Category: Midway Route SitReps

Do you remember the tornado warning a couple years ago in Shawnee that made us all evacuate to the lower floor in the middle of the night?  Well, no such warning last night thankfully.  The weather was great today.  It looks like there might be weather tomorrow, but we will wait and see what miracles we receive today before making any predictions.

After packing and breakfast we gathered in the Walmart parking lot for a short worship service.  Our chaplain gave a very encouraging talk about Our Savior.  He died for us on the cross and His blood can save us from our sins if we will take Him into our life and let Him take control.  I believe that is possible.  He gave His life for us and wants to save us, if we will let Him.

Bandit spoke to the Platoon Leaders and emphasized that we need to be examples to our riders.  We need to treat others with kindness and respect, especially all those at our venues and hotels.  He said that everything we do and say reflects back on Run For The Wall and we need this reflection to be a good one.  He also said that if we cannot do that then perhaps we should not be on Run For The Wall.  I could not agree more.  Attitudes do not belong on Run For The Wall.  Please leave them at home.  Keep a rational head on your shoulders at all times.

Our platoon gained a couple more riders this morning, so we covered some the bases with them.  I then handed each one a coin that I wanted them to keep with them when they ride, so they will remember that I want them to always ride safely.  Sort of a safety first coin.

It was raining a little when we first gathered and everyone was in raingear anticipating more, but our Chaplain prayed for a miracle for us and for the clouds open a path if possible so we could ride safe to our destination.  What a blessing it turned out to be.  It was a little cool, but soon we rode out from under the clouds and it warmed up, so that by the time we reached Sallisaw, OK we were a little toasty in our raingear.  It all immediately came off when we arrived.  The welcome into town was tremendous.  There was a large American Flag hanging from a fire truck over the road and the truck had its siren going as we pulled in for another sponsored fuel stop.  Thanks again.  Dennis Okie-D Freie the Oklahoma State Coordinator pulled out all the stops.  The people there at the gas stop were warm, inviting and happy for us to visit again.

Then, another welcome, LEO escort.  Our next fuel stop was only a short distance, and again it was sponsored.  So far I think all of our fuel stops have been sponsored.  Practically like being paid to ride a motorcycle.  Can you think of any better Job?

On a personal note: It appears to me that most of our FNGs have become rather adept at riding in formation.  I think my platoon has improved a great deal.  No one seems to be nervous about riding up close to one another or next to someone.   I think that’s great.  Then of course it helps increase the safety factor for sure.  It doesn’t mean that you are safe rider now, more like a positive change in your confidence to ride has occurred.  Some of our riders have told me that our riding tips and morning instructions have helped them become better riders.  I hope that is so.  I’d say, ride with confidence, but also ride with awareness.  Like I tell them, please don’t use your brakes if you can avoid it, but use your gearing to slow you down.  Then again, be ready to slam on the brakes if you have to.  Got a few chuckles for that.

Soon we exited Oklahoma and entered Arkansas where LEO teams swapped around and the escort continued.  We were on our way to the little city of Ozark and then to the VFW Post 8532 in Coal Hill, OK.  This was a nice change since most of our riding has been on the “slab” as we call the interstate.  I thought the narrow sweeping roads were a welcome change.   The scenery was nice through Oklahoma; green rolling hills and trees with occasional sweet smell of wild flowers.  This continued in Arkansas.  Here we are under the direction of a different State Coordinator Amanda “Fogline” Kennedy.  She did an amazing job managing our transit through her amazing state.   The ride into the VFW was gorgeous.  What a beautiful day were blessed with.

The Staging, Fuel, Road Guard and Ambassador Teams were all at the entrance of the VFW and saluted when we arrived.  Very sharp and very professional!  They do the same thing at our other venues. We love these guys and gals on all our teams.  The welcome by the VFW members was also wonderful.  The food is always great, but the BBQ chicken was to a special treat, nice n smoky, sweet, savory taste that made your mouth smile big.  Pass the napkins please.   Some special presentations were made and we thanked our gracious host and all the workers, because like Bandit says, “We cannot do this ride without them; they are our family”.

Then we were given 10 minutes until we had to depart.  We were off again to our next fuel stop in Maumelle and then to Forrest City and the Ridgewood Baptist Church.  A couple years ago it was pouring rain here, but this year it was almost pouring rain.  I say almost, because it wasn’t.  A couple riders had noticed and voiced on the CB that their GPS radar image of the storm we were approaching was mostly north of I-40 and maybe we would miss the worst of it and we did.  Again I say, thank God for His traveling mercies and thank our Chaplain Corps for asking Him for them.  We were assisted into Forrest City by our road Guards.  They were positioned between each platoon to help guide us into town and we needed them. The transitions from I-40 to our route into town were hairy and with all the congested traffic, something could easily have gone wrong, but didn’t.  Again, I say thank God for helping us be safe.  Certainly his guiding hand was upon us, watching out for us and keeping us safe.  As we approached our exit from the highway I said, “it smells like fried chicken, we must be close to Forrest City”.  I hope someone smiled at least.  When we arrived at the church, members were there to greet us with open arms.  The food was great just like last year, fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, rice, green beans, biscuits and desert.  Their pastor offered a blessing and we ate.  We were treated to some songs by a professional singer.  We loved his song choices and he had a wonderful voice.  We stood and sang along to “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood.  I was moved to tears. After several plaque presentations a closing prayer was offered and we departed to our hotels.

