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President’s Message Jan 2015

Happy New Year!

I am writing to communicate the latest info for the Kick-Off and Arrival Hotel Booking info.

You can book your ONTARIO and ARLINGTON rooms NOW!

The Route Coordinators will communicate the Hotel lists for the routes (CENTRAL and MIDWAY already have- thanks Don and Billy!)

STONEY and CJ need to get theirs up yet, I believe they have targeted mid-Month for the full list!

Here is the ‘all-riders’ booking info for Ontario and Arlington:

You can book your rooms now!!
As I see that only Central route has posted their Hotel lists as of Jan. 2nd..I would like to make sure that the Midway and Southern riders also have a fair shot at booking their hotels– at least in Ontario (the kick-off) and Arlington (our target). I cannot control the info for each route’s hotels along the routes but I do have control of the rates and booking info for the launch and arrival locations.

ONTARIO HOTELS –
There are 4 of them listed and The Radisson is the Host Hotel
All 4 hotels can be booked through a single weblink:click on the link, you can exit at anytime

ONTARIO HOTEL BOOKING LINK

There is also a single phone number for all 4 contracted hotels in Ontario if you wish to call instead: 909-937-3026

ARLINGTON HOST HOTEL- HOLIDAY INN AT BALLSTON

Contact info for the Host Hotel is:
4610 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 243-9800

Again, Happy New Year!

Wish

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President’s Message Dec 2014

I have seen a flurry of activity through the website registration tab. I believe we are approaching the two hundred pre-registered mark and it isn’t even Mid-December yet!! I believe I can assure everyone that the online pre-registration is OPEN.

Let’s check ’em off together:

  • Ontario Host Hotel communicated – ONTARIO RADISSON AIRPORT, Ontario, CA √
  • Ontario Launch site chosen and Hotels SELECTED √
  • Arlington National Cemetery Authorization OBTAINED  √
  • Route Coordinator’s 2015 messages UPDATED  √
  • 2014/2015 Store OPEN  √
  • Route Coordinator’s leadership teams ASSEMBLED  √
  • Pre-registration OPEN √
    • Do Not attempt to book a room until central-booking Phone number is announced on line through itineraries and Post.
  • Arlington HOST Hotel communicated – HOLIDAY INN-BALLSTON, Arlington, VA √
  • ‘Itineraries’ Posted—not yet, should be by New Year, Jan.1, 2015 (oops!)
  • Route ‘Contacts’ all Posted –Central, √; Southern, √; Midway, not yet (oops!)

Moving along, we expect the last wrinkles and details to all flush out over the next couple of weeks. The signs and hats and patches and lanyards and windshield banners and, and, and, are all on order. New 2015 Flyers, new promotional video and new products for the store are in various levels of completion and coming shortly. The hotels along each route have been selected, the gas stops on each route have all been selected, and negotiated with for RFTW rates. Your Platoon Leaders have been contacted, your advance teams are forming with fuelers and stagers and such, your Road Guards are re-cert’ing their skills and you Riders………….?

Let’s review the Rider’s checklist:

  1. Your riding skills? Get ’em ready
  2. Your Bike’s maintenance? Get it in shape
  3. Your travel gear? Pack and re-pack
  4. Your health? Biker UP! Cuz it will be;
    •  Hot
    • Cold
    • Wet
    • Long
    • Emotional

What? It’s 140 days to Kickstands up? …You mean its ONLY 140 days to kickstands up! It seems too far away and then it seems to be coming too quickly, just like Christmas.

Oh yeah! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to RFTW and supporters! And Happy New Year!

Remember our Mission and those whom we represent. God Bless our military and especially be with those who cannot be home during these Holidays.

WISH

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President’s Message Oct 2014

Almost feel panic as every week goes by, as every month goes by.

Almost feel elation as the mental countdown clock tics away towards another Run drawing near.

‘Elation’ as the Mission beckons and ‘Panic’ as I realize the magnitude of what we are about to pull off and I watch all of the flurry of activity going on behind the scenes by Route Coordinators, Road Guard Captains, Advance team Captains, Platoon leadership, state coordinators, fundraising event organizers, Hotel negotiations, meal coordination, gas stop coordination, LEO communication and coordination and rider communications.

