Author: Run for The Wall

Posted on by

FNG Story – Embe Kugler

Name: Embe Kugler
E-Mail: kem10@cox.net
Phone: 480-292-9211
City: Phoenix
State: Arizona
FNG Story:

This is my second post. It is now July 3rd and I have only been home a few days. I did an extended vacation after the “Run” to visit friends and family on my way back to Arizona.

I still cannot get the ride out of my head. I am both a much better person and a much better rider thanks to everyone in 5th Platoon. Sorry, I was such a bone head on learning to ride in proper formation. I have been riding since I was 11, but most always by myself. I am an introvert by nature, and motorcycles have always been one of my escape mechanisms.

After the “Run”, I spent the first couple of weeks with my wife, my cousin and his wife vacationing in Virginia. My cousin was an Army hydraulics specialist onboard the USS Corpus Christi Bay for two tours fixing Army helicopters off shore. It was the first he spent much time talking about the experience. He plans to meet me at the end of the “Run” again next year. I left Virginia and road to Indiana to stay with my Aunt. Uncle Bud was at the bottom of the hill at Iwo Jima when the flag was raised. He died this last Thanksgiving from complications of the Malaria he caught in WWII. His son Myron served in Ethiopia during the Nam, but was anxious to hear all about the “Run.”

From Indiana, I went to Illinois to visit my old Training NCO. Buzz drove Lady Bird’s trucks in the Nam and Thailand. He still has many physical and mental scars from the experience. We spent three days cleansing and praying.

Next was Oklahoma, cousin Larry Gene spent his Army years at Ft Bliss in the 60s. He is also going to meet me at the end of the “Run” next year. We spent three days discussing how fortunate we were that the Big Guy kept us from harm’s way.

I just returned from two days with an old Army buddy (both of us 30 plus years). He is not a rider, but wants to explore providing chase vehicle support next year. The “Run” continues to extend its healing touch.

I have others I will influence who are currently still serving, but will be retired by next year (one with seven years of war zone deployments under his belt). Hopefully, they will be among the FNGs next year.

I cannot thank everyone enough for the experience. Pied Piper, Too Tall, and Mustang, you are among my heroes. I truly look forward to serving with you again next year and as long as possible there after.

Posted on by

FNG Story – Johnny Rusk

Name: Johnny Rusk
E-Mail: johnny.rusk@us.army.mil
Phone: 256-339-3888
City: Demopolis
State: Alabama
FNG Story:

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all the great people my son and I met along the way.

I have always wanted to make the RFTW, however Deployments always seem to jump up and interfere.

My son Auston, age 10 has not stopped talking about making the run, and is ready to join me on another one. I know that spending time with him was very beneficial for me, especially since spending 44 months Deployed since 2003. The camaraderie, scenery, mission, and new friends that we met along the way will never be forgotten.

If there are any out there that would like to be reminded of exactly what true Americanism or Patriotism looks and feels like, then you must make the run.

I will be there in 2010 making the RFTW ALL THE WAY !!!

Thank You,
Johnny Rusk

Posted on by

FNG Story – David L. Clayton

Name: David L. Clayton
E-Mail: dclayton@cox.net
Phone: 949-637-7702
City: Dana Point
State: California
FNG Story:

FNG CR

I won’t try to put into words what I’m still trying to understand and sort out from this experience, but I want to say thank you to the CR Team and everyone I came in contact with on the ride. The great people I met across the US and all they did to welcome us home. I’ve put together a short Poem (for lack of a better word) that just may help someone make that trip to the Wall when they get ready.

THE WALL

THE WALL IS MADE OF STONE
THE WALL CANNOT HURT YOU
BUT ONCE YOU TOUCH THE WALL
THOSE WHO REST WITHIN THE WALL
WILL UNDOUBTLY TOUCH YOUR HEART

THEY WAIT PATIENTLY FOR YOUR VISIT
TO RENEW FRIENDSHIPS AND REMEMBER OLD TIMES
THEY ASK NOTHING OF YOU BUT TO REMEMBER
THE GOOD AND THE BAD AND TO NEVER FORGET THEM
FOR THEY HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE

YOU STAND PROUDLY OR DROP TO A KNEE
BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE AT THE WALL
YOUR BROTHERS WILL CALL OUT TO YOU
THANKING YOU FOR ALL YOU DID FOR THEM

