The Update and Thanks "For the Boys"
First, I would like to thank all of you STOVEBOLTER's. What a generous bunch of people. You gave so much by helping out a little. You did it with trust and good hearts. Your calls, emails, and pledges were more than I ever expected. What an overwhelming response from you it has been. Because of you STOVEBOLTER's, Joe's son Joe Jr. has a plan ticket home. His Marine friends both have arrangements to get home through family and friends with their expenses paid. Joe was able to stay near his wife Denise's side, who is doing well after open heart surgery. Just a rough tally has generated over $1000 in pledges! That is amazing for less than 24 hours. STOVEBOLTER's are a great bunch of caring, trusting and thoughtful people. I'm proud to be friends with STOVEBOLTER's.
If you wish to continue sending money, I will continue to forward it to Joe "TooMany2Count".
Second, I'd like to thank Peg and John for standing up for me and putting them selves on the line to say it was OK to send the money to me, and trust that I would do the right thing by forwarding the money to Joe. You guys deserve so much for creating this fine STOVEBOLT community. You guys are second to none.
Third, I want to thank God for placing the talent into the hands that created these old trucks, and placed them in our lives. These "objects" are the backbone to what help make our lives simple and truthful. They are the heart and soul of our daily lives, and they are truly works of art. Not everybody can grasp the happiness that a pile of broken down truck can have on a person. We are all so lucky to be the people who can grasp that happiness.
Fourth, I would like to thank the Marines that we are bringing home for Christmas. These young men have bravery matched to none. They are Hero's to us all. They may claim that they are just doing their job, but it is so much more than that. They are part of the reason we are free to paint, restore, hotrod, trade, drive, spend, buy, sell, barter and banter about something as simple as an old truck. That doesn't even compare to the most important freedoms of family, religion and everyday life in a free country. God bless you young men. Your blood will run through your children and grandchildren to keep this country the greatest and most desirable wonder the world has ever known. The fighting men of this nation will never be forgotten in STOVEBOLT country.
Fifth, I would like to thank Joe and Denise. Thanks for raising a fine brave young man. Thank you for putting your heart out there for us to see. Thanks for being a part of the STOVEBOLT community.
God Bless and Merry Christmas!
Builder
Thanks!