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Day 2: Honor

I don’t think I’m going to find the most appropriate words to describe today’s events to you, but I’m going to give it my best. The morning started in Williams Arizona on historic Route 66 where breakfast and snacks for the road were provided by very generous supporters of the RFTW. The effort it takes to procure, prepare, and serve what is so graciously given to the riders is significant. Thank you for honoring us with your sacrifice of service and resources.

One of the routine events in a rider’s day is the morning meeting. Every morning we kick things off with raffles, 50-50 drawings, military branch challenge donation collections, and auctions. Each of these are fundraisers that culminate in a donation to the Rainelle Elementary School on our 9th day of the Run.  I’ll write more about Rainelle in a future SitRep. Following the fundraising, we pledge allegiance  to the US Flag, the lead Chaplain prays for the day ahead, then we honor Gold Star families, Silver Star families, POW/MIA families, FNG’s, and several KIA’s. For the KIAs a bio is read and an FNG selected to carry that bio to the Wall. Each one, remembered, honored by the riders of the Run, but more specifically by the individual tasked with the honor of carrying that KIA’s memory to the Wall.

Today’s route saw us travel from Williams AZ to Gallup NM. We stopped for fuel in Winslow after parading through town, then rolled on to Holbrook for lunch. As we entered town we were lead in a parade past every school, and I mean every school where every student lined the street holding flags, waving signs, clapping, waving, and yelling, “thank you”. The honor these students and their teachers showed to complete strangers, veterans, riders, was overwhelming. I wear foam lined glasses when riding so wind, rain, and sand don’t get in my eyes. I had to lift them off my face to let the “rain” run down my cheeks instead of pooling in my glasses.  Thank you Holbrook for raising the next generation to honor others. It is an enormous testimony to the character of your people.

One of the most important ways we honor others is through the Missing Man Formation. Every mile of every day we ride for a missing man at the front of our line of riders. The formation consists of two riders followed by just one who is in turn followed by two. The space next to the one rider in the middle is left for the “missing man” and the person riding next to the missing man is the missing man escort. Every leg, we ride for someone different. I’d like to tell you about one of the riders who rode as an escort today.  Tom is an FNG from Washington State. He rode in honor of his father, Sheldon Grover, Field Musician First Class USMC, who served as an antiaircraft gunner onboard a ship during the campaign for Okinawa. I am unsure of what Tom was feeling before he started his missing man escort, but looking at him I could see he was experiencing many emotions and thoughts and that his ride might not be easy. When his escort was completed I asked him how it went. Part of his response was, that “it became easier the closer we rode to its completion.”  Riding as the missing man escort can be quite difficult. Thank you to those who have and will fulfill this role during our run to DC. We honor you and are all behind you, literally, spurring you on to the completion of your mission.

I’d like to take a moment to honor Tom and any veteran like him who felt shamed upon returning from war. Tom is a Vietnam Veteran who gave me permission to relate this portion of his personal story. After successfully fulfilling his honorable duty in Vietnam he returned home. Upon landing, the reception he felt in the airport left him feeling so ashamed that he went into a bathroom, changed into civilian clothes out of his dress uniform, and left it behind. Tom, the days of shame are long past. We honor your service. You and your brothers had your well-deserved parade today in Holbrook and will have several more before our mission is complete.

Lunch in Holbrook was wonderful. The American Legion Navajo Post 37 hosted us with as much enthusiasm as was shown by the students who welcomed us into town. While we ate, we were treated to several different Native dances. I am uncertain of their ages, but most were rather young compared to their audience. One in particular was quite young and stole the hearts of those I was sitting with (sadly I only captured blurry photos).  The National Anthem was performed by Isabella Moyte who was met with a roar of approval from the room when she finished. Each of these performances were gifts of honor to the riders. The Native dances all have significant meaning, and the National Anthem was sung in Honor of our nation.

We left Holbrook bound for Gallup, NM where I greatly anticipated our time at Red Rock Park and the three mile’ish parade we ride through town. While not the throng of people we usually encounter on the parade through town, we were met with a good number of patriots who waved flags and cheered our arrival. This is significant. Gallup, NM and the Navajo people were especially impacted by COVID. To see the city rebounding and people starting to get back to a generally normal way of life is very encouraging. The culmination of our parade through town was our arrival at Red Rock Park.  The street was lined was flags on both sides ushering us through the history of warriors past who sacrificed for our great nation into a ceremony of honor presented by representatives of several First Nations (Navajo, Comanche, Osage, Cheyenne, and descendants of the Modoc tribe from NE California).