“Stoney” (Southern Route RC)”EZ” (Central Route RC) and “Tumbleweed” (Midway Route RC) are marshaling their resources, engaging their leadership teams and orchestrating the beginnings of RFTW 2015. Our Arlington National Cemetery interaction is once again assured for 2015 (thanks “Road King”). The major metropolitan areas we traverse are well into the planning stages and step-by-step choreography (bet you never thought you’d see “Stoney’s” name in the same paragraph with ‘choreography’!).

I am impressed each year by the riders that ‘step-up’ when needed and ‘step-forward’ when asked. Thank you!

Our California launch will take a slightly different turn this year, sort of ‘back to the future’; prior to kicking off out of Rancho Cucamonga (RC) back in 2008, we launched for many years out of Ontario, CA (right next door to RC). Well, as we have experienced over the past few years, we have outgrown the capability of RC hotels to handle such a large group as RFTW.

Our Mission 2015 will once again begin in Ontario, CA- we will have a significantly larger host hotel (with better rates) with adjacent alternative hotels (with better rates). The Radisson Hotel Ontario Airport will be our new host hotel and we have contracts with 4 other hotels all within a click of the host. The Ontario Convention Center and Visitors Bureau will handle all reservations for the 5 contracted hotels all with one single phone number, to be posted.

We will have over 600 parking spaces at our beck and call at The Radisson alone and we will sleep less than 100 yards from the Wednesday morning Kick-off staging area at the Ontario Convention Center, which is three times the size of our staging area these past 7 years. Tuesday night’s RFTW-Kick-off-dinner will be hosted onsite at the Radisson and INSIDE. Even better, the main-drag from KSU on Wednesday morning is a direct merge onto the freeway. FNG’s probably cannot appreciate this yet, but…you will!

Now, the main questions I continually get asked:

  1. Run Hotel lists will not go up until the New Year, the negotiated rates are significant so please don’t try to book outside of the RFTW published window (I know some of you do!) you’ll miss out on significant savings…
  2. RFTW Registration opens at the same time as every year, January 1st — no, we are not behind, it just feels that way since we (all y’all) are ready to roll again the day after we get back!

Support The Mission, Support your Route Coordinator, Take the time to engage others and talk about The Run and if you can, volunteer to be a resource for your Route as well as a Rider for The Mission. Attend any local RFTW rider support groups and encourage our FNG’s.

If you are in Route leadership already, get your RC to post up contact info on the website so that you can be helped!!

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Wish

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President’s Message Aug 2014

I am honored to be selected as President for this next year, I am committed to our Mission and the success of this year’s Run, just as I have been committed to the success of every Run since my first year in 2007. What do I bring to the table? A lot of two-wheeled Run miles; ATW SR- 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, ATW MR- 2014 and Participant CR-2008.

You might ask what happened to All The Way in 2008? Well, as my wife always says, every great story starts with “No $#!+, there I was…”. Well “No $#!+, there we were…” putting some pre-run break-in miles on our new rides, the week before RFTW 2008. Next thing we knew her bike flips at 65mph on I-10 and she is in a body cast for the next 9 months. It was all I could do to register and ride to the first gas stop that year.

Since then I’ve volunteered as Tailgunner for 2 years, Platoon Leader 1 year, Road Guard for 3 years and on the Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer for the past 2 years. Why do I ride? Why do we all? I have buddies and family and friends on the Wall. I spent 2 tours in Nam from late 1968 through most of 1970. I have trouble even approaching The Wall. Going with RFTW support eases the approach. I see, hear and feel them as I get closer. Thank you, Brothers and Sisters.

I am committed to the POW/MIA Awareness campaign that we all wage, I honor our currently serving military at every chance and I am involved in Veteran’s events where I am able. Along with my RFTW Mission commitments, I serve as 1st Vice Commander of my local American Legion, Post 78 in Claremont, CA. I’m a Member of the local Marine Corps League, Detachment 965. I’m a Life Member of DAV I’m also Chair of the Claremont High School Veteran’s Alumni Committee, where I diligently uncover and archive, 113 years of Alumni veterans.

I have 4 kids and 13 grandkids. The 2 oldest of my grandkids have been on the Run, 1 of them All The Way. The younger ones are already planning their ‘turns’ to accompany Grandpa. We make it an honor for them to be able to go. They need to ‘qualify’ to ride with this crusty crew. They had to run military donation drives, send packages to the troops, write essays on American Flag protocol and write reports on the Congressional Medal of Honor. One of them wrote a detailed summary of my wife’s favorite CMOH recipient’s life. All ‘graded’ by my wife, who has now rehabbed enough so that she was able to ride All The Way finally this past year.

