well guys, I finally opened this thread to see who it was about. I am humbled and honored. those of you who know me know I'm never at a loss for words. since joining this forum almost 11 years ago I have met many fine folks, both in person at gun shows and via PMs, emails and phone conversations. the member I met the longest time ago would be VT Shooter. he was a student of mine back in the mid 70s at Keesler AFB, MS. the next would be Fat Frank, now residing in S Australia but formerly of Offutt AFB, NE. he picked his screen name from a name I was considering for my gun shop when I retired from the AF in 1990. one of my thoughts was Fat Frank's Fine Firearms(my first name is actually Franklin). I have always been glad when I could help out a member who needed something I had laying around that the kids would sell for 50 cents at my estate sale down the road. thanks again for the kind words. lee