YOUR MIND WONDERS WAS HE ONE OF THE MANY
YOU MEDEVACED FROM THE RICE PADDY
OR MAYBE FROM THE HILLTOP LZ
COULD YOU HAVE DONE MORE THAT DAY

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE AT THE WALL
FOR THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE
THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU
AND YOU MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM

DAVID L. CLAYTON
USMC
MSGT (R)
1-69 / 1-70

Posted on by

FNG Story – Henry LaRose

Name: Henry LaRose
E-Mail: henry@netdoor.com
Phone: 601-454-6645
City: Jackson
State: Mississippi
FNG Story:

Veteran, U. S. Army Federal Republic of Germany 1965-69. Veteran, Mississippi National Guard, 20th Special Forces (Airborne) 1969-72. Biker: at age 60. First T- shirt I remember seeing on a biker: “If I have to explain, You wouldn’t understand.”

Since my Run For The Wall ’09: I would venture this saying instead: “I still cannot understand, so I won’t explain.” Yes, even as a veteran, I was so honored to be with so many who got in harms way, and survived, and grew, and healed, and helped others to heal and lent their shoulders and their words and their silence too. And now, they, we, together as bikers first and patriots also, we rode in formation and all I could do was let the wind erase my tears and dry my eyes as I thought, as I knew, that all those motorists who passed our 3 to 5 mile long parade up the Interstate were also in awe of such a dedicated group of Americans. Yes, dedicated to a show of support and reverence for all those who went before us and served, and died, and all for the cause that is our great Country. May God continue to Bless the USA.

Posted on by

FNG Story – Phil “Two Stars” Epps

Name: Phil “Two Stars” Epps
E-Mail: Aceepps@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 817-965-5787
City: North Richland Hills
State: Texas
FNG Story:

This is not so much a story as it was an experience. RFTW was presented to me last year by a SR FNG from 2008. He and I had gone through the MSF Rider Coach class together and became close friends. We also share a similar experience as we are both Navy Chiefs. He is currently on Active Duty and I retired in 2001 with 34 years. He told me upon his return from the 2008 RFTW that I should experience it for myself as he could not adequately explain it to me. He knew that I would enjoy the ride but he was right about the explanation. Words just do not describe. All the new companions/friends, the fellow Vets, the Bridge Walkers/Waivers, the waivers on the side of the road, the Police Escorts, the Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners, Chaplains, the MMF, all the workers, both in the Run and at the places we stopped, and the Route Leaders. But let us not forget the children. I have never seen such loving eyes and happy faces as on the children at the schools we visited. They made the trip for me. I visit Vets in hospitals all the time with my clubs back home but those kids grabbed my heart and again made me proud to be an American. I just wish that we could have done more for them. God Bless the Children!

The rest of the stories you can read from the other FNGs. I concur wholeheartedly with their reports.

See you next year.

Oh, yeah. I need to get me a helmet cam. Any suggestions?

Posted on by

FNG Story – Fred Knipper

Name: Fred Knipper
E-Mail: fred.knipper@duke.edu
Phone: 919-498-9941
City: Sanford
State: North Carolina
FNG Story:

I can not begin to put into words the experience I had as an FNG on this year’s Run for the Wall. I retired from the Air Force in December 2004 after almost 27-years and had been feeling something was missing from my life-I found it on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. That was the evening I met up with Run for the Wall, Southern Route in Wytheville, Virginia. From the moment I stepped into Memorial Park after all the riders parked, I could see the brotherhood and friendships that had evolved-I have to admit I was afraid I was an outsider looking in and would not fit in with the group. Too Tall changed that quickly! He was the first person I ran into and as busy a man he was, he took the few minutes to point me in the right direction to the registration van, shook my hand and said “Welcome Home”! Little did I know at that moment how important those two words were and what they would mean for the remainder of the trip and my life! I quickly found the registration van and my next encounter was with Top Sarge, a woman who comes across with a tough as nails first impression but is truly caring, compassionate, lady with a heart of gold. Do it right and you are her friend, do it wrong or forget something, she will send you on your way till you get it right and then she will be your friend! After listening to her briefing, I felt more comfortable and started to experience the feeling everyone else tries to describe however, there are no words to describe it!

After a great meal at the Moose Lodge, I stood in the parking lot waiting for a hole to be made large enough to fit my bike through, listening to stories and conversations. As the FNG, I listened to every story I could to learn more about the ride, the mission, and more importantly, what not
to do!

