[Joe Johnson]

I have known Dave for a number of years. I feel we are kindred spirits in many ways.

I saw something this weekend that I raises my admiration for him to a new level.

Dave was the MC for the Great Lakes Regional. In addition to being a GREAT MC, he is also a (the?) leader of the HOT team #67. As such, I know his heart and soul has been put into his team's Chairman's Award submission.

As you all know, the MC announces the winners of the competition. I was lucky enough to be a Judge at the competition. Dave stood next to me in the receiving line.

His team competed for the Chairman's Award at the GLR. Dave's team did not win but he read the announcement with enthusiasm and he greeted the winners (Team Rush -- #27) with what I felt sure was real feeling.

I am sure his heart was heavy at that moment. Yet, Dave is such a class act, he was able to put his own feelings aside for the time so as not to detract from the experience of others.

To Dave Verbrugge, I raise a toast and offer the highest praise I can give: I would be proud to have my son grow up to be like him.


Joe J.