hagtwo 
Posts: 25
Moundsview,MN 55112
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| 25 Jun 2006 7:58 PM |
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To those who are meeting at the perkins on 242 and 65. we will be departing there to meet the ride captain at the sears store off of 212 east of 494 in eden prairie. they are departing at 5:00.
we will have to leave perkins NLT 4:10.
we will take 610 to 169 soth to 62 crosstown. east to 212.
try to be fueled up and ready to leave by 4:00.
we have to be in eden prairie before 5:00 to sign waivers and top off fuel.
if you have any ?? call Bob at 612-599-4534
Bob H. |
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USAF VET Viet Nam era
VFW post 6587 Spring Lake Park MN life member |
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thecaptive
Posts: 23
Coon Rapids, MN
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| 25 Jun 2006 8:18 PM |
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Do to an unforeseen problem at my business I will be unable to ride on this mission. To everyone making it, ride safe. I will be there in spirit.
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Craig
Navy 74-78
NSGA Homestead, FL |
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Grumblebear
Posts: 18
Lino Lakes
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| 25 Jun 2006 9:10 PM |
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see you folks at 65 and 242...
grumble... |
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bbmac
Posts: 17
Dayton OH
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| 26 Jun 2006 8:14 PM |
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My Thanks to The Koch family for inviting us. It was an HONOR. Thanks to the PGR for riding with us. It was an HONOR. What a day of emotion. Sadness and pride all put together. Thanks to all the PGR Captains and everyone for another outstanding job. Respect and Honor were present today.
Bruce McWilliams, Christina Brown |
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albert5001
Posts: 38
Stewart, MN
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| 26 Jun 2006 8:16 PM |
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Once again I am humbled by the people around me. Being able to honor a better man than me. Riding in the procession through towns I've never heard of, but wished I lived there so I could be around such wonderful and caring people. Coming up to an intersection in the middle of nowhere, only to find an old man and his wife holding a flag to honor a child they never knew. Passing a lone house with a little kid at the end of the driveway holding her flag proudly. There are better people out there than me.
Mr. and Mrs. Koch, I am truly sorry you've lost your son. My wife and daughter met Brent the night before he shipped out, I never had the chance. With such strong community support he must have been an amazing kid. Thank you for letting my wife and I honor you and your son.
Thank you to all of the PGR for providing us the opportunity.
Al Johnson |
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Honeydog
Posts: 644
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| 26 Jun 2006 8:17 PM |
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Again, I am at a loss for words to describe the whirlwind of emotions I experienced today.
Thanks to the Koch family for inviting us.
I will have pictures up sometime tomorrow, my main computer is still busy uploading them. |
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation
- General Douglas MacArthur
There are bikers invading the rest area!
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spkelly
Posts: 52
New Ulm MN
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| 27 Jun 2006 6:03 AM |
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After my first mission, I will not soon forget the range of emotions I felt for the loss of Sgt Koch. A man I never knew or met, and will never have that priviledge that so many did; I found myself shedding tears as I rode past the vehicles that had pulled off onto the shoulder in respect, the thumbs up, the gentlemen standing on the corner with his hat over his heart, the family oustide of town standing at the end of their driveway waving the star and stripes that Sgt Koch so willingly went to defend, and the "thank you PGR" sign on the highway. I have never been so humbled. Sgt Koch truly has affected my life and I will carry his memory and sacrifice with me always.
Sean Kelly
USAF Security Police 79-83
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Proud USAF Vet 79-83
Security Police (Security Specialist aka rivet counter/ramp rat). |
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trident_t150
Posts: 717
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 27 Jun 2006 6:26 AM |
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Each mission brings its own special memories--the ones we won't forget. Leaving early in the morning from Marshall, a group of us had volunteered to help Ride Captain Gaspasser with parking and staging. Arriving at Redwood Falls with what we thought was "plenty of time," to already find the gas stations full of bikes from all over the state, and surrounding areas!
Standing watch outside during the services in Morgan, I happened to look up, and there were four pelicans soaring in diamond formation high above the Cedar Mountain school. I joked to the man standing next to me that the Air Force was doing a "fly-over." I no sooner said it, and one pelican broke formation and flew a perfect "missing man" flight, before rejoining the other three. It no longer was something to joke about, but rather, something to remember in wonderment, as nature payed tribute to our fallen hero right in front of our eyes.