On a side note: You remember last year being introduced to Mr. Patriot, Michael J. Hill.  He has monitored the Run For The Wall website and FaceBook page as well as these Sitreps and he anticipates our arrival in Cookeville to see us again this year.  Being deaf however, he will not hear your horns so I would ask instead for you to flash your lights at him when you see him.  You can’t miss him.  Remember he is the guy that will be waving an American Flag and wearing Red, White and Blue.  Say “Hi” to him.  I understand saying “hi’ in sign language is pretty similar to a salute.  With your hand up to your temple in the form of a basic salute extend it forward.  So when you see Michael, say “Hi”.

Day 5 is in the books.  The run is half over.  Does it seem like it is already? There’s still a lot of great stuff ahead.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

What a fantastic day.  Great weather!  A little cool, but nothing a light jacket wouldn’t cure.  God is blessing us just as our Chaplain’s Corp has prayed for.  Thank you God for your traveling mercies another day.   Can we ask for one more day?  I’m sure the weather is helping us travel safely as well as all the prayers in our behalf.  Thank you.  We had LEO escort throughout our trip through Oklahoma and we all made it to Shawnee on time and in great shape.

The morning started with the usual mandatory meeting, except that the Outreach Program director Vickie Meyer “Needy” got up and read us a couple stories of fallen heroes.  These stories are touching and bring emotions sometimes uncontrollable.  Rightly so.  This is why we ride and we will Never Forget.

We started out from the Sam’s Club parking lot again like last year.  Some of the overpasses were covered with patriots waving flags and saluting as we passed under.  Again our fuel stops were sponsored in Oklahoma.  At our off ramp we stopped for another sponsored fill up and headed up the street for lunch.  The food was great.   The deserts were the best.  I had to have some Banana pudding.  Next we headed to the Tom Stafford’s Air & Space Museum.  During lunch we were told there would be an aircraft fly-over before we left.  “The Stafford Air & Space Museum is located in Weatherford, Oklahoma.  The museum features exhibits about aviation, space exploration and rocketry, and a collection of over 20 historic aircraft.  Displays include artifacts from the Space Shuttle program, Hubble Space Telescope and the Mir Space Station, a Moon rock, a Titan II missile, a Mark 6 Re-entry vehicle and a Gemini spacecraft” (Wiki).  The flyover was the bomb.  A B-25 and another vintage plane, I can’t remember the nomenclature of.  Very cool.  We loved it.

On our way to Oklahoma City, traffic got plenty worse but riding with LEO made it much easier.  Still our rear platoons got blocked by traffic a couple times, but good communications helped remedy the situation. There was some rubber-banding and the occasional vehicle that needed on or off the interstate, so we made room for them.  Getting into Oklahoma City is not easy without Leo support.  Getting out is impossible without LEO support.  We also had our Road Guards helping us all along the way. I’m not sure others know that what the Road Guards do is quite dangerous.  They have been injured and their bikes damaged trying to block traffic for us.  They are all certainly appreciated for what they do.  They do keep us safe and their mission is to get us to DC in one piece.  They do a dang good job of it as well.  Thank you to all our Road Guards.

We made it to downtown Oklahoma City under full LEO escort and without much effort we arrived at the Oklahoma City Memorial and spent some time there.  A ranger for the memorial was on hand to explain the design of the memorial.  It’s quite an amazing story and all aspects of the design have meaning, from the Gates of Time (9:01 to 9:03), to the Reflecting Pool, the Field of Empty Chairs and the Survivor Tree.  It is a wonderful memorial to a devastating attack against the American people, women carrying unborn children, mothers, fathers, children, families, all innocent people.  These words are on the wall behind the Survivor Tree.

Team 5      4-19-1995

“Search for the Truth.

We Seek Justice.

The Courts Require it.

The Victims Cry for it.

And God Demands it”.

