Sun Photo by Jim Feltman
When Hurricane Katrina drove Valerie and Larry Dolese from their New Orleans-area residence in August of 2005, they came to Greeneville, where their son lives and works for Landair, and decided to make our town their home. But their love for the New Orleans Saints continues, and a look at their home located on Southwind Circle in southern Greene County shows they are original members of the "Who Dat Nation." Their den is decorated with assorted Saints' paraphernalia, their Fleur de Lis flag is flying out front, and the couple's truck has the Saints' emblem on the front hood and back cover. The couple still purchases season tickets for the Saints, which they share with a niece in New Orleans, and they made it to three regular season games this year plus the NFC Championship Game where the Saints defeated the Vikings to earn the right to go to the Super Bowl this week and take on the Indianapolis Colts. The football being held by Valerie and Larry is signed by members of the 1971 or 1972 Saints and includes Archie Manning's signature. Archie is the father of Colts' quarterback and former University of Tennessee star Peyton Manning. "We love the Mannings," Valerie said. "They are like royalty in New Orleans. But we'll be pulling for our Saints Sunday and I'm sure Archie would understand that. The team is so entwined with the city of New Orleans. The Saints are underdogs, but we feel they are a team of destiny. So ... 'Who Dat?..."