I was ready to fly down for the weekend. Checked flights, bunk up with Rex & Dom in the hotel, then found out he was cremated within 24 hrs. Sorry, it was just to soon for us to get down there.

Mike

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There is nothing more impressive than a bloody big Alien wiggling on the end of a sharp stick!

I certainly hope I didn't sound like I was criticizing any of you guys who were planning on going, 24 hrs. is way to little time to coordinate something like that.

You meant well, and that means alot. I'm sure Chris knew we all wanted to be there.

And I guess I shouldn't be upset that he had 8 people to his viewing. It's quality, not quantity, thats important.

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"Awww, someone tell me that's a boot!

It's a boot!"

III drops

I think it's safe to say of course we didn't think that.

Dom and Rex had talked to me about last minute trip plans- I considered it, but realized it just wasn't feasible on such short notice. Then Chris was cremated. It all happened so fast.

I drank a toast to Chris on the Friday after at 9pm my time (which was 6pm in Colorado- the time of the co-ordinated toast to Chris).

And I gave up alcohol back in '98. I guess it was my personal goodbye.

As I look at the pic of him carrying our flag at last D-Con- to me it personifies who he was: he was always smiling and proud to be a part of this group. He always said that our group showed more camaraderie than what he saw during his time in the Army- which said a lot.

Man I miss him.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Not the case, brother.
Yeah, I had that drink too... although I never had the problem you had with alcohol, I've become something of a non-drinker in the last 10 years. I think I had a total of 4 oz of Amaretto that night... I got such a bad freakin' headache, it made me remember why I don't drink anymore. I guess it took an event like this to remind me why I don't drink.

Same here. It had just happened way too fast.


I don't really drink either, so I stopped off at my dad's place (he's always got a fully stocked cellar) after work and had him pour me a pint of rum. I know we were all hurting inside, but I felt Rex was hurting just a little bit more than the rest of us. So with my drink in hand I decided to give Rex a call at around the time we were all to raise our glasses to Chris. It still seemed so surreal to me, and Chris's death didn't really hit me again until we started talking about him.


Roger that my brother.

Chris touched more lives than I think even he realized. I am extremely thankful to have known the man for even the short time that I did. My memories of him will always be with me, as are the memories that I continue to personally build with many of you.

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Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

Well said my brothers, well said. Though we may be miles and miles apart, I don't think I can feel closer to you all than I do right now.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

Amen. There is a message from Joy I posted on a new thread you should read it explains a lot of things as to why it went down so quick.

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If you can't eat it, drink it, smoke it or jump it....RUN!!!

Scott aka Enzo has just advised me that Joy has received her plaque... I have made two, one which will be on permanent display at our table yearly.

Thanks for getting that together Dom.

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"Awww, someone tell me that's a boot!

It's a boot!"

III drops

Joy called me last night... this was my first time to talk to her.

She wanted to thank us all for the outpouring of love and good will we have sent out her way, she appreciated it all. She hopes to be able to fly out to Atlanta this year and I told her that she would be most welcome in this, her extended family.

Joy also mentions that she is willing to dicuss any pending business transactions any of you may have had with Chris, please PM for her residential phone number.

well the plan is to drive at the moment she got the Grand Caravan already reserved. Still kind of up in the air if I can go if I don't go I am thinking she will fly. I got the time, just a a matter of money. Will know better by June.

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If you can't eat it, drink it, smoke it or jump it....RUN!!!

Not a single person? C'mon guys... two months ago it was "Hands Across Chris"... now nobody answers to the call?

Digging around...........but not much. Have not found any pics of Chris.

I sent you all I have, but very few are actually my pictures.
Some may not be the right size...but hopefully you can use some of them.

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I thought I had sent these already Dom. I'll have to do it at home, where the hi-res pics reside.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!