Raider Reunion Comments   I really enjoyed my band days at Hidden Valley. You started my music interest in 4th grade when you taught me to play the saxophone, then when I started Hidden Valley you said I should try the Sousaphone.. I then played the Sousaphone at Hidden Valley, Orange Glen and San Diego State University.. Music is why I stayed in school and I just wanted to say, "Thank You" ... The discipline you taught has helped me through out my life in School, Military, and Career. I must tell you that what you said is true... whenever I smell that diesel engine smell it always throws my mind back to those days piling on the bus to go off to a parade. Those were some fun days. What a great time we had on Sat!! It was so much fun to re-connect with people and to see you. You really did make such a difference in all of our lives, thanks for getting us all together!!! We really enjoyed it:) Thanks for Saturday and all the memories. Thanks so much for organizing the Reunion this weekend! It was great to catch up with old friends and good to see you. Thanks for hosting! I didn't get to talk to you, but I wanted you to know that we discussed in our group how you were influential in all of our lives in a good way. I believe that part of the strong person I am today was created in pass-off and other rights of passage, not to mention friendships that I still have today, so thanks for being the director you were. It was a blast getting to see everyone and visit and catch up! It was nice to see you too even though we didn’t get much time, but you’re a popular man and everyone wanted to visit so that is understandable ;-) I think it would great to do this in another five years or so, things like this help you to remember how much your old friends mean to you and I think it will go a long way in the future  I’m pretty sure my Dad took some pics, so as soon as I get them from him I will send them over. Thank you so much for putting this together; it was a really great reunion! We had a great time this weekend. What a great time Saturday! I'm so glad I found out about the event. It was great to catch up. Can't wait for the next one! OH OUCH! (Horse laugh:) Just kidding, it was so cool to see everyone, and that you remembered my dumb ass laugh, means you remember me almost as much as I remember that my 8th grade year was the best time ever...you have no idea how much you impacted my life..so many good times going to parades, indoor competitions in L.A with you and Miss Marks (ha-ha) just about knocking myself out on a regular basis trying to learn new tricks with my rifle, wasn't scared of that thing at all.....GOOD TIMES! WE HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN SOON,, and I will leave it at that...... Thank You for all you do and all you are. I have such great memories of that time in my life. Thanks SO much for all of your efforts in putting the reunion together!! It was great to see you again. Can't wait to see the photos on the website. I am glad you are doing well. The band program was never the same after you left. Thank you so much for organizing the reunion; it was a very fun afternoon. A much better activity than a "class reunion" because we were able to see the people that we had things in common with and that were in different grades. You touched a lot of lives, and taught us many lessons and I know we are all thankful for the time to reminisce. We had sooooo much fun! Thanks so much!! Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for a nice day down memory lane. Didn't chat with you like I had intended so I thought an email would do. Spent a lot of time this week recalling the hot days out on the blacktop (and wishing I was still in that kind of shape!!) and decided to let you know how it all impacted me personally.... It was that experience that taught me the desire to strive for a level of excellence. Of course I haven't always followed that advice, but I have always believed that the person who wins in any game is the one who ultimately "wanted it more". And that has enabled me to believe with all my heart that anything is achievable to those who decide that it belongs to them. And so today....I'm not a quitter, I'm extremely competitive, I expect only the best from others, and I always get back up! Some of that probably makes me a whack job....ha ha....but truly I am so thankful for those experiences and for your expectations of excellence. I wouldn't be the same person I am today if you weren't the person you were then. I know not everyone appreciated your standards, but I hope you know I did and that I always held the utmost of respect for you. So thanks again for today and since I probably never told you, thanks for the impact you had on me 27 and 28 years ago! Thank you very much for holding the Raider Reunion. It was great to see everyone and find out what the "kids" are doing now.