At 0902, a rental truck packed with explosives detonated in front of the nine-story Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. The powerful explosion blew off the building’s north wall. Emergency crews raced to Oklahoma from across the country, and when the rescue effort finally ended two weeks later the death toll stood at 168 people, including 19 young children who were in the building’s day care center at the time of the blast. More than 650 other people were injured in the bombing, which damaged or destroyed more than 300 buildings in the immediate area. The Survivor Tree and many buildings in the area still bare the scar of the horrific event for what happened here twenty three years ago.  Lives were lost and many forever changed.  Our country was forever changed and the event is basically lost in the passing of time, but we will NEVER FORGET”.  You know, I’m not even sure it’s any consolation that the perpetrator of this crime paid with his life June 2001 by lethal injection.  We know his name, but I’m not mentioning it.  Only those whose lives were taken away from us are worth mentioning.  Their names are under the chairs in the Field of Empty Chairs.  Nineteen of which were children.  God grant peace to their families and to the community of Oklahoma City.  Our hearts go out to them all and to the thousands that came to rescue hundreds of survivors. The American Spirit lives on.   I wrote these words last year.  This year I didn’t not go down to listen to the ranger explain the story of what happened.

d, I didn’t have the heart.  I didn’t want to hear the details again.  It still bothers me deeply that so many lives were taken by one individual determined to kill as many innocent people as he could.  It’s unconscionable. We do not remember or know the names of those that died, or their stories and we will not know what wonderful things they might have accomplished in their lives.  We all know the name of the villain however.  Why is his name so clear in our memory while knowing nothing of those that were killed in cold blood by this evil man?  This bothers me.  I was emotionally shaken while I stood under the Survivor Tree thinking of the innocent lives taken and what might have become of them had they lived.  My emotions were beginning to get the best of me.  I needed help.  Soon my good friend and Road Guard, Peter Green came over and said it’s time again.  We have taken a picture of ourselves under the Survivor Tree each year we have visited the Federal Building Memorial.  That’s trip number 5 and picture number 5 at the memorial.  Seeing Peter cheered me up and he doesn’t even know it. Thanks Gearshift.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived in Shawnee and headed to the VFW for dinner.  A most excellent meal was provided by the VFW.  They even had Diet Coke.  I was thrilled. Following the meal there were the usual awards, plaques and certificates graciously handed out to several recipients. A gold star family was present and the father came up and talked about things that stirred us and tugged at our emotions.  It was an honor to be there to hear his solemn words of service and sacrifice and his encouragement for our continued ride until our mission was complete.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 is in the books.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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We had a late meeting start so we could sleep in early.  Yay!  Over at the Rich Ford Dealership, breakfast was served.  What a spread!  They had everything.  The bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, biscuits and gravy was all great and there was much more.

Mandatory meeting time again, but it didn’t start until 0800.  Nice.  After the usual stuff, several items were raffled off and one lucky winner turned his prize over to the Fuel Team.  What a kind gesture.  We applauded.  Then the usual mandatory stuff and hand signals.  Hey they were correct today for some reason.  Then we had our Platoon Leadership briefs and enough time to complete them.  I was glad for that.  We had a couple new riders join our platoon, so we covered most everything.  We found out later there were a couple other things we should have covered.   We were out of there at 0900 under LEO escort and headed to the little town of Moriarty to parade through town.  We had done this previous years.   We rode slowly through this little town waving at some of the residents obviously there to watch us ride by.  It was great to see them and to be welcomed by them.  Quickly we were back on I-40 with LEO escort.

We stopped in Santa Rosa for another donated fuel stop (this is becoming a regular thing, thank you again to our donor), then the long trek to the Blue Hole (all of three miles).  It’s really a sight to see but a chilly 61 degrees year round.  Several riders jumped in together.  I was not there to witness the debauchery, but I heard later that it was pretty funny.  Sorry I missed it.  The Blue Hole is a natural spring of fresh water which is often used for diving.   Lunch was great as well as the little time we had to socialize.   Several plaques and certificates were handed out again.  I happened to see that in the back of the service vehicle there were must have been about 10 boxes of these things.  Everyone and every organization that contributes to the Run are appreciated for good reason.  As Bandit says, “we cannot do this without them”.  Bandit sees to it that all are appreciated with a huge dose of love and hugs and thanks to all that help.

It was a hot afternoon ride to our next stop.  This place has a car museum inside.  Worth a look if you have time.  It’s free.  The hydration and snack truck was also there and I quickly grabbed another one of those green fruit drinks.  It wasn’t long before the 5 minute horn sounded, so we mounted up for our ride into Amarillo.  Last year it rained on us here.  This year we had overcast sky without any rain.  What a blessing.

We crossed over into Texas and soon there were two planes overhead to greet us releasing streamers as they flew.  We also saw the 10 half buried Cadillacs that all comers are free to spray paint with graffiti.  We saw many overpasses with lots of patriots on them cheering us and waving flags with a few very large flags hanging from the overpass or from fire engine ladders high in the air, an amazing and very patriotic, very American sight for us to see.  We have a special team called Ambassadors whose responsibility is to visit these patriots and thank them with pins and other items they bring for them.

