I got to thinking about a lot of my friends that were lost over the past few years and it made me start to think about all the important people in my life and the club.

I have made a LOT of friends over my years in the club and all the people who will forever be in my heart.

In that respect I wanted to take a moment to give special thanks to 3 special people who have made this hobby into what it means to me.

There are tons of individuals that deserve thanks. My fellow and past BOD members. Volunteers, Donors, Committee chairs, and so many others.

In fact every one of the my fellow Susong Award candidates deserve recognition.

But 3 special people come to mind that don’t normally get the recognition that they deserve.

These 3 people in my opinion have made he hobby Fun for me and so many others.

The first person is Brian Cashman. Many people dont realize how important the entire Splashbar gathering is to our hobby and the club. Over the course of the past 5-6 years I have made countless friends at the Splashbar events thanks to Brian. Brian is one of the nicest and most generous people I know and I cant think of another person that has made the hobby more fun for me.

The second person is Steve Passalacqua. Steve has never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He is one of the most honest and sincere people I know. His ACE pledges and tournament bounties have made each and every convention an enjoyable one for me.

The third person is one of my best friends in the hobby, Steve Bedo. Steve has been the number one person in keeping me sane and level headed over the last few years. I can always trust Steve for advice and he is always there when I need someone to talk to.

I want to give a HUGE thanks to those 3 people as I owe each of them a great deal of gratitude.

Just like Greg Susong, Aaron Peacock, Mike Heron and Mark Erickson, those people have had a permanent effect my attitude as well as my life.

Thanks once again to Brian Cashman, Steve Passalacqua and Steve Bedo as I am proud to call you my friends.

Doug