Author: Jean Gault

 May 14, 2025 – Day 1 To DC – Ontario, CA to Williams, AZ

IT IS HERE.  The day we get to ride.  There has been a lot of planning, by a lot of teams.

Reminder From RFTW.US web site:

The day started with the Reveille Bugle Call.  That got everyone’s attention.  

We played the Star Spangled Banner. And had a prayer for the safety and healing of all participants. 

 

John Staub, the RFTW President, introduced Gunny.

 

James “Gunny” Gregory is the founder of RFTW.  He welcomed all. 

He gave an little history of what inspired him to start the Run.  These 3 men.

Joseph Nelson Hargrove

Gary Lee Hall

Danny Glen Marshall

 

Google:

Shortly after midnight on May 15, 1975, three Marines made up an M-60 machine gun team that was part of a Marine force making a helicopter-borne assault on enemy holdings on Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. They participated in combat operations throughout the day and were not known to be injured or wounded at any point. On the evening of May 15 orders were given to pull back to the beach of the island for extraction and to set up a new defensive position. The three Marines left their initial defensive position and started back to the beach; however, only one was sighted on the beach, and when the extraction was finished that night, all three Marines were missing. Enemy activity in the area prevented a return to the beach in order to search for them, and they remain unaccounted-for.

 

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If you read the SetRep from yesterday, you met Tom Crosby.  He was an 8 year old POW in WWII.

 

He talked about his brother today, Patrick Crosby.  

 

Google:

In 1953, Pat and Tom acted on a pact they had made years earlier while in prison camp. They prayed often. And they promised that if they were liberated, they would re-pay the United States. Pat and Tom decided to enlist in the Navy as their thank-you.

Pat was selected to be a “frogman” and was trained in underwater demolition. During Pat’s tours in Vietnam, he operated behind enemy lines disarming booby traps. He was so adept at that assignment that the Viet Cong put a bounty on his head and called him “Big Red” because of his very red hair.

After 20 years in the Navy, Pat retired in 1973. Tragically, soon thereafter, he became ill, stricken with cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange. He passed away the following year, at the age of only 39, leaving a wife and two young sons, ages 9 and 10.
It is somewhat ironic that Pat’s life was saved from the enemy by our U.S. soldiers during WWII. Then, nearly 30 years later, he lost his life trying to help others in similar circumstances.

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These 2 stories are why we ride.

 

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Since this year is the 35 year of RFTW, the Run has a platoon for only Vietnam Veterans that served in country.  I will be honoring a few every day in this report.  Here is the Platoon

Bob Doc Wilson

Branch: US Navy

Time: 1967-1971

Where: Vietnam

Rank: E-4

Job: Navy Corpsman, Field Medical Tech, Operating Room Tech, USS BonHom Richard CVA 31

Harvey McCullough

Branch: Navy

Time: 1965-1971

Where: USS Lexington, USS Midway

Rank: ANT 2 (E-5)

Job: Submarine Hunter/Tracker

Comments:  Thankful to be home

WELCOME HOME GENTLEMAN !!!

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After all the platoon meetings, we are ready to roll

The highway patrol this year shut down the highway for us to get started.

Transition from I10 to I15 was a breeze.  Thanks guys!!!  Check this out.

 

 

 

As you read my report during the Run, you will get a lot of picture of this beautiful country we live in,

 

 

Our first set of well-wishers.

Out in the middle of the field.  Such patriotism.

 

 

This was the day of trains.  I think I counted 7.  Not a big deal when you are sitting at a train crossing waiting for one to go thru.  What I always found interesting is that out here, you see the full train, 80-100 cars.  You see I can get easily amused.

 

The words for the day were flat and windy.

 

 

Next stop is Needle CA.  Check out the flags on the exit ramp.

I always remember the rock formations too.  All the branches of service are like this.

This one is USMC.

 

This is the first person that caught my eye as I was heading to the lawn area for lunch.

Here is our future.

 

Great reception by the people of Needles. 

Even the high school band is playing are we stage the bikes.

 

 

 Loved the lunch.  Simple and good.  Grilled Hot Dogs!!!!  Great idea.

Grade school kids fill out tables with these flags.  Thanking us for the freedom

 

 

 

They mayor welcomed us and thanked us for what we were doing.

Then there was the Star Spangled Banner played on electric guitar.

As we were getting ready to hit the road, I saw these 2.  Look at the front.  WOW

Look at the people and the excitement.  RFTW has made an impression on the nation.

Heading into Williams, AZ we star to see green and hills. The temps drop about 20 degrees from Needles.  I have learned from past rides to dress warm.

Walrus, one of our road guards, is always making sure we are awake after these long runs.

Looks like an old police hat and is that a tutu I see he is wearing?

Welcome to Williams.  People line the street.

And it is so small there are only stop signs.  No traffic lights.

As we get in line for lunch, the boy scouts are there to welcome us and hand out pins.  They also help with the clean up.  Way to go parents.

Normally it is so cold here, you do not want to sit outside, but today was nice.

As we leave, I see the Outreach team, talking with a group of gold star moms.

This is such a big part of the Run.  We need to let them know  that are not forgotten.

 Heading to the hotel this is on the front of a building.

This town show their patriotism and it is visible every day…

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

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.  Needles was under 90 and Williams was above 30.

