GTA
GTA Intro and Help => GTA Announcement Gate => Topic started by: ezman604 on January 10, 2020, 11:22:26 PM
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I came here to GTA Forums in 2009. What brought me here was the same that brought most of you, a web search for airgun information. I’m a tinkerer and enjoy making things better if possible. Or modifying to make them uniquely mine. I’m fairly good with my hands. So when I saw some of the things Gene and others were doing, I was instantly hooked. Gene and I connected on many levels and exchanged project ideas.
Now, in the blink of an eye, over 10 years have flown by. I’ve learned a lot, met a lot of fantastic folks, shed many tears for the loss of some brothers and sisters, all while having the honor of representing the best gathering of folks in the world. And I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with some of the very best vendors in our airgun community. I have seen many great and a FEW bad members come and go, for various reasons. I know very well that interests and free time changes for us. And some we lost not by their choice. I’ve dealt with a LOT of issues during this time. These trials and tribulations have helped form me into what I am today. Be that good or bad, I do appreciate every minute I have been able to dedicate to GTA International Airgun Forums.
I took on the ownership and management of this forum through a promise I made to my great friend, Gene Curtis. I said I would manage the forum and do my best to keep his dream alive as long as I possibly could. I hope and pray I have fulfilled my promise by the changes we have initiated throughout the years. Gene lived to see many of the ideas I brought, all of which he approved. I hope everyone has enjoyed the changes and that the forum has benefited from my efforts. I always tried to keep our goal focused on making GTA the BEST airgun forum on the internet and the most concise library of airgun information available today. I’m sure it will continue to grow. I have always said this forum is what you the members make it. YOU bring your information, questions and discussions here for all to benefit from. I thank you for that. YOU are the ones that set the tone and mood. YOU helped build and enforce the rules that made and KEEPS this forum the absolute best place on the internet to be a part of!!!
Now, for the reason for this rambling post. It’s to announce a few changes to your forum. As the management of this forum took over more of my free time, I was pulled farther away from the very thing that brought me here. And that was the love and enjoyment of the sport/hobby of airguns. So it’s with mixed bitter & sweet emotions that I announce my stepping down from owning and managing this great forum. As Travis Whitney takes over as owner/administrator, I hope him the very best. I know you will give him and this forum the same fantastic support you have given me over the years. I’m not leaving, just getting back to my shop and the back yard to shoot my massive herd of airguns. I just won’t be spending 16 hours a day managing this great forum as before. GTA is and will always be my home. It, and all of you, are a very big part of my life.
Before I sign off this post I want to give one BIG shout out to your all volunteer staff. Managing this forum as we have grown is not and cannot be a one or two person job. It takes a team, and its one heck of a team you have here. NONE of us gained anything of material or financially from the time we dedicate to this forum. Not even me as the owner. And your all volunteer team has given up a LOT of personal time keeping the forum tidy and in order. And speaking of staff, I cannot praise my good friends and right hands David (Rocker1) and Richard (amb5500c) enough. Without this forum, I would not have met these two fine gentlemen and made such good friends. I hope we remain friends forever. As I hope I can remain good friends with ALL of the staff and members. Some of you I have had the honor and privilege of shaking hands with and some I have never met face to face, yet. But I appreciate each and every one of them and you. I cannot relay in words just how much I appreciate anyone that has in the past or still does give freely of their time for this forum. And for all of you that may volunteer in the future. The dedication is evident in the thousands of pages here. And also in the fact that we continue to grow by 10-20 new membership applications each and every day. That in itself says we are doing something right. THANK YOU each and every one for your friendship and support of me & Teresa personally and for making GTA “A Cut Above The Rest”. I hope to still see you around the community.
GOD Bless and as always….
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
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WOW!!!!! That is big news and thank you for all the hard work.
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Dez - you and the admins have done a great job, and GTA is something to be proud of. I’m glad you will start to get some shooting time back.
And just before the next paintball match, let me fix your sights for you. :o
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Thank you Dave and Teresa!
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DEz - You've given so much of yourself for so long it's high time you were able to step down and get a life. It's been a pleasure and a privilege interacting with you. I'd say you will be missed but I suspect you'll have your hand in the forum one way or another for a long time to come. Thanks for being here.