Through downtown Amarillo we were escorted by LEO right to our venue at the Christian Heritage Church again.  We where we were greeted by many patriots with flags and a huge flag draped between two fire engine ladder trucks.  The food line went fast and we were all seated inside. The ribs were so good and they loaded us up with them.  All the food was great and there was homemade peach cobbler!  The Star Spangled banner was sung by a young man and we all stood and saluted. A young girl sung America the Beautiful.  What a darling voice.   Then there was a special presentation for Gold Star families.  My Tail Gunner is one. She stood and was recognized.  This woman is a sweetheart.  I really love having her on my leadership team.  I think we all love coming here to Amarillo and to the Christian Heritage Church, for the great food of course, but most especially for the love they show us all.  I can’t wait to be back again next year.  We’ll be back again next year and the next.

 

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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Day 2, Flagstaff to Albuquerque

Woke up early this morning.  Way too early.  Headed over to the meeting location.  At the meeting, I mentioned the activity at Milan and handed out the cards for riders to read with the Milan children.  I passed out all I had and hoped it would go well.  Then Six-String brought more cards and more riders got one.  So we should have been covered when it came time to say the pledge with the children at Milan.  Next Cornman mentioned the collection for Milan Elementary school and the t-shirts being sold to benefit the school (got me one).  He then asked for further contributions and the money started to come in for all services.  I don’t know the total or which branch of service donated the most, but later at the school more than $2600 was donated. Our Ambassador Leader read a bio of an MIA whose remains were reported found, but when this was investigated none were found, a sad moment.  She always concludes “This is why we ride”.  She’s right.  Remember Parry Hopper, owner of the shovel that was used to break ground on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial?  She was at our meeting this morning.  So cool.  Then we got the usual lesson on hand signals by our road guards.  I don’t know why they demonstrate them every day.  They obviously don’t use hand signals that are specifically for use in platoons and they usually mess up a signal to two anyway.  It’s no wonder one platoon in our group was confused which hand signal to use for staggered formation.  Oh well, like a friend of mine always says “it is what it is”.  Immediately after being released for our platoon meetings, the 5-minute horn sounded. At my platoon meeting, about all I had time to tell everyone was follow the person in front of you.

We headed out of Flagstaff on time and the further we headed east the warmer it got.  At our fuel stop in Holbrook, everyone was either running inside or shedding gear depending on the severity of circumstances.  Someone had graciously provided Danish muffins for Run For The Wall members inside.  I had a couple, they were good.  Then I had a couple more.  Thanks to whoever provided them.  We then left for our next fuel stop which was determined to be a “fuel & go” style stop.  We were not supposed to leave our motorcycles, but the hydration truck was set up for our convenience and some like me took advantage of it anyway.  We’re always told to hydrate and take advantage of the hydration truck, right?  So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.  I went over to the hydration truck and got a fruit drink.  Those are so good.  I love the green ones.  A lady there looked at my vest and pointed at one of my pins and asked where I got it.  I told her I got it a long time ago and didn’t remember.  Later I saw folks from M25 huddled around this kind woman offering a prayer for her.  She was crying over some emotional event I didn’t learn of.  Anyway, I went up to her took the pin off my vest and pinned it to her blouse and she really started crying.  She said something about an angel, I didn’t hear.  A few of the M25 folks thanked me and shook my hand and left me wondering what I had done.  I’m used to giving people stuff off my vest.  Sometimes children point things out and I give whatever it is to them.  They think it’s some type of treasure and it’s really just a trinket.  I like making people happy is all it is.

At Milan, I grabbed my camera, my pins and my poker chips and headed toward the children.  After handing out nearly everything to the children outside, a rider asked me if I knew where the Chaplains Corp was.  I said I didn’t know and asked what the problem was.  She said there was a man on a trike that was having trouble.  So I went over to him.  I recognized him.  He’s a good friend of mine.  His wife was there with a couple others.  After determining his blood glucose level was low, I ran for some Gatorade and had him drink some.  Medics from inside the came out and checked him out further.  An ambulance came by but it was determined it was unnecessary.  We were told he needed to eat some food and rest inside out of the heat and after helping him inside he soon felt better.  Meanwhile I missed the Pledge of Allegiance with the children.  I really wanted to be there when we recited the three pledges with them.  I’m sure it went great and that the children were impressed.  I did finally get inside with them and took some pictures of the event.  I got some great shots of our riders eating in the cafeteria after that.

Next we headed to the casino for fuel (again sponsored) and then lined up to be escorted into Albuquerque.  If you have not witnessed this event, you have missed one of the wonders of the world.  It’s truly amazing.  What a blessing all the motor officers are as they help us enter the city completely by ourselves right into the Harley Shop that sponsors our evening meal completely unmolested by a single vehicle.  Burgers and dogs and all the fixings.  There was so much smoke from the grill, you would think the fire department would have been alerted, but no.  There was a long line, but it went fairly quickly. There was a great band playing as well.  Lots of favorites.  Good times.

About time for me to go, I mounted my bike and proceeded to carefully maneuver out of my confined space only to drop my brand new Ultra Limited 115^th Anniversary bike right there in the parking lot.  I’m sure everyone saw it.  Were you laughing?  Well, I’ll bet it was funny and I’m sure you were thinking you were happy that was not you.  Some folks standing close quickly came to my assistance and helped my get it up right.  I drove away embarrassed.  Oh well.  The meal was great, the music was great, the company was great.  No sense letting a small thing like that ruin my evening.  Anyone get a picture?

