Starbike 
Posts: 1376
Groveland, FL
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| 18 Jul 2007 8:54 PM |
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Our sincere gratitude for the service, bravery, and personal sacrifice of MSgt. Randy Gillespie. Stand Down Sir---Your Watch Is Now Complete---May You Forever Rest In Peace.
Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of MSgt. Gillespie. Your loved one is a True American Hero and will not be forgotten by many grateful Americans or the Patriot Guard Riders. May God Bless You All---and---Keep The Riders Safe.
Terry and Lana Hanifin |
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Tucson5
Posts: 2
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| 18 Jul 2007 10:02 PM |
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I want to give my sincerest condolences to the family of MSgt. Randy Gillespie. Though I didn't know him personally, we might have met during my 10 years stationed at Luke AFB in the CMS squadron. I have no doubt he was a true professional, with loyalty beyond compare. He knew the true meaning of the Air Force core values and kept them in his heart every day that he worked with the people in Afganistan and those airmen at Luke. I have no doubt that he passed on his courage and commitment and was a mentor to all that he knewl. To MSgt. Randy Gillespie, you are a true hero to all that you knew and those that you mentored and trained. Go in peace, you served your country with honor.
MSgt (R) Steven P. Corcoran |
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jimkilp
Posts: 182
Colorado Springs, CO
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| 19 Jul 2007 10:44 AM |
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My most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of this fallen warrior and GREAT AMERICAN. I also thank them for all the sacrifices they've made to support his decision to serve our Country and defend our way of life. May the Heavenly Father keep you all in the palms of his loving and comforting hands throughout this period of great mourning and loss. No greater love can a man show than to give his life for others!!!
Standing by in Colorado Springs to honor this GREAT AMERICAN. |
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"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury." — Alexander Tyler (in his 1770 book, Cycle of Democracy)
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington |
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TMR
Posts: 2964
Willow Springs IL
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| 20 Jul 2007 9:08 AM |
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Straight to heaven....
"There is no greater love", say the Lord, "than to lay down your life for a friend".
Thank you and God Bless you, MSgt Gillespie, for being willing to do just that.
'Rest easy, sir, at the top of the stairs.'
TMR |
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Charger
Posts: 3923
Golden, Colorado
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| 21 Jul 2007 5:56 PM |
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I want to send a huge Thank You out to the Arizona PGR for all that you have done for MSgt. Randy J. Gillespie and his family and friends the last few days. From all the reports I have heard, you all did an amazing job down there, and it will definitely be an honor to take the mission over here in Colorado. Louann, thank you for all of your hard work and help, and please let everybody in Arizona know that we appreciate all that you did, and that you will be a hard act to follow.
This mission is now confirmed in Colorado in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy. The service will be held at the Cadet's Chapel at 1230 (12:30 pm) on Saturday, 28 Jul 07. The family will be leaving on their own after the service to spend some last moments with Randy, and will be spreading his ashes in the mountains. Please join us as we in the Colorado PGR stand for this hero and his loved ones.
Kristen Coderre, Colorado Assistant State Captain, will be the Ride Captain for this part of the mission, and will soon be posting staging place and time in Colorado Springs. I will post a staging area for the Denver-metro area and Northern Colorado, and will lead all that join me down to Kristen, where she will be in charge.
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Brad 'CHARGER' Lewellen
Retired Colorado State Captain
Proud PGR Blue Hat
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid"
~Dwight D. Eisenhower~ |
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louann
Posts: 1689
Peoria, Arizona
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| 21 Jul 2007 7:40 PM |
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Charger and all our Brothers and Sisters in Colorado, the PGR in Arizona was honored. I regret that I could not be there physically today, but know in my heart I was carried with those that were. The heart of all PGR members across the country were with the riders here as we know they will be with you next week.
MSGT Randy Gillespie, we thank YOU for your service and sacrifice. Your mission accomplished Sir Stand Down!
Patriot Guard Riders in Arizona, you all make me so very proud to be an American, you are my Heroes of the homefront.
Stand Tall Colorado, our hearts are with you as you welcome a native son home to rest.
Ride Safe, Ride Proud. |
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Louann Thomas
Past National Captain
We of our own selves do nothing, for even in loving it is love that loves thru us. |
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nuguy
Posts: 896
Pueblo, CO
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| 21 Jul 2007 8:09 PM |
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I will be heading up the Pueblo and So. Co. for this mission as the RCIC. staging and time will come later
nuguy
Louann, Az SC and the state did a outstanding mission in honoring
MSgt Randy J. Gilliespie and showing their respect to the family and friends. Thank you.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends. My thanks to Randy for your service and sacrifice to this country and for my freedom
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Abe "nuguy" Duran
Senior Ride Captain-Pueblo & So. Colo
Nat'l PGR
US NAVY 55-58
RFTW Rider
PGR Rider
Remembering our POW/MIA/KIA
nuguy@q.com
cel - 719-250-5807 |
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Old School
Posts: 300
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| 21 Jul 2007 8:28 PM |
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We had approximately 68 bikes and 6 cages for this honor mission today, a good turn out for a hot and humid day. But, as many riders stated "its nothing compared to the sacrifice given by Msgt Gillespie and all our troops in harms way". A true statement indeed.
Several family members said they felt "protected" by the PGRs presence and all those flags flying was one of the most beautiful things they had ever seen.
Thank You PGR members you never cease to amaze me.
If anyone took pictures, of the flags, could I please get a copy, MSgt Gillespie's mother asked me for some.
MSgt Randy J Gillespie, rest in peace my brother, you are a true AMERICAN Hero to many. God Bless you.
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Pat Eagan
It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.
Sir Winston Churchill |
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tmalone
Posts: 902
Falcon, Colorado
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| 21 Jul 2007 9:11 PM |
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Mary, Gabbi and I (assuming of course American Airlines can get me home as planned on Friday) will be there to honor this hero.
Ted "Gopher" Malone |
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Ted "Gopher" Malone
Assistant State Captain - Southern Colorado
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin
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uwishtoo
Posts: 48
Mesa, Arizona
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| 21 Jul 2007 9:15 PM |
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I hope that the one female soldier I saw there sends some in - she took a bunch of the courtyard. She even remarked to a couple of us at the corner that she was just so unsure of what shot to get next of all of us because there were so many.
I wish like heck I had thought to chek my camera before I left but of course I just grabbed it and didnt have time to get batteries since it was time to head out for the church.
I was one of the "cages" - and this was my first mission while living in Arizona. I was honored and more than a little humbled to be a part of it. I would hope that this might be my last since I would love for there to be no more reasons for this, but in reality I know otherwise and I will gladly make the drive again if work doesn't interfere. |
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Sue A
If you Believe in Forever
Then Life is just a one nite stand |
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Pegleg
Posts: 2752
Corona, Ca
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| 22 Jul 2007 3:52 PM |
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My Sincerest and Deepest Sympathies to the Family and Friends of MSgt Randy J. Gillespie
A True American Hero. Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifice for Our Country.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEMPER-FI ------------- Hero..........
Pegleg |
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Landmine
Posts: 465
2516 Upward Rd Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
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| 24 Jul 2007 11:06 AM |
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US Air Force Master Sergeant Randy J Gillespie, rest easy now, Sir, your mission on this earth is complete. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to keep us free. Our condolences to Randy's family and friends, he is A TRUE AMERICAN HERO.
Semper Fi,
Landmine |
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John 'Landmine' Collins
USMC GySgt Retired 1983-2005
NC Western Region Sr Ride Captain
It takes a strong man to stand up for himself,
It takes a stronger man to stand up for others!
I'm standing proud and standing by in Flat Rock, for those that can no longer stand. |
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1996_retired_E7
Posts: 761
Colorado Springs, CO
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| 24 Jul 2007 4:17 PM |
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STAGING FOR THIS MISSION WILL BE AT DENNY'S ON NORTH ACADEMY BLVD (JUST SHORT OF I-25). STAGING TIME IS 1100.
All riders, please remember that helmets, reflective vest or belt, long pants, long sleeve shirt, boots, and goggles are required on the Air Force Academy. If anyone has an extra reflective vest or belt, could you please stash it in your saddle bag, in case someone else forgets to bring one.
MSgt Randy Gillespie, your mission here on earth is complete. Rest easy, my Air Force brother, and may God grant peace to your family and friends.
I will not be able to attend this mission, but will be there in spirit. I know that my PGR brothers and sisters will do all of us proud. |
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Robin "Flash" Thurston
MSgt, USAF (1975-1996)
Air Force Association Life Member
Patriot Guard Riders #12345 - (03/03/2006)
Ride Captain/Colorado Springs
Proud PGR cager (Red 1997 Jeep Wrangler with the BIG American flag on the back!!!)
Honoring the fallen, those who have served, and the memory of four American Heroes:
My Father, Robert G. Thurston - WWII (European Theater)
My Father-In-Law, Albert A. Mestan - WWII (Pacific Theater) & Korean War
Lt John P. Napolitano - FDNY Rescue 2 (North Tower, World Trade Center)
CMSgt Robert A. Brown - Bataan Death March Survivor
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain" - Abraham Lincoln |
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Charger
Posts: 3923
Golden, Colorado
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| 24 Jul 2007 4:49 PM |
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Denver and northern Colorado, we will stage in Castle Rock and ride on down to Colorado Springs, where Kristen Coderre will be the Ride Captain. We will meet at the Walgreen's on Wilcox. As you are going south on I-25, take exit #181, the Plum Creek exit. Turn left and go under the highway, and then take the first possible left into the Walgreen's parking lot. If you make it to the stoplight at Wilcox, you have gone too far, and will have to turn left and make your way back to the Walgreen's.
