Hi guys:

While at CMAfest, I had a military "thank you to Derek" banner that I had made to hold up during appropriate times at the concerts. I met one of the co-authors who wrote "I JUST CAME BACK FROM A WAR" with Darryl Worley, and I asked that writer if he would hold the banner for a picture for Derek. (I later met Darryl Worley, and he also held the banner for a picture). Then things started rolling - and before it was all over, during the 4 days of CMAfest, over 115 people (80 or so entertainers) held that banner for me for photos to be included in a album I am making for Derek.

IT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!

Bryan White, on his official website, has posted his photo with a story of the banner. Check it out.

Also, Terry Lee Bolton has his picture on his website.

Many of the entertainers asked that I send them their photo. ALL of them were "honored" to be asked to hold that banner! I was very proud of that fact! Country music artist are just so awesome!!!!!!!!!

Very COOL!!! I'm heading over to Bryan's site to check it out. I'm sure Derek will LOVE the album, and appreciates all your efforts. Tell him us "common folk" appreciate his service, too. I'm proud to be an American, and able to do it because of people like Derek. Job well done!

Mary:

Derek is VERY aware that the fans of Vince Gill and Amy Grant were praying for his safe return from Iraq, and he is extremely appreciative of that fact! He knows!!! Trust me - he knows about you guys!

Derek will get his photo album in a couple of weeks when he comes home for a visit. Derek's Dad's 50th birthday was Tuesday. You know - my brother ----- well - I gave him a duplicate book of the 'thank yous', and he was shocked and PROUD of all of those pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!

The entire family knows that mum's the word about the photo album until Derek can have his own.

This past week - I was in Vegas with all of my siblings to celebrate my brother's 50th b-day (and my b-day and my sister's b-day). While there, I had showgirls and concert bands at Fremont Street hold the banner. I am now getting every member of our family to hold it so their picture will be included in the album. IT IS AN AWESOME collection of pictures!

I hate that I don't have a photo of Vince holding the banner ----- but that will come sooner or later!!!!!!!!

Derek and his wife LOVE Big and Rich - and YEP, I have a picture of them holding the banner. Neal McCoy, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Mark Wills, Julie Roberts, and SO MANY more held the banner. I wished I could show you guys ALL of the pictures! They are awesome!

Let me know guys if you check out Bryan White's website. It was nice of Bryan to include the photo on his site!

That's so neat, Cathy!!! I would love to see some of those photos !!! I'm sure that Derek and family are going to really love the album. Let us know what he says when he receives it. Thanks so much for sharing that with us!!!

I may try to post these pictures some place for you guys to see. YOUR 'other' favorite artist may be there holding the banner! Billy Ray Cyrus held the banner up to the huge crowd and said, "LET'S HEAR IT FOR DEREK". The thunderous applause was just so touching!!!!!~ IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!! I can't wait to tell Derek all about all of this! Many of the artist grabbed one of their photos they were autographing, and they wrote Derek a personal message of thanks! I tear up every time I think about this! Julie Roberts asked me to give Derek something from her, and then she reached over and gave me a great big hug. Just too sweet!!!!!!!!

That is so fantastic Cathy. I got all teary eyed while reading about it. Please try to get those pictures on something like Photobucket or one of the other sites.It would be very cool to see them. Such a nice thing for you to do for Derek and your family. Give him a big hug from Az. too. Thanks again for sharing your time at Fan Fair with us.

I went to Bryan White's site and that was just great. That is a great idea that you are doing and want to know his reaction when he receives this album. Tell him thanks for me and a hug.

Lona

That is so great and I have to say that I got chills when I read about our favorite country music stars showing their respect. I know that in Vince and Amy's heart they are holding him and the rest of our troops in their prayers everyday. It is so nice to be a part of the country music lovers and fans and we all know that we could not be in any better group. It seems like country music musicians have the biggest hearts and I am thankful to call myself a fan of them along with all of you . I will continue to pray everyday for our troops and Cathy be sure to let Derek know that he is thought of everyday by your fan friends too. Debbie from WV

Cathy, What a special gift you are making for your nephew.
Very cool!


TC

Derek had surgery yesterday to repair his knee from when his humvee (sp) was hit and he was thrown from it, while in Iraq. Derek lost some close friends in that blast. Derek's Dad flew to Fort Campbell to be with him, and will be bringing him home to re-coop, since Derek's wife and baby are already here in town. Derek should be "home" now for a few weeks. I will get to give him his book in a few days. I can't wait!

I really would like to go by the local Fire Department and the Police Department and the high school to get some of our locals holding the banner. I hope I get to do that! I would also like to go to the Houston Astros baseball team to ask them to hold the banner. Derek's book is GROWING!!!!!!! It is so neat. I am VERY proud of it!

I plan to print out these messages from you guys to put in his book, too!

Please tell Derek I wish him a speedy recovery and give him a great BIG Hug from me! I am so proud of him and also of my son-in-law Brad who also served in Iraq. He is possibly going to have to be going to Afghanistan later this year so will keep you posted on that. Hate to see that happen but he is ready to go to serve his country and do his part to keep his family and others here safer. The project you have started for Derek is so special and just shows what a special person you are. Please tell Derek and his family how proud we are of him. Love ya Nina

Nina - Brad will STAY in my prayers! Derek is planning to get out of the army in October if he doesn't RE-UP. WE ARE PRAYING HE WILL NOT! But, if he does - we'll respect his decision and will begin marathon praying again!