 

 

Destination: Williams AZ

Temps: 53-88

Route: I10, I15, I40

Miles: 402

Quote for the day:

Freedom is not free

May 25, 2024 – In Washington DC

It was a beautiful day.  Started at 65 and hit the mid 80s. 

The last few years the Run has not had the opportunity to ride into

Arlington Cemetery. This year we can. We have a limited

number of bikes allowed. Each bike has an FNG and they

must have a passenger. I had the honor to ride in.

We stage in the garage of the host hotel. Do you know how loud

it can get in a garage with all those bikes. It sounded awesome

…. but also loud.

This is also where 3 of the 13 killed in Afghanistan are buried.

You could hear a pin drop.  Not even the birds were singing.

 

This couple here had picked up the bio of one of the ones on the stone.

We were given special permissions to enter on the motorcycles. But once the ceremony was over, we had to leave.  Courtney, my niece and I, choose to walk around and meet family members.

One of the most sobering ceremonies is the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

As we head back to the bikes, there is one that has beautiful painting on it.  As I get closer, I see it has signatures.  The front fairing has signatures of gold star families. The remainder of the bike has the signature of veterans. It will be put into the California Harley Museum at the end of the mission

Here are the gentlemen riding to accomplish this.

Walking to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we pass field after field of tombstones.

Fun Fact:

Just before Memorial Day weekend, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (also known as The Old Guard) honors America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags at gravesites for service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. This tradition, known as “Flags In,” has taken place annually since the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit in 1948. Every available soldier in the Old Guard participates, along with members of other service branches. They place small American flags in front of more than 260,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows. Each flag is inserted into the ground, exactly one boot length from the headstone’s base.

We get to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as they are ready to change the guards.  If you get the chance to see this, it is amazing. Here are a few pics.

Fun Fact:

The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.

Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” stand watch over the Tomb. The Tomb Guards, also called Sentinels, are chosen for this prestigious and highly selective post only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations (see below). The Old Guard has held this distinguished duty since 1948.

The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process.  (The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.) Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

 

Next, we head to the Lincoln Memorial for group a picture.  Normally we get pictures on the steps, but they are under repair, so we stand on the plaza in front of the Reflection Pool in front of the Washington Monument. Do you see me?  I am there 3rd last maroon hat on the left.

Most of the riders are carrying bios, cards, trinkets …. to be placed at the Wall.  All these items are collected and placed in storage.  When we were at Robley Rex Veterans Hospital, Popcorn Billy gave me an article to be placed at there.  It was an article about his twin brother that was killed in Vietnam.  Here is that article.

We found the panel and placed the article.  Looks like someone else was already there because we saw a bag of popcorn sitting there.  Billy loved his brother and every year we go to the hospital, he talks about him.

It has been a very long journey to get here. 

The RFTW Plaque is placed at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.

MISSION COMPLETE!!

When you are an FNG you have an FNG pin.  This allows everyone to know you are a first-time rider and you get lots of hugs.  Once you have reached the wall, you have someone turn your pin upside down to signify you have completed.

As we are all walking the Wall, Kim, Nick’s wife, starts playing her bagpipes.  It echoes thru the area and many stop and listen.  She played several songs including God Bless America, and Amazing Grace. Where are the tissues when you need them? 

 

 

 

Just some quick info on Kim, and how much she embraces the military and how much she is respected.

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Pipe Major Kim Greeley – Storm Watch – born in Hawai’i, has been piping since she was 11 years old. Kim has studied and performed piping in Hawai’i, on the mainland, in Canada, and in the United Kingdom. Apart from numerous concerts and competitions, Kim has performed for military retirement celebrations, military funerals, and repatriation ceremonies. She is the piper on call for repatriation services at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. She also piped for the 9/11, WWI and WWII worldwide remembrance events. Kim’s largest concert is the annual one for the Riders of  the Run For The Wall gathering at the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day weekend. Kim has coordinated her performances with airplane and helicopter flyovers, parachute drops, presentations by government and military dignitaries, and other bands. Kim, along with pipers in her band, played for the interment of Lauren F. Bruner, the last crew member who will ever be returned to the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor – coordinating the performance on Ford Island with the military divers as they returned Mr. Bruner’s ashes to the battleship.

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Thanks, Kim, for being part of our missions and making it so special

THE WALL

Somewhere on this incredible journey, we had a speaker that said this, and it really stuck:

Teach all to honor those that protect our country.
Always be loyal to those serving.
And never leave anyone behind.
So therefore, the Run must never stop.

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

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I hope this blog has given you some idea of our mission. It is a grueling trip.   Long day, short night, 4;30 AM wake up calls…. This starts to wear on you.  Our trip was only 10 days.  Think of our troops in extreme hot and cold days.  They have a lack of sleep, long days……they stand to keep us safe a lot longer than 10 days.

Here are a few fun facts about our trip

 – Temperature ranged 32-103

 – We traveled in 14 states + Washington DC
– From Loveland, OH to Ontario, CA to DC to Loveland, OH – 6402 miles
– Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

We did not pay for meals on our mission. Every town we stayed in welcomed us, fed us, and prayed for our safety.  The support, encouragement, respect that the Americans have for the mission is incredible.  There is an unbelievable amount of time hanging banners, kids making bracelets, making pocket patches, hanging flags on the overpasses, closing down streets, organizing volunteers for meals, setting up fuel stops. and the list goes on.

