Ronnie Posted February 26, 2018 Share #1 Posted February 26, 2018 Pictured below is my little buddy Baylor. He is not related to me at all. He is our next door neighbor. He started hanging out with my wife and I when he was just 3 years old. He is 11 now and growing up quickly. In the spring of 2016 I invited him to go with me to the TMCA Show in Franklin, TN. He did and had a blast. Becoming good friends with Bill Brooks and several other dealers. He went back with me to the Thanksgiving Show also. I asked his mom and dad if they would allow him to come to the SOS with me as I used to bring my son. They agreed and let me. The kid had a blast. He met some of the Veterans and that counts as an educational experience so his school days missed were excused. I have always paid Baylor because he really helps me with my table. I paid him for helping with the SOS too. Thursday afternoon he asked if he could have an advance on what I was going to pay him. I gave him a bill and he took off. Later he returned with the Khaki Army Figurine pictured here. He handed it to me and said....this is for you Mr. Ronnie. He didnt go spend it on himself. He spent it on me. What a generous and mature thing to do. Thats why My wife and I love him so much. He loves the history and he loves hanging out in my War Room. I think we have a young collector being groomed. At any rate I wanted to let you all know what a great little buddy I have and show you my new Paratrooper Figurine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Jerry Posted February 26, 2018 Share #2 Posted February 26, 2018 Awesome and thoughtful kid! -and props to you for taking on such a responsibility and helping to give a kid an education beyond the books! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 26, 2018 Author Share #3 Posted February 26, 2018 Thank you Jerry. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
268th C.A. Posted February 26, 2018 Share #4 Posted February 26, 2018 That is an awesome story, When I was a kid I hung around with an older teenager 19 or so I think I was about 8. I don't know how he put up with me. He would show me all his Military rifles and bayonets. Well it got me stuck on the hobby. At age 18 I had saved some money the first rifle I got was an old Italian Carcano, surplus ammo was cheap. Then I found a bayonet. And one thing led too many....So I can relate too the story. I say kudos too you sir! He will learn history he will NEVER learn in school. What a great story. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 26, 2018 Author Share #5 Posted February 26, 2018 Thank you Johnny Reb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted February 26, 2018 Share #6 Posted February 26, 2018 Good for you Ronnie.Well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 26, 2018 Author Share #7 Posted February 26, 2018 Thanks Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted February 26, 2018 Share #8 Posted February 26, 2018 Baylor is a true little southern gentleman and he sure shows his character by his actions. Just shows how being in a certain inviorment with great support and guidance can show positive rewards and results. Im sure you and both his parents are really proud of him and should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMI88 Posted February 26, 2018 Share #9 Posted February 26, 2018 Does Baylor collect anything yet? If he does I wouldn't mind sending him a few duplicate items to get him started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morlok Posted February 26, 2018 Share #10 Posted February 26, 2018 In a world full of bad news, this is just what I needed to see! My hat is off to you, sir. What a great thing you are doing. These are the memories that this young man will carry throughout his life. Well done! I agree with VMI88. We should all pitch in a few items of interest & help get his collection going! I would gladly send a few things his way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Quarter Posted February 26, 2018 Share #11 Posted February 26, 2018 Awesome! Glad to see a kid more interested in history than an Ipad! Jacob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted February 26, 2018 Share #12 Posted February 26, 2018 Good on you, Ronnie! that's a great story and a great kid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratasfan Posted February 27, 2018 Share #13 Posted February 27, 2018 Does Baylor collect anything yet? If he does I wouldn't mind sending him a few duplicate items to get him started. Ditto! This actually gives a light in the tunnel of kids these days. How super refreshing! Grand thing to see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted February 27, 2018 Thank you all. I am sort of amazed at this response. Thanks VMI and Morlok for your offer. I have given him a few pieces of web gear and some patches. I also gave him a couple of military issue pocket knives. That is where his interest is right now. He likes the blades. In fact he bought two knives at the show with his own money. Not suggesting that you guys send him a knife but extra web gear or equipment I’m sure would fascinate him. I’m not in any way suggesting that you guys send him anything just saying if you want to since you suggested it go ahead. Here is the address. Baylor Pierce 106 Faith Dr Batesville, MS 38606 If you do send him something let me know what the postage is and I would be glad to reimburse you. Thanks Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #15 Posted February 27, 2018 Thanks stratasfan. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #16 Posted February 27, 2018 Baylor is a true little southern gentleman and he sure shows his character by his actions. Just shows how being in a certain inviorment with great support and guidance can show positive rewards and results. Im sure you and both his parents are really proud of him and should be. Thanks Ron. Very nice of you to say. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plick27 Posted February 27, 2018 Share #17 Posted February 27, 2018 Thanks for sharing and thank you for spending the time showing Mr. Baylor the ropes. Boy is his mailman gonna be busy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #18 Posted February 27, 2018 Ha thank you plick. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted February 27, 2018 Share #19 Posted February 27, 2018 A great read...no matter where life takes the young lad.. .he will always remember these years...great job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted February 27, 2018 Share #20 Posted February 27, 2018 I love stories like this. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted February 27, 2018 Share #21 Posted February 27, 2018 That's really great. I may have some patches for him. Thanks for sharing this great story! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #22 Posted February 27, 2018 Wow thanks phantom, Komo, and JD. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1canpara Posted February 27, 2018 Share #23 Posted February 27, 2018 I met this young fella at Ronnies table at the SOS and what a delightful and polite young man he was! I didn't know the back story on him being there Ronnie, and I'd have to echo the others and thank you for sharing your interest in military history with young Baylor, he and others like him will be the custodians of our history when we are long gone. I too will be sending along a few items to Baylor to add to his collection. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share #24 Posted February 27, 2018 Heres a photo of Baylor in my War Room. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1canpara Posted February 27, 2018 Share #25 Posted February 27, 2018 ...and by the way, that is a very cool airborne statue he gave you! ....I wish I had seen those at the show, I would've grabbed one as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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