Gene had asked me last week to come over Wednesday (today) because Tommy and Kirby were going to be there but He wouldn’t divulge why. I told him at the time I’d try to make it and he said that I had to be there, no questions asked. I figured that there must be some kind of gun issue or something serious regarding the forum so I told him that I’d make it a point to be there. I had no idea what was coming.
When I arrived this morning there were more people there than I expected and everyone was shooting and having a good time and it was good to see a bunch of the forum “good ole boys”. . including “J”, Sherrie (“J’s” better half), Timmy, Gene, Dave Kirby, Ernie and Tommy (TCups).We had a lot of fun shooting and talking and just having a good time as we do most of the get togethers and mini-shootouts. Lots of guns and discussions.
Anyhow, later in the day Gene called everybody to attention and after a short preface and pointing out a little past history if you will, I was presented with a plaque and a FWB-124 in honor of my retirement It was presented not only on behalf of the GTA and it’s members but on the behalf of the airgun community as a whole. I know that there were many on the forum that was aware of this event and what was coming and it was a well kept secret. Even my wife knew about it and she too participated in it in a small way but never let on.
I wish everybody could have been there. It was a total and complete surprise to me and very moving. Believe it or not, I was speechless and didn’t know what to say and got very soft inside.:0 It was a very touching moment for this old man and a moment in time that I will always remember.
I would like to thank Gene and all of those involved as well as the rest of the airgun community and the GTA forum and especially the above participants today. This has been an exceptional day in my life.
I would like to give special thanks to “J” who made the plaque, hand made the frame and hand engraved the plate and not only that, completely rebuilt the FWB-124 (a gun that I have wanted for years but never acquired) including a total stock modification and stippling (I guess that’s how you spell it) and into a lefty no less. As you can see, it turned out beautiful. It was as I understand overa two month project. Thank you “J”.
The plaque reads as follows:
Bob Werner aka “CharlieDaTuna”
Master Craftsman
Icon of the airgun community
In recognition of supreme craftsmanship,
business integrity, plus tireless efforts,
increased joy of the airgunning community sport/hobby,
Countless airgunners worldwide are grateful
for generous help and time given this past decade.
Several people took pictures and hopefully more will be posted that includes others.
All I can say is thank you everyone everywhere.
