***It's Holy Grail Time for..?(Update: 4/21) - List Included

Suziemay

:corn:

Black Diamond

I really enjoyed being part of this one... Thank you for letting us indulge...

And thank you so much for what you did for me and my family... We are forever in your debt.

nothingman203

Black Diamond wrote:

I really enjoyed being part of this one... Thank you for letting us indulge...

And thank you so much for what you did for me and my family... We are forever in your debt.

It was an honor to serve over there and defend my country and the great people in it. Thank you for being apart of this my friend.

LukinFan

Black Diamond wrote:

I really enjoyed being part of this one... Thank you for letting us indulge...

And thank you so much for what you did for me and my family... We are forever in your debt.

+1

rbrum7

nothingman203 wrote:

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Guys I am truly STILL at a loss for words and how I can express my sincerest gratitude towards all of you. Well please hang with me as I try to write a little about what has been going on the past few weeks until today when I got the surprise of a lifetime..As you guys know, I got back from Afghanistan (my final deployment!!) earlier this month. The tour was difficult, physically and mentally draining every day. Going non-stop day in and day out for 11 months really took its toll on me. Lucky for me, I decided FINALLY to become a member of the Ten Club when I was put at a desk job and had steady access to a computer at work. Being away from my friends and family for long periods of time is something that I have grown accustomed to over the duration of my time in the Navy, but this time was different. Truly not knowing that any moment could be my last, it just seemed to take forever. I would be lying to you if I said that I was not fearful everyday. The joy that being a member or this community we have here is a huge credit to me making it out there in one piece mentally. I have receieved so many kind words of encouragement from all you and it really made me proud of what I was doing and the extra determination that I could make it home and it would all be over soon. You guys have brought me so much joy in my short time as a member on here that I really could not have completed my tour in Afghanistan without you all. The entertainment, the knowledge and the good conversations I have had with many of you have been such a pleasure and I truly thank you for it. Since I have gotten back its been kind of a whirlwind of emotions, from not being scared everyday and not carrying a gun to take a shower ( ) to getting settled in my new place and spending time with my girlfriend and us getting used to eachother again. I just got home today from Connecticut where I was visiting my family. I had a great time seeing everyone and reconnecting with friends. I was fortunate enough also on my trip to stop and see our fried Dave (elwayvedder) and was greeted by his community and gave me a proper homecoming. Truly something that has still made me feel so humbled that strangers were willing to come say hello and thank you and thank me for my service. Still blown away by it. NOW WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!
I made it home a few hours ago (sorry for the delay in writing this, been busy and trying to gather my thoughts as to what to say lol). There was a package and a poster tube waiting for me. Confused as I was (didn't order anything) I opened the package. Inside was an American flag which I will proudly displaying on my patio for all to see. There was also some stickers and an Eddie magnet. I was truly touched by that gesture. Fighting for my country for the past 6 1/2 years, this is the first flag that I have EVER received, and it means so incredibly much. I think Dave can testify to the effect that it truly is a special thing to be presented with a flag. I am truly honored to have received that. Next up was this mystery poster tube. I havent ordered a poster in a while so I really had no idea what it could be. Once I opened it, there was a letter wrapped around the poster. Naturally I read the letter and from there I shit you not, it kind of is a blur lol. For one, the generosity of you all for getting me the Eddie Vedder signed poster still had blown my mind. And then to see the words "True Holy Grail" my jaw literally dropped. To put this in perspective, I did not cry when I left for Afghanistan or when I got home finally. I literally shed a few tears when I unrolled the poster and laid eyes on my Holy Grail. The 1998 Ames San Diego print. I cannot in words truly express how deeply thankful I am of all of you and your generosity. I honestly hope I can meet all of you at some point at shows and hug you all. Words do not do justice explaining the joy I felt today. This was better than stepping off of that plane and setting foot in America again. I really did not ever imagine I would see this poster in person, let alone be the recipient and now proud owner of it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Two incredible posters, an amazing flag and goodies, all of you who I am forever grateful for. You have made me the happiest I have been in a long time. This is like the light at the end of the tunnel. From the beginning of my journey of this deployment, to coming home to this, its like everything is complete right now. I know these are material possessions, but just as amazing as these posters is the generosity and spirit of you all. I am blessed to be apart of this family with you all and this act that was bestowed upon me today is something that I will never forget. Again, thank you ALL for this. Hugs all around when I see you guys hopefully sometime in the near future.

I apologize for the length of this, but I honestly could not express m thanks with a simple sentence of paragraph. You people are incredible and I appreciate this more than you can ever know.

PJ

I actually just got around to reading this today as I had been a little side tracked forum wise.

PJ, I'm very happy for you man. I especially enjoyed reading that you were so touched by the flag.

I can't say that I am as brave of a man as you are because of your service for our country, so receiving a flag has to really be an honor for you. For this to be the first flag you've received blows my mind. The men & women that serve our country should be honored more ofter, and I'm glad this community was classy enough to do that. I was lucky to receive both of my grand fathers flags when they passed, I cherish them and display them proudly.

Enjoy your HG and the bonus, I'm jacked for you man!

Great Holy Grail

Brum

nothingman203

Thanks Brum. Yeah a flag is kind of a big deal Military wise, obviously, so that being sent to me really was a special thing. I'm throwing Dave under the bus here a bit, but I think you guys deserve to know. As most of you know already, he is an amazing person. The work he does in his spare time for the troops is just incredible. I had a flag flown for him over my camp in Afghanistan. This is commonly done for family members, so, naturally I did one for my mother, and I did one for Dave for all of his contributions to the service members. Honestly, that was one of the most fulfilling acts I have ever done in my Naval career, as I was the one lucky enough to raise the flag, fold it, and bring it to my Commanding Officer to sign the accompanying certificate. When I visited Dave, I was beyond touched that he displayed it proudly in his living room (eventhough I walked passed it at first lol). So, to make my point finally lol, flags are a very high honor and one that I was extremely prof to have received. Sorry for throwing you underline the bus Dave but I just wanted to show my upmost gratitude for all that you do and I can' t say enough how happy I am to call you a friend.

