Category: Sandbox Route SitReps

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2024 Sandbox Route SitRep Day 3

RFTW Sandbox SitRep, Day 3, May 28, 2024

Our last morning together and we joined together to sing the Anthem.
We heard from a number of people including the Road Guard Captain, Catfish, who covered our route and hand signals. We recognized the military, POW/MIA, Blue Star and Gold Star families. Then there was silence as Gump spoke. March 23, 2003. He spoke of the attack. Eleven soldiers were killed. Eight were taken POW. One died in captivity. One was executed. More died on this day. He said 35 Americans died for our country that day. This is Gump’s second time to visit the MECW. He said he feels comfort to know he’s surrounded by hundreds of his brothers and sisters. He said, “I ride for,” and he named them all. Say their names out loud. He did. Loudly.
Say their  names. Tell their stories. Never forget.
Gump said a lot know about Vietnam and we lost a lot, including civilians. He talked about a doctor named Eleanor who was there to help those with leprosy. She was captured. Never returned. No remains. He said 59 civilian women were killed in that war. American women. He said we have a tendency to remember the military but civilians were also lost so we ride for them as well. Gump is proud we go to the MECW as it’s a unique memorial.   And he hopes we continue going to it.
This is why we ride.
It’s sad and yet we’re glad to be headed to the completion of the Mission. And so we began the ride on our last day and headed to the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette for breakfast and to meet with the residents. The first gentleman outside in his electric wheelchair was a Marine named Kenneth who was in Vietnam in 67/68. He’s from Lafayette and has been in the Indiana home for six years. He came home to Lafayette and worked in the septic tank and sewer businesses. He did that about 40 years and finally retired in 2008. He said he goes to bed at 4 pm and gets up at 4 am. It’s a beautiful place but he said he doesn’t have anything to do. A simple man who went to war, came home and did a necessary job.
This is why we ride.
Then there was Lois, the aunt of one of our riders, Jim. She was quite spiffy. And a cousin, Laurie, was also visiting today.
This is why we ride.
Sandbox folks donated funds to give to the home. While RFTW donates, many times there’s the passing of the hat and today was no exception that showed the generosity of the riders. Top Sarge spoke about the thank you stars from properly retired flags. The stars were handed out and riders were told that this is a tradition started years ago and still continues.
Santa Ed gave a Purple Heart belt buckle to one of the residents. There were 5,000 of these made years ago but hidden away due to copyright concerns. They were found and have been passed down and now are given to Santa Ed who gives them to Purple Heart veterans.
There was a little lady named Bonnie. I didn’t get her history. She was sweet. She eyed a dog that’s with us. I took Honey over to see her and Bonnie’s eyes just lit up. I couldn’t help but hug on her. And just love her. For some reason there was a connection that you sometimes immediately get when visiting one of these facilities. She took my face in her hands. I couldn’t help but do the same. She said to me, you’re crying. So was she. And I cried even after we left. No story told. But her name is Bonnie!!!  This is why we ride.
Veterans homes are so sad. But this is why we ride.
On to fuel and then lunch and presentations in Watseka, Illinois. Go-Go had a flag he is taking to the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New Mexico. He asked everyone to sign it. A Vietnam vet designed the flag and every part of it means something. Red is for the blood. Black represents mourning. The soldier crossing the battle line is retrieving a soldier. The wavy line is the battle line. The circle is hallowed ground. Below the circle represents the brave and the free because without the brave there would be no free. The final message Go-Go wants to convey is that America remembers.
Blue reminded us that the Mission is bigger than self. And then presented awards and thanked everyone for being so great to work with and she’s is grateful for everyone. Skip, the Fuel Lead, updated us and said the first Sandbox fuel stop took 15 minutes and 42 seconds. The last one was eight minutes and 47 seconds. He said that’s not bad for fueling 275 bikes. Awesome.
Squirt Gun thanked his Ambassador team and the other routes as SB didn’t really have any swag. But the other routes gave him what they had left and so the Ambassadors had plenty to give out. He’s very grateful for that.
The final leg took us to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois. It would be the completion of the Wall to Wall Mission, the fourth route of RFTW. The bikes rolled in and parked. People got the bios they’d carried from either Ontario, CA, or Washington, DC, and began laying them at the various panels. Some made etchings of a name or names. Others knelt to pay their respects. Some needed hugs. Some needed more than one hug to be able to let go and hopefully begin healing. This is why we ride.
RC Blue made her last presentations and the RFTW plaque was laid. The Mission is COMPLETE!! As a final presentation Taz presented Blue with a flag. As a Mission still in its infancy, it was a fitting finish.
All y’all have a great ride and get home safely.
Peppermint Patti
Where we going?  Wall to Wall. Mission complete.
“These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor — and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.”  Michael N. Castle
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2014 Sandbox Route SitRep Day 2

