Author: Jean Gault

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.

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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!!!

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

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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.

May 17, 2024 – Day 3 To DC – Gallup, NM to Eagle Nest, NM

Yet another great and sunny day in Gallup. You all must be working overtime on those prayers. Keep it going please.

Nick starts the day with prayer and the pledge against a beautiful mountain.

Our bio for the day is for Ronald Wayne Dodge.  Thanks for carrying this to the wall.

Walrus has been on the Run for 25 years.  He was presented with a plaque.  Amazing. Thanks Walrus.

You will see him in the next few days on the exit ramps.

Let’s roll.  This is Jasper Walker a Vietnam vet.  He drove down from Arizona to see us off and thank us for doing what we are doing. We all thanked him for his service.

We love the sun!!   Several years ago, we left with snow on the ground.

There were several people that came out for us even in the morning even in the cold.

The platoons rotate the order.  Yesterday we were first and today we are 6th. Gives me a chance to get some good pics of the back of the pack.

Remember we have the highway to ourselves all the way across New Mexico.  Soo nice.

They even pulled over semis if they were ahead of the pack.

 

What a greeting??  I love the kids.

Heading into our first stop at Route 66 Casino.  Remember I mentioned someone gave me an ice cream earlier in the week.  Here is Rick, my ice cream buddy.  Hey where is mine today?

When I went into the store, Bones is trying to do the splits with Piper!!!

Bones be careful you may hurt yourself.

Here are the officers.  It is so cool to watch them work, and they are fast!!!

But we only got 5 over.

There are many breakouts during the Run.  Some of the riders go to different memorials and support the local towns.  Today we are going to Bernalillo to a Vietnam Veteran Memorial KIA.

Heading thru Albuquerque…. Wow this looks like spaghetti… but I guess it works.

This is Gomez.  Wolfman owns the bike and is willing it to Gomez when he passes.  He knows Gomez will not sell it.  I talked to Gomez, and he would like to visit other towns to continue to keep the awareness of the veterans. Then his plan is to ride it to DC and leave it at the wall.

The next 2 pics are dedicated to 2 guys that were POWs.  The first one was there for 4 years.  At one point, for a duration of 1 year, the only time he saw the light of day was when they gave him food.   I did not get any details on the second one.

The day the eagle cried.  There is a tear under the eye.

There are 2 eagles with chains on them. They tried to fly but could not.

This represents the 2 POWs on the bike.

It is absolutely an amazing dedication to these veterans.

Remember them. Say their name. (or put them on a bike)

 (

Kirk presents Wolfman with a certificate.

Yeah lunch time.  Check out the sign!!!  Pretty nice.

  Check this out.  Ramp is shut down as we come thru.

Check out the ramp.

It is a school bus with kids standing and waving. REALLY?  out of school for this.  Here is the background:

The bus is 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.   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.  

Boots on the ground on the highway is never a good thing.

In the hottest part of the day, there is a stopped traffic from construction.  We are roasting but so is Jenny’s Spyder.  It had over heated. She was picked up by our chase vehicle and back on the road from the next stop. Seeing this I thought of the song by James Taylor “Traffic Jam”

“…hurts my motor to go so slow”.

Good thing we have the NM escort.  They cleared the way…

AGAIN:  adapt and overcome!!!

WOW…. look at the flag….

I wonder how long these guys stood on the bridge.  We were so off our schedule because of the traffic.  Our advanced teams do not have an escort.  And some of them were off by an hour.

The Run leaves on time and most of the time arrive within 5 minutes of the time on the schedule.

By the time we stopped from the construction and all the stopping and starting, I saw lots of the riders trying to get the cramps out of their hands.

 One of the guys said ‘please dear God, let my left hand be like my right’.

Back on the road.  Hope you are not getting too bored with the pics of this beautiful country.

I sit on the bike just in awe of it.  Enjoy.

 

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One aspect of the Run I have not covered is the missing man.  It is an honor and privilege to ride this position in honor of someone lost. The escort “Rides for those who can’t.”   

The person’s name is put in the Missing Man position.  Every leg on the Run is covered. 

Missing Man

Formation:

Route Coordinator                    State Coordinator

Escort                                        Missing Man (space)                      

Missing Man Coordinator        Head Chaplin  

Here is how it looks on the road.

On the last leg of the day, Judy Wormmeester and her 2 kids, Heather and William, will all ride it together.   Judy will be in the escort position, and the kids will replace the missing man coordinator and the head chaplain.  WOW this is so …. (cannot find the right word).

His name is Sgt. Joseph A. Matejov, USAF, 205073 Laos.

 

We are now heading up the mountain to Angel Fire Vietnam Veteran Memorial.

Enjoy the ride, the pics do not begin to show the beauty and vastness.