And the three white birds released -- and one refused to fly away, but rather sat watch on the entrance overhang to the school, while preparation was made for Sgt. Koch's final journey.
Not being able to attend the graveside ceremony, I went a few miles out of town to take some pictures. A farmer on a four wheeler watched me struggle to erect my flag on a stop sign, and he drove across the road and said, "Here, use this," and handed me a rubber strap from his four wheeler, and then waited with me in quiet conversation for the procession to pass.
Please feel free to use any of the pictures at this link. I'm sorry the ones didn't turn out of all my fellow PGR riders going by escorting the family to Trimont - the sun reflecting off the windshields and the bright lights left many unusable--but it was a fine sight to see--and hear. Thank you all who sacrificed time to drive the distances you did to honor our area soldier.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZMmLJq0ZMmLsA |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport, where a T33 was erected in memory of my first cousin and best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, who died in service to his country in 1978, and in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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Jgood
Posts: 108
Minnesota
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| 27 Jun 2006 6:39 AM |
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My wife and I attended this mission together as it was our first. I can't tell you how honored we both felt to be there and the fact that we were invited by the Koch family, it was truly our honor and a priviledge to pay tribute and respects to this young man. The emotions ran high for both of us and it's something we will never forget. We can not express enough to the family how sorry we are about their loss but just know that he will always be remembered. |
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oldgoldwing
Posts: 58
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| 27 Jun 2006 7:10 AM |
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thanks -- trident-t150 for the good ride report and photos
may God bless this family and all the PGR
old goldwing |
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HaggerABH3
Posts: 33
Maplewood, MN
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| 27 Jun 2006 8:05 AM |
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It was truely my honor to stand with my brothers and sisters to honor Sgt Koch. I too noticed the Dove that wouldn't fly off, and my brother pointed out the Pelicans. Thanks to the people & Law Enforcement of Redwood Falls, Morgan and surrounding area for supporting our mission.
To those who might read this, please take the next step to support our troops. Donate to the USO, or send a letter through americasupportsyou.com. |
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Veteran USN, DAV Life member |
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maximvtx
Posts: 9
Le Sueur, MN
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| 27 Jun 2006 8:45 AM |
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Riding on my first PGR mission I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Only that we were all there to honor an American Hero and his family for their ultimate sacrifice to our country. What I experienced and received in return can not be fully relayed without a huge smile of pride on my face and tears in my eyes.
From the extreme amount of planning our PGR Ride Captains did in a very short time to the large gathering of Law Enforcement support to keep our ride safe. The baby in the stroller playing with the flag to the elderly gentlemen in St. James with his hand on his heart and tears in his eyes. This was one of the most overwhelming yet humbling experiences of my life.
It makes me very proud to see the American Spirit living on in everyone I met yesterday. To bad it takes something like the death of Sgt. Brent Koch to bring this out. I know that my PGR brothers and sisters will continue daily to push forth tthe message of Honor, Respect and Patiotism. For that I want to Thank you all.
Sgt. Koch's final mission has been completed but ours will continue long after. God speed and safe riding to all. |
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tweller
Posts: 39
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daherja
Posts: 138
Stacy, MN
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| 27 Jun 2006 11:59 AM |
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This was my first mission and I have to say it was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. The support for the family and friends of Sgt. Koch from the people of southwestern Minnesota was heartwarming and uplifting, all the people in the towns and along our route that stopped what ever they were doing and came out to thank this young man for what he and others like him have given us and to show his family and friends that he’s not just another name in the news.
The third dove that flew back and landed over the very door that Sgt. Koch exited from,the elderly couple standing on the side of the road with there flag in hand, the people in there cars that stopped along the side of the road and waited for us to go by, the towns people who lined the streets of many of the towns we went through. These are things I will never forget.
I would like to thank the family of Sgt. Brent Koch for allowing me and the PGR to participate in his final mission, it was my absolute honor and privilege to be there.
God bless.
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JD
Proud to have served, Proud to be serving again.