RFTW Sandbox SITREP Day 2
May 27, 2024

At the morning meeting we had our blessing in both English and Hebrew. What a special treat.
Then Polar Bear’s grand girls led the Pledge. Another wonderful treat.

Sandbox is a Route with many unique elements.  Some are fun. Some are solemn. We’ve had challenge coin auctions with all four RC route coins. We had a Flight 93 challenge coin auctioned off. We’ve auctioned off riding next to RC Blue during a missing man leg. People have been so generous on this Route. The RCs from other routes stepped up. It’s so heartwarming.

Skip let us know that yesterday 275 bikes were gassed up in a little more than 13 minutes. That is pretty amazing.

RFTW is so welcomed here. Breakfast was earlier provided by McDonald’s as we staged to ride to downtown.

We had a police escort to downtown and we’ll have one all the way through Ohio. (That turned out to be about 230 miles.) I joke that they just want to be sure we get out of their state. But in reality they’re so very helpful. Basically the interstate was shut down with on ramps closed off and then a few rolling road blocks.

Gold Star mom Tammy was introduced. She lost her son, Mitch, in 2010. He’s part of the 22 a day. She told a couple of funny stories about her boy. There was a lot of laughter. His name was said. Stories told. He won’t be forgotten.

Lily is also a Gold Star family member.  It’s her first year accepting the Gold Star title. Her grandfather is a Marine who was recently recovered.

We rode to downtown St. Clairsville and rode in under a huge flag hanging from a ladder truck. People lined the sidewalks waving flags.

A couple have lived around here for 50 years but always go away in the summer and camp. The lady said they come into town especially to see RFTW riders come in and share the Memorial Day celebration.

Mayor Thalman spoke.  She said something that resonated loud and clear. “The soul of our country is standing in our street.” And she gave the Irish blessing. It was beautiful.

We arrived at lunch in Union, Ohio at the VFW Post 5434. There are always presentations with certificates and plaques. Everyone treats us so well and we’re grateful for their hospitality. We’re always asked what do we say?  THANK YOU!!!

Once again our Road Guards did an awesome job of getting us through traffic to our next stop that was for fuel. And  then on to our final ride destination, Hunters Moon HD in Lafayette, Indiana.

There was slow-cooked brisket and the fixings. And home made peach cobbler. We’ve been well fed.

Our evening continued with thank yous and presentations.

However, this evening there was something different. There were several Gold Star family members in attendance.

One would speak to us about her son.

Marilyn began to speak and this is the story she told.

When does the blue star turn to gold?  That was the same question Marilyn had. The answer came 18 years ago after our son’s service she said. When they were handed the gold star flag. And became a member of a group no one wants to be a member of.

Matthew was born in 1983 at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. He was the middle child. He thought the Marines had the coolest uniforms so he joined up and went to boot camp at Camp Pendleton. Halfway through he injured his ACL. He recuperated and went back to boot camp where he injured his ACL again three days before Crucible. It was two or three days before 9-11.