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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President Williams (Les) comes up to me at our fuel stop in Williams, AZ of all places and says’ “look Tom, Morse Code” as he flips the sun visor in his helmet up and down in a familiar pattern.  So I said, “Looks like SOS” and he said, “That’s what it is”.  I laughed.  Maybe I should have asked him if he needed help or if I could get one of our Chaplain Corp for him.  Just trying to be funny here.

What a day this has been.  It started as most of our missions have.  A very thoughtful, sincere prayer by our Chaplain asking for blessings for our safety and giving thanks for all we receive, then The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem signed again by Alisa and Ashley.  They have been doing this for six years I think.  During the anthem I could hear members of the crowd singing softly.  I had a sort of warm feeling in my heart and I started to sing.  I hope no one was listening to me.  Then a Missing Man flyover and a second pass.  So cool.  Thanks to whoever arranged that (I think I know).  Gunny Gregory was asked to come forward.  He was awarded something he had never before received, an FNG pin.  We all laughed.  With some final words from Les, Run For The Wall XXX (30) was about to begin.

We got outta Ontario without a hitch.  Piece of cake really.  Can’t say that for previous years.  Great idea whoever thought of having the mandatory meeting the previous night.  Let’s do that again next year.

We all arrived in Flagstaff safely. Our fuel was sponsored at all our fuel stops.  No out of pocket expense.   We have some very generous folks that care about us riders.  We were in and out of Ludlow in 20 minutes or less.  We crossed over into Arizona and had a few extra minutes at the Lake Havasu stop.  There I saw my high school friend and his misses.  They have come by to see me there for 5 years now.  The hydration truck was available here.  I think the M25 organization donates all the products from this truck.  An awesome blessing they are to each of us.  We are so appreciative of their offering, their support, and their time.  Heading into Kingman, the Kingman Police Department got involved for the first time.  They escorted us and blocked traffic to our next fuel stop (also donated).  Who are these people that have so much money? I know it must cost about three grand (rough guess) per fuel stop.   Then to our lunch stop outside the Mother Road Harley Davidson shop. A large circus tent was set up and burgers were being served to a long line of hungry riders; homemade cookies also.  Bandit presented many organizations and people with the usual plaques.  There was Rachel “Queen Bee” our Arizona State Coordinator, Elks Lodge 468, Kingman PD, Mother Road Harley Davidson, the City of Kingman, Eagle Riders, American Legion Riders, (I’m forgetting someone I’m sure) and there were several certificates handed out to many folks that donated or volunteered their support.  Then the “Music Man” gave his rendition of Good morning Vietnam”.  So funny.

We departed our lunch stop and found we had no police escort.  It wasn’t quite the easy transition back onto the “slab” as we call it.   Someone said over the CB “maybe we should have only given them half a plaque”.  I thought that was funny.

Near Flagstaff, we were escorted by the Flagstaff Police Department right to the VFW.  We passed many citizens lining the streets with waving flags welcoming us to Flagstaff.  Inside the VFW, the Boy Scouts served us Sloppy Joes.  Glenn Waggoner handed out awards to organizations that helped us out and most everyone soon departed.  One of our Road Guards Mark Masman, came to our table with a shovel.  He explained that this shovel had been used to break ground on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Our eyes bulged.  He said the lady that owned it was out back.  Her name is Patty Hopper.  Her husband was a member of the group that helped break ground for the memorial and they bought the shovel for $10.  We had to get some pics. Me with Patty and my APL Buck Guest

 

 

Tomorrow comes early and it will be cold.  Hope everyone has some warm gear.  I’ve got my electric jacket and glove liners, but not much more than that.  I’m thinking it will be warm soon after we get out of Flagstaff.

Remember tomorrow we will be going to Milan Elementary School. Here’s the pledge again.  I’ll have some copies to handout in the morning.

New Mexico Pledge –

“I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures”

Milan Elementary School Pledge –

“I pledge to be a person of character;

to help others when they need it;

to treat others the way I want to be treated;

to be caring, respectful, responsible;

be a good citizen;

be fair and trustworthy.

I count!  You count!”

 

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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There was a lot happening today. Today is the ride into Riverside National Cemetery (RNC).  There was also supposed to be a presentation by Warrior Pointe to Run For The Wall, but I missed that and didn’t receive any info on how that went.  The meeting for the ride into RNC started at 0830.  All the bikes were lined up along the road ready to head out when time. We had the Pledge of Allegiance which was signed by Alisa and Ashley.  We had nice prayer by Gwyn Frost and all FNGs were welcomed.  Jim “The Mayor” Frost described the ride into RNC and gave us some tips about riding together safely.   Ontario police led the way and we bid them farewell at I-60 heading for RNC.  Traffic was a small issue but not bad and most drivers avoided riders by giving us plenty of room and right-of-way.  We arrived safely and rode through RNC to park near the POW/MIA Memorial.

