Bear_1953 
Posts: 1139
Eldon, Iowa
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| 12 Sep 2007 4:37 PM |
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I will never forget the evening that I met Greg. When I tell this story there is always at least one person says. That was you? Yes it was me; it was my rookie mission as a member of the PGR. We had gathered at a truck stop in Princeton, IL to escort Jerry Tharp. When it became time to line up the bikes, I could not find the key to mine anywhere. The next thing I know here is Greg Bowman barking orders lol and it seemed like about 200 people including all the LEO’s and the Tharp family members are looking all over the place for my key. Greg was on his cell phone trying to get a locksmith or a Yamaha dealer, to come out.
Right then and there I found out what the PGR family was all about. Greg was such an asset to this family and will be greatly missed
Mike, Mom & Dad and the rest of the family. Please except my most sincere condolences
With Respect
Bear
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Charlie “Bear” Neill
State Captain Iowa Patriot Guard Riders
Bear_pgr@yahoo.com
{641} 652 – 7721 Home {641} 799 – 2881 Cell
Abate of Iowa district # 14
Officially adopted Illinois PGR
An original member of CP
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bw2249
Posts: 3
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| 12 Sep 2007 5:30 PM |
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Just A heads up for all of those wishing to ride from the Quad Cities, Due to time change for the services we will be meeting at the welcome center in LeClaire Iowa off I-80 at 0615hrs with KSU at 0700hrs instead of 0800hrs sorry for the short notice!Anyone have any questions feel free to give me a call on my cell at 309-236-8114
Brian |
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Moon Beam
Posts: 22
Bettendorf, IA
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| 12 Sep 2007 6:24 PM |
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| Our deepest condolences goes out to the friends and fmaily of Greg. He was a great man that is respected as much as those he has given respect to. You will be missed our brother.
Standing by in Bettendorf. |
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U.S. ARMY MILITARY POLICE CORPS....1983 - 93
AMERICAN LEGION......................1999 - Present
ABATE, IOWA, DIST 15...............2003 - Present
LEGION RIDERS..........................2003 - Present
PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS.............2006 - Present |
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Atch
Posts: 7
Alpha, Illinois
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| 12 Sep 2007 7:47 PM |
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My deepest condolences to the Bowman family. This was a shock to hear......I, like many others feel empty. Standing by in Alpha, IL.
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There is no wrong way to do the right thing....... |
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indyharley
Posts: 4259
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mcneese5
Posts: 419
Turkey,NC
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| 12 Sep 2007 8:14 PM |
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| To the Family and Friends of Greg Bowman you are in my prayers and you have my Condolences. Thank you for your service to this great country. You are a true American Hero. You will not be forgotten. I SALUTE YOU. I have no trouble realizing what kind of brother you where , All I have to do is read these post and your character comes to life. Rest in peace my brother. |
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USN 93-96
I Like to Drink,Steal,Swear, and Lie
1. "Drink" from the "everlasting cup" every day.
2. "Steal" a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than you are.
3. "Swear" that you will be a better person today than yesterday.
4. And last, but not least, when you "lie" down at night, thank God. |
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wiersma98
Posts: 29
Colby, Wisconsin (45 min. west of Wausau, 1 hr. east of Eau Claire)
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| 12 Sep 2007 8:58 PM |
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| I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Bowman--but know the impact of this man, because of the loss resonating through the entire PGR community. To his family: we are so sorry for your loss. To our Illinois PGR family: Little Chick and I will be coming down from central Wisconsin to stand guard for Cpl Nurnberg, which is the best way we can think of to honor RC Bowman. You are all in our prayers. |
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Terri
Wife, Mom, Biker
Proud Patriot Guard Rider
Riding in honor of my father-in-law, Raymond Wiersma, Korean-era vet, and my cousins, Tom Snow and Danny Snow, former and current soldiers in the Sandbox.