He was not allowed to continue. So he went back to work at Best Buy again but was still hungry for the military. A couple years later he said he’d join the Army Reserves. Two weeks later he told his mom he was going active and was stationed at Fort Campbell. He was so happy to be there, pretty close to home. Then he was getting ready to go to Iraq.

He went to Kuwait in September. Then Iraq. He called and said he was coming home for Christmas. The day after Christmas his mom made him his favorite meal and they took photos. She’s so glad they did.

About 20 days later she got home from work and there’s a bang, bang, bang at the door. She answered it. Matthew had told her if something bad happened the army would come and ask for her. So she knew when she opened up the door something bad had happened and she said their lives were never the same.

As a special story Marilyn talked about a dog they had named Baxter. Matthew always told the dog that when he died the dog wasn’t good enough for a Walmart bag. It was a running joke.

Three or four years it was time to let the dog Baxter go. Marilyn told Baxter Matthew has a tennis ball waiting for you. Go and have fun. Baxter was cremated. She got a new Walmart bag, put some of Baxter’s ashes in it and took them to the cemetery. It was a very special day as it was Matt’s Angel day. She said Matthew be careful the words you say. Now he’s your dog. You take care of him. She said doing that that got me through that day.

It was so emotional and tears were falling all around. Marilyn was presented a shadow box with her son’s photo, a flag and other mementoes. This was a very special moment for everyone there.

There was a flag-folding ceremony and the Taz handed out candles for  a candlelight vigil for the many Gold Star families that were there.

This evening was unlike others we’ve had and a lot of memories were made. And hopefully some healing happened for everyone.

Where are we going?  Wall to Wall.

Peppermint Patti

Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free. Dwight D. Eisenhower

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2024 Sandbox Route SitRep Day 1

RFTW Sandbox SITREP Day 1

May 26, 2024
There was lots of loud thunder and lightning last night. Wow.
Sandbox staging opened and bikes started rolling in.
The luggage truck was open and for $15 you could put two bags on the truck and have them pack it for you until we get to Marseilles. What a great idea. A load off your bike AND your belongings won’t get wet.
This years Route Coordinator, Blue opened the meeting. There was a prayer, the Pledge and the Anthem. Blue called up an FNG to lead the Pledge. Nice.
Military, Blue Star and Gold Star families were present … all are recognized each day.
Gump, a POW for 22 days during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was asked to say a few words. He said those 22 days were hell but he’s  living his best life now. Nine in his unit were killed. They’re forever in his heart. He can’t wait to be surrounded by 200 brothers and sisters when he visits that wall.
There were Road Guard reminders and hand signal prompts. Taz read the bio and handed it off to an FNG to carry to the Middle East Conflicts Wall. The FNG today has a special connection to the bio read. That’s why we ride.
Taz introduced a Gold Star mom, and who said she wasn’t going to go all the way. But she had to honor her son, Dylan Morola. As I watched, Taz helped her down the incline from the stage. There’s so much honor and chivalry.
The FNGs were called up  and we showered them with hugs and “Welcome homes!!!”
It was time to get on the road. Our Road Guards are doing a great job of getting us on the Interstate. It must be precise and we follow the signals. Our RC is in the lead, with the platoon of Road Guards ahead of her to stop traffic at crossroads and on-ramps if necessary. When moving onto the Interstate the RC starts slow allowing more and more bikes to move onto the highway. As the platoons enter the road the RC speeds up in small increments until we reach just around highway speed.
Even more intense is getting the group onto a two-lane road and keeping us together as we travel. But it happened. And seemed to go smoothly. Kudos to the Road Guards.
We stopped at VFW Post 257 for lunch and thanked them vigorously. It’s a cool stop with a helicopter and a tank.
Gnome was standing in the lunch line. He’s from Riverside, CA, and wears dog tags with name, rank and serial numbers. He carries their tags (22 of them). There’s a variety of veterans who’ve passed.  There are some who had Agent Orange, POWs, the 22, KIA. These are wounded warriors and fallen heroes who he’s helped escort to their final resting place. He said he has probably escorted 60 of them, some of which he doesn’t have a tag for
The group went to the Flight 93 Memorial. The Park Ranger gave a presentation and spoke of some of the people on the flight, including a flight attendant and a COO of a company that produces heart pumps.
He went through that last morning of 9-11 nearly minute-by-minute from the time the flight left the ground. He made those people come to life. And he talked about their phone calls home, or to other loved ones. As it turned out there were 40 people on that flight who lost their lives. Forty people whose friends and families had their lives changed forever. Forty heroes. They diverted that flight by making a plan to fight back against the hijackers. And that plan happened when they said, “Let’s roll.”
The plane hit the ground at a speed of 553 mph. The passengers and crew stopped that plane 121 miles away from hitting its intended target of the White House.
Riding with us is Bob Weaver. He was the first police officer to arrive at the scene. He described what he saw. It was horrific.
One platoon did an outreach to a small museum in Belmont, Ohio, the Tri-State Military Veterans Museum. Just prior to arriving the rain started and then poured while everyone visited. The museum is dedicated to the history of military veterans in the Belmont County and Ohio Valley. It’s small but has so much … photos, uniforms, challenge coins, to name a few.
The group made it to a fine dinner at the Ohio Valley Mall. There were many contributors to provide a meal of fried chicken, potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert.
After dinner a Flight 93 challenge coin was auctioned off. It went for a lot of money. Way to go, Taz.
Where are we going?  Wall to Wall …
Peppermint Patti
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis.
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2024 “Wall to Wall” – The Sandbox Route

