Like many others who have posted here, have never met Al, yet I am constantly astounded by the wealth of information he has to share. Al's posts are always very detailed, provided tonnes of valuable information. I make sure to read everyone of his posts in it's entirety.
There was one thread that Al was involved in that sticks out in mind.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?p=224625
For those who don't want to read the whole thing, it was very close to the 2004 ship date, and there was a frantic question by a team who's robot was not working at all. Al took the time to go through all the possible problems. When it seemed as though the situation needed a more in depth look, Al asked where the team was located and if it was close to Chicago. Despite how close it was to the ship deadline and the fact that he was surely busy with his own robot, Al was willing to go out of his way and make a personal visit to this team. (He didn't end up going, but it's the thought that counts...)
It's that kind of dedication which makes FIRST the wonderful program that it is. Thank you Al. I look forward to meeting you at some point down the line.