Author: Jean Gault

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May 15, 2024 – Day 1 To DC – Ontario, CA to Williams, AZ

May 15, 2024 – Day 1 To DC – Ontario, CA to Williams, AZ

Reminder From RFTW.US web site:

In yesterday’s post, Larry, my husband, talked about his brother, Glenn.
Recap if you missed it:
He starts out by telling everyone about his brother, Glenn.  He was a Vietnam vet and was severely wounded.  He had a traumatic brain injury that left him paralyzed on his left side.  They told him he would possibly not speak again and not walk.  He spent 1 year at Walter Reed Hospital.  Glenn had told them “They carried me in, but I am going to walk out”.  And guess what, he did.  He also got a bachelor’s and master’s degree, along with many other certificates in his life, as well as being a Deacon of his church.  He received a purple heart and bronze star. He walked until he was 79, and passed away at 81.
I found a picture of Larry and his brother before we went on the Run in 2015.  We went to see him before we left, and he told us about what happened when he was in Vietnam.  He never told anyone before. He was very proud to have served this country.  We were very proud of him.
His motto that he lived by:
I am what I am
I do what I can
And if I cannot
By the grace of God I will.
THIS IS WHY WE RIDE

*********************************

On with the day’s events.  What a great day even with a little bit of rain. The road guards and staging teams are out at o-dark thirty.  The people in Ontario are fixing eggs and sausage, and they have a supply of donuts. And of course, coffee.

The staging team has to get there early to mark the parking lots, so everyone is lined up in their platoons.   Here are 2 of the stagers.  They say they love their jobs and always have a smile on their face.

Pledge of Allegiance is said and a prayer.
The gentlemen in this pic are both prior RCs.
Aimen, on the left, is from the Australian army, and both are Vietnam vets.
John Staub, the president, introduces the board. He acknowledges our blue and gold start families, those active military, our vets, and of course our FNGs.
We break out into platoons for one last review.  Here Lance is going over hand signals. This is so important for lane changes, slowdowns, objects in the road and many more.  Not everyone has a CB and even if you did, sometimes they do not work.

 

Everyone is ready to rock and roll.

 

Bernadette is excited to get moving to DC.
Heading out of Ontario.  Our mission has started.
Oh My Gosh…. they have shut down the highway for us.  This is awesome.

 

 

Normally we leave and the hills are beautiful, but today was a very foggy day but no rain.

 

Then the blue skies appeared.

The skies cleared up and we head to our first gas stop in Barstow. Ok folks let’s see how we do.  Road guards in place, fuel team directing bikes to the pump, all lined up….

 

 

….and the pumps stop working on the first bike per pump.  Not sure what happened but they had to restart the full system. Everyone just sat and waited and said, “things happen”.

Looking around, I see Gomez.  You just never know when or where he will show up.

I look around and see lots of families on the Run.  Here is Judy with her kids, William and Heather. How cool is this.  Yeah, the younger generation.
Kirk Olson is the ARC and his dad Harlan, who was an RC about 5 years ago.
This is a great way to keep the Run going!!!

Some pics of our awesome country.  Get used to it because I love showing them.

Did you ever sit at a railroad crossing and wonder how long these trains are?  Weird, but I have. Out here you can see a full train, 50-80 cars.  The technology, the mass transit, and everything behind it reflect on how our veterans have allowed us the freedom to accomplish anything.

Please remember to always take a minute to thank them, not matter where you are.

Next stop we are greeted with all these flags.  This is just a gas stop!
Amazing the support for are veterans that they are showing.

Staging team is all set up, but look at the sign above them….DQ and ice cream.  You can eat it any time right, even if it is 9;00 in the morning, right? Hahaha.  One of the road guards got an extra cone, and guess who got one….I love it.

 

Looking really good.  All working together as a team, the America way.
 Cross the Colorado River and into Needles.

They have a cool wave. Normally it is 105 in the shade.  Today it is only 93.

Lots of people waving flags.

Star Spangle is sung and then…

…… the allergies kicked in… anyone have a tissue.

They played Echoing Taps, and this gets me every time.

It was beautiful and not a person moved during it.

Needles always has the kids do something like this every year.

This year, “What being an American means to me”

…I have freedom. I can go to school, do sports. I am also safe because the US has a military”.

                                                                SO TRUE.

….means a lot because my grandpa was in the army. He fought for this country, but he died in 202-”

Kids are so honest.  Very refreshing to see how proud they are.
Yeah we finally start seeing people on the bridges….

