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| 14 May 2008 5:29 PM |
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everyone- This was from Sunday on, a complete Tennessee (and other parts of Dixie- especially ARKaBAMA ,which I will never live down) mission. Our troops came home, and litle did they know we were going to be there. They were so appreciative of it, so awed by our presence that many of them were trying to get a look at us on the highway. Next time, we should surround the busses, so they CAN see us.
I am happy to see that you all made it home. Two things come to mind, YES we have BBQhere in Jackson area, and yes my wife is a saint of a woman. It was great to finally be on a real happy event. It recharged me, and seeing you all again made me realize how very lucky I am to have you all in my life. I am honored to be counted among you, and mighty pleased that you've allowed me the respect of your friendships. Even if I can't read a map (maybe it's cause I don't read or speak southern yet?) |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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SportyPig
Posts: 932
Nashville, TN (Hermitage)
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| 14 May 2008 6:16 PM |
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This was an unbeleieveable display of team work. We had the changes to the original mission plan at the 11th hour. As the staying goes, stay flexible, and we did. The trio from the Nashville area rode into the Guard facility around 0815, and just as we parked, 2 THP cars with their blue lights going and a bus pulled out. We thought, was that just them leaving early? But I didn't think they could fit the number of troops that were going to Brownsville into just one bus. Turned out that was the group going home to Jacksboro. Wish we could have taken them home "PGR style" also.
We got all of the coordination set for the stop in Dickson, and were on the road about 10 minutes ahead of schedule. We ran at a pretty good clip, and were more than 30 minutes ahead of schedule when we got to Dickson. These troops were understandable READY to get home.
I was a bit concerned that our "fuel stop" would put them off, but it turned out they wanted to stop. I was ready to quickly feed the pig, and get back on the road, when I saw both buses unloading. Seems they also needed a restroom break, and took advantage of the Windy's there to get their first greasy hamberger in over a year. A couple of the employees at the Truckstop came out to greet us and the troops. I'm not sure what the story is there, but they were very supportive of the troops and the PGR. They staying in the parking lot for the entire 30 minutes or so we were there, cried, applauded, and waved us a goodbye as we rolled out.
The Dickson PD pitched in to help block traffic, then we were back on the road. Had about 3 bikes and our tailgunner from Tullahoma drop off at that point, but we picked up 4 or 5 bikes and a new tailgunner (Doc) in Dickson. Somewhere around Jackson, sorry I can't remember if it was the east or west side of Jackson, we approached an overpass with a few folks holding a flag and some welcome home signs. I thought that was cool. Gave them a toot on the horn, and a thumbs up. Then on the other side of that overpass there was a lone biker on the side of the interstate. He got up to speed, Doc, slowed a bit and he fell into the formation. I'm still not sure who that was.
As we were approaching the Brownsville area I started to wonder if the West TN folks got the late change in plans, and how that was going to work out. As we approached exit 66, I saw people on the overpass, flags, signs etc. Then on the other side of that overpass, there was capt_whizbang and about 15 of the West TN group. Man did you guys brighten up my day!!!! Doc had been in phone contact with them, their bikes were running and warm, and ready to go. The THP escort realized what was happening, and slowed slightly from 70mph to around 65mph to help them get up to speed and catch up. Then once again, Doc slowed to allow them to seamlessly fall into formation with the rest of us. I'm thinkin cool, we got the West TN folks here, and that worked out pretty good.
We approach exit 56 and I could see about 8 LEO all over the place there. Lights started going, sirens sounding, and a couple of extra THP appeared..(that's another story). We get off the interstate, and there is Ms. Scarlett on the side of the road. Seems she did get the last minute change, and once again, fell right into the formation. Heading into Brownsville, we approached the Elementary school. They had ALL of the students out on the side of the road. I estimate maybe 350 of them, with flags, signs yellow ribbons. THP was hitting the sirens, we hit the horns and cracked the pipes. Brownsville was getting the first sign that the troops were home!
We continued into Brownsville with people pouring out of homes and business establishments to welcome home their heros. Then into downtown Brownsville, Not in as large a number as Tullahoma, but people were lining the streets. And then we circled the town square. It was packed. More sirens horns (until mine stopped working) and pipe cracking. The procession was so long, we had to briefly stop at the front to allow the end of the procession to get into the square.
Back out of town, and then turned onto the street of the Armory. Immediately, you could see 3 x 5 flags on 8ft pvc Poles on both sides of the road. One placed about every 10 feet. The first 103 of them had a card attached that had the name a picture of each of the Guard members we were escorting home. But then there were more flags. All down the street, and surrounding the parking area at the Armory. What a beautiful sight!!
Of course this was where all of the awaiting family members were. Once again, the sirens, horns, pipe cracking. We rolled in to screms, cheers, tears, applauding, yellow ribbons, and signs.
The 1175th had their final formation, and dismissal ceremony, and were free to finally go great their loved ones. If you've never seen that happen......well...you just GOTTA do it sometime!!!!!!! It brings tears to my eyes as I type this. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 1175TH!!!!!!
After their initial family time many of the 1175th came to meet us, and thank for out efforts on Sunday and Tuesday. I had several members that for some reason even wanted to take a picture of their soldier with SportyPig. At the risk of camera damage, of course I allowed this. We even got 25 flags donated to the West TN PGR. So you folks over there will have flags as soon as they can get mounted on poles. capt_whizbang is on this, and I'm sure it won't be long before that is accomplished.
As I said before, this was really a total team effort. I was amazed at how PGR members that had never even met were able to pull this all together and make it look like..... "oh, we do this all the time."
Speaking of that, it was GREAT to finally meet some of the West TN folks that I've only spoken to on the phone, emailed, etc. Hopefully we will meet again soon, during an equally happy time. Redbones in July is looking like a great time to me Doc.
And yeah..."The Pig is back in the barn"
Until we meet again, Ride safe!
Your's in Brotherhood,
SportyPig |
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"Riding with Respect" to go "Stand for Those Who Stood For US"
Central TN Ride Captain
Treasurer, Patriot Guard Riders of TN |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 869
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| 15 May 2008 5:24 PM |
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| We do it like this all the time in WEST TN... Great job everyone, pleased to have been there. I logged nearly 300 miles, some of you logged double that for the day. Congratulations TN we did it with the help of a few ARKABAMIANS. Proving once again that borders are for maps only! |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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