USNR 84-92
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gwinslow
Posts: 538
Amboy, MN
Minnesota
Assistant State Captain
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| 27 Jun 2006 12:41 PM |
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I'd like to thank Kevin Peterson the Ride Captain In Charge of this mission. What you accomplished was truly amazing. Tom Weller, the State Ride Captain, who kept everyone on track and lead the riding part of the mission. Jim Bono our State Captain is such a fantastic spokesperson for the PGR, and also kept everything on track. To each and every Ride Captain who planned and lead their part in the mission. To the State Support people who without you we couldn't pull off the mission. Thank you to each and every one of you for all you do.
But most importantly, thank you to each and every PGR member who took the time from their daily lives to show up to honor and show respect to the family and community, YOU ROCK! I am constantly amazed by your support and actions.
To the Law Enforcement, of which there were many, thank you for your work and escorting us first from Redwood Falls to Morgan, then from Morgan to Trimont. You made it possible for us to escort the body to the gravesite. Every intersection that needed to be blocked for us to pass safely was blocked. Thank you so much for your assistance, without you we couldn't safely complete our mission. You make it all possible.
To the employers who allowed their employees to line the processions path with flags and people standing with their hands over their hearts. Thank you.
To everyone who lined the processions path, you renewed my faith in the American public. The respect you showed yesterday will long be remembered by everyone making that ride. Lynn told me when we got home last night that she cried almost the entire way from Morgan to Trimont.
How you knew we would be traveling that path and the time is beyond me, but thanks to those who communicated that information.
Thank you for each and everyone who showed up to pay their respect and honor the supreme sacrifice made by Sgt. Brent W. Koch.
To Sgt. Brent W. Koch's family, my heartfelt sympathies and know that your son might be gone, but his sacrifice will never be forgotten by those who attended this mission. Thank you for inviting us to your son's funeral.
George
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George H Winslow, Jr.
Minnesota Assistant State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard / Patriot Guard Riders
Red, White, & Blue Book - MN Coordinator |
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gaspasser
Posts: 39
Soutwest minnesota
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| 27 Jun 2006 1:59 PM |
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Jumprun,
Thanks for your imput. It is like explaining to people about why we ride motorcycles- "If I have to explain it, you would not understand".
To all PGR Members,
This was my second mission to help get set up. When I found out that it was on a Monday I was worried that only a few could be able to show up. I know how hard it is to get time away from work on a short notice. I was happy when I had my own sector show up early to ride over with me to set up. I knew we had a least that many. Then as we were driving East bound in Redwood Falls and the Cenex gas stop came into view, I saw at least 40 bikes. They were there at least 45 minutes before the scheduled staging times getting ready. The Staging area had many bikes and many cages already there. I almost lost it. Good thing for shades and luckily I was ahead of my guys. Like explaining about why we ride motorcycles--I can not explain how honored I am to be a part of this group. I had many question from towns people, military, and law enforcement has to how many will show up. You all did me proud. When the Police Chief from Redwood Falls came in the staging area and said what a great turn out we had. I burst a button on my vest. I know we all volunteer for this but each and everyone of you are my brothers and sisters in this. I am honored and in awe of you. Thank you for your support and Ride Safe. Thanks to you a hero has been honored.
Kevin Peterson
Marshall Ride Captain |
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claunchs
Posts: 471
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| 27 Jun 2006 3:13 PM |
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The sight of that long line of bikes, dazzling police car lights, shining leather, twinkling chrome, fluttering flags, the vehicles pulled to the sides with flashers on, the people waving and holding flags, and the thunder of all the machines was truly a spectacle. In the absence of protesters (thankfully) at the very least I hope that our presence drives home the level of pride and gratitude that this young man's countrymen feel toward him.
I also will never forget the experience. It was extremely touching and many times the tears welled up as I thought about the outpouring and why we were there. And I also recall that third dove that only flew a few feet to up above the school's entry way, landed, and looked back on us all. I think about every eye watched that dove for a few minutes, perhaps sensing or hoping that it momentarily embodied the soul of Sgt. Koch and allowed him to reflect on what his life and sacrifice meant to so many.
A huge thank you to the ride captains who had this mission nailed down. Everything worked like a Swiss watch and I thank you for the efforts it must have taken to plan and execute so well. |
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scott
Carpe Jugulum |
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8ballexpress
Posts: 260
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| 27 Jun 2006 3:23 PM |
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| First ride, won't be my last. most everything has been said. CLASS ACT!!!!, All the way it was a CLASS ACT!!!!. 8ball |
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Bob-o
Posts: 65
Sioux Center, Iowa
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| 27 Jun 2006 3:29 PM |
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My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of SPC Koch. I'm sorry I missed this mission, but my Mom was having ememrgency surger. You guys represented the PGR in the highest level of our patriotism. Ride safe and God bless.