Arrival at Red Rock Park

The Head Singer (Paul Bemore), drummers, and other singers along with the Head Gourd Dancer (Travis King) lead our riders and members of their tribes in several songs/dances. The one that I found to be most significant was the song/dance that brought in the flags. The Master of Ceremony (Ramona Yazzie) said that First Nations have over 500 flags. A combined color guard of sorts was created by having a number of people from all of the groups represented carry in a large number of flags. The flag ceremony and the song that went with it honors RFTW veterans as warriors. Let that sink in. People rich in heritage, who now live and fight under the flag of the United States yet remember their own sovereign history, choose to honor our veterans as highly as they honor their own warriors. This moment is not just an extremely memorable stop on the Run For The Wall, it is an exchange of kindred spirit olive branches that renews each time these songs are sung and the ceremony is completed.

As the ceremony started I approached a gentleman in what I probably am ignorantly calling “costume”. [edit: a reader tells me this is called regalia.]  I fear that completely under represents the significance of what he was wearing. I do know the feathers and other adornments have deep meaning, so I apologize for my lack of knowing the correct terminology.  I introduced myself and asked for basic information such as what does this ceremony represent, who organized it, what Nations are represented here today, and so on. T.J. Anderson introduced himself, answered my questions, and then introduced me to several of the elders who were present. Thank you T.J. I was honored that you’d take the time to introduce me to the elders who were present.

I’d like to leave you with an additional image,  provided I can paint it with words well enough to convey its importance. One of the elders had spent the previous night in the hospital. He’d been released just that morning yet he was present at the event in a motorized chair. When the flags were presented during the flag ceremony, he found the strength of will to stand. While so many wish to degrade the notion of sovereignty and the flags that represent individual nations, this man fought through his difficulty to stand and give honor to the US Flag and the other flags flying with her.

I’ve entitled this post “Honor” and I’ve used the term many times. My hope is that I have conveyed that we daily receive and can choose to give honor to others while on the Run. It is part of what makes experiencing and participating in this mission so special. My prayer for each of you reading this is that you’d fully receive the honor given to you. You are worthy of it. If you are a veteran, we honor your sacrifice, please reach out if you need help. If you are a supporter, we honor you as well. Thank you for supporting the Run For The Wall. If you fall into a different category, we’d like to honor you as well. Come join the RFTW family by finding a way to support the mission.

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Day 1: Ontario to Williams

Welcome to the 2022 Central Route Run For The Wall (RFTW)! I am Redleg. I’ll be bringing you daily reports of the many amazing moments the Central Route experiences on our mission across the country. If you are reading this, you are likely familiar with the mission and history of the RFTW, for those who are not I thought it important to put it here at the start of our journey to focus us on why we ride.

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

The RFTW Philosophy
We strive to maintain a safe, supportive, and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

RFTW Goals
To guide the participants across America.
To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

Wow, today was amazing!
After a two-year hiatus the RFTW was once again rolling out of Ontario California enroute to Washington DC. The day started early, with last minute registration starting at 0545 and riders from the Central, Midway, and Southern routes staging at the Ontario Convention Center parking lot D for a spectacular sendoff, which started at 0645. Donuts, coffee, and breakfast burritos were graciously donated and handed out by volunteers from local service organizations, the National Anthem was sung, and chills were experienced as about a thousand patriots pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you to the Marine Corps Walking Color Guard from the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow CA for presenting the Colors. As is done every morning, the day was started with prayer, a safety briefing, and several groups of people were honored…FNG’s (Friendly New Guys and Gals), Active-Duty Military, Medal of Honor recipients, Blue Star families (those with family members currently serving), and Gold Star families (those who have lost an actively serving service-member).

It is extremely difficult to describe the enthusiasm of the supporters we encountered on today’s journey. The day was filled with countless hugs, handshakes, laughs, and smiles all exchanged by riders and patriots encountered at our send off and at each of our stops. Supporters waited in the blazing sun to wave flags from overpasses, and city streets welcoming home our veterans and those we ride for. We stopped for gas in Barstow CA, Ludlow AZ, and Kingman AZ. We enjoyed lunch in Needles CA, which was sponsored by the Needles Chamber of Commerce. Upon our arrival in Williams AZ, dinner was provided by the American Legion Post 13. Everywhere we went, patriots of all ages were there to welcome us home and to encourage us as we fulfill our mission.