100s, 1000s of hours given by so many to make this happen: route coordinator, state coordinators, missing man coordinator, staging team, fuel team, hydration team, road guards, medical personnel…..and the riders themselves.  The logistics to get that many people across the country has to be done by so many

We continually asked each other: What time is it? What time zone are we in? What day is it? What state are we in?  But there is one thing we knew the answer to: what was our mission?

Mission Statement of RFTW : To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world

I have sent many quotes thru the last 10 days.  Here are my last two:

         U – Unselfish

      S – Service to

      A – America

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 our flag and have taken pictures of it all week. 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.

HOW FAR ARE WE GOING???  —— ALL THE WAY

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

One more set of prayers please, and that is to get everyone home safely from DC and continue to pray for all service men and women, past and present.

I leave you with 2 songs that really hit home with our Men and Women that server:

 

Proud to be an American (by: Lee Greenwood)

If tomorrow all the things were gone

I’d worked for all my life

And I had to start again

With just my children and my wife

I’d thank my lucky stars

To be living here today

Cause the flag still stands for freedom

And they can’t take that away

 

 And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up

Next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota

To the hills of Tennessee

Across the plains of Texas

From sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston,

And New York to L.A

Well there’s pride in every American heart

And its time we stand and say

That I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up

Next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

 

AMERICAN SOLDIER (BY: TOBY KEITH)

I’m just trying to be a father

Raise a daughter and a son

Be a lover to their mother

Everything to everyone

Up and at ’em bright and early

I’m all business in my suit

Yeah, I’m dressed for success

From my head down to my boots

I don’t do it for the money

There’s bills that I can’t pay

I don’t do it for the glory

I just do it anyway

Providing for our futures

My responsibility

Yeah, I’m real good under pressure

Being all that I can be

And I can’t call in sick on Mondays

When the weekend’s been too strong

I just work straight through the holidays

And sometimes all night long

You can bet that I stand ready

When the wolf growls at the door

Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady

Hey, I’m true down to the core

And I will always do my duty

No matter what the price

I’ve counted up the cost

I know the sacrifice

Oh, and I don’t want to die for you

But if dyin’s asked of me

I’ll bear that cross with honor

‘Cause freedom don’t come free

I’m an American soldier

An American

Beside my brothers and my sisters

I will proudly take a stand

When liberty’s in jeopardy

I will always do what’s right

I’m out here on the front lines

Sleep in peace tonight

American soldier

I’m an American soldier

 

God bless the USA.

 

NEVER FORGET !!!!!

May 24, 2024 – Day 10 to DC – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

One of the fun things for the road guards is to wrap the rookie’s bikes.

Larry’s turn last night. I bet he had fun in the morning with cleaning this one off.

Nick reads the last bio, and an Army FNG takes it to be placed at the wall.

Say their name, they will never be forgotten. We need to bring everyone home.

Jenny announces the challenges.  This year the staging crew came in first.  Sorry for forgot who won the military challenge.  Fun to have bragging rights till next year.  Bottom line is that Rainelle received a nice sum of money for the kids.  WAY TO GO guys.

Last year, there was an FNG that wrote a poem to summarize the run for him. Ed reminded me of it so I thought I would share it again.  I am glad he read it because I am not sure I would have gotten thru it.

We were just informed that this is Doug’s last year driving a chase vehicle.  As these guys retire we need to get the younger generation to step up.  We have seen some of this but need to really get the younger ones engaged.  We cannot let the Run stop until everyone is home.

KC is the person in my post a few days ago that lost everything from the tornado: cows , barn, bike shop and damage to his house.  He wanted to thank everyone who asked what they could do.  This is what family does.  He will be getting in touch once he returns home.  Thanks to all.

Tom sets up every leg of the missing man rain or shine.  This one is for the Willing Warrior Retreat Center.  Lt Anthony Shinen was MIA in 1972 and recovered in 1996. This is amazing.

We will not stop until all are brought home.

I am pretty bummed with the rain.  This part of the road leaving Lewisburg is beautiful.  Big windy roads and mountains full of trees.  I got a few pics.

Yeah!!!! after the first gas stop the sun came out.  We were all a bit soaked but dried quickly.  Making up for lost time on getting pics of our beautiful country.

I love the colors!!

………..and no rain.

Gas stop at Toms Brook and everyone is delayering.

Our road guards back at work.

Lunch stop is in Marshall.  We are met with the students at Marshall elementary school 8th graders.

The signature binder we are doing for Joseph Ross needs to be returned to Larry today so we can get it back to Kentucky.  I saw all the kids the greeted us and explained what the book was all about.  They jumped at the chance to be a part of it.  This is our future, let’s embrace them and continue to show them the way.  Thanks a lot, kids.

There was a pinning ceremony for those that served 1955-1975. The lady here lost her father when she was young.  She and a foundation (sorry do not have the name) are also working to find all and bring them home.  Her comment was ” these hugs feel like all the hugs I would have gotten from my dad”.

Her father was one that was found.  His name will now have a diamond by it instead of a cross on the Vietnam Wall in Arlington.

While at lunch, Dick (in above pic) told me of a very interesting story.  He is part of the Outreach team.  This is the team that visits gold star families.   I thought I would share.

 

The Outreach Platoon (all 5 of us) were honored to make a presentation to John (J T ) Taylor, at his motorcycle repair shop in the center of Rainelle. He is a Vietnam Veteran and a Gold Star father, with two remaining sons who were both injured during their tours of duty.

His oldest son, Jeff, was part of Seal Team 10 and was killed on 6.28.2005 while trying to rescue a captured US soldier. His picture, along with the other Rainelle KIA’s, is posted in the Veterans Memorial Garden on Main Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Jarrod Gerbitz’s mother presented J T with a Gold Star quilt and also with a personal quilt for being a Veteran. Two more quilts will soon be delivered to his two remaining sons.

After the ceremony, I met with Lenny and Emma Michelinie – she arranges most of the activities in Rainelle and instead of putting flowers on the float for Memorial Day, she had her husband drive us up the Simms Mountain Gold Star Mothers Apple Orchard – only a :15 drive from the school; motorcycles could make it up the paved/gravel road easily. This land was donated by a local Patriot and the state provided equipment to improve upon the access. There are about 100 apple trees planted in memory of the West Virginia servicemen and women who did not make it home. The trees are arranged so that each row ripens at a certain time in sequence with the others. The trees were only planted two years ago and are surrounded with chicken wire to keep the deer from eating the leaves. Each tree also has a copy of each Warrior’s dog tag affixed to it. It is a very somber, moving experience.

 

Here is a pic of the FNGs.  Pretty big.  I have heard lots of them plan to come back next.  GREAT!!!

Yeah!! police escort AND the HOV lane.  Thanks guys this was the smoothest landing in DC ever!!

What a reception!!  The other 2 routes came in earlier today.   Several stayed to cheer us on as we got in.  What a great family spirit.  4 Routes 1 missions.

  Gomez is ready to share the beer.

Most of the platoons take that final group shot before heading out.  Here are our road guards. Thanks, guys, for keeping the bubble around us across this wonderful country of ours.

Nick put out a memo for a contest on the best Hawaiian shirt.  I think I missed that one and so did most of us.  Here are the 2 that dressed so they both won.  hahaha

Gil and Jeannie are Audrey’s parents.  They have successfully given Audrey her last RFTW ride.  This was a hard ride for them and all that knew Audrey.  She was not a veteran but truly embraced the mission.

Rest in Peace Audrey!!

 

After every morning meeting, Nick would Concluded with: 

Why do we ride? FOR THOSE WHO CAN”T

How many routes do we have? 4

How many missions do we have? 1

HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

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BUT the mission is not complete until we get to the Wall tomorrow. 

Temps: 60-74

Route: I-64 E, I-81N, I-66E

Miles:257

Quote for the day:

A veteran is someone who at one  point in their life wrote a bank check

made payable to their country for an amount up to, and including their life.

THANK YOU!!!

Here is a flag on the back of a helmet. It reminds me that I am able to ride on this mission because I am free and those that serve have preserved it for me.

REMEMBER: Please thank our men and women in the service as well as our police and firemen. A simple hand shake goes a long way and it only takes a minute.

Last post will be tomorrow.

Today is the day we go to Rainelle. We have worked all week to raise money for the kids there. It is hard to describe the feeling you get when you get there.

Nick thought he came the farthest to be on the Run since he traveled from Hawaii, but there is a couple here from the Netherlands. He has been a professor at a military academy since 2010. He has been reading up on this mission for a long time and decided to take it. This morning, he told everyone that he will be back and bring lots more of his friends.

Bikes are lined up on the street and ready to roll. Then here comes Gomez. 

He is always a fun face to see.

 

 

Sun is trying to come out which is great as long as no rain.

 

We rode pass the Vietnam Memorial in Nitro…

Hit the road….

….and across Kanahwa River in Charleston WV

….. and right to the capital.

Several of our teams have stopped to salute the Run as we roll in.

As we enter, there is a young man standing, saluting as the pack passes. He has been standing there for the Run every year since he was one.  He is now 19 and will remain standing until all have arrived.

  

His grandmother worked in one of the buildings in 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 52 years.  I admire all the women who have stayed with their husbands from the Vietnam War (or any war).  They too have suffered.  Many of our soldiers have changed and have problems with coping yet the spouses have stayed with them. Thanks ladies.  This goes also for any women that served.  Thanks, guys, for sticking with your wives.

 There is a gold star wall in Charleston. It is the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.  It is beautiful.

Fun Fact:

LEFT: Gold Star monuments, such as this one recently added to the state Capitol complex, are

 meant to educate the general public about Gold Star families’ enduring sacrifices and the

ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones. RIGHT: At the center of the tribute is a silhouette of

a saluting service member, which represents the legacy of the loved ones who have paid the

ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

• Photos courtesy of West Virginia Press Association

 

At the center of the tribute is a silhouette of a saluting service member, which represents the legacy of the loved ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

• Courtesy photo | West Virginia Press Association

  

 There is a second monument:

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 bikes have been parked around the front of the capital.

 

 

Picture on the steps of the Capital… everyone say “cheese…”  Hey smile!!… hahahah 

I

Piper is our little gymnist.  OUCH

 Our chaplain  needed a little rest.  Days are long and nights are short.

Josh sends us off.   See you next year

 

\
It is a beautiful ride up to Rainelle. Thank goodness we did not have rain. 

Enjoy the ride, the supporters along the way 

and the kids once we get to the top of the mountain.

Riders behind me…. Pretty good shot, right?

 

One of the road guards telling us to slow down.

 

Even though it is only 70 miles, it will take about 2 hours to get there.