Bob-o |
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JumpRun
Posts: 0
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| 27 Jun 2006 4:47 PM |
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I had to get out of bed at 3AM. I used one of my hard-earned vacation days. I bought 3 different flags before I had the one I wanted. I was cold in the morning and overheated in the afternoon and I was sunburned and my backside ached all day. I didn’t even know this guy that was killed.
I stood baking in the sun for an eternity. I kept getting behind a rider who drove me crazy. I drove through 3 different rainstorms. I broke down on the way home. I drove 458 miles and I didn’t get home until after 10 PM.
And, it was the best day I’ve had in a very long time, because:
I was able to do something to support the real heroes that have fallen in this war. I discovered that I had hundreds of brothers and sisters with a common desire. I teared up seeing all of those people waving flags and standing along the road in respect. I had so many people thank me for being there. I made some new friends – and you know who you are. I read the signs and ribbons that said “Thank You Patriot Guard”.
I saw the old men who knew to well what this was all about. I saw young mothers with tears on their cheeks holding tightly to their own sons. While I watched the women weep and the spirits of men be moved I knew that what I was doing was the right thing to do.
I knew that if Sgt. Brent W. Koch could go to Iraq to fight and die in this war, I could hold this flag in his honor.
Thank you Sgt. Brent Koch, your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
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scottgerr
Posts: 49
Great Lakes Regional Captain
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| 27 Jun 2006 4:49 PM |
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| After running through all the emotions that burst out of me on Monday (and running through the rain too!), I would like to thank Kevin and Tom for making things SEEM so simple and orderly on short notice. And thank you to all the people who stayed after the service for this hero, so they could escort him to his final resting place. |
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Scott Gerr
Great Lakes Regional Captain
“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” --Voltaire |
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hoghead_90
Posts: 14
St. James, Mn.
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| 27 Jun 2006 4:52 PM |
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I wish to thank all of you for attending Brent's mission. It meant a great deal to the family and friends that were at the school, and along the route to the grave site. A very emotional day to say the least. This was my third mission, and I come away each time, with so much more honor and respect for these young men and women. We should never doubt the patriotism of these young people again.
Thanks to all who orgainized this mission. A task that must be daunting at times. You done good my friends, and it is an honor to be a part of the PGR.
Brent may you rest in God's peace, until we meet again! |
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Honeydog
Posts: 644
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| 27 Jun 2006 5:16 PM |
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Posted By hoghead_90 on 06/27/2006 4:52 PM
I wish to thank all of you for attending Brent's mission. It meant a great deal to the family and friends that were at the school, and along the route to the grave site. A very emotional day to say the least.
I consider it an honor and privilage to have been there. Hoghead, I would I could somehow relay the increased respect I have the people of the towns we traveled through. My mind was absolutely overwhelmed with the show of support for Brent. I never expected to see people lining the 60 miles of roads from the funeral service to the cemetary. Going through the towns, it appeared the whole town was there. It's hard to make me cry, but the love and support shown the the people of area had my in tears for 60 miles. Big city USA could learn a lot from the small towns in Minnesota that I've experienced. |
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation
- General Douglas MacArthur
There are bikers invading the rest area!
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Honeydog
Posts: 644
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| 27 Jun 2006 5:17 PM |
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Posted By hoghead_90 on 06/27/2006 4:52 PM
I wish to thank all of you for attending Brent's mission. It meant a great deal to the family and friends that were at the school, and along the route to the grave site. A very emotional day to say the least.
I consider it an honor and privilage to have been there. Hoghead, I would I could somehow relay the increased respect I have the people of the towns we traveled through. My mind was absolutely overwhelmed with the show of support for Brent. I never expected to see people lining the 60 miles of roads from the funeral service to the cemetary. Going through the towns, it appeared the whole town was there. It's hard to make me cry, but the love and support shown the the people of area had my in tears for 60 miles. Big city USA could learn a lot from the small towns in Minnesota that I've experienced. |
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation
- General Douglas MacArthur
There are bikers invading the rest area!
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Honeydog
Posts: 644
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