Needles California
There’s just something about the town of Needles that makes the insane heat there just fade (at least a little) into the background. If one rides away from Needles hungry or unhappy, they’ve missed what Needles has to offer. There are many people we encounter on the run that have spent countless hours in preparation to host our riders for a meal or a gas stop. The first place we stop for a meal is Needles; the people there get us off to an incredible start. Lunch was served in an air conditioned room! I’m not quite sure if I should call our lunch taco salad, or beef nachos with all the fixings. Maybe the best thing to call it was “delicious.” Outside, we were provided with bananas, ice cream, cold drinks, and cooling bandanas to help us across the desert. The entire visit was set to the backdrop of music from not one, not two, but three bands! The music was great, but seeing people still learning to play instruments made me smile. A bit of a side note about me, for my undergrad years I majored in music so the gift of music in the hot sun filled my soul for the remainder of the day’s ride. Thank you Needles for declaring today Run For The Wall Day and for providing such a “warm” welcome. The special tablecloths were really cool!

Williams Arizona
What’s not to like about parading along historic Route 66 in Williams! We entered the city on historic Route 66 from the West and paraded through warmly lit neon in the light of a soon setting sun and the radiant smiles of patriots who waved us into town. Williams is in the desert, but I assure you, there was a bit of rain in many riders helmets. The welcome we received on the streets of Williams was matched by the amazing bar-b-que so generously cooked for us by the volunteers at American Legion Post 13. The meal Post 13 provides always warms both our stomachs and our hearts. If lunch in Needles wasn’t clue enough, it’s at this point in our mission that FNG’s realize they will not go hungry unless they choose to do so. The generosity given to the riders through a labor of love represented in the ample bar-b-q and fixins in Williams paired with the spread at lunch meant no rider was going hungry today and there won’t be anyone hungry going forward either.

In one corner of the room, Post 13 has a solemn reminder of why we ride. It speaks for itself.

Patriotism on the Highways
One of the things that always makes it rain inside our helmets is seeing people who have come from who-knows-where to stand on overpasses and freeway frontage roads out in the middle of nowhere to waive flags in acknowledgement that this is a parade for those who have never received what they were due upon returning from war. Thank you to all who came out to spur us on. One moment that made it rain a bit in my helmet today was when we came upon a trucker who appeared to have broken down on the highway. There was a support vehicle assisting him. As we passed, he stepped toward the highway and held his hand over his heart. In his moment of trouble, he took the time to honor us.

Thank you
It is with sincere heart felt thanks that we express our gratitude to the many people who made today possible. We are so very grateful for the send off from Ontario, lunch in Needles, and dinner in Williams. Your sacrifice is recognized. We will honor it as we continue the mission.

Today’s stats
Miles: 402
Temps started in the high 50’s, peaked at 106, and ended in the mid 70’s.
There were 192 bikes in the main pack, and as always a significant number of riders on all of the support crews.

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Ontario

The short time spent in Ontario is filled to the brim with activities. From information and planning meetings, to registration, to the Quartermaster issuing all of the things leadership needs to get the job done there is an unending buzz of activity. Amongst all of the preparation efforts there is still the focus on the mission.

Tomorrow a contingent of riders will visit the Riverside National Cemetery. The enormity of RNC is imposing on its own but add to it the National Medal of Honor Memorial, the POW/MIA Memorial and the Veterans Memorial and you have a weighty feeling even in the midst of the peaceful water features and lush green grass. Knowing the Central Route’s FNG meeting coincides with the departure of riders to RNC, I took two of the FNG’s I invited on the Run to RNC today. These are the words Glenn wrote about his experience,

“This morning three of us rode out to Riverside National Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the National Cemetery System, which was created in 1862 to create military burial places. Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) was created in 1976, covers 1,250 acres,and is beautiful and peaceful. While we were there, at about 10:00 on a Monday morning, we witnessed one funeral procession, heard a 21-gun salute, and heard ‘Taps’ floating to us across a beautiful pond. I’m told RNC is the busiest cemetery in the National Cemetery System, and I believe it. RNC contains three national monuments; the Medal of Honor Memorial, the POW/MIA Memorial, and the Veterans Memorial. They were all somber, powerful and impactful, but the POW/MIA Memorial just wrecked me emotionally.”

Glenn is not alone. We saluted or held our hands over our hearts as the funeral procession passed by, then did the same when we heard the 21 gun salute and taps. When they were complete, there was not a dry eye among us. What followed as we approached the POW/MIA memorial was even stronger. There is no way to not be “wrecked” by the image so carefully sculpted to depict the suffering and hardship those in captivity endure. We are so very blessed by those who have gone before us to secure our freedoms.

