Insider Guest Column: A Tribute To Bob

Guest Column


*~A Tribute to Bob "T Rex" Dolci~*

October 13, 2001

NOTE from Wendy: It was over a month ago when the Insider Column was put on hold, and I asked the fans if they'd like to contribute guest columns while Bob took some weeks off from writing. Several people wrote with their ideas and you've seen two wonderful guest columns posted already.

Back when I asked people to send in their ideas for guest columns, Courtney and Joy wrote and said their idea was to collect up messages from the fans to Bob - sort of a "reverse" Insider column where they would write to him instead of him writing to them. We agreed that they would collect the messages "in the background" - ie not on the message board so it would be a surprise to Bob.

So - he doesn't know this is being posted today. I know he will be very moved by what he reads here. He and I discussed the Insider Column last night, and he plans to post a column next week. Yay - Bob will be writing columns again! Anyway, this is a great way to wrap up the guest columns for now, and a good note (and an inspiration) on which to start up the Insider again.


Courtney and I thought it would be nice to put together a tribute to Bob in appreciation for all that he’s done…not only for the guys, but for many of the fans as well. So T Rex, here’s to you. - Joy




Bob,
You'll never truly know what a great impact you've had on so many people. Townsend fans used to spend time talking about how cute and great the guys are, well now included in that is how lucky the guys are to have you. Everyone looks forward to the weekly insider columns, both to get that bit of info from you and to feel connected to the great person that you are. The dedication you've put into other's dreams is nothing less than amazing and appreciated by all. Though I have not been able to meet you in person yet, I have been touched by you. NASA is lucky to have such an all-around wonderful person heading their DART team. Thank you for all you've done for NASA, Townsend, and the ever-loyal Townsend and now T Rex fans!
Love Always
~Amber~




BOB!! HEY BOB!!! I Just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. I've been wondering about you. You haven't left me messages, I wasn't sure if you were ok. Where have you been? Haha.. No but seriously, we've missed you at the site. I want to make sure that you know that what you do for the country is great and I thank you so much for doing it. I know there are many people who do it, but I thank YOU for doing YOUR part. WE all love you and we're behind you 100%. We're always going to be here for you, and ya! Thank you also for everything you've done with Townsend. I'm very glad to have met your son and the other four guys. Your family, their families, all of you are great people and I don't think you all fully understand everything you have done for us all. You're positive role models, and I think that it's great! If you ever need anything that I can help you with, just ask. I'll always be here for you and the guys whether i'm 25, or 75! Ok.Love you very very much Uncle Bob.
Always,
Melissa Martin




Bob,
(caution extreme sappiness ahead) I hope I never have to tell you this and you just know that i love you! You are quite possibly one of the best people I have met in my 18 years and I could never trade you! No matter what the situation you always know the right thing to say and you can always make me feel better! No matter what happens and where you go I’ll keep praying for you. You're always there for me and I'll always be there for you!
Smile!
Amy Gowan




Dear T Rex,

Never forget that your long hours of hard work are greatly appreciated and make such a difference to everyone. In these hard and trying times, you are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Love, Kimi Filloon




Dearest Bob/T-Rex,
I'm going to make this short & sweet *see, i tend to babble on a lot..haha* OK, I wanted to send you my wishes & prayers as you go through this time. I know it must be taking a toll on ya. Your column & presence are missed & we can't wait for your return, but we know that what you're doing is the best for the lives of ALL those affected by the attacks. What you do definitely doesn't go unnoticed. In fact, I saw you on TV a few weeks ago or so when the task force was being sent off from Moffet Field...I called Amy..haha..you can even ask her. Well, I better go get ready for work.

alwayz 'n forever,
megan
aka CrAzY MeG




Dear Pops,
I'll keep this short because I know you've got a bunch of other letters but I still need to tell you how special you are every time I'm given the chance to. I don't know how many times you've been an inspiration, I've truly lost count. I know I could probably write fifty thousand....no fifty million things you have done to inspire, encourage, and help me. You've seriously become a very important person in my life. For what seems like a long time, you've never failed to keep my confidence in things I know I couldn't have done without you. You're the guiding light that I look for so often when it seems like I want to give up. You've made up for 15 years without a "Pops." You and Wendy have filled a very important gap in my life and mean so much to me. You're everything that we look up to. Your strength, courage, and patriotisim is inspiring and beyond special for all of us.

I wish you could only see exactly how special you are to so many. You have truly made such a terrible tragedy that seems so dark and grim have a light in the end. It's refreshing to know that there are heros and angels here on earth willing to help those in need. You always do so much for us, if I could give you at least half of what you have given me, I know that I truly would have accomplished something. No matter where I go I know that you're somewhere being a hero regardless of where you are and what you're doing. To me, a hero is someone who saves others from sadness. You're a hero and so much more. When I want to give up and give in, I always think of you and know that I just need to push a little further because I'm almost there and I know you wouldn't give up. You have been a great source of inner-strength for me when I've been up and down.

If I didn't have you in my life I have a feeling that daily life would be more complicated and confusing. I would probably be lost by now actually admist this "real world" that I've been stuck in to. You are such a blessing and such a special person. I can say I know a hero now. Thanks for being my hero and my Pops. I love you Pops!

Love Always,
Kris




T-Rex,

It's hard to put into words how much you provide for everyone, so I will try my best. Honest, confident, intelligent, witty, and compassionate first come to mind when thinking of you. You help each and every fan out with any question they might have, personal tragedy, needing a favor, no matter what you're always there. So now it's our turn. You should know you are one of the hardest-working people I've ever met, one of the kindest I'll ever know, and one of the smartest I'll ever talk to. So you should also know we are all here for you in these hard, frustrating, and trying times.