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While we haven’t met, we have interacted several times. I want to thank you for your time and making MY favorite forum on the net. Good luck with your future and enjoy your time in the field! Darrell
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This is big news! This certainly is the best place to hang out on the web and make friends! Sad to hear you are stepping down, but hope you will stick around and continue being an active member! And, how in the world is Travis going to find the time to run this place with all those Raptors he has to build?.. :-[ :o ;D
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WOW Dave! That is big news. Good for you! You have earned the free time.
Thank You for all you have done for the greatest forum on the internet. This place IS way above than any other!
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Dave,
Thank you SO MUCH for everything you do for the GTA. This forum wouldn't be what it is without generous people like you. Also, a big thanks to the volunteers who keep this forum on the up-and-up!
I wish you all the best and LOTS of shooting/tinkering time!!! ;D
Thank you!
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I wish you the best going forward and thank you for all you've done.
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You needed more to shoot anyway. Enjoy it. I’m sure you will check in from time to time.
Mitch
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Thank you, Dave. Enjoy your retirement!
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👍👍👍👍👍
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Dez, it truly has been an honor and blessing being able to call you my friend for all these years. That ain’t gonna change. I’m also proud of the work you (and us) have done here on the forum. I know for a fact that you have done your dead level best to maintain the integrity of this site by keeping the thoughts, hopes, dreams, and values of the original founders alive. By keeping this a (member run) forum and not a dictatorship, it HAS become the best on the net. Under your watch, we have continued to grow by leaps and bounds while others have come and gone. Most don’t realize just how much of your heart and time you have invested in this endeavor but there are a few of us that do. Thank you for that sacrifice. I wish Travis the best, and hope he’s ready for what he’s wading off into. But if he stays the course of the original intent of the founders and incorporates his own ideas into this framework, I believe he will continue with the success that has preceded him.
Richard
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Thank, enjoy your freedom. I can sort of relate, but I knew I wanted to keep Airguns in the Hobby category. I was offered a job in Airgun repair and said no to someone I consider a great guy and a good friend because I didn't/don't want ruin something I enjoy by turning it into work. It was hard to say no to him because I would like to help him, but I like writing my own schedule since I retired from the job I had for 42 years.
I am glad you were here for me when I joined and I am looking forward to your posts of your airgun activities in the future.
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Dave, I really hope you enjoy the sport again, relax, and have fun without all the worries that come with running the GTA. You out of everyone deserves it the MOST, because we know how hard you have worked for 10 years to make it the best air gun forum on the web. And I can say this with confidence since I 've been here almost 13 years and have seen all the changes and the transformation.
In the couple of years I worked with you side by side in the Admin team while Bob and Gene were retiring I could not keep up with you. No matter how hard I worked on the Forum, you always worked harder. Your dedication and personal time put into the forum is unsurpassed. You will always have my respect and admiration. I wish you the best and hope you stick around to tell us all about your air gun arsenal, your mods, and how you turned them into tack drivers.
Your friend,
Harry
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Big DeZ!
Love ya buddy.
You are the man. I have learned so much from you Gene and the FurrMan.
Although Gene and the Rocker1 always called at 4Am (pst) Bunch of Jokers.
Thanks for all the hard work and the behind the scenes magic that it takes to make this place hum and thrive
Bart
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God bless Dave and enjoy your retirement
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Congratulations on your retirement Dave. Sad to see you step down. I guess all good things must come to an end sooner or later, dang it.
Hope you and Teresa make many wonderful memories on the retirement trail.
Fuss
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Dave, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
I have been astounded by the work that you've done behind the scenes. I know that it's a constant battle to keep this gathering place civil. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty, you deserve a break.
Don't be a stranger, drop in often and show us what you're working on. Please provide several 8 by 10 color glossy photographs with circles and arrows explaining what each one was.
Hunter
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Dave,
thank you for serving us by leading GTA!! 👍🏼
For me sitting on a different continent, one where airgunning is exotic (and therefore has little support) — GTA has helped me to develop my hobby in ways never possible without the support from GTA members and the great store of information gathered here.
Blessings for your retirement! 😊
And happy shooting and tinkering! 😄
Matthias
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Dave,
The best of all that comes to you with your retirement.
Knowing that you are leaving GTA in the very capable hands of Travis has to be very comforting to you and all members of GTA.
Many thanks to you and all those that you mentioned that helped make GTA Iconic!
Matt
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Thank you DEz for everything! You and the team have done an outstanding job here. I visit here nearly every day and I have made some good friends through airguns/forums.
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Dave,
I wish you all the best in your future, and thank you more than you can know for what you've done for us. I'll never forget how you helped me rebuild my ASUS laptop!!