Howdy Folks!  My name is Jim McCrain, better known as “Hoofer” with Run For The Wall.  For several years, I have been the Photographer and SITREP Author for the Midway Route.  This year, I have the extreme honor of being your SITREP Author.  It is a duty that I do not take lightly.  I will do my best to accurately and completely tell the stories that you share with me, and to relate the experiences that you have during our Mission.  I will do my best to represent you honestly and faithfully.

Our Media Team consists of myself as SITREP Author, Jerry Lanier “F-Stop” as your Photographer, and Patti Bogan “Peppermint Patti” as your Social Media Reporter.  We are dedicated to documenting your Run, and telling all of our readers just what it is that you are doing every day.  We will do this to the best of our abilities.

For those of you that do not know me, I think there are some things that you should know.  I am NOT a Veteran.  This is important to remember, because I may see and experience things a little differently than you do.  So I may ask you some “strange” questions, or I might do things that you aren’t expecting.  But my promise to you is that I will do it all with an air of respect.  As a civilian, I can offer our Veterans no less than that.  You deserve the respect of every American citizen, because you stepped up and signed your name on a line.  You swore to defend our Country and our People: something that most Americans would or could never do.  On behalf of the American Patriot, I honor your courage, dedication, and sacrifices.

Riding with you on the Sandbox Route will be a new experience for me, as it will be for many of you.  Although I have been participating with RFTW for over a decade, I have not “seen it all.”  Each Route is unique, and the experiences change with each new year.  For those of you that have ridden the Sandbox Route before, you “think” you know what to expect.  (I do the same thing on the Midway Route.)  But every year, I am surprised at how much things change, even though we may be going back to the same places as last year.  You see, it is the PEOPLE and the RIDERS that make the difference.

You are not the same person that you were last year.  Neither am I.  The people that we will ride with are not the same.  Some have never ridden with us before.  In fact, some of them may have never ridden in a large group before!  Each of us will have different things in our minds.  Some (like myself) simply want to be here as a resource for you and to say “Thank You” for what you have done.  Others, many others, are riding because they need to either clear their minds of bad memories, or they may want to fill the minds with new, good memories.  Some will be here to reconnect with their fellow service Men/Women.  Others will be here to pay their respects to fallen comrades.  The Mission of Run For The Wall is to give you all the peace that you need and deserve, and to bring closure to those that need it.

