Thank You

James - Mr. Detroit Eagle 2008

MDE2008

Last year at this time I was bestowed with the honor of Mr. Detroit Eagle 2008. Winning the title was an amazing gift. I would like to say Thank You to the judging panel for giving me the opportunity.

Over this past year, I had the chance to meet with so many great people of our leather community. When I competed at IML XXX I got to meet and get to know so many phenomenal men -- Matt, Martin, Russ, CJ, Randall, to just name a few -- without them my IML wouldn't have been the same. Competing at IML really brought the leather community idea together for me. My IML experience solidified in my head that we all are a part of a community; a community that sticks together and is there for one another just like family. I would like to say Thank You to Frank, the owner of the Detroit Eagle, for sponsoring me and allowing me to have such a wonderful experience.

I want to say Thank You to my ICON brothers for all the support that they have given me over this journey. Each and every one of them I can truly call a brother.

There is one person out there without whom I wouldn't have been able to even have the courage to run for Mr. Detroit Eagle in the first place. This man has been there every step of the way. He was there to cheer me up and encourage me when I felt overwhelmed. He was there to push me when I needed pushing. This man always believed in me. And that man is my partner, Paul - aka BullmanX. I love him with all my heart and I want to say Thank You to him for being there for me.

The man makes a title; a title doesn't make the man. I will continue to be a presence in the leather community and to help grow and sustain what so many others have worked many years to build.