Jim Frost arranged for several speakers to tell their stories about how conflict has affected their lives.  Peter Young, director of RNC Facilities discussed some of the details of the cemetery.  There are over 300,000 veterans deterred there.  They average 35 burials per day.  They are the busiest National Cemetery in the nation and will soon be the largest National Cemetery in the nation. Several speakers told stories of family members that were left behind as POWs and never returned. Our government has in large part, turned their back and forgotten them.  Part of our responsibility as Run For The Wall members is to bring awareness to the public and demand government accountability for our POWs and MIAs.

The POW/MIA Memorial was designed and created by Lee Millet Jr. Here’s some info about the memorial.  “The Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial was designated as a national memorial by the U.S. Congress in 2004 through Public Law 108-454. The memorial was dedicated on September 16, 2005. Vietnam veteran Lewis Lee Millett, Jr., sculpted the bronze statue which depicts an American serviceman on his knees with hands bound by his captors. The statue is surrounded by black marble pillars that evoke imprisonment.”

Lee spoke about current POWs condition and how the government has done relatively nothing to determine their status and bring them home. We were moved by the all the talks about POWs left behind.

The Mayor did a great job pulling this mission to RNC together. Run For The Wall is all about getting accountability for all our POWs and MIAs.  James “Gunny” Gregory and Bill Evans began RFTW in 1989 as a mission to bring awareness to the public and the government about our POWs that never returned and still need to be.  We will continue to apply pressure to that effect as long as it takes.

In the afternoon, we were all asked to assemble in the parking lot adjacent to the host hotel for a mandatory meeting.  The First Marine Band played several familiar songs and marches with precision and finesse.  Beautiful stuff.  President Williams spoke to the group as well as each of the Route Coordinators.  There were several plaques presented and then Hard Charger presented the Combat Veteran Bike build.  Sgt Dylan Gray was more than grateful for the amazing new bike he received and he got right on and rode it around the parking lot like he was born to do just that.  What an amazing act of kindness was presented to this combat veteran.  A mode of transportation custom built to match his abilities to operate the bike, unbelievable.  Those responsible for providing this custom motorcycle to Sgt Gray deserve all the applause and kudos they received at the least.

Later all were briefed by our Road Guard Captain Ken Dugas “Six String”.  He told us all what to expect the next day and along the ride.  He went over signals, safety and most every aspect of our trip to Flagstaff, AZ tomorrow.  Following Six String’s brief and a session of questions and answers, all were released to be briefed by their Platoon Leaders.  With all this out of the way, tomorrow should be easier to get on the road together than we did last year.  It begins tomorrow.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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An easy day today.   Many more people arriving.  Many more familiar faces to see and hugs to receive.  I started by collecting gear for my platoon leadership and applying numerous decals to strategic locations on my Harley.  Place decals in the wrong place and folks like our Staging Crew will not be happy.  They need to know what platoon you are in and expect to see your platoon number in basically the same place on all bikes.  I hope we all follow directions.

At our Midway Leadership meeting in the afternoon Bandit gave a very warm brief.  He says this is our run.  It’s for all of us.  Bandit wants us all to make it safely to Washington DC.  We as leadership to help our riders be safe and treat them with respect.  We have no idea the “baggage” they carry.  We should be kind in all our conversations with all our riders. Bandit really cares about all those we meet along the way.  Bandit also would like us to honor our hosts at each venue by sticking around for meals provided and the following presentations and not leaving the route to head directly to the hotel.  Very appropriate stuff I think and just what we all need to do.  Bandit mentioned that our State Coordinators do an amazing job arranging all the details regarding venues where we stop.  They deserve our utmost gratitude and respect for the job they do behind the scenes.  It’s a tiring job that takes many hours of their volunteer time and it’s all devoted to the riders on Run For The Wall.  If you meet a State Coordinator make sure to thank them.  Without their effort we could not make this trip.  Thank you to all our State Coordinators.  You are loved.

Bandit told us our Combat Veteran Sargent Dylan Gray (please forgive me if I misspelled his name) was on the way from the airport.  Our Asst Route Coordinator, Glenn Waggoner quickly left to greet him when he arrived.  When Glenn announced Dylan and his lady and escorted them into the conference room we all stood and cheered.  What a privilege I felt to be in the room as Dylan humbly walked to the front and spoke a few words of appreciation and gratitude.  This is why we ride.  We love our veterans and we love our military.

Tomorrow we have several significant events happening.  Check the Pre-run itinerary.  I’ll just mention a couple.