The next morning in the park when Pied Piper called for all the FNGs that joined in Wytheville to come forward, I was unsure what was about to happen! I have to say, I never felt so honored to stand in front of a group of people so dedicated to a cause and receive the welcome that we got. THANK YOU Pied Piper you are a true leader and professional! As the children flowed in, I stood back and watched how many of the riders dropped to their knees to meet these kids face to face. They truly came down to their level and you could see in the kids eyes the love and respect this town has for Run for the Wall! I felt honored to reach my arm out and help some of the riders back to their feet after talking with the children! It was an amazing morning! When we got on the bikes and ready to head out, my heart was pounding! I did not want to make a mistake or worse yet, cause someone else to make a mistake! At that moment, I knew I had found what has been missing! From that point on, my heart swelled with pride and I got a lump in my throat every time we passed under an overpass that had someone standing on it waving a flag. I will never forget the one overpass we went under that had an older man standing at attention and saluting the riders as they passed under the bridge! That brought tears to my eyes!! As Top Sarge said the evening I met her, “if you do not feel this in your heart, you need a heart transplant!”

I thought when we got to DC on Friday and went our own ways to our hotels that, was going to be the end…was I ever wrong!!! The next morning when we met at the host hotel for the FNG ride to Arlington, you could feel the excitement. As we arrived at the gates leading into Arlington, I noticed something-you could see the pride and honor in each rider and their passengers as they sat a little taller and straighter on their bikes in respect for those who have gone before us! It was amazing how quiet it was even with two hundred plus bikes rolling into Arlington. I have been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a few times in the past but, it has never had the significance as it did this time; watching the honored RFTW-Southern Route leadership, Too Tall and Cowboy with the Central Route, place the wreath at the Tomb!

Our next stop was the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for the group picture! I have to admit, this was painful! With a bad back, sitting in a cramped place on stone was not the highlight of the trip! But, it was worth it! I am not sure who they were, but I owe a big thank you to the two folks behind me-if it was not for them helping me up, I might still be sitting on the steps today!

Sunday morning started early in the host parking lot as everyone began to arrive for the ride to the Pentagon for the Rolling Thunder ride. More great friends to meet, more great stories to listen to! As I listened to the experiences of others who went a lot further than I did, it made me want to go further next year! Hopefully, if everything goes well I will be able to but if it does not, Wytheville, Virginia is a great starting point! As I returned home and started telling others of the adventure and experience, many of them have already decided to make the run next year! To all the leadership from RFTW-Southern Route-I THANK YOU! You gave me an experience I will never forget! Too bad the FNG experience is a once in a life time experience! IT WAS GREAT!!!!

Posted on by

FNG Story – Melba

Name: Melba
E-Mail: mak56@windstream.net
Your Phone: 270-766-9966
City: Elizabethtown
State: Kentucky
FNG Story:

There are not words to describe what I felt for the days Wed. thru Sun. We were on the run and in D.C. I kept thinking “It can’t get any better than this” and some one new would walk into my life and I would have a new friend, then we would pass another school or over pass and people would be waving Old Glory and cheering, I could go on and on. I have a wonderful friend and my sister who took great pictures and every time I look at them it brings a lump to my throat and my heart skips a beat. I LOVED being around all the guys that served. It was an honor to stand at the wall and at all the memorials with the men who gave so MUCH. I kept seeing a shirt that really hit home for me, it read ” ALL GAVE SOME AND
SOME GAVE ALL. I wanted to hug them all, really hard. I wanted them all to feel appreciated and loved. My dad was a Korean vet I thought about him the entire time we were on the run. Dad has gone on to heaven now but I would like to do that trip every year in his memory and my cousin who gave his life in Nam. I want to be in the presence of these brave men, and be with all the new friends I’ve made and so DEARLY LOVE. See Ya next year. God Bless each one.

Posted on by

FNG Story – Joel West

Name: Joel West
E-Mail: joelwest@charter.net
Phone: 618-781-7064
City: Granite City
State: Illinois
FNG Story:

What an experience. I was able to ride with my friend Ranjet. We picked up the group in Wentzville, Mo. and rode “All the way.” I know to you real riders that rode from Cal. this isn’t much, however, for my first time it was great. Rainelle is without a doubt my favorite. The kids, city, parents, and the volunteers that served us were fantastic. Route 60 East was also a very cool ride from Hurricane to Lewisburg. In Lewisburg we met a terrific individual named Ken, he showed us around and took us to some
of his favorite watering holes. Many thanks to him and the folks at the Bull Frog Inn in White Sulphur Springs. A special thanks to Red 1 Tailgunner, Couch, thanks for making our trip enjoyable. Couch if you read this, email me.