Suziemay

nothingman203 wrote:

Thanks Brum. Yeah a flag is kind of a big deal Military wise, obviously, so that being sent to me really was a special thing. I'm throwing Dave under the bus here a bit, but I think you guys deserve to know. As most of you know already, he is an amazing person. The work he does in his spare time for the troops is just incredible. I had a flag flown for him over my camp in Afghanistan. This is commonly done for family members, so, naturally I did one for my mother, and I did one for Dave for all of his contributions to the service members. Honestly, that was one of the most fulfilling acts I have ever done in my Naval career, as I was the one lucky enough to raise the flag, fold it, and bring it to my Commanding Officer to sign the accompanying certificate. When I visited Dave, I was beyond touched that he displayed it proudly in his living room (eventhough I walked passed it at first lol). So, to make my point finally lol, flags are a very high honor and one that I was extremely prof to have received. Sorry for throwing you underline the bus Dave but I just wanted to show my upmost gratitude for all that you do and I can' t say enough how happy I am to call you a friend.

So honoured to be in a community with both you and Dave in it

Released1980

nothingman203 wrote:

Thanks Brum. Yeah a flag is kind of a big deal Military wise, obviously, so that being sent to me really was a special thing. I'm throwing Dave under the bus here a bit, but I think you guys deserve to know. As most of you know already, he is an amazing person. The work he does in his spare time for the troops is just incredible. I had a flag flown for him over my camp in Afghanistan. This is commonly done for family members, so, naturally I did one for my mother, and I did one for Dave for all of his contributions to the service members. Honestly, that was one of the most fulfilling acts I have ever done in my Naval career, as I was the one lucky enough to raise the flag, fold it, and bring it to my Commanding Officer to sign the accompanying certificate. When I visited Dave, I was beyond touched that he displayed it proudly in his living room (eventhough I walked passed it at first lol). So, to make my point finally lol, flags are a very high honor and one that I was extremely prof to have received. Sorry for throwing you underline the bus Dave but I just wanted to show my upmost gratitude for all that you do and I can' t say enough how happy I am to call you a friend.

elwayvedder

nothingman203 wrote:

Thanks Brum. Yeah a flag is kind of a big deal Military wise, obviously, so that being sent to me really was a special thing. I'm throwing Dave under the bus here a bit, but I think you guys deserve to know. As most of you know already, he is an amazing person. The work he does in his spare time for the troops is just incredible. I had a flag flown for him over my camp in Afghanistan. This is commonly done for family members, so, naturally I did one for my mother, and I did one for Dave for all of his contributions to the service members. Honestly, that was one of the most fulfilling acts I have ever done in my Naval career, as I was the one lucky enough to raise the flag, fold it, and bring it to my Commanding Officer to sign the accompanying certificate. When I visited Dave, I was beyond touched that he displayed it proudly in his living room (eventhough I walked passed it at first lol). So, to make my point finally lol, flags are a very high honor and one that I was extremely prof to have received. Sorry for throwing you underline the bus Dave but I just wanted to show my upmost gratitude for all that you do and I can' t say enough how happy I am to call you a friend.

No worries PJ as this is a nice thing to wake up to and see. That flag I have hanging is the most amazing thing anyone has ever given to me and I think of it daily, multiple times a day. There are so many people out there that just want to make sure our US Service members and their families here us loud and clear that they are not alone and they are most appreciated. Like I should have said to you last Saturday in person when we gave you a tiny "welcome home" - Gotta Say It Now, Better Loud, Then Too Late...". Its our job as Americans, no matter how you feel about the war, that we appreciate your service as we know the cost of freedom is certainly not free.
-EV

he.who.forgets

WOW! Just like Brum, I just now got around to catching up here...your post brought tears to my eyes. We are all so grateful for your service, PJ and I'm elated for you that you're finally back home. And to hear what an incredible impact the care package had is heartwarming. Again, thank you for all you've done to protect our freedoms and thanks to Dave, Roger, and everyone else for all you do around here.
-Jamie

dimitrispearljam

HesCalledDyer

Hey PJ, you're in coastal VA, right? Western MD here. We totally should go to the Army-Navy game some time. Whattya say?

N*

nothingman203

HesCalledDyer wrote:

Hey PJ, you're in coastal VA, right? Western MD here. We totally should go to the Army-Navy game some time. Whattya say?

N*

I live in Hampton, like 20 minutes from the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. I am down to go for sure.

Black Diamond

nothingman203 wrote:

HesCalledDyer wrote:

Hey PJ, you're in coastal VA, right? Western MD here. We totally should go to the Army-Navy game some time. Whattya say?

N*

I live in Hampton, like 20 minutes from the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. I am down to go for sure.

Sweet... My in laws are on the Va Beach... I shall remind myself to see if I can buy you one when I get in.

theserialthrilla

time for this again!!!!

LukinFan

theserialthrilla wrote:

time for this again!!!!

We have one in the works. I was just talking to Dimi and Timmy about this the other day. We wanted to let WD enjoy his grail for a little bit before starting up this next one - and it's another special one too

Details coming in maybe two weeks?

dimi's off on tour anyway