Sam Caldwell, Paintball Icon has Lung Cancer lets give him Some Love

[figone12]

Hey,
i am sure the guys from Apple Dumpling Gang out san jose, ca well all been hart felt to hear of you illness. We had a blast watching the gang at mare island and watch the sence grow back in the 90's. Thanks for all that you did.

[NoForts4Me]

Although I've never been involved in anything but local paintball, and don't know Sam, over the 16 years I have played I've seen his name come up from time to time, and knew he was an important "player" so to speak. It's just one of those names that goes with paintball.

Sam, stay strong, we'll pray for you, and know that there are many out here pulling for you and appreciate what you have done.

[Zedthephish]

Good luck, Get better.

[lagerbrewer]

Sam,

I'm not usually short on words, although I'm sitting here trying to think of what to say to someone who has done so much for other people, yet has ended up with a stupid disease they didn't even gamble with (sorry smokers). I'm in the process of moving right now, and just yesterday I came across this water bottle from the '93? Masters. I remember we had just come off stage and you were throwing things out to the crowd. Everyone was screaming and waving their arms and I thought that I would yell your name in hopes of catching your attention to get something. I yelled, "Hey Sam!" and you looked directly at me and tossed me that bottle. I can watch it in my head like a video...interesting because I lose my keys like every day and that was 14+ years ago!

Your events were so professional compared to the typical tournaments of the day! I remember thinking that we had come so far because the tournaments were at a place with an actual paved parking lot! We used to run over to the water park and slide down the empty water slides (out of season) in our paintball gear. I'm sure you guys caught trouble for that from the water park owner...sorry.

You, Jim, and your events literally paved the way for my future in the sport and for that I thank you. I still list my Lively Ultimate reffing status as part of my credentials when reffing new events. People are like, "What?". I can only smile.

There's tons of people who remember you, with brotherly love and respect, for if it weren't for the guidance of a small group of people like you and Jim, Jessica Sparks, (and I could go on) the sport most certainly wouldn't be where it is today...which kind of sucks now that I think about it....actually it was better when you guys were running things! Err, the point is that we care, and we're still following your ways even if the rest of the sport would rather act like a bunch of little rich kid a-holes!

There's friends on your side like Biff a few posts above whom I haven't heard from in a decade. Biff - remember when you ripped the door off my car at the masters? ...and I started crying in front of my team...god that sucked...hey I was young and it was my first car! Didn't you have Automag liscense plates?

We salute you sir! I know Tom said you were kind of recluse these days, but if you would like to throw some ideas out or just talk, drop me an e-mail. I would love to do a story with you for APG. [email protected]

-Marc Gottfried
Total Greif Paintball Team
Action Pursuit Games Magazine

see? long winded

[magmonkey]

I am sorry to hear that I wish alot of things were different

[europk]

Wishing you the best, in the biggest fight you will ever have.
May the force be with you.

europk

[FiXeL]

As a newcomer to the sport of paintball I am deeply saddened that this is happening to one of our "forefathers". The short time this sport has been around and the distance it has covered is amazing and shows the dedication of great people like you.

Thank you Sam.

I could not have said it any better. I've been playing for just a few years and never heard of Sam Caldwell, but i have deep respect for what you have done for the sport. Knowing you have little time left, it seems terrible to anyone. I hope you still live the days you got to the fullest in the same way you supported the sport.

Sam Caldwell

[LittleJohn]

Sam!!

I had my first dealings with Sam and Jim With Tom WAY back when and If you wanted anything done with the 'Lively turn' - - You went to Sam. and as I recall - - EVERYONE went to Sam - - the best part was, Sam ALWAYS took the time to listen and answer any problem - - Sam, if you dont know my signon name, my name is John Dale another former Pres of Airgun Designs ... God speed and we ALL are thinking of you..

Little John.

[bentothejam1n]

You can do it Sam. My uncle was given i think around six months to live and that was 5 years ago! Cancer is only a limitation, don't let it get you down. Hell, look at Lance Armstrong.

[madcrisis]

^^ what he said dude just stay happy.

it sounds like u have done a lot for the sport. u sund like an awesome dude and very smart to boot. we love u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[p8ntbal4me]

Best Wishes Sam!

[PumpMag]

Just wanted to say thank you to Sam for his contributions to competition paintball.

[WalkingTarget]

Mr. Caldwell,

I, like the many others above, never had heard of you before; That is to our own detriment. If there is one thing that must be remembered, it is that we must remember those that come before us, because without them, we are nothing.

and as others have said, if Mr. Kaye thinks so highly of you, you must be one hell of a guy and a tough SOB to boot!


any disease wins only on one condition; if you let it crush your spirit.

so from all the true players in The City of Kawartha Lakes, ON. Kick Cancer's *** for us!

-Andy the 'Walking_Target'


P.S. Ask your doctor about DiChloro Acitate! It is a drug that is showing great promise for killing many types of cancer, and the best part is it's already FDA tested! you just need to find a doc willing to perscribe it!

[Desega]

Sam, I don't know much about you, but I can see through TK's message that you are an awesome man and a great contributor to the sport of paintball. I'm so sorry to hear what has happened, but don't let it get you down. Best Wishes,
Brenden

[thegrayghost]

Mr. Sam Caldwell, i wish you the best on trying to beat your cancer, sir...and i am sure you are a icon in this great sport of paintball....i lost a friend (Mr. Paul Spooner), here in cleveland ohio, who beat prostate cancer (from agent orange) in Viet Nam, but a heart attack took his life....he was an originator also in this sport when it evolved in its infancy with the IPPA....i wish you all the best and with Gods help you will be ok....thegrayghost....