There has never been a time where I haven't seen you be completely honest with the fans, and with yourself, and that is truly so respectable for anyone who knows you. Not many people can take on the job you have taken with the guys. You took a chance and you ran with it and done so well. Your Insider's Column never fails to teach me some new words or "lingo." Not only is it the text of the column, but it is apparent to everyone who reads that you put your heart into what you write and stand firmly behind it. But as I said, I don't expect to ever meet anyone as kind as yourself. Your heroism and belief in others is something incomparable to most people. Whether it be your rescue team or you as "T-Rex," you do everything directly from your heart which is appreciated more than you'll ever know.

So for everything you've done, know we love it all. And we as a whole, love you. Remember that and these messages will show how much you mean to us all and are so thankful for your time. Wherever life takes you, I along with so many others, will be on your side.

Courtney Franco




My dearest Bob-

Well Bob, I would like to thank you first and foremost for being what has been like family. And that goes for the whole Townsend family- My parents, The Restani's, Torres's, Bob, Wendy, Dom, Todd, Ryan, Nick, and most of all the fans. What ever happens with where you go or what you do I know that is where you are needed. God has a plan for everything and he most definitely will put you in the right place. Take care Bob and best of luck to you.

In harmony,
matt




Bob,
The last few weeks have been very crazy, and on many different levels. You are juggling two huge commitments, and both of those commitments have twenty different things going on at once. You have done this, done it well, and you have used the simplest tool you have, your heart. I want to thank you for sticking things out with us, and with everything you do. It is inspiring to watch, and it is a great learning experience to be a part of things you have your hands in. Thank you for having that heart, that commitment, and the presence of mind to balance it all. The Townsend team and the Dart team are incredibly lucky to have you as a part of it. Take care and God bless.
Love,
Dom




Dear Bob,
First of all, I want to thank you. Not just for all that you have done for the guys as well as many of their friends and admirers as myself, but just for being who you are. In the short amount of time that I have known you I can say that you are truly one of the most inspiring people I know. You never fail to be genuine, uplifting, honest, and not to mention caring. You also never fail to teach me a few new "big words" or to make me smile, whether you are aware of it or not. I know we don’t share a very close bond, but I feel we will soon enough. At least I hope so. You are very much appreciated by me and many others, and I can say with all of my heart that I am behind you 200% in whatever comes your way. I have so much faith in you. Take care, and by the way, you say I have a great smile but I think yours is just as great :)
Love always,
Andrea Dutcher




Trex ~

I want you to know that if you end up getting the call to fly back to New York and help out there, that I am supporting you 100% and wish you the best of luck. I think that you are so courageous and kind hearted to put yourself in a position for a 24/7 call back. You have been such a great person, managing the boys, being a father, and working for NASA. You're truly amazing. I'm always going to be here supporting you in what work you have to get done, and what decisions will be made in the future to come. Townsend is blessed, Wendy is blessed, and the fans are blessed to have a person like you in all of our lives. Good Luck always.

Love,
Sara *




Hey T-Rex,

Do you remember me Jen from the airshow, Mr. Dolci sir? I e-mailed you saying that you are such a patriarch to Townsend. I hope that if and when you go to New York that you will be safe and everything goes well. I'll be praying for you as well as your team. My apologies for not joining FEMA. I've been backed up in a lot lately. Again, Good Luck, Take Care, Best Wishes, and God Bless!!!

With Love and Unity,
Jen



P. S. While I pray for you guys, I'll also read a good book, study for 3 hours a day, keep in myself in shape the best way I know how, and especially eat my vegetables. Thanks for the advice sir. Take Care now.




Dear Trex,

I just wanted to tell you that whatever happens I hope that that you are safe and strong. I have a lot of respect for you. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless.

Love, Melissa Gibson



Dear Bob,

My daughter says you're da bomb!

With Regards,
Drew Tamaki (My dad)


*Note from Joy*: I didn’t exactly say it in those exact terms, my dad’s just trying to be all cool with the lingo. LoL! Right now, my mom’s rolling her eyes at my dad’s corniness (Is that even a word?), I just know it.



Dear Bob,

I want to add my thoughts here, along with the fans. Of course, I'm your biggest fan, being married to you and all :-) I want you to know how much I appreciate your intelligence, your heart and your strength. I love the way you stand firm for what you know is right, and keep holding steady even in the midst of a storm. You are a true and caring soul and I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Through the tragedy of the last month and with the Townsend ups and downs, you have been a rock for all of us, especially me. Thanks, love.

Wendy



Bob,

No matter how many times I thank you, it’ll never be enough to make up for what you’ve done for me. You gave me the chance of a lifetime, and I’ll forever be grateful for it. I always tell this to the guys, and the same goes for you. I feel very fortunate to have met you, and made friends with you. It’s not everyday that I get to have an older person (specifically a friend’s parent!) that I personally know to really be able to look up to. You are probably the coolest, most intelligent adult that I’ve ever met. I always enjoy reading the Insider’s Column and it’s been a big inspiration for my writing. Even if you don’t think you’re a really big part of the whole Townsend story, you are! Your long hours of hard work are greatly appreciated and will not go to waste. Well I better stop before I go on…and on… AND on. LoL So to sum it up, from all of us to you…We love you Bob!
Love Always,

~Joy~

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