Staging -------- 0930 (9:30 am)
Ride Briefing - 0945 (9:45 am)
KSU ------------ 1000 (10:00 am) SHARP
Note to all riders coming back north after the mission. Northbound I-25 was a mess the last time I drove it, and would have been dangerous on a motorcycle. I plan to take the side road from Monument up to Sedalia on the way home to bypass most of this. |
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Brad 'CHARGER' Lewellen
Retired Colorado State Captain
Proud PGR Blue Hat
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid"
~Dwight D. Eisenhower~ |
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nuguy
Posts: 896
Pueblo, CO
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| 25 Jul 2007 12:19 AM |
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28 July 07
Pueblo Co riders
meet at Loaf & Jug, exit 102, off I-25, next to Sams Club
Stage at 9:45am
Leave 10:00am sharp
Heading for Dennys at I-25 & Academy Blvd
Going on AF Academy. Will need long sleeve shirt, long pants, boots, full gloves, helmet (face shield or goggles} and a reflective vest. |
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Abe "nuguy" Duran
Senior Ride Captain-Pueblo & So. Colo
Nat'l PGR
US NAVY 55-58
RFTW Rider
PGR Rider
Remembering our POW/MIA/KIA
nuguy@q.com
cel - 719-250-5807 |
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maechyll
Posts: 15
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| 25 Jul 2007 9:59 AM |
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I'll be there.
Question--I've never ridden on base before. Where would I go to get a reflective vest--MC shop? Safety equipment place? If it matters, I'm between Greeley and Cheyenne. Please reply here or to maechyll@msn.com. Thanks. |
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Soloman
Posts: 430
Golden CO
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| 25 Jul 2007 10:28 AM |
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These are readily available from most Hardware typestores. I know Home
Depot and Lowes have them. You will find them with the other safety
gear, hard hats, glasses, hearing protection etc. They are the same type of thing you see guys on road crews wearing.
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Mike Rosenthal
Asst. State Captain / Denver & Northern CO.
303/961-2715 |
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rldavis1
Posts: 199
Glendale, AZ
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| 25 Jul 2007 10:37 AM |
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| Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Lowe's, and ACE should carry them if any in your area.. |
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Turtle |
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oneazson
Posts: 50
Tempe, AZ
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| 25 Jul 2007 10:58 AM |
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| Wal Mart carries them too. They are only a buck or two. |
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TERRY
USAF 63-67
AZ AIR NAT GUARD 73-91
RET MSGT
PATRIOT GUARD RIDER
AMERICAN LEGION RIDER POST 91 |
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Charger
Posts: 3923
Golden, Colorado
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| 25 Jul 2007 11:34 AM |
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| Because of a personal emergency, Kristen will be unable to RC this mission. All staging times and places will remain the same, and I will be the Ride Captain for this mission when I get to Colorado Springs. |
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Brad 'CHARGER' Lewellen
Retired Colorado State Captain
Proud PGR Blue Hat
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid"
~Dwight D. Eisenhower~ |
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oldiron6
Posts: 0
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| 25 Jul 2007 1:10 PM |
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| Bump for update |
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Charger
Posts: 3923
Golden, Colorado
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| 25 Jul 2007 5:42 PM |
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There have been articles in the papers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo saying this Memorial Service starts at 1200 noon instead of 1230. Just to be safe, I am moving all staging times up 1/2 hour. All staging area will remain the same as before, and Denver and Pueblo will meet up at the Colorado Springs staging before we head onto the base
Colorado Springs
Stage at 1030 (10:30 am)
Mission Brief at 1045 (10:45 am)
KSU at 1100 (11:00 am SHARP)
Denver and northern Colorado
Stage at 0900 (9:00 am)
Ride brief at 0915 (9:15 am)
KSU at 0930 (9:30 am SHARP)
Pueblo and southern Colorado
Stage at 0915 (9:15 am)
KSU at 0930 (9:30 am)
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Brad 'CHARGER' Lewellen
Retired Colorado State Captain
Proud PGR Blue Hat
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid"
~Dwight D. Eisenhower~ |
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Lou Freitas
Posts: 241
Montgomery, Texas
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| 26 Jul 2007 8:04 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Msgt. Randy Gillespie. May God help you through this difficult time and sorrow. Know your son was and is a Hero to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. |
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"Bagger Lou"
Lou Freitas
Texas State Captain
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jimkilp
Posts: 182
Colorado Springs, CO
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| 26 Jul 2007 8:38 AM |
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| RE. Robin's post of 24 July. Full-Fingered gloves, over-the-ankle footwear and eye protection (sunglasses alone are usually not acceptable. Riding/Safety glasses/goggles or Helmet Faceshield are) are also required to ride two-wheeler on base. |
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"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury." — Alexander Tyler (in his 1770 book, Cycle of Democracy)
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington |
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Soloman
Posts: 430
Golden CO
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| 27 Jul 2007 12:33 PM |
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I had every intention of making this mission with you all tomorrow, but
I now unfortunately have a busted bike - charging system failure.
Before somebody pops up with "Come in the cage" tomorrow is the only
available time to fix it with the parts shop open or I would. (Actually
Grumpy offered to let me ride his "spare" bike).
I'll be standing the line with y'all in spirit while I wrench on the scooter.
Ride Safe
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Mike Rosenthal
Asst. State Captain / Denver & Northern CO.
303/961-2715 |
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