Coming into the last gas stop of the day. Again, look at the people coming out in the middle of the day to support us. We need to keep the Run going. This is patriotism.

Only the third gas stop, and no issues so we flew thru this one. Way to go teams.
Then the closer we got to Williams, the rains came.  Not really hard but temps went from 80-60.  Hope everyone was wearing rain suits, I know I was.
Rain or shine, the town of Williams is already waiting for us.
This is the new American Legion Post Commander.  She was there greeting everyone as thy moved thru the line.  They were all so excited to be able to support us.
The food was excellent, and the desert were amazing, and all homemade.

There were several gold star family members. These women get together once a month and support our veterans several ways.

I had the fortune of sitting next to Patty. She had a son killed in Afghanistan. He was an EOD Bomb Specialist.  He had disarmed a bomb, removed his protective gear only to have it booby trapped.  He jumped on it in order to save all those around him. Her other son and grandson have both become EOD Bomb Specialists.  Thanks Patty for sharing this with me.

On the last leg of the day, Nick had lots of problems with his GMRS headset.  He could not transmit, could not hear and he said his head hurt.  Well, I guess so, he had his wife’s helmet on.  I am sure he will not live this one down.

Here is Nick, his wife and Kirk.
It was one of our longest days, and everyone looked pretty exhausted.  Get some sleep and we start again tomorrow.
You prayer warriors are doing great.  That little bit of rain was not bad, but for the next one, let’s ask that the temps do not drop so much. Thanks for all the support.

Destination: Williams AZ

Temps:  53-95(in the desert), 50

Route: I-15E , I-40E

Miles: 402

Quote for the day:

Freedom is not free

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May 14, 2024 – In Ontario – Prepare to Ride Tomorrow

Hi everyone. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jean Gault, aka “Mama G”.
This is my 8th year on the Run. I have the privilege to report the events, stories and
pictures from the day.
This will be a long post, but I hope you will get a good feeling of what the Run is about, and I hope it will help with understanding the logistics of getting all the riders across the United States.
As we prepare for tomorrow, several of the riders went to Riverside National Cemetery.

Google:

Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) is a cemetery located in Riverside, California, dedicated to the interment of United States military personnel. The cemetery covers 1,250 acres (510 ha), making it the largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration.  It has been the most active cemetery in the system since 2000, based on the number of interments.

Riverside National Cemetery is home of the Medal of Honor Memorial, one of four sites in the United States recognized by the U.S. Congress as a National Medal of Honor Memorial Site. The Medal of Honor Memorial walls feature the names of all medal recipients.

Definition for Medal of Honor: 

  1. The highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

The names of each of the 3,455 Medal of Honor recipients is inscribed on the polished granite. The recipients are listed in decoration date order arranged by conflict period beginning with the Civil War all the way thru Iraq / Afghanistan.

On the plaza to the memorial is a symbol for each branch of the military.

 

These are the two walls as you enter into the granite walls.
“For conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”

The granite walls.

Some of the names we saw were Theodore Roosevelt, Douglas MacArthur.  Names with stars represent that they have received more than one medal.  There are 19. 
Mary Edwards was the only female. Single names represent the native Indian.

 

Native Indians

In 2015, our FNG year, we had the privilege to ride with Leroy Petry.  He is the third name on the left.

******************************************************* 

As I write this every day, I thought I would give you the definition of roles people play to get us cross country.  I have also listed the number of how many for each.  Here is a list you may want to reference.  Remember these are all volunteers.

TEAMS (ahead of the pack)

  • Advanced road guard – 10 = first to go out and confirm there are no issues on the roads. Ex: detours, traffic issues, … even have been known to clear some debris off the road to keep us safe.  They will also be the ones at all road exchanges, so everyone makes the turns.

  • Staging – 25 = Get to the next stop ahead of the pack and set up for each platoon to be staged 

  • Fuel – 20 = They get to the gas station and clear all pump for the platoons to come in.  There is no one at the gas pump when we arrive.  They, along with the road guars, direct the pack how to get to the pumps and leaving the pumps

  • Ambassador – 15 = Thanking the people on the bridges or in the towns for coming out and supporting the Run.

  • Hydration – 6-8 – They carry water, Gatorade, snacks and are at every gas stop.  All donated by someone or organization

  • Registration – 4 = In every city, they are there when we arrive, and every morning before we leave.   Since not everyone can ride 10 days, many will ride only a few days.  This team gets them signed up.

