excellent article. I can remember reading this thread way back when, i'm glad that you saw things through to completion. It's an amazing an inspirational story to say the least.
Also glad you got to be instructed by Mr. Cupp, he did a short stint as chief instructor at my university, and I had the privilege of him doing at least one stage check....remember him saying "That was real slick". Sure you heard much of the same, congrats!!!