During our Mission, I hope to get to know as many of you as I can.  I want to shake your hand, thank you for your service, and remind you that America has your six!  We will not forget what you have been through, and we will help you every step along the way.

So please, come find me.  Tell me your stories.  Tell me what it was like to serve during our troubled times.  Tell me about your Friends.  Tell me about their sacrifices.  And then, when we get to the Middle East Conflicts Wall, please introduce me to them.  I promise, I will listen, and together we will …

Say Their Names … They not forgotten.

Cheers!

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Sandbox Route SITREP Author

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Final SITREP Sandbox 2023

This is my final SITREP for RFTW Sandbox for 2023.

This was your media crew this year, F-Stop (l), Cupcake(r) and me.

Thank you for letting us photograph you, tell your stories and document the emotional and intense days. There were moments of pain, moments of happiness, moments of fun. There was camaraderie among friends and a willingness to share it all with each other.

Friends made here are friends for life. Let’s stay in touch.

It was our honor to be there.

Peppermint Patti
Never forget

“There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”  John Holmes

P.S.  You know who you are. Thank you for what you did for our mutual friend. It was so very much appreciated. 💚💚💚

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Sitrep for Sandbox, May 30, 2023

Today. Complete a RFTW route. Sandbox Route.  Wall-to-Wall. Four routes, one mission. To promote healing, accountability and remembrance of all veterans.

It was another clear day and we headed to the Indiana Veterans Home. As we rode in, the driveway was lined with tall flags waving gently in the breeze. The grounds had people working and were beautiful. There was also someone hard at work building a gazebo.

My friend, Warren, steered me to a veteran who he had spoken with. Larry is a Purple Heart recipient from Vietnam. He’s now 75 years old as he just had a birthday.

Larry was in the Army and a Combat Tank Commander who initially rose from Private to Buck Sergeant in 30 days. He was in Vietnam 1971-1972. They were attacked during the night and he caught a round in the neck. They wanted to medevac him but he refused to leave because he knew the North Vietnamese Army would gain the ground.

He said he was in the South China Sea, Vietnam and all over. He zig zagged everywhere.

Larry said he’s been in the Veterans Home 3-1/2 years and he gets lots of visitors. He can walk but when he’s outside he likes to use a machine.

Santa Ed presented him with one of the Purple Heart belt buckles and we did a great group photo with so many people. I think Larry loved all the attention.

It was time for presentations in front of the Fallen Soldier Monument.  The sheet metal monument was made by a local artist from Battleground and is believed to be the largest one. It was made in three parts … helmet. Boots. Gun.

The group passed the hat this am raising more than a thousand dollars. RFTW matched up to $1,000. So RC Lurch handed over $2,300 and change.

The ride continued through beautiful green cornfields with new corn about 6-8 inches tall. There are wind generator farms that go on for miles. It’s a good place for them as we had wind coming through.

Our next stop was lunch at the 33-acre American Legion Park. There are so many beautiful parks.

There’s a place where a wreath will be layed and TAPS played. At that moment there was no one else around and made for a photo before the crowd descended.

At lunch we met a Gold Star family … parents Gwen and Scott, sisters Gabbie and Gracie and grandma Karen. There were friends there as well.

Their son, Army Sgt. Jeremy Sherman was killed in a helicopter crash in 2020 during a peace keeping mission on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.  He was 23 years old and had only been there a month. He had  also served in Korea and Afghanistan.

They were presented with a Route Coordinator challenge coin and it was beautiful. Hopefully, knowing that we are saying his name will help this family heal.

I told Gwen we do this ride to remember and honor them. To not forget them. She said, “They do forget.”

Say their name. Tell their story.

Go Go had a scroll for people to sign. It’s been from California to D.C. and on to the MECW. Now it will go back to California to Go Go’s commandant.

He talked about the 22. He said people commit to all kinds of things. But no one commits to suicide. They fall victim to their demons and unseen wounds.

That ties in to a gentleman who spoke at the MECW after we arrived. