Welcome home, Dwayne

Dwayne C returned from Iraq and brought his squad to the Legion for a celebration of their return to the States.

Huge congratulations to Dwayne and his squad for what they did overseas and their coming home. Huge congratulations to the people other than Dwayne who were involved in this celebration. This was one of the best events I have attended in my life.

Savage played like an inspired band. This was one of the best performances I've heard Savage play. It was a special occassion and Savage gave an exceptional and inspired performance.

Shortly after Savage began rocking the house, a Legion Riders color brigade showed up with a special flag they presented to Dwayne's squad. The Legion Riders expressed their thanks and appreciation for what Dwayne and his squad had done for our country. A packed Legion Hall sat in silence. Rick didn't need a microphone for everyone to hear the thanks to Dwayne and his unit.

Dwayne took the stage and gave an emotional and heartfelt thanks to his unit for what they had done for him and what they meant to him. I doubt there would have been a dry eye in the building if Dwayne had gone on another minute, but Dwayne had perfect timing and left the stage to a raucous standing ovation.

The guitar player from Savage followed that with a stirring rendition of Jimi Hendrix version of the Star Spangled Banner.

After celebrating and honoring the return of our Vets from Iraq it was time to get on with the party.

Savage was on fire. Every Savage performance is great. This one I'd have to call exceptional. Pam S sat in for a set and did some great vocal work. Pam doing "Gloria" is always memorable.

36 people entered the dart tournament. The field included some nationally-ranked darters.

In the finals, Dwayne C and Richard C beat Shelley H and Dale C. In the consolation match for 3rd and 4th the team of Hassler and Gribbon beat Tony and Bubba. Tony is a darter that recently moved to Wichita from KC and is a fairly regular player at the Legion's Friday blind draws.

All in all - an exceptional party. I think the thing that said it best was the look on Dwayne's face and the look on his son's face when Dwayne was playing with his son. That's the kind of thing you just don't ever forget.