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A Weekend of Heroes 2008 - Review |
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Written by Jean Chevalier
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 |
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Enough about this year’s show background, let’s hit the show floor
running! Friday was a move-in only day. However, Echobase Toys threw
a huge party at the Pasadena Hooters Restaurant for collectors on
Friday night. Boys from OSW, collectors and media had a blast at the
party. Reporters from UK’s Airsoft International Magazine attended the
party and left with their “Hooters battle cry”……“WE LOVE AMERICA!”
Once again, Hooters and Echobase Toys done their patriotic deeds! The
show opened to the public on Saturday at 10:00am. With a press pass I
was able to arrive at 9:00am to observe exhibitors’ pre-show dealings.
Surprisingly, public began to arrive as early as 9:15am; by 10:15 am a
long line had formed under the unforgiving 102 degree sun. Thank God
for air-conditioning! If you thought the temperature outside was hot,
the action inside the auditorium was event ”hotter”. OSW group setup
an on-site “live broadcasting” station and was giving away prizes every
half an hour. Auditorium lobby was jammed with historical re-enactors
in all types of period costumes ranging from Revolutionary to Vietnam.
Show floor aisles were so packed that it practically forced you into
the dealer booth! Operation Lion Claws Military Simulation Series
(OLCMSS), setup side by side with the US Army, had their spokes model
on site and was extremely well received by the Airsoft crowd. At
11:00, the patriotic Hooters girls arrived to land support to this
year’s figure contests as “celebrity judges” along with contest
sponsors Echobase Toys and War Toys. Over 40 entries graced the tables
on the contest stage with outstanding artistry! Merit International and
Ignite both contributed addition prizes to the contests. Mr. Raymond
Juliani of MILITOY magazine (French) and his crew flew in from Paris
while Mr. Paul Monoff and his boys from RAIDER and Airsoft
International magazines came all the way from London to cover the
show. This year’s show VIP/exclusive figure is US Army Special
Forces Col. (ret) Paul Longgrear from the Battle of Lang Vei. Col.
Longgrear graciously sat at Toy Soldier (Hong Kong)’s booth to
entertain autograph seekers and admirers. Although Toy Soldier’s
actual figure shipment was delayed, an impressive prototype was on site
for all to preview. Adding icing on the cake, a two-tour SOG (Study
and Observations Group) veteran, John “Tilt” Meyer, was also at the
show. Most SOG men didn’t live through one tour, this man did two; it
was a tremendous honor to meet this humble American hero. Last year’s
exclusive figure/VIP, LRRP man Sgt. Kenn Miller was also on site to
sign. AWH 2003’s VIP, Ed Pepping of “Band of Brothers” once again
graced the show with his forever-uplifting smile and positive
personality! Ed’s positive energy permeated throughout the show!
Ignite CO (Hong Kong) debuted an AWH2008 exclusive Samurai figure while
Merit International showcased Al Rascon and German para commando
Franski figures. AWH 2008 marks Toy City’s first corporate direct
involvement in the US! It was a bit overwhelming by mid-day as the
aisles became nearly impassable. Spartan Imports, KWA USA, TSI
Armories, and G&G Armament championed Airsoft side of the house.
The sound of bbs hitting metal targets coming from the shooting tunnel
further enhanced the festive atmosphere. Mr. Jack Kull gave a
heart-felt talk about recovering POW/MIA remains from Vietnam at 1:30
while Col. Longgrear gave a detailed account of the fierce battle at
Lang Vei at 3:30. About an hour before show’s closing, producer John
Lu asked everyone on the floor to observe a moment of silence in the
memory of a long-time AWH vendor and friend, John from Atlantic Toys,
who passed away earlier this year; the love was felt by all. This
year’s Saturday Night VIP dinner was, again, unannounced. Lu explained
that due to the high cost of the hotel dinner ($50 per person), he
didn’t want to burden anyone, hence only invited corporate exhibitors,
media, VIPs and exhibitors with three or more booths purchased;
however, a handful of exhibitors/collectors managed to take part in
this amazing dinner function. Saturday Night VIP dinner was set up at
the Los Angeles Hilton in North Glendale for the intimate attendance of
40. Lu began by thanking everyone for their support then introduced
his supportive wife to the crowd; evidently folks doubted Lu was really
married due to his heavy involvement with so many hobby related
events. Lu also pointed out the sacrifices made by military wives,
particularly Mrs. Longgrear who stood by her “tougher than nail” Green
Beret husband throughout his impressive military career from Vietnam to
Middle East (30 years). SOG man John “Tilt” Meyer made the
introduction speech on Col. Longgrear whose acceptance speech on being
an action figure was moving and patriotic. Mr. Jack Kull wrapped up
the evening by talking about the importance of brining “closure” to
families who lost loved ones during Vietnam War. It was an ALL AMERICAN
dinner that humbled us all. Sunday crowd, while busy, didn’t see
Saturday’s insanity. Exhibitors and collectors could actually walk
around and enjoy themselves with last minute shopping. RC tanks
finally had room to move around and show off their power. At 1:15 scale
contest winners were announced and awards handed out to winners. Mr.
Guy Ayal, a former IDF (Israeli Defense Force) soldier, and owner of
TSI Armories, gave a talk on “Airsoft weapons made in USA”…. shocking
that anything is made in the USA any more these days. Perky Hooters
girls were called upon to perform their patriotic duties by help judge
the Military Loaded Out Contests; sadly, this year’s contest was mainly
men. Contestants ranged from a Revolutionary War Fusilier to WWII
German paratroopers to a WWII Russian soldier, to Private Contractor to
Modern Military Special Forces. The cheering crowd decided the winners
and Airsoft Extreme, Spartan Imports and G&G Armament each
presented an Airsoft gun to the winners. First place winner of the
contest, Desert Commando Team, earned the privilege to be on the cover
of Airsoft International Magazine! By 2:30 on Sunday the show
gradually came to a wrap. In spite of the media’s constant barrage of
financial gloom and doom, the 2008 A Weekend of Heroes was a community
effort that brightened up our nights for the weekend! Jean
Chevalier
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