Thank You

John- Mr. Detroit Eagle 2009

MDE2008

I want to thank everyone for coming out this weekend and making this contest a continued successful event each year.
Exactly one year ago tonight, I was here on this same stage accepting the sash to be Mr. Detroit Eagle 2009 in front of friends, brotherhood and supporting patrons. Little did I know that the trip I would take as a titleholder over the next year would be a trip I would never forget.

Over the past year I have represented the leather community here in Detroit with dignity and respect and even while personally falling victim to the crippling economy we are facing here in Michigan and around the country, I still feel I did my best to introduce people to a piece of the GLBT community that is not always in the spotlight or is misunderstood.

Most importantly, my title year would have never been as successful as it was without the support and love of my close friends, family, ICON brothers, faithful supporters, and certainly never to be forgotten my new found leather family.

I would like to send a special thanks to my ICON Detroit club brothers who have guided me through the year when I was unsure of my path. To Frank Blondale and Jason Wood for allowing me the opportunity to host my fundraising events here at The Detroit Eagle and to my IML brothers, including David Dean who have shown me the true meaning of the love of leather and brotherhood in my life.

I want to wish Alan, Mr. Detroit Eagle 2010, the best of luck on his journey to IML and during his title year. I know he will represent us with dignity and respect and hope that he makes his title year something that will be remembered not only by himself but by the people who will grow to look up to him as a leader of the Leather community.