What do I think we need to focus on for 2015? Maximize our profile as we cross this country. We have started some great relationships with a couple of National Corporations, KIA and Pepsi. Each route has some highly visible events and some deeply personal interactions with their supporters along the way. I still come across people that have never heard of us, we need to harness these lost opportunities. It is a particular shame when I come across the many veterans that do not know that we are even out there. That veteran very likely has a need that we can meet, a cross we can help him/her bear, a ‘Welcome Home’ that can make a world of difference and if they don’t have a need at least they can pass along awareness of our Mission and be given a chance to participate.

I am looking forward to working with a highly capable and motivated Board for 2014/2015. There are many challenges in front of us to insure RFTW 2015 is as good or even better than every Run for the past 26 years, not the least of which is to better organize our Rancho kick-off venue. The Route Coordinators, Assistant Route Coordinators and Road Guard Captains are the core leadership of each Route for which the Route Coordinator is the General. It is our responsibility to make sure that we give these Generals the resources they need to make it happen.

Support The Mission, Support your Route Coordinator, Take the time to engage others and talk about The Run and if you can, volunteer to be a resource for your Route as well as a Rider for The Mission. I look forward to working with you in this coming year.

…I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the kick-off in California this year. We had to react on short notice this past year, to a surprise by the past host hotel(s) not being able to participate in 2014. We will be going ‘back to the future’ in 2015 as we launch out of Ontario, California as RFTW had for many years until 2008. I’ll be making a separate announcement in the October newsletter, which will be mirrored here, about the new venue.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Wish

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FNG Story – Charles (Chuck) Wright

Name: Charles (Chuck) Wright
E-Mail: cdw350@aol.com
Phone: 205-999-2462
City: Odenville
State: Alabama
FNG Story:

RFTW 2014
A Life Changing Experience

For those of you who have never experienced the loss a spouse due to suicide, all I can say is that you are very fortunate. My loss came May 20, 2011. Six years after her retirement from teaching Seventh Grade Math for thirty years and tutoring three and four nights a week afterwards, My wife took her life in the woods a half mile behind our house. It took four days before volunteers found her; without a doubt, the worst four days of my life. I could never explain the feelings and emotions I experienced during that period. She left a two page letter telling me how much she loved me and that her actions were not my fault but due to her continued failing health. She asked for me not to have any memorial or even obituary. She only wanted cremation and nothing else. No directions as to where her ashes were to be placed. It was my decision to scatter her ashes from a helicopter over a beautiful peaceful area in
the Appalachian Mountains; an area we had toured many times on my motorcycle. I no longer have my riding partner; it’s like I’m missing part of my bike.

The tragedy of losing my wife now supersedes the other continuing tragedy that I have experienced in life. Using the word “continuing” is due to the fact that as a Platoon Sergeant, the bodies of three of my Marines lost in the last combat action of the Viet Nam War, May 15, 1975, have
never been recovered. The pain, horrors and extreme miseries I experienced for four days searching for my wife somewhat ended when she was recovered and put to rest. The families of PFC. Gary L.Hall, LCpl.
Joseph N. Hargrove and Pvt. Danny G. Marshall have had to endure the like for over 39 years now never having had the opportunity to experience closure by laying their sons to rest. Their loss has weighed heavily on my mind for years and has now been elevated as I relate my own experience to what their families must be going through. Fighting depression is one hell of a battle experienced by many vets, (and civilians). Tough times never last, tough people do; Many times I have to ask myself, “Why?”

Monday May 19, 2014, (the day before the third anniversary of losing my wife) I rode my 2003 Harley-Davidson Ultra motorcycle from my home in central Alabama to Meridian, MS. to meet up with 350+ other military vets on their bikes at the Meridian Agriculture Center. The group had started their trip several days before in California as the Southern Route of the “Run For The Wall” on their annual journey to Washington, D.C. to honor those who never made it home. I read somewhere that some crazy Marine had started this RFTW thing back in 1989 so I thought this would be the ride I belong on. Maybe it would ease some of the painful memories of those four days in May 2011. Besides the Southern Route there is a Central Route and a Midway Route all starting in California, and all finishing in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day. The theme for the ride is always, “We ride for those who no longer can.”

