Category: Midway Route SitReps

I have NO idea how to describe today!  But I will give it a shot.

First, Cookeville!  WOW!  This is the Midway Route’s “Home Away From Home.”  The entire City welcomes us here each year with parades, food, hugs, cheers, speeches, waving flags, flashing lights, and true southern hospitality.  These are all adjectives that I have used to describe all of our other stops this year.  But in Cookeville, they all get turned up to eleven!  They go overboard in greeting and taking care of us.  I just can’t say enough good things about the City of Cookeville!  You NEED to come experience it for yourself.

The Midway Route is trying something a little different this year for RFTW.  We are having a “slow-down day” or as I prefer to call it, an “outreach day.”  Let me try to explain it.

By this time of the Run, most Riders have been on the road for about 10-12 days.  We NEED to do some laundry, get our bikes worked on, repack and reorganize our “stuff”, and for some of us, rest.  To accomplish all of this, our Leadership Team decided to spend two nights in Cookeville instead of one.  But instead of just stopping here and doing nothing, we would create several outreach opportunities for the Riders.  These are all optional.  If a Rider doesn’t want to go anywhere, they don’t have to.  But for those that do, there are some choices.

In fact, there are THREE choices.  We have outreach programs going to VA Hospitals and homes, National Cemeteries, and special monuments.  To make sure that everyone gets a chance to participate, we invite all of those Rides pulling a trailer to drop them at the Host Hotel and ride without them for a day.  (Trailers are rarely allowed on outreach missions, for parking logistics and pack safety.)  Our service platoons, such as the Staging, Fuel, and Advance Teams are always so busy that they never get to go on an outreach program.  The do today!  We will have a minimal staging crew just to get us started, the Riders are on their own for fuel today, and since we aren’t moving, the Advance Team can take the day off!  It is a “win/win” situation for all of the Riders AND we get to spend more time in this incredible community.

But it causes one small problem for your Photographer and SITREP Author.  There are THREE outreach programs today, each of which is happening at the same time, in locations about 75 miles apart from each other.  So what am I to do?  How can I document each of them?  How do I tell the stories that are happening?  The answer is: I can’t.  Fear Not!  I have asked for the Riders to send me any photos that they take so that I can share them with you.  I have specific people taking notes at each outreach, so that I can tell you what is happening today.  We WILL get the stories published to you, but it may take a few days.  So this SITREP, Day Seven, is actually Day Seven “A”.  Part “B” will be posted later.

SO I am going to take the time to talk about HOW the Midway Route operates and WHO is doing what.

At the top of the list is our Route Coordinator, or RC, Jerry “Corp” Wilkins.  Jerry is our Man In Charge.  He makes all of the final decisions and takes responsibility for all of our actions.  It is a heavy burden, but Jerry stepped up and assumed the command.  He is doing an incredible job, and has earned the respect of every person associated with the Midway Route.  And that is a fete that is not easily accomplished.  Remember that most of our Riders are former Military personelle.  They are used to taking orders from their Officers.  Jerry is a Civilian!  Yet he has assumed the role of Commander, and no one questions his authority.  That is one of the wonders of the Run For The Wall Mission.  We respect our leaders and volunteers.  They have earned that respect by “stepping up” when others didn’t.  Jerry Wilkins, I told you several years ago that I would help you out, and I stand by that promise.  It has been an honor to work with you.  You have done a great job, Sir!

Next in line is our Assistant Route Coordinator.  Don “10-a-See” King.  Don is the second-in-command and assumes the responsibility of leader when the RC is not available.  Don is also our Tennessee State Coordinator, so he is responsible for all of the wonderful stops and activities that we are having in this great State.  He shares the same level of responsibilities as the RC, and can use this year as “training.”  The Assistant Route Coordinator generally becomes the RC the following year.  “10-a-See”, I hope you are taking notes!

The man in charge of our safety is Leo “Rucksack” Rachmel.  He is the Man IN Charge of our incredible Road Guards.  The Road Guards keep us safe from traffic along our entire route.  They work with local Law Enforcement Officers to control the flow of traffic around us, and also to control OUR impact on the regions we travel through.  The Midway Route can stretch several miles long while rolling down the highway, and that can really make it tough for the locals to conduct their routine business.  Our Road Guards are instrumental in keeping everything “rolling along.”  Leo is also tasked with making sure we physically stay on our route.  He has to know all of the road conditions ahead of us, keep an eye on the weather, and have contingency plans in case ANY element changes.  It is a TOUGH job, and Leo is doing it admirably.

We have an entire Leadership Support Team that consists of Honor Guards, Platoon Coordinators, Hotel Coordinators, Finance Teams, Risk Management Officers, Social Media Directors, Public Affairs Officers, Promotions Teams, ASL Sign Language Interpreters, and a Photographer and SITREP Author.  We have a Registration Team that keeps all of the paperwork in order for each and every Rider.  (They know who you are!)  We even have a Merchandise Team!  (Want to buy an RFTW shirt or cap?  They can sell you one!)

There is an Outreach Team that has set up all of our programs that “reach out” to the communities we pass through, providing moral support and encouragement to Veterans and MIA/POW Families.  (The Outreach Team has one of the most emotionally difficult jobs of the entire Mission, as they are the ones that actually meet and get to know the very people we are trying to support.)  We have an Ambassadors Tram that head out in front of the Pack to visit with people on overpasses, by the side of the road, at fuel stops, and anywhere else that they see people who are eager to support us.  The Ambassadors are our “boots on the ground” Team that meet with the general public on a daily basis.  (I call what they do “ambassing.”  Again, not a real word, just something that I made up!)

On the “heavier” side of things, we have a Chaplain Corp.  These Men and Women are here to attend to  our spiritual and emotional needs.  I don[t know how we would get along without them!  It’s not just “religion” that they attend to, but any support that a rider may need.  Feeling a little blue today?  Talk to a Chaplain.  Need some advise on how to deal with your daily pressures?  Talk to a Chaplain.  Need something that you forgot at home?  Talk to a Chaplain.  They will help get you sorted out!  I LOVE our Chaplains.  They are the kindest, most generous, and genuinely friendly people that you will ever meet!

It’s not just your soul they want to save, though.  They also run our hydration and snack trailer.  They keep us supplied with cool beverages and food to keep us physically going down the road.  (Thank you, Mission M25, for your incredible service to our Riders!)  Our Chaplains also operate our Chase Vehicles.  If someone has a bike breakdown during the Run, the Chase Vehicles will stop, load the bike on a trailer, and take it to the next stop.  We don’t leave anyone stranded on the side of the road!

