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A true American hero passed today: Senator John McCain.

He was a man who was always true to his convictions and during his time of service both in the military & as Senator he always put the American people first.

As a Senator, he was always willing to reach across the aisle to work with his colleagues on issues of importance & was respected by all.

There many have been disagreements along the way, but Senator McCain understood that politics need not be personal, that you can disagree with someone and still like them.

Point in case, Vice President Biden and Senator Edward Kennedy were long time friends of his.

He set a good example for not only other politicians but for the American people.

Senator McCain...though I can't say that he was a fan of Battlestar Galactica or not...understood the credo that "There is only one race, the human race"...as he recognized that one of the underpinnings of our great republic lie in the fact that we are a nation of immigrants, bringing the best from around the world to diversify & make our country great.

As a man of conviction, he sometimes flew in the face of his own party when he needed to make a stand, because he always put country first.

He also knew that the foundation of our country lay not only in it's people, but also in our constitution, which he adhered to every day in his public service.

Senator McCain had faith in the American people & knew that our country has never ceased being great, it always has been great, is great & always will be great because of the strength of its people and that faith was unflagging.

As a veteran, he always championed veteran's rights and was a strong supporter of our military, of our great men & women in uniform.

It also says volumes about him, that he asked two former political adversaries, President George W. Bush & President Barack Obama to both give eulogies at his funeral, again proving that politics need not be personal.

The country lost a great statesman today.

May he rest in peace.

SO SAY WE ALL!

Shawn O'Donnell

Greetings, all! Thanks for the add.

SSWA

Hi to all of you - -

So many of have met and shared stories at various cons over the years. I know we are all disappointed that no con, event, or promoter in the USA felt the 40th anniversary of the original show was worth celebrating. Richard was the driving force for keeping the original series and its cast visible and his passing unfortunately dimmed the light on the old show.

However I have some good news. www.comicconventionscotland.co.uk Comic con Scotland has chosen to celebrate the 40th milestone at their 2018 show in Edinburgh November 10 and 11. Dirk Benedict, Laurette Spang, Herb Jefferson, Terry Carter, and I will be there. I am also fairly certain Anne Lockhart will be present although that is not yet official.

So - this is likely the last opportunity for fans of the original show to see this many original cast members in the same place at the same time - get autographs, take photos, and listen to great stories from the original show.

And what a venue - Edinburgh Scotland. For all the European fans this is a fabulous chance to see everyone closer to home. For our American fans, what a great way to visit historic Scotland, see where they film Outlander and the Crown and take in a con.

If you think travelling to the UK might be expensive I would urge you to check out airfares and the hotel rates. You will find that in many cases you can go cheaper than many of the previous venues in the states.

To all of the fans of the original BSG - thanks so much for the love and support you have given us over the years. I hope you will all try to have one great final party.

Jack "Bojay" Stauffer

I would just like to say how Honoured i am to be selected for this appointment and will Endevor to uphold the spirit and Community of the Battlestar Family. be assured their will be a lot for me to learn and uphold, and i will start my commission by saying
"Spartan Squadron Report in"

Colonials and Members of the Fleet,

This tradition was originally started by the Founder of the BFC, Shawn O'Donnell. He had asked me to create these special awards to recognize individuals whose work ethics for the BSG fandom, goes above and beyond for the enjoyment of the fans.   And these individuals certainly deserved these awards.

** THESE ARE VERY UNIQUE AWARDS AND NOT JUST GIVEN FOR ANY REASON. It had to be earned! **

ORDER OF THE COLONIES-  The highest BFC Award

ORDER OF THE RISING STAR- The 2nd highest BFC Award

ARROW OF APOLLO-  The 3rd highest BFC Award

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE- The 4th highest BFC Award

Karl Kuhlenschmidt-  Order of the Colonies

As most of you know, Karl was the Master Builder of the Battlestar Raven and build the one and ONLY Classic Series Colonial Viper in existence in the United States,seen in over 40 years.  What is so unique and very important about this is he build it out of his home garage.  This whole project was self-funded by members of Team BSG Viper.  He dedicated his time building the Viper everyday, rain or shine, after work.  Even when he was under pressure because time was running as Comicpalooza 2018 fast approaches, he kept going with his goal in mind, that he needs to finished the Viper because he did not want t disappoint the fans that was coming to Comicpalooza to see it.  And did just that and persevered.   Karl is also a member of the Raven Colonial Marines.  When he is not building the Viper and would go to conventions, he would dressed up as a Raven Colonial Marine representing the RCMs.

George Mellis-  Order of the Rising Star

Where there is a Master Builder, there are also those who supports the Master Builder in his task.  George was the electronics expert of Team BSG Viper.  He help Karl install all those beautiful electronics you see on the Colonial Viper cockpit, to make the fans experience getting inside the cockpit of the Viper, as real as it can get.  And he certainly did a phenomenal job.  He too contributed to the expense of building the Colonial Viper.

Paul Oakley- Order of the Rising Star

Paul was the logistic support individual ( manpower ) for Team BSG Viper.  His constant support of not only Battlestar Raven as the Raven Marine NCOIC and one of the Admins on both the Battlestar Raven and BFC site, his attention to detail is beyond reproach and will not hesitate to ensure things are alway in order.  He takes initiatives to get things done and corrected immediately for the BFC and Battlestar Raven.

Ralph Duran- Arrow of Apollo

Ralph Duran is such a trooper.   This Colonial Warrior is always ready to help in anyway he can.  And he does it with such enthusiasm as well.  He was certainly a big help during Comicpalooza 2018.  He help so many fans assisting them, both young and old, climb aboard the Colonial Viper, so they can sit inside and relieve their memories of the show and what was it like to sit behind the cockpit of a Colonial Viper. Since he became a member of the Battlestar Raven, he has represented the group with honor.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you on this special award.  May you continue to help lead the way in "Keeping The Faith Alive" for the many fans all around the world for generations to come.  You lead by example and are to be emulated.

So Say We All!

"DragonLady"

President-Battlestar Galactica Fan Club

http://www.battlestarfanclub.com