                                       

                                         

As we arrive into the town.

Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Victor David was a 1st Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps (B CO, 1st BN, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Div) and was killed in Viet Nam in a battle/ ambush near Con Thien. Fifteen other soldiers lost their lives in this battle.

Following the death of their son, U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Victor David Westphall III, Jeanne and Dr. Victor Westphall began construction of the Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel to honor the memory of their son and the sixteen men that died with him near Con Thien, South Vietnam on May 22, 1968.

 

Bricks are laid every year on Labor Day for all veterans.  

Prior to the ceremony, Scooter honored a gentleman as he was the pilot

of the Heuy that is on the grounds of Angel Fire.  Scooter, one of our road guards, flew in this Huey and his name is on the inside.  He was also able to be in it when it was decommissioned. 

Ceremonies for placing a brick for Sgt. Joseph Matejov at Angel Fire.

(there are a lot of us with allergies at this point)

Nick asks for a moment of silence for all of us to remember Joseph.

Judy and her family are given the brick.

If you look at the dates on this brick, there is no end date. The one below shows dates of service.  Since Sgt. Matejob is MIA, it will remain like this.

Kim then plays “Amazing Grace”.

It was a very long day for everyone and a very special for all of the riders.  Angel Fire is amazing place.  If you ever get a chance to go on Labor weekend, you will not regret it.  There are so many families that come and support all. We have gone several years and embraced the honor of the brick laying.

The day concludes in town… this is the town. Population 300…

so, when RFTW comes to town, we double that.

Every year, this lady makes this cake.

Thought for the day…. say their name and they will not be forgotten.

Temps: 43-70

Route: I-40E, I-25N, US599, US84/285,68,585,64

Miles:289

Quote of the day:

All gave some, some gave all

May 16, 2024 – Day 2 To DC – Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM

Today was another beautiful day. 45 when we got up but 55 by the time we left.

Forgot to add this from last night. These are some of the boy scouts that were working dinner last night. Helping clean up, running to get drinks and handing out buttons. Thanks to the scout masters and parents for teaching their kids. These kids are our future.

We lined up on the street today. Williams does not have any traffic lights but several stop signs.  Pretty small town.  We take up most of the town when we stage.

We all have worn several hats.  This morning is no different.  I was trying to get a pic from Doug so Ron helped out with part of staging.  New jobs next year Ron?

One of the items for auction, is to carry a brick cross country.  We bid and pay to carry for 1 day. So, there will be 9 people able to do this.  The group that is doing this I believe has a GPS tracker in it so they can follow from home.  Sorry I did all the information, but I will update and post tomorrow. Pretty cool item to watch where it goes.

Ok time to start the mandatory morning meeting.  Every day will start with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  We recognize gold and blue star families, veterans, active duty,…  Nick will give an update on the days ride. And this is the place for any business that is needed to let everyone know.

Nick will always read a bio of an MIA person. This bio is then carried cross country and placed at the Vietnam wall. The rider will pray for that person to be found and for the family. Please add these to your prayer list.

Josh is our Chaplain for the trip.  He will come and pray with us and make sure we are all doing ok.  Remember this is a healing mission.

Hand signals are critical while riding.  Many riders do not have CB or GMRS radios.  This one is if you break down and need help, you better be doing jumping jacks so chase vehicles know that or they will pass you by.  Way to go William.

There are always 3 things to remember: throttle control, throttle control, and throttle control. You can control speed with the throttle as opposed to the breaks. Applying the brakes all the time set off a lot of rubber banding.

Bernadette has this little guy on the back of her bag.  She is getting pictures of as many people as she can to send back home.  I will have to get a little more detail on this too.  WOW….. sounds like I have homework for tomorrow.

OK Saddle up and let’s ride!!!!   Check out these little girls. They came out early to see us off.  Way to go parents.  

 

The pine trees smell so good as we go down the road.

 

 

There are currently 6 platoons with 2 wheels and 4 or 5 for trikes and bikes with trailers. The 2 wheel bikes rotate positions in the pack.  We were first yesterday and today we are 6.  

Yesterday: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Today: 2,3,4,5,6,1

This makes for some good pics for the day.  Here is the first one.  NICE.  Check out all the trees.

 

Check out the mountains and the sky.  Love it.

Just that quick the terrain changes. Back to flat, flat, flat.

Get into Winslow AZ for a fuel stop. We parade thru town.

As we head to a gas stop just before Winslow, there is a 9-11 Memorial.  It has 2 pieces from the Twin Towers.  

Fun Fact:

The centerpiece consists of 14 and 15-foot beams that were entrusted to the citizens of Winslow by the City of New York, making them the largest pieces given to any community in the nation1. These metal beams serve as a poignant tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks

Some of our rider stopped at the 911 memorial.