We ride for those who can’t is not just a motto, it is a way of life. We look for opportunities to actively draw men and women under the umbrella of the mission by speaking to people about their service or the service of their loved ones. Today, just before leaving RNC, Glenn, who I quoted above, asked if he could go back to the Medal of Honor memorial to take a few more pictures. We had plenty of time so of course we said yes. Glenn rode back to the memorial ahead of myself and the other rider who went with us as we hadn’t yet fully geared up. Upon parking near the memorial I witnessed a woman standing over a grave marker where she’d just placed fresh flowers. Her posture was one we all recognize, it was one that demonstrated a heavy heart and loss. I felt the need to approach her to tell her of our mission and to let her know that she is not alone. Jan, we will carry your burden with us, you are not alone. The loss of Carol is recognized and honored. As Jan and I spoke she told me that her sister was supposed to join her at the cemetery but had a conflict. Jan felt she needed to come anyway. As we were parting, she said “now I know why.” Indeed, I would not have approached if Jan were not alone. Nobody should walk out their grief alone. We ride for those who can’t. We listen, remember, and join hearts so that people like Jan and her mother Carol are remembered and are not alone.

The afternoon concluded with me witnessing my daughter, who recently graduated high school, becoming officially pinned as an FNG (friendly new gal) and experiencing the tremendous gift of the Combat Veterans Bike Build. This year, there were two bikes built and given to veterans who have themselves given much. Tomorrow is the last day of preparation, Thursday we ride.

A quick note about photos. I will generally add a few photos to the daily SitReps but I am not the Central Route Photographer. I’d like to point out that in the Central Route Hub on this website you can find a link the the images the official photographer will post. I encourage you to click through those to better “see” what I’m doing my best to describe to you as we cross the country to complete our mission.

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The Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart

It’s almost time for the Run For The Wall. Riders are leaving their homes on their individual journeys to Ontario for the start of the mission. It is each of these individual stories that combine hearts and minds into one purpose to fulfill the mission of the Run For The Wall. Everyone has their own story, their own reasons for riding, their own troubles and victories. As a group, we listen and care for one another as we execute the mission of riding for those who can’t and peacefully drawing attention to the 81,600 servicemen and women who are still unaccounted for.

One of the stories woven into the Run For The Wall is the escort of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart across the country for delivery to an airport where it will serve to honorably carry the remains of fallen military members to and from aircraft. This year, the cart is traveling from the Seattle Tacoma (SEATAC) airport where it was constructed by Alaska Airlines volunteers, to Ontario and then on to Kansas City with the Central Route. The cart departed SEATAC this morning and will arrive in Ontario on Saturday, May 14th. It was at the cart’s first stop in Rochester, WA that I met up with it to thank the escort riders, and Jim Rea, the organizer of this year’s cart. My purpose for going to see the cart was to honor those making the escort journey and to help some of my friends and family in my home state understand a bit more about why we ride. Being a member of the Central Route, I will of course have opportunity to escort the cart, but seeing it in this context as a patriot citizen with others who cannot ride was fulfilling. Those I took with me were grateful for the opportunity to experience firsthand the patriotism that is still alive within Washington state and the rest of the country. It was with grateful hearts and tears in our eyes that we waved, saluted, and raised the flag for the escort and the cart as it departed Rochester on its journey southward to Ontario.

My personal journey to the 32nd Run For The Wall will start tomorrow, but the mission for most of us lasts all year. Today’s experience with the cart and one of the Patriot Guard Riders who escorted it from SEATAC to Rochester was a reminder that we should always be ready to listen to the stories of our brothers and sisters. After the cart and its escort departed, my family and I were in the parking lot packing up our flags and preparing to ride the 45 minutes back home when a gentleman began to tell his own story of woundedness. I gave the hero as much time as I could to unload some of what he was carrying. I hope it was enough. Everyone has value, everyone is important, and to lose anyone to their struggles is a tragedy.

Those carried by the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart have their stories honored by the volunteers who sacrificed to build the cart and to carry it to airports across the nation. Their stories are also remembered by their Gold Star families and those who support them in their time of need. Every man and woman participating in the Run For the Wall has their own story as well. It is those stories when shared and honored that bring restoration and healing to the brokenness caused by military conflict. I look forward to bringing you the story of the Central Route this year and some of the individual stories that make the greater story of the 32nd Run For The Wall so much richer.

