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  #1  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:57
specat93 specat93 is offline
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It was a pleasure to have known you, Andy. The world is truly a lesser place now.
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  #2  
Old 15 May 2016, 22:00
WS-G WS-G is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopp700 View Post
Has anyone started a fund for Andy's daughter/final expenses? Please let us know....
That's a damned good idea! Whoever sets this up, I will make a contribution!

It's been a very long time indeed (months!) since last I checked in here, and only popped in just today... to find... this.


First off, before I go any further, I acknowledge that SOTB was a personal friend (in-person) to many of you. He and I did not have the opportunity to ever meet in person, and I think it's fair to say that a lot of you were aware that he and I were not exactly on the best of terms. Gentlemen, I must ask that you please accept this state of affairs, and understand that this post is not made with the intent of either casting aspersions upon Mr. Potts' memory, nor with any intent of offending any of you.

In all honesty, over the years he and I had rubbed each other the wrong way more than once. Looking back, I know that because he had read me wrong in a number of areas, it's only fair to say that I must surely have been every bit as wrong about him. I could certainly think back on some posts he made which left me thinking "so he's not such a bad guy after all, despite the persona he projects". So.... I probably should have cut him more moral slack than I did.

That said, I will state that I consider his forthrightness in standing up for his point of view and his beliefs to have been commendable. Whether we agreed with one another or not, I never once knew him to waffle or equivocate about anything. This demonstated consistent moral courage -- a hallmark of United States Marine Corps ethics -- and is deserving of respect. For example, he made no bones whatsoever about the fact that he was a professed and much-confirmed atheist, and often came across as if he openly ridiculed those of us with definite religious beliefs. However much I (and doubtlessly others) may have taken exception to any such remarks, the fact remains that it took a certain amount of spine for him to say that and to have been consistent about maintaining his position. Mr. Potts: I say "good on you!" for having consistently displayed that degree of moral courage.

If we had enjoyed the opportunity to have met in person (his popping in to a SOCNETDrink in PDX, Seattle or Spokane wouldn't have been much of a stretch, I reckon), I'd have at least greeted him as a proper gentleman, shaken his hand, and offered to buy him the libation of his choice. I'd like to think that he'd have accorded me the same consideration. Hell, we might even have ended up becoming friends!

An area where he and I clearly did have a lot of common ground was our clear mutual epicurean streak. I could definitely see a mutual appreciation for good food and drink. With that in mind, I'm going to sit an extra New York strip steak on the parilla this afternoon -- with my own homemade chimmichurri -- and have an extra glass of genuine Argentine Malbec with it on your behalf, Don Andy!

See you on the other side, Marine!
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  #3  
Old 15 May 2016, 19:31
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RIP SOTB, you will certainly be missed around here
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  #4  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:39
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You're going to be missed, Andy.

Rest in Peace, Brother, and Fuck Cancer.
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  #5  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:45
JD6415 JD6415 is offline
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Rest easy SOTB. Always enjoyed reading your posts and appreciated your way of thinking.
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  #6  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:46
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Rest in peace Andy, I am glad our paths crossed a few times and it was truly an honor knowing you. God bless.
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  #7  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:46
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My hope is peace for you and your family SOTB...

9533
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  #8  
Old 15 May 2016, 20:47
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Rest in Peace SOTB....
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  #9  
Old 15 May 2016, 21:03
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I've enjoyed reading SOTB's posts for the better part of a decade now. I'm incredibly sorry to hear that he's gone.

It's amazing to see how many lives he has touched, even just on this site. Most people associate internet forums with anonymous personalities but it's obvious that he transcended that.
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  #10  
Old 15 May 2016, 21:13
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I think the last time I saw Andy was when he was in FL... sadly too long ago. It sucks to hear he's gone, it really sucks, but I'm glad to have known him and my life is better for it.

RIP brother.
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  #11  
Old 15 May 2016, 21:11
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Damn. RIP Sir.
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  #12  
Old 15 May 2016, 21:48
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Nice posts KidA and Sb. Kid, I especially like the last part with the stove glass cracking. Must be Andy heading to Valhalla. Fair winds and following seas and RIP brother. Fuck cancer!
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  #13  
Old 15 May 2016, 22:05
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RIP, see you on the other side. Maybe there ... I can show you some skills on the range lol. Prayers for the family. Very sad.
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  #14  
Old 15 May 2016, 22:07
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I hadn't seen these tickets before, but browsing a little bit ago I saw one and the first thing I thought of was this thread. I hope SOTB's maidens in Valhalla pass the pinky test.

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  #15  
Old 15 May 2016, 22:17
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Reading Andy's posts on SOCNET as a young E-2 inspired me to pursue a career in SOF. After I got out - we exchanged a few PMs and he helped me through some difficulties transitioning to the civilian world. I never met him in person, but he directly contributed to my success today and for that I'll always be grateful.

Rest in peace brother - you touched the lives of more people than you'll ever know.

Last edited by MountainBum; 15 May 2016 at 22:41.
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  #16  
Old 15 May 2016, 22:30
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Damn

RIP SOTB you were a great contributor to what this board is, and I will miss dicussions with you.

I never met you but I wish I had.

fuck cancer.

Fair Winds and Following Seas...
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  #17  
Old 16 May 2016, 04:40
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Lest we forget .........
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  #18  
Old 15 May 2016, 23:14
Chesie Chesie is offline
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Rest in peace, Marine.
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  #19  
Old 15 May 2016, 23:18
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Wow.

As freely as Andy was to share his opinions on this board, he was similarly free in stepping up to help others. We had been in contact not too many weeks ago as he offered his expertise on Mexico. I had not a clue what he was going through.

RIP Marine.
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  #20  
Old 15 May 2016, 23:21
octavio.a.otero octavio.a.otero is offline
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Big loss for our community, I met Andy via Tripod and had the privilege of working with Andy in some of the craziest places!

All of us that had the pleasure of spending time with Andy know that he was a true professional and could argue like no one!

I know that his clients loved him and will miss him a great deal!

Valla con Dios Andrew!
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  #21  
Old 15 May 2016, 23:47
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I will be in the DF tomorrow and hoist one in his honor. Blue Sky's Mr Potts and may gods peace grace your family.
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  #22  
Old 16 May 2016, 00:13
Rockville Rockville is offline
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RIP SOTB

You often chewed me out. I respect that.
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  #23  
Old 16 May 2016, 01:32
loui_ludwig loui_ludwig is offline
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RIP.
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  #24  
Old 16 May 2016, 01:33
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RIP SOTB.
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  #25  
Old 16 May 2016, 02:04
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I saw the thread title . . .

and said no effing way.

RIP SOTB.
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  #26  
Old 16 May 2016, 02:20
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Blue skies Marine!

Hoepoe
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  #27  
Old 16 May 2016, 02:44
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RIP Andy/SOTB.
I will miss your posts. I wish I could have met you in person.
Fair Winds and Following Seas. Semper Fi.
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  #28  
Old 16 May 2016, 05:37
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Stunned, he was an institution here...

RIP Marine
Semper Fi
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  #29  
Old 16 May 2016, 06:20
8654maine 8654maine is offline
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Woke up this morning and expected to see his avatar and some smart ass comment.

Guess I'm just hung over.

Sigh.
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  #30  
Old 16 May 2016, 06:26
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Rest easy, SOTB.
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