Don’t know if I have the strength and stamina to go All The Way, but would like to try.

As the Ride Captain of our Legion Riders group, we do not advocate riding “Parade Style” and it was very disconcerting to be riding next to someone you didn’t know at highway speeds. I know their reasoning, but still think it is unsafe.

Hopefully I will be able to make it again next year. To everyone, “Thanks for making my FNG experience and the ride memorable and worthwhile.”

Joel West
Heavy Equipment Operator 2nd Class
Navy Seabees, MCB-11
1965 – 1969
Three tours in country
CAN-DO

Posted on by

FNG Story – Webster Dalton

Name: Webster Dalton
E-Mail: webandcathie@verizon.net
Phone: 310-293-9542
City: Torrance
State: California
FNG Story:

I am 72 years old and a Navy vet. Nothing I have ever done has brought me closer to my love for my country than this ride.Thank You to all who made it happen! The Run was the greatest motorcycle experience I have ever had in my life. I started riding in 1949 and love it with a passion. But NOTHING ever came close to that ride and the meaning behind it. God willing I’ll be back next year. Thank You All My Brothers!

Web Dalton

Posted on by

FNG Story – Diann “Mojo” McKee

Name: Diann “Mojo” McKee
E-Mail: mojorftw@att.net
Phone: 432-368-1822
City: Odessa
State: Texas
FNG Story:

To the FNGs – both current & future!

As I read the recent FNG stories, it makes me remember my own FNG year, 2003, and that same awesome feeling I had after participating in such an emotionally charged event. I, too, was hooked on RFTW by the time I made it to DC. Even though I rode that year in honor of some Nam vet friends, the friendships I made & my observations of the run’s riders & their healing journeys impacted me greatly. Doesn’t it affect all of us, though? And that is why I was more than eager to work in whatever capacity I could for RFTW that very next year. Long story short, I’ve been state coordinator for part of Texas for the past 6 years. I’ve also worked on the Advanced Team in the past, back when it was still in the concept stage, and am currently a platoon leader.

As in all organizations, it takes people with various gifts & talents to make “the whole” complete & efficient. RFTW is no different. I surely don’t have to list all the duties—the FNGs saw the work done every day. Some of the workers, though, (and there are over a hundred each year that help make this run happen), have an extra special gift, whether they were on the fuel team, chase team or in merchandising. I’ve seen it year after year. And that extra gift is their ability to make the FNGs feel comfortable in showing their feelings or in sharing their stories. Somehow, despite their hectic, busy duties, these workers stop long enough to help in whatever way they can, seeing that window of opportunity. It could be by lending an ear for even 5 minutes, or to follow up on how the rider is doing later that day. I admire these people that give so much on the run.

What I hope to convey to the FNGs is this—some of us are better at the “mechanics” of the run than with the helping of the riders & the emotional healing side. This is not to say that we don’t care—because we do! I feel that I am a “mechanic.” I take very seriously my job of making sure the stops in my area of TX run smoothly, yet are ones that the riders will remember with fond & healing memories. Likewise, I work to make the platoon an enjoyable and safe one. When we platoon leaders have to get stern with the group or individuals about an issue, please know that it is for the safety of not only that person but also for the whole group. At other times, I know that I am running around crazily trying to get things done, not having time to stop & chat.

During my FNG year, I could not tell you anything about the platoon leaders that helped lead us along the way. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t do their job, which was to help get us from Point A to Point B. I definitely remember the Road Guards, and I gained an immense respect for these men who put themselves on the line to keep us safe. I remember Papa Smurf, the route coordinator. And I remember making friends with the riders, and seeing that I had found a new family. It didn’t matter that I was civilian—I was accepted. What I’m saying is that even though not all us workers are able to help relieve shoulders of burdens, we are there working because we want you to find that healing
like we did. We care, because we remember how much our first run helped us, whether or not we remember who worked it. Many of us want to return that gift. We want you to return home with healing in your hearts & minds, and with a sense of pride and accomplishment of your journey. But most of all, that you have, indeed, found a new family.

Diann “Mojo” McKee