Departure of the Fallen Soldier Cart from Rochester Washington

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

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

May 23, 2020 – In Washington DC

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

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

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

                                 This is the Changing of the Guards. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here you see many of them placed under their name.

 

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

MISSION COMPLETE !!!!

 

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

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

POW / MIA Poem

 

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

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

General George Patton

 

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

God bless the USA.

 

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 10

Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 10

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

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

 

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

 

Beautiful country pics.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Quote:

NEVER FORGET !!!!!!

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 9

Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 9

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Here is her husband.

 

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

The 4 wars are WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam

 

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

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

 

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

 

Check out the reception from last year!!!! 

 

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

 

 

Quote: 

         Heroes do not wear capes, they wear dog tags.

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 8

May 20, 2020 – Day 8 to DC – Corydon, IN to Hurricane WV

Day 8 is a great day because of the stops we make.  But before we leave there is always the pledge and a prayer. Platoons break out for their morning meetings.  Because there are always new people joining, we go over all the rules to keep everyone safe on the road.

 

We cross the Ohio River into Kentucky.  We are Almost to DC.

 

Our first stop is Robley Rex VA Hospital.  We are greeted with open arms.  They love when the Run comes thru.  The patients love it and cannot wait until we get there.

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

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

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

Hugs all around from the staff.  Next year I hope we get all the hugs again. 

 

The Pledge of Allegiance is said. Oh my gosh the number of veteran that go on the Run is amazing.  We see this every day. 

 

 

We are able to visit several of the patients. They are always so excited to see us come in and love to hear the sound of the motorcycles as we pull in.

Here is one example from last year:

This gentleman served in Navy from 1964 to 1967.  He was on the USS Yorktown.  He put the aircraft on the elevators to get to them up on deck.  They put inappropriate notes on the bombs. He just smiled from ear to ear.  I can only imagine what they wrote. 😁😁😁

We all love to hear the stories of the lives of these veterans that they gave for our country.

 

Before you leave, you have to see Popcorn Billy.  He is famous in the hospital, and he love the girls, just ask him.

 

 The gentleman to his left served with “Popcorn” Billy.  He gave me the story on Billy.  The 2 here and Billy’s twin brother served in the same unit from 1968-69.  They were in the 57th Assault Helicopter Company. It was the first attach on a helicopter unit. Billy’s brother died in this attach and Billy was wounded.  Ever since he has been helping all the people can.  The name “popcorn” came because he makes popcorn and sells it then donates the proceed. He buys all the supplies.  Always smiling and likes hugs!!

 

Next stop Frankfort KY at the Vietnam Memorial.

Vietnam War Sundial

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

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

 

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

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

 

Lunch is at Mt. Sterling.  We come into Mt. Sterling and what a reception. The schools always have the kids out.  I am sure they would all like to be in school to see us instead of dealing with the Pandemic.  Hang in there kids, we will be back next year. Here all the kids are out waving flags and screaming.  So neat. 

 

 Many years this leg is very hot.  Coming into the center, the air conditioning feels soooo good.

 

After lunch, the roads thru KY into WV are always so beautiful. Here are a few pics from last year.

 

 

 The last leg is to Hurricane WV.  What I remember about Hurricane is that for several years we got an escort from a Huey.  Pics do not do it justice.

It was Pretty Low

Always a nice reception here.  Ladies and Gentlemen thanks for service.

 

Here is the Huey the flew over us.

 

Day 9, we visit the kids at Rainelle. Since the begin of the Run we have been collecting money for the schools in that town.  It was one of the first school “Gunny” Gregory stopped at on his first run from CA of DC in 1989.  I am told that these bikers gave the kids a ride on their bikes.  Really, bikers, black leather … and kids.  This friendship has been there for many years and thru many generations.  This would be year 32.

Quote:

            The price of freedom is written on the wall

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 7

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

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

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

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

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

Vietnam Veterans Memorial December 1967

“Whither thou goest, I will go.”

 

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

 

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

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Next stop: Jefferson Barracks

This is the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and Health Care Facility

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

Corydon is another town with lots of kids.

 

 

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

They needed a lot of fish to feed this crew.

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

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Central Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 6

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

downs.

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

 

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

Formation:

Route Coordinator                    State Coordinator

Escort                                        Missing Man (empty spot)                      

Missing Man Coordinator        Head Chaplin  


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

The name is put in the Missing Man position.  

 

                                               Here is how it looks on the road.

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Here is an example: 

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

 Check out the size of this flag.!!!!

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

 

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

 

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

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