First Jim “The Mayor” Frost is leading the traditional run to Riverside National Cemetery.  Although this event is primarily for FNGs, all are welcome.  I’ll be going there again.  I have spent many hours traveling in escort with the Patriot Guard Riders to RNC.  It is a marvelous place.  It’s a hallowed place.  There is a feeling of peace and tranquility that cannot be felt many other places.  RNC is the busiest National Cemetery in the United States.  Here is a website where you can find more information about RNC.  https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/riverside.asp.  If you have not been, you need to go.  The riders meeting is at 0830 and the run departs at 0900.  Usually the line begins along the east curb of the hotel.  There will be Law Enforcement Officer escort.

Second, I’d like to mention something our Board Of Director President, Les Williams talked about at our leadership meeting. It’s called Warrior Pointe.  They have a website https://www.warriorpointe.org/.  It’s worth checking out.  Members from Warrior Pointe will be at the host hotel at 0830 to present a plaque to Run For The Wall for 30 years of riding, honoring and caring for our veterans, military, POWs, MIAs and our KIAs.  If you are not planning to attend the run to RNC, please plan to be there for this presentation.  We need more riders on Run For The Wall.  Veterans like us are not getting any younger.  Les says our hair is not getting any darker, only lighter like his.  I quit cutting my gray hair.  I’m afraid I won’t grow anymore.  Les says that maybe soon we will need to change our logo again to Run For The Walls.  He mentioned that a location across the Reflection Pond from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is being considered for the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts and that maybe soon there will be an additional Wall to Run to.  What a vision.  I can only imagine how RFTW will multiply attendance if veterans from other conflicts begin to think the Run is for them like it has been for us.  The run if for us all.  All need to know that.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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Day –2, Sunday May 13, 2018

Starting a couple of days early, hope that’s okay with all y’all.  Except I don’t have an awful lot to report, but here goes nothing.  I left St. George, UT this morning after saying goodbye to my wife.  She doesn’t ride much, but lets me go, if I complete all the honey-dos on her list, which I did and there weren’t that many.  I called her after church got out.  She said, “You miss me already?”  I said I did.  We talked about everything. My wife asked me if I was rooming with the same friend again this year and I said I was. She asked if I thought he would already be checked in at the hotel with a cold Diet Coke waiting for me like previous years and I said probably.  She laughed.  We both know friends like that are few and far between.  I’m the lucky one.

This post actually started yesterday at Zion Harley Shop in Hurricane, UT.  I went to help with the weekly barbecue.  The Christian Motorcycle Association was there.  They are known for many benevolent activities, one of which is the annual Biker Blessing.  I talked with a lady named Maria and I mentioned that on this same day in the town I moved to Utah from, the Biker Blessing was being conducted so I would miss it.  Maria indicated that her husband Phil could help me, so I went and talked with him.  I told Phil about Run For The Wall, basically being a long ride across the country offering healing to all riders and promoting awareness to POWs and MIAs from all wars.  He indicated he would be happy to offer a blessing for me.  He proceeded with a fine prayer for my safety on the road.  Phil asked God to provide me and my bike with safety and for a safe return.  I was grateful for his words and I felt God’s watchful care over me and my bike.  As I rode toward Ontario, there were several times I thought God was helping me be safe.  Thank you God and please be with all the riders on Run For The Wall until we all arrive home safe in the and arms of our loved ones.

The weather riding into Ontario was beautiful and traffic not bad, being Mother’s Day.  As I rode past the host hotel, coming the other direction was a familiar face, one with a cigar protruding out his mouth.  Many of you probably know who I’m talking about.  I waved and he pointed at me recognizing me as well.  It’s already begun.  Run For the wall is an event that gets under your skin and it feels good.

I went to check into the hotel; only to find my roommate was already there and had a Diet Coke on ice for me.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  It was so good to see him again.  As I walked around the host hotel, familiar faces were everywhere and the hugs were nonstop.  It is so good to see so many of my friends again.  This is part of the reason I do Run For The Wall.  There are so many parts it would be a long list.  One of my friends showed me into Registration where more familiar faces with big smiles and more hugs greeted me.  Happy does not quite describe the feeling.  The Midway Registration Team is amazing and brought homemade cookies.  They got me checked in quick.  I saw quite a few friends from last year when I was Platoon 6 Leader.  They were back for more this year, but I was reassigned to another platoon this year.  No matter, we’ll still see a lot of each other.  One of my former platoon members mentioned he brought me a gift and went to retrieve it.  When he returned I was surprised to see he brought me a dream catcher made by Cherokee Indians and it was my color blue.  I was overwhelmed at such a thoughtful act, one that had particular significance to me.

All the route vendor trucks were set up outside and open for business.  Everything is there to help everyone interested in commemorating Run For The Wall.  Stop by and check out the Geedunk.

Here’s the Pre-Run Itinerary if you haven’t seen it already. https://rftw.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RFTW-Itinerary-2018-Ontario-Update-Rev3.pdf.  Please check out what’s going on.  Some stuff is mandatory.  Monday is a big day.  There will be hundreds of bikers riding in and there is a lot of coordinating that needs to happen.  All the activity in preparing for the Run kicks into high gear tomorrow.  We have been waiting and saying “Is it May yet”, for a long time.  Well it’s here.  Are you ready for Run For The Wall?