Spent that night in Meridian on the ground in a small tent outside the Agri. Center as several others did who opted not to pay for a room. In the morning my body was telling me to remember my age and in the future to shell out the money for a room. My plan was to ride with the group all day on the 20th, spend the night in Chattanooga then back home the next day.

After departing Meridian we stopped at a VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. and visited other Vets for lunch; always a pleasure to hear stories from some of the older vets and thank them for their service, and our freedom. Next stop Asheville, AL. for fuel and a break, then on to Chattanooga for the night.

First time I had been on a road trip since I lost Cindy. Riding the roads we had been on so many times before was getting to me and the thought of riding through an area the next day not far from where I had spread her ashes was something I did not think I could handle and convinced myself that going home would be the best idea now that May 20th was coming to a close.

We had supper at and donated by Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson, then after a short period of socializing everyone departed to various hotels nearby.

Not having reservations and not really wanting to socialize anymore I opted to search for a room a little further away from where everyone else was staying; actually about 10 miles away.

After checking into a Hampton Inn I made preparations to head home in the morning (not caring if I actually made it or not). Removed my wristband and tape on my bike identifying me as a registered biker with the “Run For The Wall” and started to settle in for the night. Heard what I recognized as a Harley pull in nearby and wondered if it was someone with the RFTW group since as far as I knew I was the only biker there.

Around 10:30 that night I walked outside (was on first floor) and towards the lobby to get some ice. About five doors down I noticed another Harley-Davidson similar to mine; had a USMC Gunnery Sergeant sticker, a Drill Instructor Association sticker, plus one that really stood out, “Mayaguez Recovery,” which was the last combat action of the Viet Nam War.

WHO THE HELL WAS THIS PERSON?

There were only a little over 200 of us that were on the operation, May 15, 1975. Looked for lights on in nearby rooms and saw none so I left a note on the bike for him to contact me in room 151 before leaving in the morning, as I was heading home at daylight.

At 0530 (5:30 am) there’s a knock on my door… it had been 39 years since the operation so we had to announce our names and immediately hugged each other. We really did not know each other while in the unit, but the fact we were there together is all it took to be Brothers (besides being Marines).

I knew that it was a Marine who started the “Run For The Wall” in 1989 from California and was in awe when I found out that the crazy Marine was standing in front of me; Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant James Gregory, aka Gunny. Told him to go outside and look at my bike which was covered. When I removed the cover I’m sure if you looked close enough you would have seen tears in both of our eyes.

Sign on front of my bike:
HALL HARGROVE MARSHALL
BRING THEM HOME!

Those three Marines were the main reason he started the “Run” and for all the other guys who never made it back…… We were riding for all of them.

He and his wife, Patti just got in town to join the run the night before. They had been at the Annual Mayaguez Reunion in Branson, MO. I was going to go but had some mental and emotional issues relating to May 20th that made me cancel a few days before.

We were the only ones associated with the “Run” at that Hampton Inn, which was several miles from the main group. Gunny said for me to come down to his room as he wanted to show me something. Not knowing Patti was in the room, off I went barefooted and only a pair of gym shorts. Went a few doors down, met his wife and was shown pictures on his laptop of the Mayaguez Reunion they had attended the day before.

James told me they choose the Hampton Inn away from the main group to ensure they would get a full night’s sleep since once they’re around their “family” all night socializing is too hard to resist and they were already worn out from being on the road for several days.

Informed them I would have breakfast with them and then head back south. Well, like a true Marine, he informed me that I would be going to D.C. with them and not home (and riding along side of them)… sooo, after breakfast, off we went.

Believe it was somewhere around Bristol, TN, that Gunny suggested we peel off from the main group and take a more scenic route through the mountains to Wytheville, VA, where we were to spend the night.

To say the least, it was scenic alright. Confident I was following someone who was familiar with the area, the ride was very enjoyable, (even though some of the roads did not seem to be traveled often). My comfort soon turned to concern when Gunny’s GPS directed us to turn left up ahead into what was actually a farmer’s driveway. Was it time for me to turn on my GPS since Gunny’s Piece of S___ was leading us astray? Without hesitation though Gunny was up and running in a new direction… while I was praying he may have relatives in them there hills to help us out. Soon we were back on a well-traveled highway, (one which I swear we had been on earlier). Eventually we did arrive in Wytheville a little behind the main group. Laughing about our adventure, Gunny stated his mind drifted off to how we met up in Chattanooga and he wasn’t paying attention to where we were.