One more thing that the Chaplains do is work directly with our Medical Corp.  (Some of our Chaplains are actual Medics!)  The Medics will look after any cuts, scrapes, bruises, minor illnesses, or other physical problems.  They are on-call 24/7.  No matter the weather, you will always find the Medics walking around with full field-trauma kits strapped to them, ready for any emergency, great or small.  I hope you never have to use their services, but if you do, you will be in GREAT hands!  (They are also really nice Guys and Gals to talk to.  Don’t be shy.  Come on up and visit them!)

I just can’t tell you how many people it takes to organize and run something an event as massive as Run For The Wall.  There are over a hundred volunteers that make it all look seamless and easy.  From the Advance Team to the Staging Team, to the Fuel Team and the individual Platoon Leaders, these people work around the clock so that we can accomplish our Mission.  Before we even hit the road, we have a State coordinator that is in charge of everything that happens in their respective State as we pass through.  And we pass through ten States!  I know that I am leaving a lot of people and positions out, and I am sorry.  It is a huge undertaking to make Run For The Wall happen each year, and we DO start making plans for the next year even before we are through with THIS year.

All so that we can fulfill our Mission statement, which is: “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.”

“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.“

Our Goals are: to guide the participants safely across America, and to educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

This evening, at a special dinner hosted by the City of Cookeville, Tennessee, the Midway Route of Run For The Wall presented Tennessee State flags to twelve Gold Star Families.

This is Run For The Wall.  This is what we do.

Jim Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author

Fun In The Sun!

After the emotionally charged day we had yesterday, we were all looking forward to a “simple” day of riding.  No real agenda other than making it to Cookeville, TN.  Well, that isn’t exactly true, because today was Sunday, and that means “Church with Chaplains!”  (That’s not what our church service is really called, but let’s see if we can “make it a thing.”)  This morning, “Blister” and his lovely Wife offered us a worship service filled with song and scripture, and enough patriotism mixed in to make everyone happy!  Our Sunday services are “non-denominational” so that they may include everyone from all religions and faiths.  Over the years with RFTW, I have heard Baptist, Episcopalian, Church of Christ, Pentecostal, and several other ministers speak to our crowd.  It’s funny to say, but our Preachers are never “preachy” but always talk about Gods love for us and how our faith redeems us. Today was no exception.  Our Chaplains offer encouragement, enlightenment, and healing for all who need it, regardless of their background or faith.  We got a GREAT start to our day!

We threw a leg over our saddles right after church and headed out on the open road.  Or should I say “closed highways?”  Yep, we had LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) escorts all day long.  We had another presidential escort to get us through Memphis, we had the Tennessee State Troopers take us down most of the highways, and had local police in every town.  They were all great and saved our own Road Guards from a lot of hard work.  That doesn’t mean that they had it overly easy, though.  When not under a Presidential escort (all lanes closed), there is still traffic on the roads.  There is an Officer or two at the front of the pack to guide us, and one or two in the back to slow down the traffic.  It is up to the Road Guards to take care of the Riders in between the two ends.  They still have to block intersections, move traffic along instead of letting them sit in one position next to the bikes, and do what is called a “rolling block” so that the pack can safely change lanes.  It is hard work!

But the Road Guards love doing it.  I can tell you from personal experience, having been a Road Guard for a few years, that riding moderately aggressively is fun, but you had better be sharp and on your game.  Dealing with traffic jams while trying to catch up and pass the pack is challenging.  But they you’re your Photographer) put up with the hassle to make sure we all arrive safely at our destination.  (And get pictures along the route, as well!)

One of the payoffs for this morning’s work was arriving at our lunch stop in Dickson, Tennessee.  We paraded through town to thunderous applause and screaming children, all waving flags and holding up banners.  We stopped at the Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church and had an amazing stuffed baked potato and a salad with TONS of additions like olives, bacon, pickled beets, ham, cheese, and all sorts of other good things.  (Yes Kathy, I had a big salad!)  We washed it all down with a big ol’ glass of sweet tea and then finished off the meal with the most decadent chocolate cake!  It was so good!!!

But do you know what was even better?  The people that welcomed us into their church.  From the youngest little girl that handed each one of us a Gideon Bible, to the oldest Lady that served me the tea, these people were all smiles, hugs, and handshakes.  They do this for us every year, and we greatly appreciate it.

There is another special group that helps out with this meal that I want to mention.  I don’t know how it got started, but I am glad that it did.  When we arrive, there is a group of Men standing apart from the crowds, up the slope of a little hill, just standing in the shade.  They always wear a bright yellow shirt and some black and white striped pants.  They are inmates from the local prison.  These Men found themselves on the wrong side of society and the law and have been incarcerated.  But this group has worked hard to turn their lives around and are getting ready to rejoin their community.  They do “community service” work, such as lawn maintenance, setting up our chairs and tables, and cleaning up after we leave.  Several of us make it a point each year to go over and talk to them.  We don’t treat them any different that we do our own friends.  We thank them for what they have done for the Church, ask if there are any Veterans in the group, joke about the weather, some talk about sports, … You know, just being people!  Hopefully, by not ostracizing them or being “afraid” to associate with them, maybe we can help them regain their pride and they can become productive members of society again.  Gentlemen, Thank You!

Then it was off to Nashville, which is always “fun.”  Thankfully, we had another LEO escort which made it much safer AND quicker than if we would have had to do it ourselves.  I rode well ahead of the pack so that I could get to “Uncle Pete’s” and take pictures of the entire pack arriving.  I don’t know who Uncle Pete is, but this fuel stop is very popular.  There are BIG parking lots, lots of fuel pumps, and extremely friendly people there to help us.  There are always a group of Patriot there to greet us, chief amongst them is the local Fire Department!  They bring out a couple of ladder trucks and fly a HUGE American flag that we ride directly under.  It is quite a sight, and that flag makes a great backdrop for photos.  I felt like a little kid in a candy store!  Thanks to all the Riders that posed for me, but even more thanks for not running me over!  Standing in the middle of 250 bikes, all with engines running, looking for a good photo can be a little nerve wracking.  But I trust these Guys and Gals, and we enjoy “playing” at times like these.

After that last fuel stop, things get a little more intense.  The road from Nashville to Cookeville is beautiful!  “There are trees and hills and plants and things, and the sky is turned to blue.”  But there is also a lot of traffic on these winding roads to be wary of.  Especially after that big lunch and the strength-sapping heat that we have been enduring.  But we soldiered on and arrived in Cookeville just in time for … ANOTHER MEAL!  (I will probably gain some weight on this Mission!)