Anyone an Eagles fan. Remember the song “stand on the corner in Winslow AZ”.  Well here it is.

The breakout team at “the corner”

 

Ok time to gas up.  Day 2 and we are looking pretty good.

Gas stops are pretty cool to watch.  The Fuel team goes ahead of the pack and clears out a gas station. The pumps are set ready for the pack. There are 2 ways to pay for fuel.  Get a pre-paid sticker.  These are pretty nice, so you do not have to try and get cash out.  Or you pay cash. If you want to pay cash, you pay the nearest $5.  Any extra goes to the chase vehicle’s gas. Big insensitive to get the gas sticker.

The pumps run constantly.  You just move the hose from one bike to the next.  I have been told that we have filled 200 bikes in 20 minutes.  Remember you are only filling 2-4 gallons.  Even so, that is pretty quick.

Then the road guards direct you to the staging teams where you stage in your platoons. Runs pretty smooth.

Hydration team has trailers for drinks and snacks.  All donated!!!

We are on time schedule, and you better be ready.  There is a 5 minute whistle and you better be getting back on your bike, or you get left behind.  You can then follow the Last Man truck and rejoin the pack at the next stop.  Soooo pay attention.

John is our starter, a road guard, and also the president of RFTW.  He makes sure the platoons go out in order.

Let’s roll !!!

Now we roll into Holbrook.  We parade past every school in the town. The kids love it and are always waving flags, waving, jumping up and down.  So cool.

As we roll past the school, there is someone on the other side of the street.  The pic says it all.  Such patriotism and respect for the Run.

As we pull down the street for lunch….

The town is waiting for us….  Great food.

Before lunch a young girl sings the Star Spangled Banner.  She looked like she was maybe 12.  What a beautiful voice.  Every stood and the applause was defining.

As we leave these adorable kids, dressed in red, white and blue were dancing to the music outside.  Every year the kids play for us.  Seems to get better all the time.  Thanks all.

This little girl’s road name is Piper.  She is riding with her grandfather.  I asked her how she was able to get out of school, and she said, “This is school.”  How right she is.  What a great way to learn about our country.

Remember earlier in the report, we talked about the yellow ribbons to remember our veterans from New Mexico? The word must have gotten out because we were approached by multiple people that asked who we were riding for.  Amazing what a little thing like a ribbon can do this and keep memories of our veterans alive.

Ok load up and let’s head to Gallup.  This is known as “The Most Patriotic Small town in the USA”.

As we get closer you will see why.  People are all over with flags greeting us.

Wow what view from the back of the pack!!!

At the state line into New Mexico, we get a police escort.  This is not a normal escort.  As we travel, there will be no cars around us.  They have all ramps blocked, and shut the back door, meaning no one can come pass the Last Man vehicle.  This is great!!!!  My understanding is that these guys get on a waiting list to get this assignment.  It lasts the full 2 days we cross the state. THANKS guys!!

One of our road guards as he blocks a street when we get off the highway.

Here are a few examples.  This goes on for 10+ miles!!!

The FNGs said their hands were getting tired of honking their horns and waving BUT they loved every minute of it.

Coming into Red Rock Park the whole street is lined with flags. and people.

We go to their circle and there is a ceremony for us.  They have been chanting, singing all day, praying for our safe travels. These are the Navajo people.

It is led by this person.

Men and women engage in this.  The lady in the green insisted I come in the circle. She explained to me the song.  These were prayers going up to the heavens to keep all the riders safe on their journey to DC and home again.  This whole community prays for our journeys.

I have tons of pictures of this, but you do not get the full appreciation unless you can listen to them.  They are very proud and they very much embrace the RFTW efforts.

Awards were present to all organizations that worked to make this happen, including the police officers.

As we end the day, the lady from the circle came over to Ron and me.  She wanted to again thank us for stopping in her town and having the honor to pray for safe travels for all riders.  She is 80 years young and has been going to this ceremony for years and hopes to keep coming.

Fun Fact:

The Navajo people were very important to helping the US Marin Corps because of the Code Talkers.  Gallup’s last code talker died a few years ago.  I had the privilege of seeing him on one of my prior years.

Code Talkers are people in the 20th century who used obscure languages as a means of secret communication during wartime. The term is now usually associated with the United States soldiers during the world wars who used their knowledge of native American languages as a basis to transmit coded messages. In particular, there were approximately 400–500 Native Americans in the US Marine Corps whose primary job was the transmission of secret tactical messages. Code talkers transmitted these messages over military telephone or radio communications nets using formal or informally developed codes built upon their native languages.

Temps: 55-70

Route: I-40E

Miles: 224

Quote of the Day:

Home of the free, because of the brave

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

Reminder From RFTW.US web site:

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

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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.

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.

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

 

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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.