  • Merchandise team – 2 = travels with the Run selling t-shirts and other trinket

  • Photographer– 1 =Takes pictures along the way and post to the web site

  • Raffle Rousers– 2-4 = This team will be working all the riders prior to the morning meeting. This is where we will be running 50/50, auctions,.. as our way to raise money.

  • Outreach Team

This team will visit Gold Start families.  They will go to the family and as they get there, each team member introduces themselves.  They will express their condolences for their loss and thank them for service and sacrifice to their country. The Pledge of Allegiance is said and a RFTW pin is given to the family members.  There is also a Gold Star patch and a certificate of appreciation from RFTW.  A green bracelet is also given as a symbol of hope.  They will pray with them and many times cry with them.  Thanks, Outreach, for your time with our Gold Star families.

THE PACK FORMATION:

  • Road guard – 30-35 = they have many jobs: stop traffic on all entrance ramps, guides us thru towns at each intersection, help direct at fuel stops, and whatever it takes to keep us safe.

  • Missing man -6 – Route Coordinator (RC), state coordinator, person representing the missing man, missing man coordinator, chaplain.

  • Leadership – 6-8 = Assistant Route coordinator (ARC), mentor (this is the RC from last year), leadership, any dignitary, …. this changes daily. Could be the mayor, POW… we never know who will be there from leg to leg.
    State coordinator – Total 10 for the length of the run. Usually, 1 -2 per state. They will work with the local police, state highway patrol, sheriff for escort prior to the Run.  Also coordinates with the local town for our meal stops. So, during the run, they will ride in the leadership group while going thru their state.

  • Platoons – 15-20 = each platoon has a platoon leader, assistant platoon leader and 1 tail gunner.  In the middle are all the participants.  There are usually 10-12 platoons.

  • Communication team – 2 = talk to truckers and 1 in back of the pack. 

  • Medical team – 3-4 = there for any injuries or illnesses

  • Chaplains – 3-5 = this is a very key role.  Many are on this for healing.  Many remember comrades lost in war.  This is a very emotional trip for everyone. 

  • Last man – 1 – conveys to RC when the last bike is on the road/ expressway

  • Sit Rep Reporter – 1 – This person gives a summary of the day 

  • Chase vehicles – 3 = They have trailers and will pick up anyone running out of gas (yes this does happen) or breakdowns.

===============

Totals:

If you add all this up, it is around 140 people that have roles.

Participants = 15-20 per platoon – so 200-250 

At any given time, we are at 350-450 riding as a unit.


Additional Terms: 

Blue Star Family – a family with a member currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States

Gold Star Family – family member that has died during a Military Operation

FNGs = Fine new guy/gal.   We welcome them to the RFTW family.  When we see one (they wear pins that have FNG) they get hugs….. Pretty cool to be one as everyone comes to hug you.

*****************

Our Midway route leaves a day early. We had the opportunity to see how it looks staging in the parking lot.

Pretty cool seeing all of them lined up.

Views of them leaving the parking lot. Keep all riders from all routes in your prayers for a safe journey.

 

 

 

Durning the day, everyone is getting last minute things done.  Midafternoon, we have a few meetings.  All are outside in the parking lot.  Beautiful day for it.

First meeting is another meeting on the GMRS radios ON the bikes.  It was pretty wild for a while.  In the end, it looks like all are working.   Here Harlan dubs Larry as a new mentor to help other because he got it all figured out….. for now until something else goes wrong.  Since this is all new, as with any new technology, we will work out the kinks as we go.
Not sure where Scooter found this….. just like any family you always have one.  hahaha
Nick Hentges, our Route Coordinator (RC) and
Kirk Olson, our Assistant Route Coordinator (ARC)…
….address leadership teams (all the colored hats) and …..
… FNGs (all in the front).
All our meetings start with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
We recognize blue and gold star families, and active military.
Larry is asked to come up and talk about something that Kentucky is doing for the MIAs. He starts out by telling everyone about his brother, Glenn.  He was a Vietnam vet and was severely wounded.  He had a traumatic brain injury that left him paralyzed on his left side.  They told him he would possibly not speak again and not walk.  He spent 1 year at Walter Reed Hospital.  Glenn had told them “They carried me in, but I am going to walk out”.  And guess what, he did.  He also got a bachelor’s and master’s degree, along with many other certificates in his life, as well as being a Deacon of his church.  He walked until he was 79, and passed away at 81.
THIS IS WHY WE RIDE
The lady from Kentucky, Lorretta, has given us a binder with pages to be signed and a POW/MIA flag of a person from Kentucky that is MIA.  As we go cross country, we have asked an FNG to carry this binder and get as many signatures as possible.  Later in the year, she will then present this to the family, to show that their loved ones are not forgotten.
Jay Gohr has so graciously volunteered to do this.
The MIA is Joseph Ross.  Remember this name for later on the Run.
Here is the information we were given.
If you like to read it, click on it and it should open in full screen.
As we give this to Jay and explain a little more in detail, the gentleman in the middle of the picture, Kelly, says he knows Lorretta and he knows Joe’s brother.  WOW !!!!  What a small world.  He has an incredible story about the brothers.  Once I get the details, I will post it.
Nick will be reading bios everyday of an MIA or KIA.  He will ask someone to carry this to the wall.  We will never forget until they are home.  Say their name, they will not be forgotten.