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NazPas
Posts: 2
Cuba, IL
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| 12 Sep 2007 9:16 PM |
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| To the Family of Mr. Bowman,
My greatest and more sincere sympathy during this time of loss. I have been praying for your family and i hope you will turn to Him during this time of grief.
We are left behind to ask questions, although there is one who is here to offer suport. May our Father in Heaven grant you and your family peace and comfort that can only come from Him.
Fellow PGR Brother,
Pastor Brian Eatock
Cuba Nazarene |
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iScoot2
Posts: 2068
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 12 Sep 2007 9:33 PM |
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Posted By deruss on 12 Sep 2007 12:04 PM
I have known Greg for seven months and stood with him seven times.
Landeck (Wheaton) February
Kim (Orland Park) March
Zizumbo (Elsdon) March
Hugo’s four corners in April
Lill (Bridgeport) July
Lancaster (Stockton) August
Brodnick (New Lenox) September
Over that period I have taken his photograph 55 times. Those 55 are here. (After you select an image, click on “Full size” (in the upper-right corner) to see the full 2400 by 1800 pixel resolution.) Most show the weight of the mission on his face – I wish I had more of his easy smile.
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Patriotism is more than a sentiment; it is a conviction based upon a comprehension of the duties of a citizen and a determination loyally to perform such duties.
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iScoot2
Posts: 2068
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 12 Sep 2007 9:35 PM |
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Wow Don those pictures are incredible.
Respects,
Scoot
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Patriotism is more than a sentiment; it is a conviction based upon a comprehension of the duties of a citizen and a determination loyally to perform such duties.
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satyr
Posts: 7366
Raleigh, NC
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| 12 Sep 2007 9:49 PM |
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I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and
friends of Senior PGR ride captain Greg Bowman. My thoughts and
prayers are with you.
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satyr
Steve Roma
USAF 1976 - 1980, TAC
Dry Hill AFS, Watertown, NY
Finland AFS, Finland, MN
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
- Moina Micheals - 1918
"We Shall Keep the Faith"
Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Field" |
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NoWorries
Posts: 1424
Kennesaw, Georgia
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| 13 Sep 2007 12:08 AM |
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In this world I have two extended families, my brethren in Christ and my Patriot Guard brothers. I am blessed to have both.
I did not know Greg, but today I know the Patriot Guard is the lesser for his departure. Please take solace in knowing that Greg has made a difference in more lives than you could possibly imagine, his life has eternal significance.
May God bless the Bowman family with the memory and pride of a life well-lived.
Riding pegs down in Georgia on Friday for Greg. |
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† NoWorries
Canyon Shearer
Mentor Team Member
Red White and Blue Book Coordinator
noworries88@gmail.com
928-606-6906Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise;
when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
-Micah 7:8 |
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BigInjun
Posts: 233
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| 13 Sep 2007 1:31 AM |
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My prayers, and condolences for the family and friends of Greg Bowman. Those brothers and sisters who passed into glory before him and the heroes honored surely stood at the gates of heaven to welcome him home to his own glory.
From Oklahoma, respect and honor, and grief from the Big Injun |
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"As they lay me down to rest,
Tell my mom I did my best.
" |
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RiderCoachJudy
Posts: 41
Chicago
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| 13 Sep 2007 7:02 AM |
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| It is with a great heaviness that I write today knowing I will no longer have the honor of standing next to Greg serving the Patriot Guard Riders. On our last mission shared a quiet conversation while holding our flags about the amazing vacation he and his son had very recently finished. He spoke of his trip through Yellowstone Park and over 3000 miles of other places with such love and enthusiam for his all of his children. He loved those one-on-one vacations with all his heart. There is no doubt that this friend will be missed by many many people from many different walks in life. His life was way too short, but he has touched many. God bless and I know he'll find the best road to begin his final mission. I will truly have an empty spot in my heart left by the passing of this true American hero. |
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Riding in memory of Cpl. Albert Bitton, Amichai ben Eliyahu. 1988 - 2008 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combate Team, 101st Airb |
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howerter1
Posts: 781
Galesburg, ILL; HOTH Coordinator ILL,Retired E8,US Army,Vietnam Vet
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| 13 Sep 2007 8:44 AM |
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Myself, Gary Schrock and others will be at the new Wal-Mart off of 34 and Seminary Street here in Galesburg on the 14th, Fri.