The City of Cookeville is a marvelous place, and they really treat us like royalty.  We again parade through town, with hundreds of well-wishers lining the streets.  They welcome us into their community with food, speeches, music, and all manner of hospitality.  We like Cookeville so much, that we have decided to stay here for TWO nights this year.

But that is a story for tomorrow.

Cheers!

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author.

If you would like to see all of the “quick edit photos” that I have been posting on Facebook, you can view the entire gallery at: https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2023-Midway-Route-Facebook-Gallery/.   I will be adding more photos to it each day.   After the Run is completed, I will be editing thousands more photos and posting them to individual day galleries on the same location.

Miles, Smiles, and Tears.

Today, the Midway Route had two simple goals in mind.  We needed to make some serious highway miles, and we needed to make a very special stop to pay honor and give respect to one extremely special Lady.  Both tasks would take a lot out of our Riders, so that is all that we planned for the day.  Here is how it all unfolded.

We started our day in Shawnee, Oklahoma, rested and excited for a perfect day for riding.  It was going to start off a bit chilly but would end up being (almost) hot.  At our morning meeting, our Assistant Route Coordinator PROMISED us that there would be no rain falling on us today.  Well, he didn’t lie!  Instead, we had perfectly blue skies with white puffy clouds floating lazily overhead.  And it stayed that way all day!  Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas is a beautiful region, with long winding roads that curve and twist, rise and fall, going from wide open spaces to tunnel-like forests.  Riding this area is always a joy.  (I am glad that I live in north Texas, because I get to come up here several times a year!)

With perfect weather and roads, I was able to make several runs up and down the pack, getting hundreds of photos.  I am pretty sure that I got at least two, and maybe three photos of each Rider as we headed east on the highway.  One of the perks of being the Route Photographer is that I get to ride far ahead of the pack, looking for a good photo opportunity.  And then I get to enjoy an invigorating ride back to the front of the pack, where I do the process all over again.  Today, picking that perfect spot was pretty hard, because ALL of the spots looked great!

One of the things that I do during each years Run is an informal contest that the Riders don’t even know they are participating in.  Two or Three times during our ride, I will look at all of the Platoons and pick the ones that I think look the best as we travel down the highway.  Today was the first contest, and the winner is … well I am not going to say just yet, because I think that we are ALL winners today.  No, not in the liberal “Everybody gets a participation trophy” way. But in the fact that every platoon looked sharp and in great formation.  (Remember, I get to see the whole pack from overpasses and can look down the long line of over 250 bikes!)  Every time I looked at them, each platoon got better and better.  And Every single Rider seemed to have a smile on their face the whole day!  So you see, we DID all win!

But in the spirit of this little contest, I actually DID pick a few of the best platoons (for today) and my choice was corroborated by a couple of the Road Guards.  So, in Third Place for the Prettiest Formation Riding in a Contest The Didn’t Know they were Competing in” goes to … 4^th Platoon!  This platoon has quite a few FNGs in it, but they certainly looked like seasoned RFTW Riders.  At one point I even pulled in beside the Tail Gunner just so I could watch them all “in action.”  Folks, they looked sharp!

Second Place goes to … 7^th Platoon!  These are the big, lumbering Trikes that are hard to handle and maneuver down the road.  Several of the Road Guards agreed with me that our Trike Riders are doing an INCREDIBLE job this year.  They are staying in their lanes, keeping their intervals tight, keeping up with the pack, and not doing nearly as much “rubber banding” as they think they are.  Congratulations Trike Riders!  You crushed it today!

First Place is technically a tie for me, but I am going to award a First Place and an Honorable Mention, and I hope you will agree with my reasoning.  The top two Platoons today were the Road Guards and the Missing Man Formation!

The Road Guards are extremely good Riders.  They are vetted before they become Road Guards, and they have all taken Advanced Riding Courses.  They practice together before the Run so that they are all of the same mindset and intense concentration.  They always look good, but today they looked great!  I don’t want them to get a big head or ego, though, so I will chalk it up to the great lighting that we had!  😊

And the Honorable Mention MUST go to the Missing Man Formation because it is the most honorable position that we have on this Mission.  Yes, the MMF has four Riders that rarely change, so they are extremely confident and capable riding together.  The big variable is the Missing Man Escort Rider that changes with each leg of the day.  But in every case, in all sorts of weather and traffic, this formation ALWAYS looks fantastic!

Don’t worry, all of you other Platoons!  I will have another informal contest in a few days, and you won’t know about it until it is over!  I told you when we first started this journey that I would be watching you.  Now you know!

Our primary Mission for today was to pay our respects to a beautiful Lady that none of us really knew very well, but who touched the heart of so many of us last year.

Our lunch stop on Day five is in Russellville, Arkansas.  It is in a beautiful Veterans Memorial Park.  The kindest and warmest people are their to serve us a hearty meal for our bodies, offer up hugs for our reaching arms, and fill our hearts with joy from their enthusiasm, smiles, and Patriotism.  Last year, after serving us a delicious meal, Irene Lintern Taff was walking with “Needy”, our Outreach Coordinator, down a tree-lined path.  They were laughing and talking and enjoying the great day.  Suddenly, Ms Taff stopped, fell over, and had a massive heart attack.  “Needy” immediately called for help, and “Senior”, our Chief Medic, ran the fastest 100 yard dash carrying fifty pounds of medical gear that I have ever seen.  Ms Taff had the best medical care that she could get, and she had it almost instantly.

As Senior worked desperately to save her, some of our Riders created a makeshift “shield” to keep people from watching and to provide Ms Taff with some privacy.  At the same time, several of us gathered in circles of prayer, asking God to hold all of our medics, friends, and Ms Irene in his hands, but to do what he needed to be done.

An ambulance arrived in short order and took Ms Taff to a hospital.  We learned within an hour that she had passed.

Her last tasks on this earth were to serve Run For The Wall, so that we could continue our Mission.  Some of our Riders remembered her laugh, her smile, and even some of the crazy jokes that she made that day.  (Something about scraping up one more scoop of beans for our Head Chaplain!)  Her last moments were spent in the company of new Friends in a lovely location.  I sincerely hope that those thoughts were with her during the ordeal, and that she knew how much we were trying to keep her with us, and that we were doing the best that we could.  I hope she knows how much we cared for her.

Today, one year after that fateful incident, the Midway Route Riders of Run For The Wall dedicated a small memorial plaque that reads:

Irene Lintern Taff
Sept 23, 1941
May 22, 2022

Irene’s dedication to serving
Veteran’s showed through
Her heart and Smile.