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  lystruptf@gmail.com

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March 23 – Hello Midway Route Family. I hope you are doing well and I’m sure you are with great anticipation looking forward to beginning the Run in another month and a half. I am as well. I have an idea I wanted to share with y’all. I spoke to Bandit about this idea and he concurred it was a good thing for us to do.

On Day 2, Thursday we cross from Arizona into New Mexico and stop at Milan Elementary School. Those of you that have been on the Midway Route previously may remember that we join with all the elementary school children and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together. This is a great event. You may also remember that after the pledge, the children recite the New Mexico Pledge as well as the Milan School Pledge. I was impressed with this act especially. The children wrote the school pledge themselves and they live it in their daily lives. My idea is to also join them in saying the New Mexico Pledge as well as the Milan Elementary School Pledge. The words are below. You can print this page and use it to help us join the children in saying these pledges together. I will also have copies to hand out at the Day 2 Mandatory Riders meeting in the morning. Please become familiar with these pledges. Perhaps memorize the words if you can and let’s join together as one with the children of Milan Elementary School in saying these pledges together. Let them feel the unity we share as a family of Riders who support our veterans, our military and our country, just as they do.

New Mexico Pledge –
“I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures”

(Clarification only – Zia symbol description – Zia is the name the Zia First Nation people attribute to the sun which they hold sacred and depict as a red circle with four rays emanating from it). All cultures depend on the sun. In that, we are all united and have something in common with the children of Milan Elementary school.

Milan Elementary Pledge –
“I pledge to be a person of character;
to help others when they need it;
to treat others the way I want to be treated;
to be caring, respectful, responsible;
be a good citizen;
be fair and trustworthy.
I count! You count!”

Let’s do this. Let’s show the children of Milan Elementary School we support them. Thank You!

Please email me with your comments or with anything you think needs correction or that needs inclusion.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – lystruptf@gmail.com
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Day 11 – May 27 – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

I was up early enough to hear the FNGs preparing for their ride into Arlington and then saw them off. What an honor for them to participate in this event. Memories from their visit will remain with them forever. Mine do, like it was yesterday. We were quite arriving. We were not hurried. We spoke in whispers if at all and looked with serious faces at those that spoke irreverently. I walked among many headstones and felt overwhelming peace and reverence. This is hallowed ground, in point of fact.

No morning mandatory meeting, no five minute horn, no Pledge of Allegiance which I miss and no chaplain’s prayer which I especially miss. I did say my own prayer however, one of thanks for helping me make it here safely as well as my platoon and all our company. About 0930 I headed over to the Lincoln Memorial with a friend and walked the grounds to take some photos. We found the vendors north of The Wall and checked them out. Did you find the Bayer Aspirin booth? If so, you know why I mention it. If not, you get to guess. I saw quite a few RFTW folks and talked with a few other people there also wandering the grounds. Some asked about Run For The Wall and I was happy to tell them about it. It started out a great day. I found many friends from all three routes and shared hellos and hugs. Just before our picture was taken a man stood and started singing God Bless America. We all joined in. I thought we sounded pretty good, but I didn’t have my hearing aids in either. Then on the bull horn “5 minutes”. Then 10 minutes later “2 minutes”. Then 5 minutes later we all posed but the photo had already been taken. Timing is everything. I wonder how it will turn out. “Like my photographer friend Ken says “It is what it is”.

With the group photo concluded. We all headed to The Wall. Although it wasn’t hot like other years, the line moved slow, but that’s the way it moves and that’s what we are here to do. I finished walking the wall for me and my good friend Paladin that couldn’t be here but wanted to and asked me to say high to his buddies on the Wall for him, which I did. At the end of the walk, I found my good friend Joe Hudson and he received my grateful hug and I his. I think I was late getting to the end of The Wall so unfortunately I didn’t get to turn any FNG pins. Got some great pics however. More hugs. Many “be safe” farewells. It started out a great day and ended a spectacular day at The Wall.

Charlie Mike – Run For The Wall. Let’s start making ready for 2018.

On a less somber note: Is it just me or is it impossible to find your way out of DC? I hear lots of folks say they take ubers or taxis because there’s no parking. Maybe that’s true, but maybe they don’t want to get lost like all the rest of us. It is my experience that you can get lost even if you have your GPS preprogrammed for a quick escape. I did finally escape, but nowhere near the time my GPS indicated. The ride in was “interesting”. The guy I rode in with knows what I’m talking about. Sorry, not givin’ this one away, unless you ask I guess. Happy Run For The Wall everyone. Until 2018. Remember to keep the shiny side up!

Day 11 is in the books.

We Ride For Those That Can’t

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 6 Leader / SitRep Writer / lystruptf@gmail.com
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