Next Gunny gets up.  He makes a comment that who would have thought, almost 35 years ago, this would still be going on.  He is in his 80s and said that many Vietnam vets are no longer able to ride.  (There are still several in the crowd).  He commented too that we need the younger ones, 50s and 60s, to start stepping it up.   Younger??  LOL

We conclude and the platoon leaders have meetings with their riders.  These meetings go into more details of what to expect.

 

Many of the leadership team members have more than one hat, but not all have done this.  Got to have some fun.  Bernadette is the FNG Liaison and an assistant platoon leader.  Colors denote rolls.

One last item.  I may not get a chance to show these (because I will have forgotten).

Some of the bikes are just amazing for what they have painted on them.  Enjoy the pics.

 

In 2017, at our final meeting prior to leaving, Kelly Anderson “Deano” (on the staging team) sang a song that really stuck with me for all these years.  I asked him to give me the lyrics.  Remember this is from the standpoint of a Vietnam veteran after he has returned home.  Also remember this ride started in 1989, for our Vietnam vets. Deano is in the middle of this photo.


Nobody Knows.

Written by Kelly Anderson.

 

I came home my emotions raw, No one should ever see what I saw.

I came home, not to flags and Cheers. Just the ridicule throughout the years.

I took a gun and placed it to my head. Sometimes I think that I’d be better off dead.

 

Chorus:

I know there’s a wall, with the names of them all.

 I can’t make myself go, cuz nobody knows.

 

2nd verse:

I got down on my knees and prayed, God help me not to feel this way.

Then I heard about the Run for the Wall, I packed my bags and I rode with them all.

 I rode with them mile after mile, I can’t understand why they smile.

 

Chorus:

I know there’s a wall, with the names of them all.

 I can’t make myself go, cuz nobody knows.

 

3rd verse:

Day after day, town after town. I can feel myself coming around.

But I know, The Wall is up ahead, I can’t get these demons from my head.

Then I saw, 10000 people there. They said they didn’t go, but they still care.

 

Chorus:

I know there’s a wall, with the names of them all.

 I can’t make myself go, cuz nobody knows.

 

Final verse:

Family beside me, I walked down-the-line. I touched every name, and I began to cry. Brothers surround me, they wouldn’t let me go. They said they love me and that they also know.

At that moment, I knew I was home. I knew that I would never be alone. Run for the Wall, you got me here. With you beside me I can beat this fear.

 

Final chorus:

I’m at the wall, with the names of them all. You helped me to go,

Cuz SOMEBODY knows.

 

*******************

 

Tomorrow should be a day of several pics.

 

It has been one heck of a day.  And it is now getting late.  Cannot wait for tomorrow!!

4:30 AM comes early.

Pray for all our riders on all 4 routes for safe travels and good weather.

 

  

Quote for the day:

You are not forgotten.

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 11 Arlington/Washington D.C.

Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 11 Arlington/Washington D.C.

May 23, 2020 – In Washington DC

Our mission is still not complete.  The Saturday after we arrive in DC is just as busy as any day on the Run. 

Since only FNGs can ride into Arlington Cemetery, they will stage at the hotel to ride to the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier for the laying of the RFTW wreath.  If you have never seen this, please make sure you get there if you are in DC.  RFTW will have 4 people represent the Run.  What an honor.

 The 2019 RFTW team is given instruction for laying of the wreath.

                                 This is the Changing of the Guards. 

 

Soldiers placed nearly a quarter-million U.S. flags at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday as part of a Memorial Day tradition. The event is known as “Flags In.” More than 230,000 marble headstones line the landscape of the cemetery across 624 acres.