Run For The Wall 2022

This plaque rests in a beautiful spot with equal parts sunshine and shade, about 50 feet from where the incident happened.  It is a fitting location for us to pay our respects, and to remember her service and friendship.  Irene is missed by more than her own Family.  She is missed by her Run For The Wall Family, as well.

Once we had honored Ms Taff, we gathered for a meal just like the one she had served us a year before.  There was laughter, there was joy, and there was respect.

As a sign that the “magic of the Run” would continue, I just happened to be walking by a table thqt had information about a Pilot that is Missing In Action over Laos.  At the same time, one of our Riders, Ms Shannon Spake, walked by the table.  I introduced her to the two Gentlemen that were telling the story of their brother, James W. Herrick, Jr.  Instantly, there were tears and hugs between the three of them  You see, Shannon’s Father, Lt Dennis Pike, is also missing over Laos.  These two Families are waiting for an answer on where their loved ones are.  As they shared this special moment, I stepped away to give them some space.  And at that very moment one of our FNG Riders, James Brown, stepped up to the table, looked at the posters and said “That’s the Guy that I am Riding For!  I am carrying his biography!  I rode the Missing Man Formation for Him!”  What timing!  The Herrick Brothers showed up today to keep their brother’s name alive in the hearts of our Riders, only to have two intense connections made back-to-back.  All four of these wonderful people became instant friends.  Again, there were hugs, tears, smiles, and hope.  Our Riders were able to share their experiences with the two brothers that really needed them.  And the two brothers offered hope and love to our Riders.  It was truly a magical moment for all that were there.

We were loath to leave Russellville, but we had commitments in other places.  We had a “leisurely” ride through Little Rock that tested the Road Guards beautiful formation riding skills.  They passed with flying colors, getting us all safely to Forrest City, Arkansas.  We were treated to another wonderful meal and some very good music before we headed off to our hotel rooms.  Our day was filled with miles, smiles, and tears.  Tomorrow will probably be the same, with the same amount of healing for everyone’s hearts.

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author

If you would like to see all of the “quick edit photos” that I have been posting on Facebook, you can view the entire gallery at: https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2023-Midway-Route-Facebook-Gallery/.   I will be adding more photos to it each day.   After the Run is completed, I will be editing thousands more photos and posting them to individual day galleries on the same location.

Honor, Respect, and National Pride

Today, the Midway Route did something brand new, and it was the only activity that we had today.  We visited the Fort Sill Field Artillery Museum.  This is on an active military base, and permission like this doesn’t come along very often!  Our collective hats are off to Mike “Heavy” King for making all of the arrangements.

Now you may not think that visiting a museum about big guns would be all that exciting.  But you would be wrong!  (By the way, I know that artillery is NOT actually called a ”big gun.”  But I never served in the military, and to me, that is still the best way to describe artillery.  Sorry!)  The museum has full size displays that represent the Ringold “Flying Artillery” used in the 1845 Mexican War all the way up to the modern day.  And it isn’t only inside the building.  There is a park next to the museum that has dozens of various types of armament.  It is quite impressive to see, and I hope that we will all have an opportunity to come back and spend some more time here.

But I don’t really want to talk about the museum, as good as it is.  Instead, I want to tell you about two extremely emotional events that took place while we were on the base.  I will talk about the second one first.  (Does that make since?)

Before we had a delicious brisket and pulled pork sandwich, we were asked by the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Veterans Group to join them at a wreath laying.  We were treated to a beautiful Native American Princess singing the American National Anthem.  One of the KCA Chiefs talked about how although each of the Native Nations is their own country and has their own anthems, they are also very proud Americans, and they have served our country with honor and distinction.  So it was very fitting to hear not only our Nations anthem, but to have it followed up with a native language “Song of the Flag.”  Without knowing the words, we could still all feel the intensity and the emotions coming from the Elders in the drum circle.  Except for the drumming rhythm and chants, the entire base was silent.  It felt to me as if even the birds were listening and giving their approval for both songs.

The Elders then sang a traditional “Welcome Home” song for their warriors.  Not just the living, but those that have gone on before us.  In this way, just as we have been “saying their names”, their ancestors are not forgotten and all are still honored.  Halfway through this song, all of the RFTW Veterans were invited to come forward and shake hands with the Chiefs and other Native Nations dignitaries.  It was an incredible moment to witness the bonds of brotherhood that were passed between these Heroes.

After the anthems and memorial songs were sung, it was time for a wreath laying.  The Chiefs of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Nations were joined by a US Colonel and our own Route Coordinator Jerry “Corps” Wilkens.  The five gentlemen made their way across a short field, walking amongst all of the visitors, to lay the wreath at the base of an American Flag.

It’s so very hard to explain why this simple act was so powerful.  But here you had representatives of four separate Nations, all of whom had fought wars against each other in the past, coming together to honor the one country and land that they all love and respect.  As one of the Chiefs had said earlier in the day: “The past is over.  We remember our differences, but we move ahead.  We are proud Americans!”  Today, that is exactly what we did and who we are.

Before the wreath laying ceremony for the entire Midway Route, I was privileged to accompany Our Route Coordinator Jerry Wilkins and the Oklahoma State Coordinator Mike King to a sacred spot in the Native American cemetery.  Three Chiefs from the Kiowa Comanche and Apache Nations, accompanied by four Native American Princesses, wanted to honor and bless the Midway Route and it’s Riders.  “Chief’s Knoll” is the place where many of the Chiefs from across the past 150 years have been buried.  (I recognized a lot of names from the history books that I have read on the headstones!)  Standing amongst these venerated dead, the Chiefs each told the significance of the location, and how each Nation honors their ancestors as well as their living relations.  This keeps the spirits alive, and the people will not forget who they are or where they have come from.

I really wish that I had recorded the exact words that they said, but I did not want to intrude on, or diminish their rituals by dishonoring them.  I DID ask permission to take photos, and asked if there was any part of the ceremony that they did NOT want photographed.  I was granted permission to take pictures of anything and everything!  The Chiefs are proud of their heritage, and were eager to share it with us.

And so the ceremony began.  We were told that tobacco has been used for centuries during meetings with both friend and foe.  Before going to battle, enemies would get together and smoke, letting the teepee fill with smoke while they discussed issues.  Once the discussions were over, the doors would be opened and the smoke would dissipate, as would all disagreements, arguments, and other issues.  It was actually rare that the smoke did NOT “clear the air” and the Nations would then go to war.  So the first part of the ceremony we witnessed today was the sharing of tobacco with the sacred Elders and Chiefs.  Two of the Princesses came forward and sprinkled tobacco over one of the graves, in the fashion of their tribe.  This offering was to both the ancestors and the earth, so that we could all “clear the air” and have peace.