They introduced me to some very interesting Viet Nam and Middle East Vets; Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. They also had their own personal stories worthy of more recognition than they will ever receive. Many supportive people also made the ride wearing patches on their vests stating, “Maybe we weren’t there, but WE DO CARE. Their support as true Americans can only be described as invaluable and sincerely appreciated. All welcomed me to join their family.

I felt like the Honored Guest of the man who started this run after he got on stage and told the story of our meeting in Chattanooga. Literally everyone there knew “The Gunny” and had high respect for his
accomplishments.

There were several former and retired Marines riding with the Run For The Wall but James and I were the only ones with customized helmets; Mine on left, his on the right.

To this day, we are still scratching our heads as to how in the world did two Retired Marines, the only two, (as far as we know) end up staying at the same Hampton Inn just a few rooms apart.

The only two associated with The Run For The Wall, whose main group were in hotels several miles away.

Two Marines who had not seen each other in 39 years and shared experiences of the last combat action in Viet Nam.

Two Marines who have been haunted for years by the loss of three fellow Marines 39 years ago.

Two Marines proud enough to mount the Marine Corps emblem on the front of their helmets long before seeing each other again in 2014. Both of us being Ex-Drill Instructors… and that’s just some of the things Ex-DIs do.

And two Marines riding Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycles (but only one without his partner).

As Patti stated at breakfast, “Our meeting in Chattanooga was meant to be.”

One of the true heroes, a WWII Vet welcomed us to Lynchburg, VA. I had the honor to meet and thank this man for our freedom that he fought for on Omaha Beach during WWII.

James and Patti had to leave early heading back home to Charleston, SC, so I ended up touring DC pretty much on my own. (Democrats must have laid out those streets.)

Actually I wanted to be alone anyway when I visited “The Wall” for the first time to find the names of Hall, Hargrove and Marshall. “Mission Accomplished”

Spent the night in Arlington, Virginia then headed back home 721 miles with three 30 minute nap-stops. Rode back by myself with “years to come of fantastic memories,” and something to finally look forward to next year.

Thanks Patti and James (Gunny); meeting both of you made May 20th bearable.

Semper Fi,

Sincerely,
Charles (Chuck) D. Wright
USMC Retired

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FNG Story – Steve Decker

Name: Steve Decker
E-Mail: sdecker001@yahoo.com
Phone: 706-818-1288
City: Athens
State: Georgia
FNG Story:

Being a Viet nam vet, to join the Run for the Wall in Las Cruces, New Mexico. However, I had to take a job in Athens Georgia and move. Well finally in 2010, I was able to break free from work and join the ride. I had to join the group in Tennessee.

It was worth the wait. Although somewhat of a stressful ride, with riders you have never ridden with, it was about the coolest ride I have ever done. The people who we met along the way opened their arms and hearts. Gave me faith again in American people.

This was my first trip to the wall. A friend asked me to place an article for him at the wall. When I made it to the wall, I placed the article at the wall and stood up to see the names of two of my high school friends names. It really set me back. It hit me so hard.

I wanted to ride again this year, but due to a Nam injury, I must have eye surgery. I am currently blind in my right eye and to do the ride, you need all of the eye sight you can get. It would be unsafe for those around me for me to try to go.

I with you all a safe ride and hope to be able to go next year.

Posted on by

FNG Story – Bryan Merritt

Name: Bryan Merritt
E-Mail: bmerritt8@hotmail.com
Phone: 706-593-3958
City: Vine Grove
State: KY
FNG Story:

While I was deployed to Afghanistan I had already made up my mind that I was buying a Harley. I finally decided on the Fatboy. I returned in September of 2009 and my bike arrived in October of 2009. While I was working at Fort Knox, a friend of mine mentioned the RFTW and I inquired but waited to do the online registration so I had to register in the morning while they were in Corydon IN. As soon as I got there to register I realized that everyone there was family because hugs were coming from everywhere. I was basically keeping it under cover that I was still on active duty. Not that I am ashamed of it but it just never came up in a conversation. But also let me say this, I am still on active duty and my plans are to attend 2011. If my wife is going to go then I will link up again in Corydon but if not I will take the Southern Route and link up in TN.

I loved the entire run but mostly enjoyed Rainelle. The looks on the kids faces when we arrived and the entire time we were in the gym handing out things. I also loved the fact the town opened up and accepted us all in as family. The thunderstorm that came through was Gods way of cooling us off.

When we arrived in DC I was running around like a little kid not knowing what to do until I linked up with some of the ones who had been there several times. Then we went to Arlington and then to the wall. I had heard several stories about the feeling but never knew until I got there. As soon as you start down the trail to the wall it feels like everyone who is on the wall is standing there watching you. This is one memory that I will keep with me forever.

My advice to anyone, if you have never been then you need to go. I had always heard stories growing up about the Vietnam Vets being crazy and all these other stories. When I took this ride I realized as a Vet that they are going through the same crap that we are going through. So from one Vet to others, don’t ever feel like you are the only one suffering from whatever it is. Take the ride and talk with the other Vets around you and you will see. Also don’t think of them as strangers but think of them as
your brothers and sisters.

Posted on by

FNG Story – Ron Meadows

Name: Ron Meadows
E-Mail: dulcimer89@yahoo.com
Your Phone: 618-447-6362
City: Moro
State: Illinois
FNG Story:

In Feb of 2009 I purchased a 2001 Yamaha 650 V-Star. I wanted to do a part of the ride from Wentzville to Mt. Vernon. I met with the ride and remember it as one of the most emotional days of my life. I spent thirteen months in Nam with the Third MAF. As I rode I kept remembering all the faces and names of those I spent time with. Some were as fortunate as I and some not. The following year, 2010 I met again in Wentzville and totally enjoyed the ride to Mt. Vernon. All the riders, the speakers, platoon leaders, road guards, fuel team and everyone I met were wonderful people and made me feel welcome and appreciated although they new nothing about me other than I am a Vet. I really wanted to go on to DC with the group however, due to a lack of finances and a larger bike I would leave sit at the fuel stop in Mt. Vernon and watch as they all rode off to Indiana. Broke my heart.

This year of 2011 I will be going to DC. I have purchased a Harley Roadking and May cannot get here soon enough for me. The only regret I will have is not being an FNG this year because I will not be able to do the Arlington Cemetery ride. I will after forty-two years finally have my parade that I never had.

I thank all who make this RFTW possible and in 2012 maybe I will be able to go to California and be able to ride all the way.

God Bless!

Posted on by

FNG Story – Farrell D. Maichel

Name: Farrell D. Maichel
E-Mail: dutchman@kansas.net
City: St. George
State: Kansas
FNG Story:

Maybe you will all forgive me if I take an alibi round here. There is another post on this thread by me from about a year ago. For me a lot has changed, is changing, and will change. For RFTW 2010, two of us rode from our home to Angel Fire and then rode back up to La Junta before breaking off and heading home. I arrived home safely and there is less sadness and depression in my life. The healing isn’t over and may never be over — but things are better now. My Honda Nighthawk has been passed on to another gentleman who will take good care of her. In her place is a Honda Goldwing, not a new one but a grizzled veteran sort of like me. Probably too much bike for me, but I am learning. I dearly wanted to ride a couple of legs in 2010 and was thinking of linking up in Goodland and then riding through to the Kansas border. My son bought a Goldwing in December 09 and I found my bike in February 10.

A little discussion and I was bringing up Streets and Trips, looking for Angel Fire. I left here with very few miles on the Goldwing and very little experience on a heavy bike. Two days later I was riding up the road to Angel Fire through the Kit Carson National Forest. I had not fully mastered the secrets of pushing a bike the size of a fully loaded Goldwing through tight turns, a fact not lost on the young Indian fellow following us in the white pickup truck. He stopped in Eagles Nest and mentioned to my son, while I was signing in to the motel, that I had been in trouble a couple of times and I was not
riding safely. I bore watching!! My son wanted to ride on up to Taos and, being stupid, I said yes. More twistys as we snaked up over the hills to Taos. But the feelings I had looking over my shoulder at the
Angel Fire Memorial I simply cannot describe. It only happens once and it feels like something is flowing back into your soul. We followed RFTW back into Angel Fire and then made the climb up the entrance road to the memorial. Let me say that I have a short inseam and the Goldwing is a tall bike. Sure enough, I rode up the asphalt onto the rock and then onto the dirt where I promptly dropped the bike on her left side trying to turn in the road. I got it back up, somehow, and the remainder of my afternoon was heart wrenching and memorable. The next morning we were there early for breakfast at Eagles Nest. Pulling into the parking lot I rode from the asphalt onto the rock parking lot and dropped the bike again on her left side trying to make a tight turn. This time a sufficient number of good samaritans were on hand to help get the old girl up off the rock.