Lots of windy roads but so enjoyable since I am a passenger.  🙂

This kid is waving for all he is worth.  I think the flag is bigger than he is.

Few goes greeting us as we get into Rainelle.  Thanks guys.

Check out the school kids…. All scream and chant USA USA….  Sweet.

 

The kids so embrace this and what a history education

I think the whole town comes out for this.  I talked to several adults, and they tell me that they were once the kids as the bikes parade thru town. Remember they have been coming here since 1989.

The riders feel like “Rock Stars” when all the kids ask for their autograph.

Ron always has his shirt for them to sign.  Looks like one of the riders is getting in on the action.

All the kids have these shirts “We Are the Future”.

 

This is so true.

Most of the riders have brought little trinkets for the kids.

 

It is like Halloween but no candy.

AHHH turnabout is fair play Ron.  We do not see this too often.

 

Piper even gets in on the action to hand things out.

One of the teams, not normally in the front, is the Ambassador team.  You have seen the many bridges with a few to maybe up to 50 people.  The ambassador hit the bridges and thank them for their patronage.  They also go to kids’ schools and thank them for their support.  I talked to Eric and Sonya to see if they could give me something to post.  I hope you take time to read all of this.  This group is truly a family in so many ways.  Thanks Sonya and Eric for all you do.

The Ambassadors met Megan and Sophia Angel the first year the Ambassador Team formed. We went to Valley school in Smithers. That first year Sophia was a kindergartner. She proudly stood up and told us her daddy served but died. Since that first visit, we have stopped at her school and watched her grow up into the beautiful young woman she is. Today she rode with Ambassadors from Nitro to Rainelle to honor her father. Sophia rode with Stephen Omoletski which is why he is in picture with us. Who knows, maybe next year Megan and Sophia will go all the way. 

*********************
Jefferey Scott Angel II
Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, US Army SGT, C Co, 4th Bn, 101st Aviation Regt, 159th CAB, 101st Airborne Division. Skyline, US, 09/11/2007
Sergeant Jeffrey Scott Angel II joined the Army in November 2002 and arrived at Fort Campbell May 2003.  He had been to Iraq 3 times but was killed along with two other soldiers in a training mission in Alabama on September 11, 2007 as he was preparing to go overseas for the fourth time
The three Soldiers were traveling in a helicopter that went down at approximately 7 p.m. near Skyline, Ala., in Jackson County, on September 11.  They were flying from Fort Campbell to Chattanooga Municipal Airport in Chattanooga at the time of the crash.
His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Army Aviator badge.
He was a graduate of Valley High School at Smithers, where he was a quarterback for Valley’s football team and captain of its baseball team. Besides playing football and baseball, Scott also loved hunting deer and fishing.
Angel (age 24), of Gauley Bridge, W.Va., was a Black Hawk helicopter repairer. He leaves behind a wife and daughter, and his parents.

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

After seeing the kids, she is ready to ride all the way next year and Stephen said he would love to have her ride with him.  Hope to see you next year!!!

Lunch is serveed.  As we walk down the halls there are posters everywhere for all the year the Run has been thru here.

One of the best things is the banana pudding.  Crawfish is loving this!!!!

As we are eating lunch, it is raining.  Glad it waited until we got here.  Thanks again for all the prayer warriors that pray for our safe travels.

Kim is the principal here.  She runs a tight ship, and you can tell the kids really respect her.

We all say the Pledge of Allegiance….

The town put up a tent once they saw the weather forecasted.  Nice job guys.

 

All the kids are in the tent along with some of the riders.

The music teacher gets on the speaker and asks the kids to stand

as they are going to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Great thing……all the riders joined… darn allergies. This was soo cool.

RFTW presented Kim with our donation… She is about in tears.  This money is used for so many things:  field trips, new playground equipment, computers, school supplies…..

Here is your leadership Kim….. We will be back next year.

Temps: 63-70 

Route: I-64E, Rt 60

Miles: 121

Quote:  The Price of Freedom is Written on the Wall

May 22, 2024 – Day 8 to DC – Corydon, IN to Nitro, WV

Wow! What a great and exhausting day! This one may take a few minutes longer to read. We had lots of stops to make today.

I would like to take a sidestep for a few minutes. There are a lot of teams within the Run and one I feel I may have neglected are the road guards. These guys create a bubble around the whole pack. Here are some of the things they do:

• They have an advance team that will run in front the pack and check the roads ahead, set people at the turn interchanges and lets the road guard captain if any issues ahead
• They will block on ramps so no cars get in the middle of the pack
• They stop traffic at all intersections for the pack to go thru without stopping
• They direct the bikers out of the gas pumps toward the staging teams
• Work with the LEOs for clearing the highways.
• And I am sure I have missed several other things

Top Hat and Wild Bill are Vietnam Veterans that still ride hard

Little fun on the exit ramps to get people focused going off the ramps

Direct the bikers thru town

……and at the gas pumps.

For the entrance ramps, once the pack is past them, they must recycle.

One even helped an elderly person cross the parking lot.

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

I also owe you info on Joseph Ross, the person we are signing the pages for from Kentucky.

Kelly from Platoon 1 knew the brothers from the article below. Thanks Kelly for getting me this info:

 

Joe’s younger brother Steve is a Vietnam Veteran. He was an aircraft mechanic during the War.

He would be sent out to different bases wherever aircraft needed repairs.