The second offering was of water.  We were told that humans were just like tobacco and grass.  We grow only when watered and nurtured.  Without the water, there could be no life.  So to insure life and prosperity, water was sprinkled over the tobacco offering.  Two other Native Princesses made the offerings, again according to their own customs.

I found the differences in the customs to be subtle, but fascinating.  One Nation scattered the tobacco into the wind, while the other sprinkled the tobacco more directly onto the earth.  The same held true for the water.  One Nation sprinkled the water directly from the Woman’s hand, while the other poured a more liberal amount directly onto the ground.  These may seem like simple differences, but it was explained to us that the reason was for religious/traditions.   (Some areas had more water in abundance than others.  Likewise with the tobacco.)  As the Chiefs explained more of the rituals and why they were important, I found myself understanding the similarities between these three Nations and my own traditions.  We all believe in the same God, maybe just under a different name.  We all (or at least we SHOULD) respect our land, because it feeds us.  We all remember our ancestors for their deeds that defined us and made us who we are.  And we honor our Heroes, for they paid the price for our freedom.

Some of you may be wondering why this ceremony was not performed in front of the entire group of Midway Riders.  The answer is two-fold: the rituals, although not private, were designed for the Leaders so that they would remember and then inspire their people.  But more importantly, there is a specific amount of each element that must be offered for each of the participants/recipients.  So for both Jerry and Mike and the other two dignitaries, there was a required amount of tobacco and water.  (As an observer, I did not require an offering.)

After the ceremony and offering, I had a few brief moments to visit with one of the Ladies in attendance.  She showed me the graves of several important and well-known Chiefs, and then took me to the graves of two of her direct ancestors.  When I read the names, I had to tell her a story that I had been told as a young man.  I have a three-times removed Great Uncle that went on a raid back in the late 1800’s.  Their mission was to repatriate a white woman that had been taken captive by the Comanches as a child.  So as I looked at the two headstones, I had a very emotional shared moment with a descendant of that same white woman and her Comanche Son.  I read the names of Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker.

Today was a day of Honor, Respect, and National Pride!

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author

Traditions are important.  They keep us grounded in the past, so that we know where we have come from.  They are shared amongst us all, both old and new, to prove that there is value in what we do.  They are continued, because the passing of knowledge and a common orientation will make sure that our values are available for those yet to come.

The Midway Route is definitely grounded in traditions.  For a Route that is only a few years old, you wouldn’t think that we could even have traditions.  But we do!  All Families do!  From the simplest “daily rituals” during our morning meetings, to the places that we visit each year, the supporters and friends that we look forward to seeing during each Run, to the fun little activities that we do in specific locations, we have built up quite a lot of traditions.

I have said it before, but it bears repeating.  We say the Pledge of Allegiance to our Nations Flag every morning.  We sing our National Anthem every morning.  It is becoming a NEW tradition to also sing “Oh Canada” (The Canadian National Anthem) as we have several Canadian Patriots that ride with us each year.  We welcome our FNG Riders every morning.  We greet each new day with enthusiasm, checking all of our attitudes at the door.  Every Day!

Today saw us continuing two “new” traditions that were first started last year.  We deviated from our highway route to parade through the towns of Moriarty and Tucumcari New Mexico.  The Mayors of both these beautiful cities asked how they could participate and support Run For The Wall, knowing full-well that their towns really couldn’t afford to do much, and that they were not “exactly” on our planned route.  Our Leadership Team made the decision that WE would support THEM, by getting off the highway and driving through their communities, just to show a little patriotism and American pride!  The Citizens of both towns seemed to enjoy or brief visit, and I know that all of the Riders did, too.  I expect that next year, we will see even more people lining the streets of Moriarty and Tucumcari.

Another annual tradition is our visit to the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.  The Blue Hole is a natural spring-fed pond that is over 80 feet deep and maintains a constant 61 degree temperature.  How do we know the temperature?  We have Road Guards jump in and let us know!  Actually, anyone and everyone is invited to jump in and join the fun.  This particular tradition was started on our Routes very first year, when Road Guard Peter Green made the very first plunge.  Every year, “Gearshift” would be followed by a host of others, but Mark ”Mazz” Massman seems to be one of the biggest proponents of “the jump.”  I am not sure who came up with THIS idea, but every new “RIGIT” (Road Guard In Training” has to not only jump in, but also has to swim around the diving buoys.  This year, it was Heidi “Blue”s turn!

We are fed a wonderful lunch after our swim.  The Mayor of Santa Rosa is always on hand to accept our Thanks for all of the work that their volunteers do to get ready for us.  During our presentation of awards, we also get an opportunity to Thank all of the Law Enforcement Officers that lead us through the State.  They do a magnificent job, and we really appreciate them!

Another tradition is a stop in Glenrio, New Mexico.  Not only is it a fuel stop, but they have a wonderful antique car and motorcycle collection for us to view.  Oh Yeah, there is one Family that comes out every year to provide us with free ice cream!  They love doing it and we love them for it!  We look forward to seeing them every year, not just for the treats, but for the smiles, hugs, handshakes, and just good friendly banter.

This is a good time to talk about that dreaded word “free.”  Nothing that we receive during our Mission is free.  Someone has paid for it.  It might not cost US anything, but it certainly cost someone else.  The fuel that we don’t pay for?  Someone has really paid a hefty price this year.  We have teams of people that raise funds for us all year long, in dozens of different ways.  But there are some individuals that want to support us financially every year.  It is THEIR tradition, and we reap the benefits.  We make sure to tell all of our FNG Riders that “free to us was paid for by another.”  When we see a donation or tip jar, we fill it!

And then there is our arrival into Heaven.  I mean Texas!  (Yeah, I am a Texan, and proud of that fact!)  We had another fantastic escort all the way from the New Mexico border all the way to our evening meal stop in Amarillo.  And yes, they gave us a “Presidential Escort” as well.  There is nothing quite like having an interstate highway shut down during rush hour, just for our safety!

Once we arrive at our evening stop, a few more traditions unfold.  Actually, one tradition is to FOLD the giant American Flag that we get to ride under as we approach our parking area.  You have never seen so many eager hands reaching into the sky to make sure that the flag never touches the ground.  And then those same hands gently, lovingly, and appropriately fold that symbol of our Nation with reverence.  The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department don’t even have to ask us to help.  We almost demand that we help!  And we do it every year!

As I talk about that flag, I need to tell you how impressed that I am with all of our Veterans.  Whenever they see a flag “on the move”, they salute it.  Whenever there is a “posting of the colors”, they salute it.  Whenever they hear the National Anthem, they salute that flag.  They are taught to respect our flag, and it is a lesson that they never forget.

But our flag isn’t the only thing that they respect.  They respect all of our Riders and our Mission.  It is a tear-inducing site to see all of the members of our Fuel Team, Staging Team, Advance Team, and Ambassador Team saluting each rider as we enter a planned stop.  This is THEIR tradition.

They line the streets and entry ways, holding flags and rendering honors to each and every Rider.  These teams that I just mentioned are the hardest working people on our Route.  They are the first to get up in the morning, they stand out in the sun or the rain to make sure we get to where we need to be, they risk getting run into by someone that forgot to put their highway pegs up during a fuel stop, and they need to be continuously looking over their shoulders as they stand in the middle of hundreds of moving half-ton metal beasts.  Our “support” Teams are absolutely amazing, and I thank each of them for what they do for us!

Our last tradition for this day takes place at the Christian Heritage Church.  After we have folded that enormous flag, we walk into an auditorium that is filled with the smell of good ole’ Texas Barbeque!  We have beef ribs, grilled chicken, beef ribs, corn on the cobb, beef ribs, and apple cobbler!  EVERY YEAR!  The food is SO amazingly good that I am thinking of going back just to smell the place again!  (And it is getting late!)

But that isn’t actually the tradition I was talking about.  There is always a “Missing Man Table” set on the stage.  EVERY YEAR!  It represents the Men and Women that are absent from their own home table, and that will not be returning.  Just like our moving Missing Man Formation, no one messes with this table!  We protect it and honor it.  And this year, sitting right next to it, was a Gold Star Mother.  That means that she has lost a Child in defense of our Country.  There is no greater sacrifice, nor anything as heartbreaking as a Parent losing a child.  And yet, there she sat, staring across that somber place setting, watching as we laughed, ate, enjoyed each others company, and just generally having a good time.  What must she be thinking?  What memories must be racing through her mind?  What pain does a gathering like this cause her?

But hopefully she knows how much we honor her, and her Soldier, and her entire Family.  Not just for their sacrifice, but for their stoic attitude and fortitude.  She is not going to let her Son be forgotten, and neither are we!  I hope that she understands that WE care, and that WE want to help ease her pain.  There really isn’t much tat we can do accept to be here and promise that we will never forget her and her son.  Through all of the pain, she must understand.  Because she is here with us.  And she will be here again next year as we renew our promise to her.

Yeah, the Midway Route has a few traditions.

Good Night, may God Bless each of you, and may we all wake to another glorious day of honoring America.

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author

What an amazing day to wake up to, in a Free America!  The sun was shining, birds were chirping, motorcycle engines were revving, and there were Patriots all around me!  Every where I looked, people were smiling, laughing, giving and receiving hugs, telling stories, relating experiences, and becoming Family.  It was absolutely a delight to see, and even great to be a part of.  I LOVE my Midway Route Family!

Our beautiful day started with our morning meeting.  This is where we go over any changes to the itinerary, review all of the various hand-signals that we use to communicate, talk about any safety issues (there were none yesterday!), and commend all of the Riders for a job well done.  After the “business” part of the morning meeting, we have a little fun.  There is a 50/50 raffle, and “rabble rouser” raffle, a “lost and found” retrieval ceremony, and a few announcements that are deemed important for everyone to hear.  We do this every morning.

But another tradition with the Midway Route is to read a biography of one of our Prisoner of War, Missing in Action, or Killed in Action.  (When you say their names, they are not forgotten!)  This is the last thing that we do at our meeting, as it reminds us of why we are here and why we do what we do.  It is a sobering reminder of the cost of American Freedom.

Now some of you might be thinking “That’s all well and good, but isn’t it a little bit depressing to start your day this way?”  Absolutely not!  Yes, they are sad reminders, but they also fill our hearts with joy because we CAN say their names, and we CAN tell people their stories, and we CAN console their Families.  THAT is definitely NOT depressing!  In fact, it is quite invigorating and inspirational.  Whenever something “bad” happens to us, like the rain we had today, all we have to do is think back on what we heard this morning and realize that it really isn’t all that bad!  What would any of those Men give to be sitting here with us!  The reading of these biographies keeps us humble.

One of the “perks” of being the photographer is that I am able to ride ahead of the pack to get some pictures.  Over the past few years, I have also worked with the Ambassador and Outreach Teams.  I mean, if I am going to be out in front of the pack anyway, why not stop and say “Howdy” to the supporters that we meet?  Today, I got to do that.  In fact, it was a two-for-one event.

I left Flagstaff a little early and headed for Winslow, Arizona.  Yes, I needed to be “standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona.”  But not for the reason that you may be thinking.  (I have had that picture taken with my bike many times.  I didn’t plan to do it again today.)  Many, many years ago, while I was making repeated trips across the country, I would always stop in Winslow and call my good friend Bill C..  Bill was a pretty good guitar player and a very ardent Patriot.  One day, when I made my annual call, he asked if the statue of Jackson Brown was still there.  I said “What statue?”  That is when he laughed and asked if I had been calling him for all of these years from a random corner in the town.  I had to admit that I had!  He never let me forget that!  So after he lost his battle with cancer, I made it a point to always stop in Winslow and go stand next to that statue.  In this way, I always keep Bill in my thoughts.  And I ALWAYS say his name, just like we do for our fallen Heroes.

Across the street from “Standing on a Corner Park” is a big gift shop.  I met the owner of this shop the same year that Bill died.  He noticed the Patriot Guard patch on my jacket and mentioned that he supported our Veterans.  In fact, a group  called “Run For The Wall” sometimes would parade through town.  I told him that *I* was part of Run For the Wall!  That’s when he got excited and told me that he was on his way to Flagstaff that very day to pick up 500 American Flags that he was going to distribute to the local townspeople for use on Veteran s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, and whenever RFTW stopped by!  So, I make it a point every time I am in town to stop in, remember my friend Bill, and to Thank the shop owner for his patriotism and support.  It is my own little “outreach” mission.