Many thanks for your dedication to us here at GTA.
God Bless you and God's Speed to you!!
:D :'(
Dennis
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i'm sure this was a hard decision for you, but one you will not regret. spending time with your loved ones, be they flesh and blood or wood and steel, is something you deserve after 10 years.
good luck to you!
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Dave,
This place won't be the same without you ... such is change i guess ???
Thank you for all your hard work, those who have donated countless hours in helping manage the site get a nod as well .
Enjoy the retirement and new perspective on what years you have left to lead the good life.
Scott
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DEz, you will be missed.... A LOT !!!!
I have never met you in person, but you have always been supportive of my efforts, and in return I have always supported the GTA.... I hope that never changes.... Enjoy your retirement, I hope you get the time to do everything that makes you happy....
Just one thing.... Drop in from time to time to say HI !!!!
Bob
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Good luck Dave. I confess my thoughts when I read that Travis is taking over were selfish at best! "Please O Please let him finish my Raptor first"! lol
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Dez,
I haven't met you or interacted with you. But , I would say that what you did worked and is a great platform. Thank you for you and many other did and for the ones coming in.
You guys presence and time is invaluable.
Thank you
PS: I agree with @P3DRanch. Travis don't forget about us, we like you but we mostly love our Raptors to come ;)
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Dave, the only thing constant is change itself. I thank you for providing the best place for us to congregate and discuss our hobby with like minded people over the years. I look forward to seeing you again at the Fun Shoots without all of the responsibilities you held in the past, and your continued contributions here on the GTA.
I know you wouldn't sell the GTA to just anyone, just like Gene wouldn't have. I look forward to the new owner (Travis) and his unique talents and ideas. I know he's a good man and passionate about airguns, and will continue to improve the GTA as you have done over the years. Enjoy your new endeavors, you deserve it. :)
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God bless ya Dave for all the fantastic things that you've done for this forum !!!
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THANK YOU!!!!!!!
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This comes as a shock, but I can completely understand. You, Teresa and the other Admins have given so much time and effort to get this site to get it to where it is today. You will be SORELY missed. There have been so many times I've seen issues come up that you handled so tactfully, that I thought would have really blown up, but you always calmed the storm.
Thanks for all you've done, I wish you the best with your new free time, and I really hope to meet up with you again.
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Thank you for all your hard work helping to keep this forum alive. I love the gta and have learned nearly all I know about this sport right here. I’m sure Travis will do it justice with his passion for all matters of the sport. Good luck and enjoy retirement and the time that you will have to continue your love for this sport.
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Dave, thank you so much for all that you have done and sacrificed in order to keep the humongous machine going. Most folks do not understand the amount of time, dedication and energy it takes to keeping something like this working. I do, I have battle scars to prove my involvement in so many content management system (CMS) projects. They all need enormous maintenance, nurturing and refereeing which grind and grind a person down to the point where they completely lose themselves in the work.
I wish you nothing but the best and hope you successfully get back to a place where you fully enjoy the (insert activity here) experience and are lost in the simplicity of the event.
I would like to congratulate the Wood Elf, Mr. Travis Whitney for stepping forward and accepting the challenge of fostering the next evolution. I am legitimately excited for what this evolution, technology and industry add to our sport.
Haj
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Wow. Scared me. Thought you were going to shut the forum down. Best of luck.
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Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to provide us such a great place to hang out, learn and share! Don't be a stranger!
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Thank you for everything you've done Dave.
Time to cancel my account.
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Dave, Thank you so, so much for the warmth and friendship you have provided over the years we have known each other, and for the thousands of hours you have given to the GTA legacy, helping it to thrive and grow. You are the best. And thank you Teresa for all of your time and patience. You can have your life and husband back now, LOL.
And Travis, good luck to you, I know you will give it your all and keep the forum on course. The job is in the "no good deed shall go unpunished" category, but you are up for it!
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Thank you for everything you've done Dave.
Time to cancel my account.
Whoa!
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Thank you for everything, DEz, we've never met, but I'll be missing your wisdom.
Enjoy retirement, and get out there and do some tinkering/shooting with that fine collection.
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Dave, like many, I log into this forum almost daily and the time you and the rest of the volunteers have spent keeping GTA cordial and inviting is priceless. Thank you!!
Now go enjoy all the things the great state of Tennessee can offer. Maybe that spring fishing trip to Reelfoot!!
