A big thanks to Steven Chong! (1 Viewer)

[Louis Badolato]

At the dinner sponsored by our hosts here on the forum, Tim Tyler and the Mike and Myzka Hall of Sierra, there was a charity auction for some one of kind Britains figures converted by Ken Osen, as well as a master painted version of the new K&C Winter T-34, with the proceeds going to Laura MacAllister's favorite charity, which cares for wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Of course just about everyone present placed bids, and I was lucky enough to be the high bidder on one of Ken Osen's figures, but the big prize in the auction was the T-34.

To no one's surprise, the highest bidder on the T-34 was the extremely generous Steven Chong. To my surprise, he promptly walked over and presented me with the master painted T-34 for my collection. I tried to refuse, but he would not hear of it. I am humbled by his extraordinarily generous gesture, and extremely grateful.

Thank you Steven, you are a true friend, and one of the kindest and most generous individuals I know.

I have to add that like Steven, our good friend Ed Curiel was also incredibly generous, basically refusing to let any of his circle of friends put their hands in their wallets for anything to eat or drink all weekend. In fact, the only times I have been able to return the favor and treat him to a meal were at my club (where only members can pay) and once, when I pretended to use the men's room and paid the bill behind his back.

What a great bunch of guys there are in this hobby!:smile2:

 

[MapleLeaf]

Mr Louis
That's what freinds are for

 

[PanzerAce1944]

A truly awesome gesture. !!!

 

[Northgate Woods]

At the dinner sponsored by our hosts here on the forum, Tim Tyler and the Mike and Myzka Hall of Sierra, there was a charity auction for some one of kind Britains figures converted by Ken Osen, as well as a master painted version of the new K&C Winter T-34, with the proceeds going to Laura MacAllister's favorite charity, which cares for wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Of course just about everyone present placed bids, and I was lucky enough to be the high bidder on one of Ken Osen's figures, but the big prize in the auction was the T-34.

To no one's surprise, the highest bidder on the T-34 was the extremely generous Steven Chong. To my surprise, he promptly walked over and presented me with the master painted T-34 for my collection. I tried to refuse, but he would not hear of it. I am humbled by his extraordinarily generous gesture, and extremely grateful.

Thank you Steven, you are a true friend, and one of the kindest and most generous individuals I know.

I have to add that like Steven, our good friend Ed Curiel was also incredibly generous, basically refusing to let any of his circle of friends put their hands in their wallets for anything to eat or drink all weekend. In fact, the only times I have been able to return the favor and treat him to a meal were at my club (where only members can pay) and once, when I pretended to use the men's room and paid the bill behind his back.

What a great bunch of guys there are in this hobby!:smile2:

OUT BLOODY STANDING. You could not want to met three more generous gentlemen in the US of A.
A fantastic post Louis and a credit to three top blokes. It is a privledge to call them mates.
Cheers Howard

 

[Rob]

What a generous gesture, there are some truly good people in this hobby.

Rob

 

[Guy]

Louis , I read your article, what generous people you know and what True Friend they are . Cherish them as much as you can .People like that are becoming a rarity in this world
guy

 

[joesgis]

Great story Louis, thanks for sharing it! Steven, such a generous expression indeed; you are the man!!!:smile2:

Joe

 

[TomNT]

What a great gesture! {bravo}}These sort of stories along with collecting and meeting great blokes is what i like about this hobby.

Tom

 

[Currahee Chris]

Hey Louis-

glad to hear you had a good time. Gotta admit, you really shouldnt be too terribly surprised at these types of things happening- not only is it a reflection of the character of Mr. Chong, it's a reflection on your character as well. I believe in the old adage that good things happen to good people- any you are an epitome of that. Take time to let us collectors heap some praise on you my friend.

I often reflect on my tenure in the service, the friends I have lost in the current troubles and the trials, tribulations and deprivations we went through. In general, I am firmly of the opinion that 90% or more of the general populace just wasnt worth the effort. Then I run across guys like yourself, Lawrence Lo, Chris McKenna and friends I've met from across the pond like Wraith, Rob and Damian and not only was it worth it, I am truly proud and humbled to have represented you guys in uniform.

STANDS ALONE Buddy!!
CC

 

[jazzeum]

I missed this thread initially and fully agree about Steven and Ed. Wonderful men and exemplary of the great people in this hobby.

A few years ago Steven gave me a rare glossy K & C camel and one of the Jockey camels, all for doing my then moderator job. I am forever grateful for his friendship even though we only see each other once a year.

They also don't come any nicer than Ed who, too, I also get to see but once a year.

Hans and Tom Dubel are not too bad either! :wink2:

 

[Rob]

How very kind of you kind Sir!:salute::

Rob

Hey Louis-

glad to hear you had a good time. Gotta admit, you really shouldnt be too terribly surprised at these types of things happening- not only is it a reflection of the character of Mr. Chong, it's a reflection on your character as well. I believe in the old adage that good things happen to good people- any you are an epitome of that. Take time to let us collectors heap some praise on you my friend.

I often reflect on my tenure in the service, the friends I have lost in the current troubles and the trials, tribulations and deprivations we went through. In general, I am firmly of the opinion that 90% or more of the general populace just wasnt worth the effort. Then I run across guys like yourself, Lawrence Lo, Chris McKenna and friends I've met from across the pond like Wraith, Rob and Damian and not only was it worth it, I am truly proud and humbled to have represented you guys in uniform.

STANDS ALONE Buddy!!
CC

 

[Sentaapua]

Hey Louis-

glad to hear you had a good time. Gotta admit, you really shouldnt be too terribly surprised at these types of things happening- not only is it a reflection of the character of Mr. Chong, it's a reflection on your character as well. I believe in the old adage that good things happen to good people- any you are an epitome of that. Take time to let us collectors heap some praise on you my friend.

I often reflect on my tenure in the service, the friends I have lost in the current troubles and the trials, tribulations and deprivations we went through. In general, I am firmly of the opinion that 90% or more of the general populace just wasnt worth the effort. Then I run across guys like yourself, Lawrence Lo, Chris McKenna and friends I've met from across the pond like Wraith, Rob and Damian and not only was it worth it, I am truly proud and humbled to have represented you guys in uniform.

STANDS ALONE Buddy!!
CC

Hi Louis,

I still didn't have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Chong, but having known you I perfectly understand his gesture. One noble and generous man recognizing another of the same breed!

 

[Louis Badolato]

I sent Brad and Terry a photo of the master painted T-34 presented to me by Steven Chong, with a polite request that one of them post if for me on this thread.:smile2:

 

[jazzeum]

Very nice. Looks great with your other tanks.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Very nice. Looks great with your other tanks.

View attachment 108646

Thanks Brad!:smile2: