I think it's a good time to toast a few here ...

I have been reading several threads lately that seem to slip into a sort of "negative" tone at times for many valid reasons and many more invalid reasons. We all here on WIX can admit that at times we all can find a reason to b*tch and complain, but I'm also sure we all really understand that if we didn't have a place like WIX we would never be able to pursue our passion for b*tching and complaining about most things that really are trivial to begin with. ... So this nonsense said, I propose, at least on this simple thread, that we list just a few of our WIX hero's ... (and NO, don't start getting glassy eyed either) and extend a simple thank you for allowing us to be here in the first place and to allow us to give praise and to b*tch at times. I'll start by saying I couldn't possibly list all of you "hero's" or what ever you want to be called ... hahaha ... Here's mine.

1. Anyone who spends hours and hours of time and hard work restoring anything that has to do with warbirds. ... you ALL know who you are and you may, just may, have a small idea of how most of us feel about your commitments, but in reality, you'll NEVER, EVER know just how greatful we really are. When you're banging up your hands with all your hard work everyday alone and feel frustrated, you have to just keep in mind how many hundreds of us are counting (and excited) on you to show us your talent and skills. None of you have ever disappointed us, and we all have photos to prove it ... even I couldn't possibly come up with the proper words that express ... "Thank You"

2. Anyone who owns and flys warbirds and allows the rest of us to enjoy our passion for warbirds at airshows and museums. You can always tell a passionate warbird person by the way they stand and watch warbirds fly-by at an airshow. You couldn't possibly fake that smile ....

3. Randy Haskin and his band of brothers ... no explanation needed ... just a great big "Thank You" ...and it truly means a lot for you to take the time to chat here with us.

4. Jack Cook ... priceless, simply priceless ... again, even I can't find the proper words

5. Bill Greenwood? .... lets skip this one ... hahaha ... kidding ... Thanks Bill for being, well Bill Greenwood.

6. All who have the balls to post anything at anytime, no matter what the subject, no matter how important or relevent or lack there of, no matter if you might feel intimidated, un-educated, too old, too young or simply afraid for fear of reprisal. .... "Thank You all as well"

7. Scott and his crew ... what more needs to be said? Well if more needs to be said, just keep reading the posts .... you'll understand ...

8. Sabredriver/HGUCSU/wixlova/wxlova/??? .... because I get a kick out of reading all the posts some of you guys throw at him ... have to admit it's kind of entertaining at times.

So lets see a few of you guys single out a few hero's here, I tried, I know I missed several, but I'll get them, they can't hide ... haha ... you can count on that.

I'd like to see 150 + posts on this thread .... I know you all can do it ...

And NO I'm not drunk ... yet!! .... maybe I should post a photo why I'm in such a good mood, but she may catch me peeking around the corner of the shower ... hehe

Last edited by Hellcat on Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:09 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[muddyboots]

I'd like to thank Bill Greenwood specifically for helping me feel a lot more comfortabvle around youse big dogs. He's gone out of his way to be friendly here and more importantly in the real world. To some of you he's a liberal wonk. To me he's a great friend who has been there when I needed him.

Randy Haskins: I'd grunt for you but you wouldn't hear it way over at Lakeheath. Ever make it to NorCal, let me buy you a beer and laugh at how big your watch is.

Nathan, your eternal optimism has been a source of encouragement, as well as being good for a laugh now and then. Don't ever stop digging into th the warbird world, buddy!

[kenlyco]

Somebody's been drinking!!

[Chunks]

I'd like to give a huge South Texas thank you to Eric (in advance) for when he sends me that paint code for the oil tank on the SPAD!

Chunks

[muddyboots]

that's piper cub yellow, buddy!

[Nathan]

Nathan, your eternal optimism has been a source of encouragement, as well as being good for a laugh now and then. Don't ever stop digging into th the warbird world, buddy!

wow, thanks Muddyboots. Didn't know anyone noticed me.


Now everyone get out there and and save some warbirds!

[EDowning]

Muddy Boots wrote:

that's piper cub yellow, buddy!

It's actually Safety Yellow - paint code for the yellow on my oil tank is as follows:

PPG Brand Acrylic Urethane DCC OEM DT2395

or if you want it in Dupont it's 43536X

[oz rb fan]

bill greenwood for you help in understanding the owners side of warbird operation .
jack cook for your pics and knollege of war time birds.
retroaviation for your look behind the scenes of our passion.
and to scott and staff for giveing us somwhere to play

[mustangdriver]

What's the serial number of the carb you are using again? Kidding

Hellcat, great thread. I think we all get fired up here as you would at a family gathering sometimes. I am just as guilty.

Jack Cook--Just all around cool dude.

Rick H--We don't see eye to eye on a lot of stuff, but he has my respect as he keeps the CF F-4 and A-4 looking awesome. If we ever meet up in person, I would expect to go and drink a few beers.

Nathan--You bring a positive spin to alot of things here man.

6trn4brn--You and I have not seen eye to eye on things before, but we are always buds during and after.

Bear--My first friend that I made and hung out with on WIX

Paul--Just a cool guy and a great dude to hang out with. I hope to see you and the T-33 this year.

rwdfresno--Always a fun dude to talk to.

Bill Greenwood--He actually sent me a Spitfire tire for my game room!

Zachary--When I had a really rought time on a vacation and got robbed, he was kind enought to send me a new EAA Lifetime Member pin. One of the items that I had that was taken.

To the many others I talk with here, and even argue with. I think we do so because we all want the best for the things we care about. YOu guys are cool in my book.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Mudge and the many forms of Curmugendry!

Then everybody else.

[jaybird]

I would like to thank the many lurkers who don't post. I don't have enough time to read everything as is!

This is what's called an oxymoron reply.

[Jack Cook]

My hats off to Eric Downing for doing the whole 12 step program in
one post when he threatened to leave wix forever if we all got "touchy-feely".
I wish that thread existed but one of our overseers removed it.

[mustanglover]

I'd like to give a huge South Texas thank you to Eric (in advance) for when he sends me that paint code for the oil tank on the SPAD!

Chunks

where in South Texas are you?

[6trn4brn]

What a great thread Hellcat! I would start out by thanking you for so many inciteful threads that you have started. I have learned a lot by reading some of the questions you post
Someday, when I grow up, I hope to have half of the knowledge that Jack Cook has
Love following all of the restoration threads...retroaviation, 51fixer and so many others that allow us to really see the inner workings of our favorite things: WARBIRDS
A BIG THANK YOU to all of the owners for bringing their works of art to airshows and allowing us mere mortals to enjoy them in their element!
Mustangdriver: Dude, you rock As you said, we don't always see eye-to-eye, but you do stand your ground and your passion for the NMUSAF is obvious to the bitter end. You take the heat well (most of the time ) and I tip my glass to you for your steadfastness

Finally Scott and the other fine fellas that keep this site up and running, FANDAMTASTIC! It is so good to have found a site like this that provides me with the wealth of information found here! I feel like I sorta fit in...

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Jack Cook is the Bomb!