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Thanks and good luck!
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Thank you sir for all your time and work. You are leaving behind a large footprint indeed!
Peace,
Mitch
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Thank you for time and effort in maintaining GTA, happy shooting retirement.
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I have been with Dez for little over 10 years, and right now at this moment I am not sure how I feel, he has done a lot for this airgun forum. In the old days it was like the wild west with no law and order, it sure has changed since. I wish him all the best as I do for Travis also. Not a day goes by that I dont speak to him. David
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Thank you and all who work every day to make this what it is.....fun and educational and safe for all levels and all backgrounds
Something schools struggle with every day with whole lot more resources lol
True complement is what would I change?
Can not think of a thing which is why we need visionarys like Travis and Haj and so many more who can see into the future
Well done team!
i
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Take care Dave.
Thanks
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Wow Dez what a Shocker....THANK YOU So Much For All That You Have Done ! ! ! ! !
I am stunned by this information & at I am at a loss for words.
I wish you and Teresa all the best for your future !
It is time for you to enjoy your retirement from the GTA and all that goes with the management of this fine forum.
I also wish Travis all the best.... in his going forward with the GTA.
Best Wishes & Best Regards. - Tom
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Sad to hear but good for you Dave. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and get some trigger time now.
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Good luck in your new endeavors. Thank you for all of the time you have put into this. It is a big sacrifice.
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Dave : all i can say is thank you, yet it can not even commence to express how grateful I, and im sure all of us, are for how well you managed this place. i hope you have a great retirement. This place was a home to me when that term meant little out here... this forum and all you guys have become a family to me, and it means a lot what you have done here. again, from the bottom of my heart, i thank you.
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I'm happy for you Dave. And thanks for all the help over the years.
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You leave behind one heck of a legacy! Of course, we hope you aren't really leaving it behind but will check in from time to time. Enjoy retirement.
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Thank You for the time and service of making GTA what it's become. Enjoy your free time.
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Well, I can honestly say I didn't see that coming.
7 years ago I came rogue to the GTA. I found more than the information I was looking for, I found a virtual family. As time went on I felt more and more compelled to offer what ever I could to help out. I was welcomed with open arms by DeZ and the rest of the gang.
I must admit though, lately I've been considering just going back to plain old Bill (avator).
Now may be that time.
To say the least, it will be interesting to see where we go from here.
Good luck to all involved.
DeZ, I do hope one day I will get to shake that hand personally.
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WOW! DID NOT see that coming! I was looking forward to seeing you & Teresa in Arkansas in May. Be well Sir, and enjoy the time. At least we know Mark(Mobile Mail) won't be winning all the raffle prizes this year.
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Thanks for all your hard work and time spent helping us with airguns. Without this site, I would have had to throw away my old Daisy and buy a new one. By reading all the posts and learning the hard way, I tore it apart, replaced the bad parts and got it going again. Whoopeeeeee! Thanks again!
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Dave,
Thank you for everything you have done for this community!
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Dave,
Thank you for your hard work. I cannot imagine the amount of background effort involved in running the GTA. I have interacted with you only a few times, but in those times you responded quickly and with integrity...and I was only one of the thousands of members.
Hopefully the new team going forward understands the value of integrity, adds new ideas, and continues the GTA evolving.
Go get um Travis!
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Thank you Dave for everything you've done to keep Gene's dream alive. You and your team have done an outstanding job here. You will be missed. God bless you in your future endeavors.
Dan
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Dave, Great Job, we all appreciate all you have done.
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I dont need to spend much time telling everyone how much Dave has put into this site its obvious but i would like to thank him personally online for all hes done for me and my en-devours over the last 10 years. Hes helped me grow as a person and Ive learned so much from him. Thank You Sir!!!
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God bless and enjoy your shooting time.
Thank you for all you’ve done for the air gun community Sir.
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Dave, thanks for all that you have done for the GTA family. It was a pleasure meeting you, and Teresa. Now dig down to the bottom of that pile, and put some lead down range.
Tom
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DEZ thank you for all you have done and the help and support you have given me and many others, we will still call on you for advice and provide you the honor you have definately earned, i hope to see you the gathering and i hope you get all the shooting time to catch up what you missed most, understanding of course it's not targets you will be missing
Travis, Thank you for stepping up and continuing to be a leader in the airgun community, GTA admin and its many contributers are literally a pantheon and while you have been a part of that pantheon for a long time, your forcing the stone-cutters to consider building a bigger effigy......keep up the great work
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Dave- I’ve only been here a short time, but I know what it’s like to moderate an online forum where the only pay you receive is an occasional pat on the back from the members.