One week before Joe would be listed as MIA, Steve was sent to Da Nang Air Base, where his brother was stationed.

They spent their evenings together hanging out talking about their years growing up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.

Once Steve Ross’ assignment had been fulfilled, he boarded a plane to go to another Air Base for repairs there.

His plane was not allowed to takeoff, and Air Base officers came to inform him his brother’s flight that had taken off earlier was Missing.

Steve was soon sent home to Kentucky to tell his parents about what happened to his brother.

Steve recently returned to Kentucky from his home in Florida to help dedicate a new Vietnam Memorial Monument recognizing the 36 men from Campbell County, Kentucky whose lives were lost.

Joe is on the left, Steve on the right.

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

Nick starts with a bio for someone to carry to the wall. This is why we ride, to bring everyone home. We are on day 8 and starting to feel the fatigue. We need to remember them. They would love to feel this way and be here. Remember that you are here for them!

Tom Pogue, Bones, prepares the Missing Man for this leg.

He has a different person for every leg of the Run.

We start the day trying to get thru Louisville. This is always a little tough and this year is a little worse since they have taken 2 of the 3 lanes down for construction. The road guards and local LEO got us thru pretty quickly. The state coordinator was a huge driver to get this resolved.

We roll into Robley Rex VA Hospital as our first stop of the day. They are always ready for us.

Fun Fact:

The Robley Rex  VA Medical Center is an active, affiliated acute care and outpatient facility located on a 47-acre hilltop near downtown Louisville and overlooking the Ohio River. The medical center also operates three community based outpatient clinics in the greater Louisville area. These clinics make VA services more accessible for veterans residing in the Kentucky area.

Rex Robley was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and enlisted in the military in May, 1919, six months after the Armistice date. He served for 3 years.  He was the last Kentucky World War I era veteran, and the last known World War I era veteran of the United States.

In 1986, Rex turned to volunteerism, lending support to fellow veterans at the Louisville Veterans Administration Medical Center. Rex logged more than 14,000 hours of volunteer time while at the Center. He dedicated his life helping his fellow veterans, both through the veterans service organizations and activities at the Medical Center.  He continued to volunteer there three days a week, even at age 105.

There is a gentleman who knows about  “Popcorn” Billy.  He gave me the story about Billy.  The 2 men and Billy’s twin brother served in the same unit from 1968-69.  They were in the 57th Assault Helicopter Company. It was the first attack on a helicopter unit. Billy’s brother died in this attack and Billy was wounded.  Ever since he has been helping all the people.  The name “popcorn” came because he makes popcorn and sells it then donates the proceeds. He buys all the supplies.  Always smiling and he loves hugs!!

 Billy welcomes up and has us all join him for the Pledge of Allegiance. He left us with this:

“Please enjoy your life while you can and be happy and healthy the rest of your days.”

He sees me and Jenny and grabs a hug!!! They he sees Courtney and give her a big hug. He said he feels like he died and went to heaven. I think he says that to all the ladies

 

He is now 79 and his ailments from Vietnam are really affecting him.

He has stopped doing the popcorn but still goes and visits the vets.

Lee, on the left, is our KY state coordinator.  The next one is one of the current pharmacists.  The next lady worked here 7 years ago and still comes to visit the vets.  She always makes sure she comes on RFTW day.

 

We have hydration teams that follow us.  People donate drinks and snacks. Here is one of teams that carry this.  Constantly filling the cooler with ice and making sure we stay hydrated.

This gentleman was greeting the rider as they went into the store. He served for 22 year and would do it again.  He has been coming here for 10 years and said he would wait all day to see us  if he had to.

This next stop is probably my favorite memorial.  I still do not quite understand it even though I have heard and read about it for 10 years.

Col. Cecil spent 10-15 minutes explaining the sundial.

Vietnam War Sundial

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial was designed with a unique approach to honor the military dead from one of America’s most troubled conflicts. A 14-foot high steel sundial stands at the center of a granite plaza. Its gnomon casts a shadow on the chiseled name of each fallen Vietnam war veteran — 1,103 of them — on the anniversary of when they were killed.  Thus each individual is honored with a personal tribute.

Kentucky’s 23 MIAs are listed behind the sundial, so its shadow never falls on their names.  Some have been found since this was built. Those are the ones with a date.  We never forget and we will not stop until we bring them all home.

The Memorial is one of the largest granite memorials in the nation and contains 327 cut stone panels weighing more than 215 tons. The stone came from the Pyramid Blue quarry in Elberton, GA. The lettering of the names and dates are the same style used for official government grave markers throughout the nation, including Arlington National Cemetery.  

If you ever get a chance to go see it, go.  It is amazing and an engineering marvel.

As we turn the corner to go to the memorial, check out this flag!!!   It is huge.

A prayer and the Pledge of allegiance is said before we get started.  Taps are played off in the distance.

If you remember at the start of the Run, we asked an FNG to carry a book

 

and get signatures of an MIA/KIA.  Here are the names of those remaining

Let’s rock and roll. Load up and head down the road to our last stop and dinner.

 

        

 

Get to Nitro and yet another great greeting.

 

to be found and you will see Joseph Ross is still on the list and the shadow

will never fall on his name.

Someone asked what about leap years.  To date there is no one here who was born on February 29.

The colors are posted, and a beautiful singing of our national anthem is sung.

This gentleman is a WWII veteran and the little girl you have met already is Piper. She was very excited to be here bridging the generation gaps.

