Puschert's collection of Elvis memorabilia has a sentimental meaning to him, because he was once friends with the King.  

He met Presley in 1954 in Texarcana, Texas. Presley frequented the club where Puschert played his saxophone. Puschert, who has played the instrument since he was 3, toured with Presley in 1956. They played six dates together before Elvis went to Hollywood to begin filming the movie, "Love Me Tender."

Puschert has a picture of him shaking hands with the budding superstar; copies hang in his house, shop and barn. It was taken by a PhotoPlay Magazine photographer in 1956, before Presley left for California.