That's well-written. I have a lot of respect for you and your service, Grey Wolf.
I grew up in Tennessee as well and definately don't think you need to be an alum to be a Vols fan.
I'll try to back off. I've tried a few times, but I just keep failing. It's my bad.
And, for the record, I hope everyone who thinks CDD will turn the program around is right. I'm not one of the talking heads on TV who'd rather be right than to be happy for my team. As most of you know, my fear is about UT waiting too long to pull the trigger in the event this doesn't seem to be happening.
I don't feel CDD was qualified for this job and my biggest gripe for the hire is with the AD and not with our coach. It's just hard to gripe about the AD's decision without offending those who support our coach.
Also, I was much slower than you would have been on the Fulmer rope. Perhaps I was wrong, but if I had been told CDD would be his relplacement, I think I would have stood behind Fulmer even longer. I liked CLK, but that didn't work out so well for UT football. I was behind Fulmer all the way the UCLA game during his last season. I liked Majors, but when the change happened, Fulmer opened up the offense (long Heath Shuler pass against BC, I think?). So, I remember Fulmer when he was a risk taker. So, as PJ points out, I'm not exactly 'spot on' with these coaching assessments, but I don't try to hide that. I'm not even sure what 'spot on' would be in hindsight. And, that should be easier.
In any case... Go Vols!
But, in light of your comment, even more importantly, Go USA... and thank you, Sir, for your service!