There are thousands of bikes all over the grass fields.  This is only one parking lot.

There are thousands of bikes all over the grass fields.  This is only one parking lot.

OH MY!!!!!    Always a picture of the RFTW participants at the Lincoln Memorial.

Once the pic is complete, the RFTW riders head for the Vietnam Wall.  You see many members tracing names of family and friends.          

If you remember, there were lots of bios read in the morning meetings and people carried them across the country.  Names were found on the wall and the bios are left. 

Here you see many of them placed under their name.

 

The RFTW plaque id placed at the Apex of the Wall.

MISSION COMPLETE !!!!

 

Thanks for reading these reports. Let’s keep our thought and prayers for all those affected by the Covid 19 virus and their families.

We will get thru this and come out strong next year.  I hope all works out and I can report live next year.  I leave you with the below. 

POW / MIA Poem

 

We need to remember them every day.
They went to fight in a place so far away,
They gave their all when their country sent out a call
Not ever knowing that their name would end up on the wall,
No matter how we honor them no matter what we do
We should always remember that they paid the highest price
For the red, white and blue.
So when you look up at the flag flying in the wind on a clear blue day
Remember it’s there because of the POW and MIA

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.
Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
General George Patton

 

On the Run, we said the Pledge every day.  I see this flag and took lots of pictures last year. Every time I see it waving in the air, it is telling me I am free.  And that right is protected by our men and women.  Let’s continue to try and bring them all home.

God bless the USA.

 

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 10

Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 10

May 22, 2020 – Day 10 – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

Even though this year was just a virtual report, I relived every day.  I hope you have gotten some understanding of our mission and enjoyed several of the pics. This is our last leg of the trip to Washington DC.

 

Last morning to stage and head on out. It is a sea of helmets.

 

Beautiful country pics.

Here are several pics that day last year.  We have such a beautiful country with all kinds of landscapes.  Hope you have liked them. Because of our FREEDOM, I am able to do this.

 

  Lunch provide by Shenandoah Harley dealer.  Great venue.  This was another sunny day.  Sure hope next year is the same. Again, donated by the dealership.  Great people!!!!

 

 Look at the amount of trucks and people on this bridge.  It takes time and effort to pull this off.  We had someone stand on the bridge today and they timed the pack.  It was Less than 5 minutes to roll thru.  This is truly a sign of the supports we have for our troops.

 

As we see the miles to Arlington get lower and lower, I realize our mission is almost complete.  I also think of all the troops still deployed all over this world.  I pray that someday they will be able to count down the number of days they will be home.   

 

  The crowd cheers as we pull into the parking lot.  Remember how our Vietnam troops were treated when they got home.  Remember it only takes a few seconds to THANK a veteran, active service person, police or fireman for their service.  And if you remember to thank a Vietnam vet, also tell them   “WELCOM HOME”.  You will be amazed at their gratification.

 

 Gunny is there every year to greet us as we come in.  Lots of high fives and hugs. 

He wants to see that all POW and MIA are returned home.  There are a lot of people, all volunteers,

to keep this goal alive.  Keep all our troops in your thoughts and prayer to return home to their families.

 

Quote:

NEVER FORGET !!!!!!

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 9

Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 9

May 23, 2019 – Day 9 – Hurricane, WV to Lewisburg, WV

Day 9 is the day we go to Rainelle to see the kids.  This is the school we have raised all the money for.  On our way, we stop in Charleston WV.

 Random people will stop and salute the Run.  I am always amazed at the American support that we get.

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As we pull into the Capitol, this young man has been standing every year on this same block for RFTW since he was one. He is now 16.  He stands there the whole time the bikes are rolling in.  I hope he will be there next year.  He is an amazing person.

 

His sister, mom and grandmother. His grandmother worked in one of the buildings at the capital.  The grandmother’s husband is a Vietnam vet. He served from 1966-1969.  One year actually in Vietnam as a radio operator.

They have been married for 50 years.  I admire the women who have stated with their husband from the Vietnam War.  They too have suffered.  Many of our soldiers have changed and have problems with coping yet they have stayed with them. Thanks ladies.  This goes also for any women that served.  Thanks guys for sticking with your wives. 

Here is her husband.

 

The West Virginia Veterans Memorial is a two-story oval shaped monument honoring more than 10,000 West Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the nation in twentieth century conflicts. Composed of four limestone monoliths surrounded by a reflecting pool, the interior walls are faced in polished black granite etched with the names of these men and women. 