 

At dinner I met Carla.  She has been around the Run for 25 years. It started in a Yamaha bike shop in Hurricane.  They would park in a field, eat spaghetti and have ice cream. The ice cream part is still around, yum!!!

Temps: 68-80 

Route: I-64E

Miles: 252

Quote for the day:

            Heroes do not wear capes, they wear dog tags.

May 19, 2024– Day 5 to DC – Limon, CO to Junction City, KS

Well……. today was an interesting day to say the least.

Harry and Martha ae on the Ambassador team.  They go to the bridges, and school.  Here is a story Harry told us at the opening meeting (get you tissues ready).

PRECIOUS STARS –  Harry & Martha Steelman.    Several years ago I was helping a RFTW both at a Camp Pendleton 1st Marine Division family day hosted by Shirley Scott and Carol Olmstead of the Southern Route. Shirley was handing stars cut from retired American flags to the children of the Marines and asking them to read the explanation on the back of the pouch. I thought that the kids would probably not read the text so I took a star and talked with them boy one on one. He was very focused on what I was saying and understood th meaning. Now I carry stars all the time to give to the young people I  meet.  When we stopped in Raton, I saw a group of small girls and introduced myself, asked their names and mentioned that I am a VN. Vet. Is do my routine, explaining have call the flag Old Glory and that when she becomes tattered and torn, faded and frayed, we take her down and raise a new one. We must dispose of her in a proper and fitting manner by burning. But before we burn her we cut out the stars and save them. We think of them as representing a fallen warrior or first responder and treat them with respect. I then asked if each would like a star and take care of it. The first three said yes — The fourth, a ten-year-old told me she could not accept the star!  Stunned, I said “May I ask you why?”  Her response was “Because I can’t trust myself with such a precious item”.  I was in tears now and told her that I trust her and asked her to please take it, so she did.  Martha, seeing her seriousness gave her a big hug and this her that she felt her to be a really good person and that we know she will take good care of and honor the star.  I will never forget that young girl, representing the future of our country and her honesty in loyalty.

We head out and several are out wishing us well. Cool sky, but little did I know that it would mean trouble down the road.

A statue high in a hill that represents how Buffalo Bill got his name. 

Near the site of his hunting contest for the right to be nicknamed “Buffalo Bill,” this statue of Cody and an American bison is sixteen feet high and sculpted with 9,000 pounds of bronze.

In the spring of 1868 there were two Williams in the buffalo hunting trade around west Kansas; William Cody, who supplied the Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with buffalo meat, and William Comstock, who fed the soldiers at Fort Wallace with his catch. To settle the dispute that they had on who the rightful owner of the nickname would be, they held a contest to see who could bring back the most buffalo in a day. Cody, with his large-caliber Trapdoor Springfield rifle he named “Lucretia Borgia” and his circling technique that kept his kills in one area instead of scattered, won the contest 69 to 46. The contest took place 10 miles west of the town of Oakley, and the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center was established there in 1995. 

Whenever we parade into a town, we have 2 bikes that lead us.  They carry 3 flags: POW/MIA, USA, and the state flag.  This means that we need to have a state flag

for every state we cross.  

They have a Vietnam memorial there.

2 girls say Star Spangle and killed it.

Lunch was great but threats of rain were upon us.  We left 30 minutes early to try and beat the rain

As we get going, I go past the missing man.

You see the 1 of the 22 per day – This is the number of men and women military who take their lives

You will often see :    22-NAWAV

This means “No All Wounds Are Visible”

Say their name and never forget.  We cannot stop until all are brought home.

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

We are given a 21 Gun Salute as our 5 minute whistle.

WOW this does not look good.

But people still came out.  Look how many on this bridge!!!

What is this?? You guessed it. HAIL .  AND IT HURTS!!!  We rode in and out of this for over an hour.

Somone sent me this.  Some of them were the size of golf balls.

Here are a few pics of the marks they made:

Others were far worse. Some not have gloves and there hands had some huge welts.

So needless to say, no pics.  As we pull into Bunker Hill for gas, Ron and I see what looks like 2 small tornado funnels on the left and 1 on the right.  NOT GOOD.

Fuel and in staging and someone yells “Tornado, get in the building”.  There was actually one forming above us.  People scrambled.  I am not sure how many were in the building, but we had the full platoon, staggers and fuel teams. The manager of the store brought around water and Gatorade.  We were packed in there like sardine for what seemed like forever.  There were still people down the road.  Everyone was trying to call the members of their platoons to see where they were.  For our platoon, we had people 31 mile back, 10 miles back and 5 miles forward.  As far as I know all were accounted for.

This is one of the times we thought we would be able to leave

Nick and Ken get us ready to roll.  Slow and steady.  Stay together.

Take from the bike as we left.  Then rain again.

I know we are not the only ones to get bruises.