We lined up in Angel Fire for the days ride. I was getting better at holding the bike up and negotiating curves at a decent rate of speed, but I still sucked. Through Eagles Nest and up the grade and then off the hill and into Ratone for the refuel (I still don’t know who called my name out as I
rode up to turn in to the fuel stop) and then down the highway into La Junta. Now there was no time for gawking. It took everything I had to stay up. In La Junta we said adios and hit the road east through Garden City and then on home, a total of around 1,600 miles. That’s last years ride. Here’s the changes I have made in my life because of it. I wasn’t a very good rider and I wasn’t in very good health. The riding comes with experience and with experience comes the desire to ride more. I’m getting better, but I still suck. I have spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices since May. I take a few more pills, have submitted to a few more undignified medical tests, and I am trying to change my diet, eat less, and drink more water. It’s working. I now have a dandy set of knee braces for both legs and I can actually walk with a lot less pain. I just finished lining out my ride plans for 2011. We’re riding through Angel
Fire and Taos because my target is Gallup. Every year is memorable.

Every year one single thing stands out. If there is a single memory that I will hold from RFTW 2010, it will not be the Angel Fire Memorial. It will not be the easy friendliness and acceptance we experienced in the bar after registering for RFTW in Angel Fire. It will be the fifteen seconds as the platoons were firing up to leave La Junta. We had moved our bikes out of the line and were standing up by the turn to say goodbye. All of a sudden here comes a purposeful form with the leathers on and the helmet locked in place. Seeing the look of self confidence on Screamer’s face as she fired up her scooter will be what I recall. I’ve seen that look on the faces of American soldiers all to often when things were not good, and maybe even worn that look a couple of times. I had just forgot it. I just stood there in awe and watched that young woman as she mentally went over a checklist, bringing up the things she had to do and then checking them off as having been done. I watched her invisibly do the count as she ran over the riders behind her who were depending on her for leadership.

I know she was circling a couple of those names for close observation. I wouldn’t know Screamer from Adams Off Ox unless she was in her leathers with the name tag. But I know she’s damned good and a dependable force to be reckoned with. I’ve seen that little half smile behind visors before
(pilots helmets) and I know what it means when you see the muscles in the neck below the ear flex. It’s all business then from here until she has her charges to the next point of safety. Its “Do the job, Hell or high water”, then the whole routine starts over. That’s this new generation we sometimes fail to understand and appreciate. That’s the display of character that allows me to rest a little easier. This damned country is being passed on to good, competent Americans and I understand that my efforts were not in vain. Now I’ve got to bring up Streets and Trips. I’ve got a run to plan for in 2011. Hello Gallup! Nighthawk

Posted on by

FNG Story – Buddy Love

Name: Buddy Love
E-Mail: broncobud72@yahoo.com
Phone: 318-697-1877
City: Logansport
State: Louisiana
FNG Story:

….TEARS IN THE WIND……………..
The road is long, the sun is hot,
And in my throat there is a knot
RUN FOR THE WALL is where I’m at
It’n not just a ride, it’s much more that

These tears in the wind are for you my fiend,
For sacrifices made
All gave some, some gave all,
Your memories will never fade.

As I ride tears stream from my eyes
It isn’t wrong when a grown man cries
A soldier’s memory ride by my side
Local heroes who suffered and died.

The “friendlies” are great, they wave us on
This ride we make is very well known
Flags are waving and tears are flowing
The number in our group keeps on growing

Choppers in Mississippi escort our way
The school kids in Virginia make my day
A week of riding new friends I’ve found
All riding together, Washington bound

To make this ride has been my dream
I’ve waited all my life or so it seems
To pay my respects for soldiers gone
As I ride this road, I am not alone

This RUN FOR THE WALL is for you my friend
My proudest moment in 2010
Tears in the wind as I ride along
Gathering words for this song.

(written by Linda Love for Buddy Love)

Thanks to all on the RFTW 2010 who let me join this wonderful group this year. I have been waiting for this for years and was not disappointed. I got to pay respects to local heroes at the WALL. Thanks so much to all responsible for making this a safe journey for all of us. “MOJO” and her group in third platoon kept very good care of me, Thanks.