The 4 wars are WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam

 

 We move back to the Step to get a group shot of the Central Route.  Hopefully next year we get the same number of people.

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 As we head to Rainelle, there are people all along the 35+ miles.

 

 The road is great.  Beautiful West Virginia windy roads.  Last year is was a very sunny day.

 

Check out the reception from last year!!!! 

 

 The kids treat us as movie stars.  They want OUR autograph.   Pretty funny.  Most of us have brought trinkets, pens, pins…. to give the kids.  It is like Halloween. 

 

 

Quote: 

         Heroes do not wear capes, they wear dog tags.

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 7

May 19, 2020 – Day 7 – Wentzville, MO to Corydon, IN

Every day there is a morning meeting.  General information for the day is given.  Also, there are 2 bios read for our Veterans that are MIA or KIA.  We want to bring everyone home. We do not stop looking.  After the bios are read, the route coordinator asks for someone to carry them to the wall. The bios are then placed at the wall in DC

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We always head to the Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the morning.

Wentzville takes extreme pride in being home to the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States. Wentzville was the first city in the nation to realize that the troops who served in Vietnam deserved to be honored.

As it stands today, the Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial consists of a single-column of red Missouri granite, topped by the carved figure of an eagle. Inscribed in the column’s base is:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial December 1967

“Whither thou goest, I will go.”

 

The high school bad is always outstanding, as they play for the ceremony.

 

 There is always a group photo here.   WOW!!!

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Next stop: Jefferson Barracks

This is the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and Health Care Facility

Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

VA St. Louis Health Care System is a full-service health care facility providing inpatient and ambulatory care in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, and rehabilitation, as well as over 65 sub specialty areas. It is a two-division facility that serves Veterans and their families in east central Missouri and southwestern Illinois.

The Jefferson Barracks Military Post is located on the Mississippi River at Lemay, Missouri, south of St. Louis. It was an important and active U.S. Army installation from 1826 through 1946. It is the oldest operating U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River, and it is now used as a base for the Army and Air National Guard. A Veterans Affairs healthcare system campus is located on the southern portion of the base.

 

 

They always have tables with all kinds of goodies.  Great for snacking on the ride.       

Mt. Vernon IL is our stop for lunch. Star Spangled Banner was sung, 21 gun salute and taps.

 

Heading to Corydon, IN.  We cross all 3 times zones while on the Run.  We are now in the eastern time zone.  Still seeing lots of support!!!

 

 

Corydon is another town with lots of kids.

 

 

The best part of the day we ride into Corydon is the fish dinner.  You can smell it as you ride thru the park.  

They needed a lot of fish to feed this crew.

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Quote for the day: Please tell him he is more than just a name on a wall

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 6

May 18, 2020 – Day 6 to DC – Junction City, KS to Wentzville, MO

This day we would be heading to Wentzville, MO.  This is seen along the way.  The support we have on the overpasses is incredible. 

Think about the organization to get all these people together.  The Run goes thru an overpass in about 5 minutes. Amazing the support.

 

We have even seen artimis sign to support us.  Pretty nice. 

 

One team we rely on very heavily is our fuel team.  They man the pumps as we fuel up.  Fuel pumps remain open until

all bikes are filled.  Some fuel stops are donated, just like the meals.  If not, we will pay to the nearest dollar.  All the extra

money goes to the chase vehicles.  Yes, that is another part of the volunteers.  We have guys that tow trailers in case there are break

downs.

By the time we get to day 6, the team and riders are all in the groove of how this works.

 

Every leg of every day of the mission we will ride a “Missing Man” formation.   Tom, aka “Bones”, is the coordinator.  And there is a different person on every leg. 

Formation:

Route Coordinator                    State Coordinator

Escort                                        Missing Man (empty spot)                      

Missing Man Coordinator        Head Chaplin  


The escort “rides for those who can’t.”  

The name is put in the Missing Man position.  

 

                                               Here is how it looks on the road.

This group of 5 leads the pack cross country.  They are not allowed to wave, shout, or take pictures out of respect.

As we roll into Concordia, we turn into the park for lunch, here is another example of our Law Enforcement Officers that get us cross country safely.

 

 I always remember Concordia as the picnic area with the WWI veteran.  They love seeing us come thru.

 This gentleman was 92 last year and WWII Veteran.                    This is another WWII veteran.  He is 100. 

 

                 Lunch outside  and it is a beautiful park. We always pray for no rain on this day.