I think all of you remember Heather at the brick laying ceremony.  We her mom and brother were with us and we did not know where she was for a long time.  Found her and here is her story.  AMAZING Women;

I was sticking with the route coordinator until my engine shut off
Started doing jumping jacks on the side of the road
Figured at least try turning it on one more time
Powered back up so I started cruising again by myself until I caught up to platoon 5
Super strong wind knocked over the bike in front of me so I stopped to help them up when the wind took my windshield
Chased it down and it happened to be next to a beef calf
I used my windshield as a shield to protect myself and the calf from the hail
Hail stopped so carried calf across the highway to his screaming mom. They ran off together
Ran back to my bike and started off alone again
Stumbled upon a road guard who told me exit 180
Pulled off there but didn’t see a gas stop
Back on the highway went couple more miles then saw I was super low on gas
Stopped under a bridge next to a semi
Semi driver let me get inside and use his phone to call mom
No answer and no service so I pulled off at 184 to get gas and service
Then found other people from the run

Needless to say her bike cannot go above 2nd gear.  So the 3 of the have decided to end the Run for them. Great family and Judy you have 2 outstanding kids you have raised.  Glad you were able to be with us. Safe travels home.

Multiple times we looked at leaving but then another HUGE rainstorm rolled thru.  All in all, we were that for about 5 hours.  Need go get going as there is yet another cell coming thru.   We left about 8:00 and within 30 minutes the rains started.  After 107 miles, we arrived in Junction City about 10:00.  Very soaked and very tired!!!

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

I will leave you all with this pic.  I am closing now as I will need to be up soon.

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

We missed one of the best receptions on the Run

This picture below says it all.  It was taken here in 2022. 

One of my favorites. This is our future!!! 

Hold on tight sweetheart.  We are there for you always.

What a great way to end the day.

Temps: 47-7

Route: I-70E

Miles: 394

Quote for the Day:

Never forget.

History will remember the war

Will America remember her men?

May 18, 2024 – Day 4 to DC – Eagle Nest, NM to Limon, CO

YEAH!!!! I believe I have gotten caught up with posting to the RFTW.us site. May 16,17 and 18. I still post every day to mamag03.blogspot.com if you chose to continue to read from there.

My hats off to those saying all those prayers.  Beautiful and a bit cold, 41 degrees.  This is good for Eagle Nest.  Normally it is in the 20s or 30s.  After a great breakfast we head outside for mandatory a meeting.

Nick asked Boots to come up and give the blessing in Hebrew.  Very nice… he did say it in English first. Thanks Boots.  FYI he is one of the road guards.

Bio for the day will be carried by Darwin.  Thanks!!

Morning meeting is finished and so is the platoon meeting.  Gear up!!  OMG where is my helmet? Crap!!!  I left it in the room…. really?  Yep.  5-minute whistle goes off.  We are about in the middle of the pack staging and I am running back to my room.  John, our stagger, yells “you better hurry”.  Got it and am running back.  Thanks John.

Eagle Nest Lake

As we get to the bottom, you can see where the fire that came thru in 2022, and there is a lot of new growth.  Amazing how fast it seems to be recovering.

Heading to Raton, you can see a little of the formation of the platoons.

Look at this pic… soooo beautiful.   Wow I use the word a lot.  How about spectacular.

We saw a lot of this today.

We still have the NM escort.  This is what they do.  Stop traffic on the highway.

I still cannot get over this.

Here is Walrus at our exit.  What in the world…..?  You never know what he will have on.

He says he does this to get the riders attention.  Sometimes they are so zoned, they need a jolt to focus.

Heading into Raton… what a reception.   This is a quick fuel stop…. with donuts, coffee and fruit.

This is TopHat.  He has become my buddy.  Last year I left my vest on the back of the bike.  Needless to say, it fell off on the entrance ramp.  He rescued it.  I think that one cost me $5 too.  He is a road guard and a Vietnam Vet.  Thanks TopHat for your service and all you do for the Run.

This little cutie is just one of the many kids at this stop.  They are all excited and love coming to talk to us. What kind of history lesson is this.  One of the best!!

Ok let’s good…..now it is John’s turn to be running.  I think he was looking for a lost platoon

Love the face!!!

Back on the road. We love the NM escort as we head into Colorado

Lunch and a little rest.

Heather comment “he naps and I dink coffee.”

Back on the road and the weather is not looking too good.  At first, I thought we would miss it.  First it was on our right , then the left, then the right….. but we got caught in it anyway.  Temp dropped at least 15 degrees. We rode in it for over an hour before dinner.  Never fun.

People still came out to respect the run……I wonder how long they stood there.  Thanks!!

I received some pics from Michelle on the staging team.

Here in Limon the people still came out.  YEAH!!!  nice after a long hard ride.

Great dinner and it was warm inside.  Thanks to all.

After dinner Chaplain Howard has a little service.  He started with a poem from Kelly Strong.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze

a young Marine saluted it, and then

He stood at ease.

 

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so Proud

with hair cut square and eyes alert

He’d stand out in any crowd

 

I thought, how many men like him

Had fallen through the years?

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers’ tears?

 

How many pilots’ planes shot down?

How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?

No, Freedom is not free.

 

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

 

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant “Amen”

When a flag had draped a coffin

of a brother or a friend.

 

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of the fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

 

I thought about a graveyard 

at the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington

No, Freedom is not free!!!

OK, where are the tissues…..  Thanks chaplain.

We then stood and tried to sing the refrain of “God Bless the USA”.

Not a dry eye in the place.

And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

One last note.  As we left, this little girl came up and handed me a flower. She had a device in her throat to help her talk.  Her mother said she could sign about 100 words, before they put the device in.  

This little girl is on her way for a military career of some kind.  She had already mastered “adapt and overcome”….

 

Temps: 37-73

Route: I-25N, Hwy 24

Miles: 301 

Quote for the day:

 Some made the ultimate sacrifice.