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

[Doobie]

[dark wolf 0982]

Like many of the other's here, I'm a little too young to have been playing when you were busy making a difference in the sport, but I certainly appreciate what you helped make of it, and I thank you for it. Best wishes.

Same here. Thank you for everything you did and keep fighting. DONT GIVE UP

[dre1919]

Sam,

Keeping looking up buddy. I know what you feel like...I was recently diagnosed with a non-operable brain tumor. But, I choose to fight it just like I have everything else in my life. Quitting is not in my vocabulary and I suggest it not be in yours. From an old paintball player (14 years and going), I want to personally thank you for all you have done for this sport. Tom's right, if it weren't for you (and other like you), the sport wouldn't be where it is today. Good luck with your battle Sir, may the wind always be at your back and the sun always on your face.

Sincerely,
Andrew Sloan

[omegaman]

Sam was Key

During the Sport of Paintball's pivotal era around the late '80s through the mid 90's, the Lively Tournaments were considered to be the pinnacle of Amateur and Pro level competition, and the Nashville Masters was the mecca - the competition highlight of the annual tourney calendar.

Sam Caldwell has always been the glue that held that legendary program together, and among those Teams, Players, Sponsors, Staff and Vendors who were fortunate enough to have participated in those Historic events, Sam Caldwell is always thought of as the primary go-to guy for getting things done, big and small.

Together with Jim Lively's vision, Sam Caldwell's resourcefulness and tenacity played a huge part in creating the groundwork and momentum for what has become today's international Paintball Tournament scene, and the entire Paintball Community owes Sam a debt of gratitude.

On behalf of myself and the whole Procaps-DraXxuS-DXS-VForce Team, we wish Sam Godspeed for the speediest possible recovery!

Craig Miller
Senior Vice President
Procaps LP
DraXxuS/DXS/VForce

[omegaman]

A Pillar upon which we built

I wish I could say that I knew Sam well...I didn't, but I did know him. We shared a few drinks over the years, we shared a few laughs. We spoke about business and we spoke to have friendly conversation.

Sam is owed all the passing applause he ever received. Jim would usually acknowledge Sam's meaning to each event at its conclusion. The gratuitous applause came and Sam would appreciate it. Quiet acknowledgement to a quiet man.

Sam made the idea's a reality. What so many don't know is that Sam is a HUGE part of why we play paintball the way we do today. Sam ran the events. He arranged sponsorships, he structured tournaments, He promoted within the media of the day. He brought people together for the betterment of the sport of paintball. Sam was instrumental at a delicate time of growth to see the growth go in a right direction.

Many claps and a few whistles. You did us all good and we are all better for it. I hope that you read this. I hope that it makes you proud to know that you were a part of all that is going on now and in the future. Sam is not just one of the building blocks but an integrat part of the foundation upon which the entire paintball INDUSTRY is built.

Thomas "Cigar Man" Ghee

[Cow123]

Like many of the other's here, I'm a little too young to have been playing when you were busy making a difference in the sport, but I certainly appreciate what you helped make of it, and I thank you for it. Best wishes.

Couldn't have said it better my self.

Thanks for everything you've done sam.

[KKPASA]

Con Todo Mi Amor

"With All My Love"
Mr. Sam Caldwell, I wish you the best on beating your cancer. My mother-in-law was just diagnosed with cancer, I can only imagine what your family is going through.

[SPECK]

I feel bad and am not sure what to type. I have read about you and what you have done, have never met you, but wish you the best of the luck.

-David Specht

[d4m4don3]

My Godfather's in the same boat as Sam. I only wish that you spend your time wisely and live as comfortably as possible. I know how what this disease is doing to you. My Godfather was a Hemotologist that stopped smoking 15 years ago, yet the disease got him. I'm pulling for you.

[warbeak2099]

Tom any news on how he is doing? I feel it's appropriate to bump this old thread only because I'd like to think we all meant what we posted here and we really care.

[AGD]

I have not heard anything but I am sure I would have if something terrible happened. Sam has been reclusive since this whole thing started. He is a proud man and I think this sickness makes him feel weak and needy which he doesn't want to force on anyone. I do believe he saw the thread and I am sure it made an impact. I was hoping he would respond but he didn't for his own reasons. Unfortunately I have not talked to him since he got sick so this is all the info I can provide.

Thanks AO you did make a difference, the response brought a tear to Jim Lively's eye if that helps.

AGD

[peewee]

I have not heard anything but I am sure I would have if something terrible happened. Sam has been reclusive since this whole thing started. He is a proud man and I think this sickness makes him feel weak and needy which he doesn't want to force on anyone. I do believe he saw the thread and I am sure it made an impact. I was hoping he would respond but he didn't for his own reasons. Unfortunately I have not talked to him since he got sick so this is all the info I can provide.

Thanks AO you did make a difference, the response brought a tear to Jim Lively's eye if that helps.

AGD

Thanks Tom. My Dad did the same thing when he came down with cancer. Ran off in the woods. Sadly he didnt tell any of us what was up. Please forward a request to Jim to please get Sam out of his hiding spot & get an update.

[warbeak2099]

Tell him this, we don't want him to feel needy. We need him.

[50 cal]

Holy Smokes! I've known Sam for about 20 yrs. That's sad to hear.

[KayleAGD]

Holy Smokes! I've known Sam for about 20 yrs. That's sad to hear.

Yep , me too .. Us Ridgerunners Have been around a while... Sam remember , " Read the rules and play to win.."

Kayle