Gotta say, you & the rest of your team have done a yeoman’s job running this site. The interactions of this community- always helpful, generous with time & knowledge, and little or no bickering speaks volumes about those who work to keep it that way.
Hope you enjoy your free time, you certainly deserve it!
DrGunner
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Mr. Dave, thank you for moderating this forum!
I would not want to be in your shoes ;D..
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Thank you for honoring the sport, a friend and working for all of us for 10 years! I can't imagine all the work that that takes! My wife tells me all the time how much work I am to manage and moderate so I can imagine ;)
God bless!
Dan
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Dave and Teresa, Thank you for your efforts and your time to this fine site. May the passion you’ve displayed for this sport reward you in the days and years ahead. May God bless.
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All the best to you Dave! Thanks for your dedication to this forum and this hobby!
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Dez-
Thank you for yours and Teresa's dedication and sacrifices to keep this place available to old and new airgunners alike, along with the keeping a top notch volunteer crew to keep it civil and fun. Enjoy the earned R&R with the wife and hobby.
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I am without words, :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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I'm late to the announcement, but Dave- thank you for being rock-solid for so long. This forum is fantastic in large part to your endeavors
Travis, thanks for stepping up. Dunno how you manage keeping so many things, but kudos to you!
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Enjoy all that free time you now have. Thanks to someone I call a friend for your service. The GTA will miss you.
Best wishes to Travis💀NT
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I and the many members, plus lurkers, thank you so much for your dedication and time to the best Go To Airgun forum on this planet. With your guidance and tutelage you have given us a place to not only learn but advance the the art of airgunning. You and the many who freely share your time and knowledge have made this Go To Airgun forum a one stop place. Thanks again and enjoy your free time, you've earned it.
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Dave it has been a pleasure working with you on the GTA and as others have said I count you and many others on the admin team as friends. When I met you at the First Horseshoe Bend fun shoot two years ago it was a pleasure to shake your and Teresa's hand. You have sacrificed a great deal of your personal life to keep your promise to our GTA founders. Under your stewardship the GTA has thrived and grown. Even with a few hiccups along the way we have you to thank for the forum continuing to grow through your hard work and leadership.
Enjoy your much deserved free time to regain the passion for AG's that allowed you to be the great leader that you have been. I'm sure that going forward the GTA will continue to thrive and your decision to pass the torch to Travis was a difficult and well thought out process.
Good luck going forward
Your Friend Don/Sfttailrdr46
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Dear Dave,
So sorry for the lateness of my response to your announcement... been busy with work (and I'm retired! ;D) and have not been on here much, lately.
I don't know if you remember me or not.. we (Jim & Cindy) met you and your lovely wife, Teresa... at the GTA Shoot in 2018 in Arkansas... and was a memorable time for us. It is saddening to learn of your decision... but, can certainly understand your reasons why.
Your ethics as a Christian has certainly contributed to the running and "steering" of the the GTA Forum to help it become what it is today from where Gene left off (very sadly), and we are ALL very grateful for what you have done through your hard work and sacrifice of your own personal time to that end.
As the saying goes.. "behind every good man, is a great wife" (if married).... and so, I personally want to recognize and Thank Teresa for being gracious in giving you the time you needed and dedicated to all that you have accomplished in making the GTA Forum, the very best on the internet... if not, the world.
Thank you Dave, for all that you have done and selflessly sacrificed on behalf of Gene, and all of us to help make the GTA what it is today... The Very Best, and I pray for Gods blessings and protection over yourself and Teresa in all your future endeavors and fully enjoying each other with your new free time Together in all that you do, and wherever you go. Num.6:24-26 is my prayer over you and Teresa.
Sincerely & Many Thanks, again...
Jim & Cindy - "Maverick Door Gunner" (VN - 68, 69 & 70)
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Jim, many thanks for the very kind words and prayers. And most definitely I remember you and Cindy. It was my pleasure and honor to meet you both and was looking forward to reconnecting last year. But your other love, trains, conflicted with the event. I had hoped to reconnect this year but alas, the event being held in HSB was not to be. I do hope we get another chance to cross paths in the very near future. Thanks again for the very flattering post and I will definitely pass your message along to Teresa!!!!
Take care and GOD Bless!!!!
I'm still here, not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.