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Every Meal stop and several fuel stops, the volunteers are presented with plaques.  It is appreciation from the Run for everything they have done.

Here is an example: 

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             I always remember coming into Wentzville, MO.  This is one of the biggest flags I have ever seen.

 Check out the size of this flag.!!!!

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Along with the flag comes a lot of people to welcome us.

 

Another town with Boys Scout. They do a great job of getting the area ready and cleaning up this area.   They are our future.             

 

This is always the way the day ends.  Love it.

Quote for the day:      Honoring the past, inspiring the future

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Central Route 2020 “Virtual” Sitrep Day 5

May 17, 2020 – Day 5 – Goodland, KS to Junction City, KS

Sunday start is a little later than normal.  There is a non-denominational Church service.  The place is packed.

Curtis, our head chaplain, and a few other chaplains give a great Sunday service.  A great way to start the day. 

Chaplains ride all the way with us.  Remember this is a healing mission. And many of our chaplains are there to help out veterans.

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 This is part of the advanced road guard team. These guys are the ones at exit ramp, turns in roads, help out in the gas stops….and so much more to get things set up before the pack gets there.

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 I got a good look at the staging team in action for a small parking space.  About 350 bikes per parking lot.

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 Steve has a booklet with every parking lot with its dimension.  There are over 50 lots. That is a lot of planning

 

We have 12-13 platoons.  One platoon is bikes and trailers, so they need more space.  2 platoons are 3-wheel bikes.  So now try and figure out how to combine all of them. The ideal situation is for a big enough parking lot to have them next to each other. But when you have a street that is narrow, you have to line them up back to back.

Star Spangle Banner is played and accompanied

There were new covered picnic table.  They moved them to the side of the building to block the wind. Remember we are in KS

 

 

Here is one amazing bridge that we were able to visit.  WOW

 

 They even had the motorcycles on the entrance and exit ramps with flags.

They had lots of kids.  One told me he had a motorcycle and it was blue.  I ask him if he wore a helmet and he said yes.  He grandpa is a state trooper.  Thanks grandpa for your service.  Have I said yet that it only takes a few seconds to shake a hand and say thanks to a veteran or our current service men and women. 

 

The picture of the bridge with all the flags is amazing. Think about the time it takes to organize all these people.

 

Heading into Junction City…. WOW always a welcome.  This is how the pack comes into a city: American flag, POW/MIA and then state flag: Kansas Flags.

 

      There is always a service at the KS Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial

It is constructed of 7 black granite panels and stands 13 feet tall and 46 feet long. Four of the panels bear the names of 753 Kansans killed in action in Vietnam. Another panel displays the names of 38 Kansans who were still missing in action in 1987 from the southeast Asian war. Two military decorations, the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign ribbon are also engraved on the panel with the MIAs. The remaining two panels depict two soldiers in larger-than-life size.

 

       Taps are played with a second bugle echo.  AMAZING…. darn I did forget my tissues again.

 

Quote for the Day:

Never forget

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Central Route 2020 “Virtual” Sitrep Day 3

May 15, 2020 – Day 3 To DC – Gallup, NM to Eagle Nest, NM

This is the part of the trip we end up in Eagle Nest, NM.  And visit Angel Fire memorial.

This is a typical sight every morning.  It is a sea of bikes. 

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Early in the morning and people still come out to wish us well.  These are the people we will miss.     

 

As I mentioned earlier, the meals are all supplied.  So too are the gas stop paid.  This one by Thunderbird Harley Davidson.

 

New Mexico is a state we have a complete escort across the state. Here are the LEOs lined up and ready to go.  There are state, city, county….. officers engaged to get us through.  So many people support the Run. Thanks all, we will be back next year.

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The Run donates to several schools along the way.  They have a big influence to the younger generation.

The 2 buses are from the kids of Cochiti.  Several years ago, the school was trying to get the kids more energized about learning.  So, there was an incentive idea.  If you have perfect attendance, get good grades and have good behavior, you could ride the bus to stand on the bridge to see RFTW go thru.  The first year there was 20 kids.  Now check out the bridge.  Soon they will have to make a bigger bridge.  They also have to rent the bus to get there.  To do that, the kids would have bake sales and other events to raise the money.  Great lessons.  This year they have 2 buses and check out how many kids are there. Again a very poor part of the country.  If you have earned the honor to go on the bus in May, around Labor Day, Jenny, Ken and a few other RFTW member go back to the school and the kids get RFTW pins.  They love it.  Last few years, the school struggled to get enough money for school supplies.  RFTW was able to take money to help the school out.  The people there were so grateful.

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In 2018, another school, Santo Domingo joined in.  They too have had great response from the kids.  Looks like the same pic as the one above but it is not.  Last year, they only had 1 bus. Way to go kids!

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Great facility for lunch.   Again, all volunteers and very supportive of our veterans.

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Road heading up to Angel Fire is breath taking.    It is a gorgeous ride.

 

As we get to Angel Fire Vietnam Memorial, the wind is normally pretty strong. It sits on top of a hill.

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Angel FireVietnam Memorial 

The purpose of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation is to honor America’s veterans and members of its military forces by memorializing the sacrifices they have made and by recognizing the sense of duty and the courage they have displayed as they answered their country’s call to arms.

The memorial was begun by Victor and Jeanne Westphall, the grief-stricken parents of Marine First Lieutenant David Westphall, who was among sixteen young men in his unit killed in an ambush on May 22, 1968 in Vietnam.

In September 2018, we were able to attend the ceremony for the brick laying. Friends or family can purchase the brick for a friend or family member to remember them for their service.

Here is an example of the bricks.  There were about 400 bricks last year.

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The memorial maintains a UH-1D model Huey helicopter, known originally as “Viking Surprise,” one of the first smoke ships used in Vietnam. On March 26, 1967, the helicopter, while rescuing service personnel, was so badly damaged – 135 bullet holes – that it was returned to the United State for repairs. The copter returned to Vietnam and was later sent to the New Mexico National Guard, which donated it to the Angel Fire memorial. (Sidenote; Our Very own Scooter (Kenny Keelin/ Road Guard/Scout) Flew this Helicopter before it was retired.)

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Food here is all homemade. I wayyyy over eat here.  I want to try a little bit of everything!

They always have the most interesting cakes.
Yes, this is a cake and it tasted awesome!!!! 

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Food here is all homemade. I wayyyy over eat here.  I want to try a little bit of everything!

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The town has a population of about 300.  When we roll in, we double that.  We will be here next year.

Quote of the day:
All gave some, some gave all

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Central Route 2020 “Virtual” Sitrep Day 2

May 14, 2020 – Day 2 To DC – Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM

Williams mornings are always cool and most of the time sunny.  Stagers are on duty at every stop we have.   Bikes lined up and ready to go.

 

 This is Jim Sloan, aka Sweeper, and Jenny Ward, aka Lady Jen.  Jim drives the truck after the last platoon. As the pack gets on the highway, we travel only 35 MPH.  This allows everyone to get on the road and get together before going at highway speed.  Jim lets the route coordinator know when all the bikes are on the expressway. Then we pick up speed.

 

The mayor John Moore is in the cowboy hat.  He and his son donate breakfast in the morning and has done this for many years.  Did I mention that from the time we leave Ontario until we get to DC, breakfast, lunch and dinners are provided to us by the communities of the cities we visit.  Unbelievable!!! Last year was Sausage and gravy. 

We always welcome the FNGs (First time riders).  There are over half.  

 

                                      As we leave William, I always remember the beautiful pine trees.

 

                                           This is a sight we see as we leave Williams. Beautiful mountains.

 

 Next, we head to Holbrook, AZ.  Normally Holbrook has every kid out of school when we roll thru.  This year the kids are all home.

 The American Legion Post 37 serves us lunch.  The high school kids have a small band that play music for us.  I guess they will have another year to practice.

As we head into New Mexico the land changes drastically. Beautiful!!

Next stop is Gallup, NM.  There is 13 miles to our destination for the ceremony from the Native Americans. Normally there are people that line the street, all the way. I understand why they are called the “Most Patriotic Small Town In the USA”.

As we arrive, we hear them chatting and playing drums.   They have been since noon.  This is for our safety in our travels.

 

                           I always loving coming into Gallup.  The native Americans welcome us. Most of the RFTW riders join in. What an amazing ceremony. What an amazing city!

There is a 21 gun salute.  Then “Taps”.  As many years as I have been on the Run, I still get tears every time I hear it. Where are the tissues? 

 

This is Gunnery Sergeant P.J. James.  He represents the Code Talker during WWII. The name code talker is strongly associated with bilingual Navajo speakers specially recruited during World War II by the Marines to serve in their standard communications units in the Pacific Theater. The enemy could not break the code.

 

Quote of the Day:

Home of the free, because of the brave