Don, it's obvious that your 'end product' comes from years of practice and performance - and having country in your DNA ... the fact that you have played guitar and 'listen' to guitar players certainly helps, but it is the time and effort you have put in that allows you to sound as great as you do ...
I have tried using pitch bend while practicing, and it is actually laughable ... not nearly enough country in this city guy ...
I perform some country songs, but that doesn't mean I'm playing 'country' ... kind of like when I play Jazz songs from one of the 'Real Books' ... doesn't mean I'm playing Jazz ...