Time: 10:15 KSU: 10:30 For anyone that wants to ride along with us up to Princeton. |
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Max
US Army Retired E8, VietNam 66-67 "We should not mourn that such men died, but we should thank God that such men lived" General George Patton |
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bogiediver
Posts: 389
Woodstock, IL
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| 13 Sep 2007 9:15 AM |
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I do not recall if this has been posted previously...
We may need to be prepared to execute all points of our mission statement...
'nuf said.
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-bogie
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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Thomas Novotny
Posts: 106
Downers Grove, Illinois
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| 13 Sep 2007 9:27 AM |
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My condolences to the family, friends, and the extended family/friends (PGR's) of Greg. You will be missed brother. Your calming presence, soft voice, and confidence in presentation may be replaced by other Ride Captains; but, will be hard to equal. It has been my honor to stand/ride escort with you. The flag at the bank in Westmont needs to be lowered in honor of Cpl Nurnberg of Spring Grove/Richmond on Saturday 9-15-07. In my heart I will also be lowering it for Greg. He was truly a scholar and a gentleman. It is my wish that the flag could fly free and high on the mast at all times. It is with honor and respect that we need to lower it to half in remembrance of fallen heroes and friends. Rest In Peace. They must have needed a "Pulpe Hat" in heaven to organize the flag line welcome to the "Pearly Gates."
TomCat
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bogiediver
Posts: 389
Woodstock, IL
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| 13 Sep 2007 9:30 AM |
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***** FINAL COMPLETE ITINERARY as of 13 SEP 2007 10:00am *****
Fri, 14 Sep 2007
Visitation is being held at:
Norberg Memorial Home
701 E Thompson
Princeton, IL
Times are 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The family is expected to arrive about 3:30pm
Staging time: 2:30pm
Staging location:
The parking lot of the Bethel Baptist Church, this parking lot (hard pack gravel) backs up to the funeral home parking lot. If additional space becomes necessary, the funeral home has OK'd parking on their grass - so please bring kickstands coasters. The entrance to the church parking lot is off of Innsbruck Ln - the first street east of the funeral home.
Briefing at 3:00
Flag line immediately following
Please note: The family has invited ALL PGR members in attendance do a 'Walk Thru' honorarium at 8:00pm.
Sat, 15 Sep 2007
The funeral service will be at:
St. Louis Catholic Church
616 S Gosse Boulevard
Princeton, IL
Service begins at 9:30am
Staging time: 8:00am
Staging Location:
The parking lot of Alexander Park, which is just to the west of the church. Entrance to the parking lot is off of Anderson St - the first street west of the church.
Briefing at 8:15am
Flag Line immediately following
The family has invited ALL PGR RIDE and ROAD CAPTAINS in attendance at the Sat service to be inside the church for the service.
There will be no burial as Greg's wishes are to be cremated, with his ashes distributed at specific points he had determined.
However, the family has invited ALL PGR MEMBERS to escort the family home after the services and to plan on staying for 'family time' and a meal - they consider, as did Greg, that the PGR IS family. Greg's wife said 'if there are 150 motorcycles parked in the front lawn, Greg would be very, very happy' (plans are in place for a large crowd - try to plan on staying). I spoke with Deputy Chief Allan Beaber of the Princeton Police who was a 10+ year friend of Greg's and asked him if he would do the honor of leading the escort to the family home and he agreed.
Parking will be on grass - bring a kickstand coaster.
Please watch the thread for any last minute updates
SEMPER GUMBY
Ride Captain:
Assisting RCs:
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-bogie
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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jcurran516
Posts: 893
Dodgeville,Wisconsin WI State Captain
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| 13 Sep 2007 9:48 AM |
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I think someone listed a hotel in the area but when I try to scroll through these postings, my screen gets all blurry and my scrolling finger can move anymore.
Recommendations? |
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"If anybody is wondering: Where are the young idealists? Where are the people willing to devote themselves to causes larger than themselves? They are in uniform in Iraq, straddling the divide between insanity and order."
David Brooks from the Soldier's Angels Home Page
"This beautiful day is simply too good to waste." quote Greg Bowman - 9/9/07 |
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modesde
Posts: 2
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| 13 Sep 2007 10:46 AM |
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| I never had a chance to meet Greg, but my mother did while he and other PGR members were out in Stockton almost a month ago for SGT Lancaster's funeral. She said that she worked closely with him on making everything go smoothly for the Lancaster family. Greg had said to her that he had never been out in the area before and that he had fallen in love with it all, promising to be out again sometime soon. I was actually riding through Stockton around 6 on Sunday and was thinking of how all of you made such an impression on people from the area, hoping that maybe I would pass by some of you and give you all a thumbs up like on Saturday. I'm so sorry to here about your loss of someone who many of you held so closely a friend, I feel terrible considering that this was an accident that happenned in my hometown area. My thoughts go out to all of you that knew him. |
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freebird57
Posts: 326
bensenville, illinois
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| 13 Sep 2007 10:53 AM |
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John,
Just sent you an email on Hotel Reservations.
Rick |
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Rick
Freebird57, Road Guard, Bouncer
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phaedrus1977
Posts: 62
Kickapoo, IL
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| 13 Sep 2007 11:57 AM |
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Apropos bogiediver's comment about being prepared to carry out all parts of our mission statement, there is a story in today's Peoria Journal-Star about this mission:
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/091307/REG_BEBJ76CB.033.php
I think their prediction of "up to 100 riders" may be a bit low. |
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THE YOUNG DEAD SOLDIERS DO NOT SPEAK
Nevertheless they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say, We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say, We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say, We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave.
They say, Our deaths are not ours: they are yours: they will mean what you make them.
They say, Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this.
They say, We leave you our deaths: give them their meaning: given them an end to the war and a true peace: give them a victory that ends the war and a peace afterwards: give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us.
-Archibald MacLeish
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Greg Cote
Son of an Airman, Father of a Soldier
Melinda Cote
Daughter of a Sailor, Mother of a Soldier |
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Rfor2005
Posts: 526
Des Moines, Iowa National Support Staff
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| 13 Sep 2007 12:15 PM |
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I have never had the chance to meet Greg. But after reading all the current posts. It sounds as if Greg had two familys. His direct family which it sounds as if they were very important to him, as he took as much time he could to spend with them. Also his PRG family which extends many many states. Greg will be missed as he filled some very large shoes. My thoughts and prayers go out to his direct family and the entire PGR family that will be there to support each other in time of need.
In regards to the prediction of how many riders will be there, I can only hope that it is a very large area for all the riders and cageers that will attend.
Ride in peace Greg, and PGR take care of yourselfs and his family in this terrible time. |
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Rfor2005
Robert Forbes
DSM, Iowa
Iowa PGR Rider 2005 to Present
US Army, 1986-1998
Operations Desert Shield/Storm
_______________________________________
Riding in Memory of CM1 Samuel Wiliam Fazo |
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dmass
Posts: 4
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| 13 Sep 2007 3:56 PM |
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As a personal friend of Greg and Mike
i should have joined a long time ago. Count me in now, look forward to meeting each and every one of you this weekend. |
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Free & Grateful 2U
Posts: 18
Central IL
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| 13 Sep 2007 4:09 PM |
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| Another Hero.....I pray God wraps his loving arms around his family and friends. In our thoughts and prayers. |
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And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood
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