But it wasn’t mine alone.  Last year, I met up with James “Gunny” Gregory and his wife Patti.  They had some scruffy looking Canadian dude with them.  Well, this morning, that same scruffy dude showed up at the same time that I did and we made the trek together.  It was nice to share this “private outreach” with a fellow Patriot.  Yeah, I know that he is Canadian.  But he is just as much an American Patriot as any of us.  What?  You need some proof?  I have several photos of him that I took during the dignified transfer of our memorial flag.  He also is flying an AMERICAN flag on his bike!  He is the Founding Father of Canada’s “Rolling Barrage” which is their version of Run For The Wall.  This Man is a Patriot, twice over.  So I would like to introduce you all to Mr. Scott Casey!  (Please check out www.therollingbarrage.com)

Scott and I were able to catch up with the main pack in time for a peaceful, rainy ride to the Milan Elementary School, in Milan New Mexico.  Notice that I said it was a peaceful ride?  That all ended with 500 screaming children chanting “USA!  USA!  USA!”  The Midway Route has adopted this small school and supports it with a donation every year.  We love doing this, but I think the kids love it even more.  If you have read any of my previous SITREPs, you may remember that I am not overly fond of children.  Well, there is just something about THIS group that gives me hope for our nation’s future!  These kids are polite, educated, energetic, and patriotic!  These kids aren’t growing up, they are being raised properly!  They respect their elders, their country, and their flag!   The sheer look of joy on their faces even makes this grumpy old guy chant with them, run up and down the lines giving out “High Fives”, and even signing the back of their t-shirts when they ask for an autograph.  How could I refuse such eager and bright students?  Yeah, we give them money to help out with school supplies, but they give US so much more.

And I need to give a shout out to Ray “Corn-Man” Cornmesser.  In addition to providing t-shirts for all of the students, he provides a challenge coin to EACH of the graduating sixth-grade students to congratulate them on their achievement, and to inspire the other students to stay in school and continue their education.  He does this all out of his own pocket, not because he is rich, but because he truly cares for these kids.  Good Job, Corn-Man!  We are all proud of you!

Of course I am going to mention the food.  They feed us EXTREMELY well at the Milan School.  They have the nicest “Lunch Ladies!”

After our feast for both body and soul, it is time to leave Milan.  (We promise to come back next year!)  If visiting with the kids wasn’t enough of a treat, we are given one more.  From the time we leave Milan, until the time we arrive in Albuquerque, we are under LEO Escort.  That stands for “Law Enforcement” escort.  We have State Troopers in front of us clearing the roads ahead of us, and even some behind us, protecting our backs.  We really needed the escort today, as there had been a major traffic issue on the main highway, so these Officers found us a very scenic, enjoyable, and traffic-free route to our final fuel stop of the day, just outside of ABQ.  The do a great job, and we thank them for it.

But then it gets even better.  Imagine if you will, five o’clock rush hour traffic in a VERY large city.  Then imagine 286 motorcycles trying to get through it unscathed.  How will we ever manage that?  We don’t!  The Albuquerque Police Department gives us a “Presidential Escort” all the way through town.  That means that they SHUT DOWN all traffic on the highway and keep it clear just for us!  It is an absolutely breath-taking sight to be on a 4-5 lane interstate highway with traffic backed up in the opposite direction, cars at a stand still on all of the entrance ramps, and only OUR RIDERS in the middle lane of the empty road.  WOW!  OMG!  WOW, AGAIN!  I have experienced this a few times with RFTW, and it NEVER gets old!  I really can’t thank ALL of our Law Enforcement Escorts, all the way across the country, for keeping us safe.  Not just today in the rain, but every day.  You, Gentlemen, are Heroes!

And with that, we arrived at Thunderbird Harley-Davidson for our evening meal.  Again, the food was excellent!  (By the way, even as a civilian, I recognized the significance of the STAR on a soldier’s uniform.  What did I discuss with a Brigadier General?  Cookies!)  One of the highlights of the evening was reuniting with a couple of old friends that have been supporters of RFTW for many years.  I didn’t think that I would see the lovely Tina Reeves again, as she stepped down from her role as State Coordinator last year after many years of service.  But she has been replaced by the very capable “G.W.” who is also an RFTW Veteran Rider!  G. W. humbled me by asking if he could have a picture made with me. Of course I said yes, and then he told me why he wanted it.  And this should become a lesson to ALL of us as representatives of RFTW.

In 2019, G.W. was an RFTW “FNG.”  (Fine New Guy).  I am ashamed to admit this, but I don’t remember meeting him then.  But he said that the conversations that we had stuck with him over the years, and since we had some things in common, like hiking and camping, he told some of his friends about me and some of the trips that I have led.  They can’t believe that G.W. knows me!  (Trust me Guys.  I’m not special!)

And here is where the lesson comes in.  When we are representing RFTW, or ANY organization, we will leave in impression, for good or ill.  But we WILL leave an impression.  Simply being kind, courteous, or friendly will have people associate those traits with our organization.  And as a group dedicated to our Veterans and Heroes, we need to be cognizant of the fact that people are watching us.  We need to be at our best behaviors so that people will take our Mission seriously.  The slightest bit of negativity could ruin the hard-earned reputation that we enjoy.  I believe that in my case, my association with RFTW has made me a better person.  I have to be, because people associate me with Men and Women much greater than myself, and if I were to do something that brought dishonor to THEM, then I will have failed at my own mission.

I share this same train of thought with all of my RFTW Brothers and Sisters.  As one of our Chaplains said last year: “We are better when we are together.”  And THAT, my Friends, is the Spirit of the Midway Route of Run For The Wall!

Cheers!

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author.

Thanks to Scott Casey for the pictures of our travels together today.  By the way, I will be posting a few photos each day on Facebook.  AFTER the Run is over, I will be posting the thousands of photos that I am taking to a website where you will be able to download them for free.  Please be patient and give me a little bit of time to get this done, as I will take approximately 1100 – 1700 photos each day!

Hoofer

And so it begins …

This morning, May 16, 2023, at 08:00, the Midway Route Riders set forth to remind our Nation that we owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to the American Veterans, Active-Duty Personnel, and to their Families, Friends, and Supporters.  And sometimes America needs reminding of another group that deserves even more thanks and understanding.  Those would be the people that have given their lives to defend our country.  Just as important though, those brave Men and Women that were taken captive by our enemies, some never to be seen or heard from again.  I am speaking of the American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action, otherwise known as POW-MIA.

To that end, 286 Riders left Ontario California, intent on reaching Washington DC in eleven days’ time.

Howdy!  My name is Jim McCrain, although I am better known to the RFTW Riders as “Hoofer.”  I have been asked to write up a daily SITREP (Situation Report) for the Midway Route that will detail what we did and where we went.  I have accepted this great honor and will humbly try to relate the stories and events that I am privileged to hear and witness while riding with so many Patriots.  I am not a Veteran myself, so to be able to ride next to so many of our nations BEST, and to have them call me Brother is an honor that I do not take lightly.  I will do MY best to represent them.  I thank them for their trust in me.

So lets begin.

Just what is Run For The Wall?  I could tell you all of the little details about why the Run was staterted 33 years ago, how it has grown in numbers, what our official mission statement is, and all sorts of other things like that.  But instead, let me just direct you to our main web page (www.rftw.us) where you can read this information at any time.  Instead, let me give you the “short” answer.  We Ride For Those That Can’t.  These would be our Active-Duty military, many of our Veterans, and our (still) Missing In Action.

The Riders of Run For the Wall are intent on honoring all of the sacrifices that have been made by these people, and just as importantly, their Families.  Yes, the Families of our Military serve as well!  This year, the Midway Route Outreach Team (I will tell you a lot more about them later) will be giving our Riders MANY opportunities to personally visit with the Families of our Heroes.  In fact, at several of our lunch and dinner stops, there will be some Gold Star Families there to dine with us.  (For those that don’t know, a Gold Star Family is one that has lost a Family member in the service of our country.)  A distinction that not a lot of people know (until they read something like this!) is that our Missing In Action Families are NOT necessarily Gold Star Families!  If their Family member is listed as Missing, then they are NOT listed as deceased.  So they do not have a Gold Star.  They are kind of just “left out.”

But not by the RFTW Riders.  We make a big deal out of honoring our Missing, and letting their Families know that we still care!  AND we demand a full accounting of all our service members, from ALL wars.  We cannot let the American People or our Government Representatives forget those that have sacrificed for our Nation.  So every day, the Midway Route rides with what we call a “Missing Man Formation.”  Basically this is a six-person “box” formation, except that one of those people is not physically there.  There will be two Riders in the front and two Riders in the back.  In between them is an open space that is being protected by a fifth Rider.  This is the Missing Man Escort Rider.

The Escort Rider is the single-most honored position that AN RFTW Rider can have.  THIS is the person that, for each leg of our daily ride, gets to choose WHO they are riding for, why they are riding for them, and gets to put a biography of that person in a special place of honor for all to come and see.  AND THEY DO!  Already today, I have seen most of our Riders come over to the Missing Man Formation and talk to the Escorts.  I have personally talked to two of them today, and discovered that they are riding in honor and memory of a commanding officer, one that was the victim of an IED explosion and another that died from wounds after returning home.  Our motto is that as long as we say their names, they are never truly gone, and DEFINITELY not forgotten!

Did I mention that we will not move an INCH without the Missing Man Formation?  Yes, it is THAT important to us!

Something else that we do on the Midway Route is called a “Dignified Flag Transfer.”  This year, we have several special flags that we are escorting across the country.  But one in particular is transferred from one Rider to another at each one of our fuel or lunch stops.  The folded flag is taken out of a protective case, handled only by someone wearing pristine white gloves.  The flag bearer holds out the flag, which is saluted by the Outreach Coordinator.  She then takes the flag, turns to the next escort, and the process is repeated.  The flag is returned to the protective case, and the Rider returns with it to his/her bike.  One Hundred miles later, we do this again.  Every day!

Folks, let me tell you: we take this stuff pretty serious!  Yes, we are out here riding our motorcycles, which we all love to do!  But we know that these sorts of ceremonies need to be presented to the public so that more and more people can understand the issues that WE understand.  We are basically Ambassadors for American Patriotism!  (Oh yeah, we have an Ambassador Team, too.  Again, I’ll talk about them later!)  The RFTW Riders, ALL of them across our four Routes, feel the same way.  We don’t just go through the motions.  We mean it!  The phrase “walk the talk” takes on a whole new meaning around here.  We sing the National Anthem every morning.  And I mean we SING it!  Loud and Proud!  We say the Pledge of Allegiance, EVERY DAY!  (Remember doing that back in grade school?)  How do I know that we are serious about this?  I can see it in the eyes of a hot and tired Marine as he salutes our Flag.  I can hear it in the voice of that old Army guy in the tattered hat as he croaks out a few of the words, and chokes up into silence on the others.  I see the tears rolling down the cheeks of the Air Force veteran as he stands at attention as the flag moves by.  And I see the smile of a beautiful young Lady that proudly carries and waves a small American Flag everywhere that she goes.

Yeah, we take this seriously.  It’s what we do!

Amidst all of this serious stuff though, is a little levity.  Without the ability to let off a little steam, or to decompress a bit, this Mission could quickly become emotionally overwhelming.  So we DO have some fun!  (Motorcycles equal fun!  Remember?)  We stopped to sing Happy Birthday to one of our favorite Road Guards.  (Happy Birthday, Papa Mike!)  We laugh and tell stories at each of our hydration and fuel stops.   We eat REALLY well!  THANK YOU to all of our supporters for the meals!  The burgers at lunch, from “Mother Road Harley Davidson in Kingman Arizona were fantastic once again.  And the pulled pork sandwiches served to us by the Boy Scouts of Flagstaff Arizona (at the VFW #1709) were delicious!  (I am not going to mention the incredible brownies, because my wife might read this and she knows that I don’t need any more brownies!)  We simply enjoy being in each others company!

Speaking of that, most of us were strangers yesterday.  I am already seeing friendships being built that are going to last a lifetime.  As the SITREP Author and the Route Photographer, I get to flit between all of the different platoons and “ease drop” on a lot of conversations.  (Actually, I get invited into these conversations, and they ALL seem to be about ”stuff” that only good friends would know about.)  We talk about the weather (of course!), and some sports, and the jobs or careers that we have had.  We joke with each other, and take the crayons away from the Marines.  (Don’t want them to spoil their appetites!)  We use the phrase “Has anyone seen a black Harley?” a lot.  We just like being around each other!  We have already become a Family.  I look forward to seeing how tight this Family will become over the next ten days!  Bonds are being forged that will be unbreakable.

There is just so much that I want to tell you, but there isn’t enough time tonight.  We rode for about 8 hours today, in HOT sunshine (104 degrees), had a rain shower that washed a “few” of the bugs from my windscreen, felt the temperature drop to 57 degrees, … and rode with dignity and honor.

That’s why we are here.  We want to reaffirm our own Patriotism.  We want to tell others about our experiences, good and bad, and how they have shaped us into the people (and Nation) that we are.  We want to console each other over losses or hardships that we have endured, and we want to remind each other that we CAN get through ANYTHING as long as we stay true to each other.

I can promise you, we will!

Thanks for letting me ramble a bit today.  Tomorrow, I will start explain more about “how” the Midway Route works, and all of the various Teams that it takes to get us safely from California to DC.  But in the meantime, I will leave you with one of our favorite sayings: “How far are we going?  ALL THE WAY!”

Cheers!

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author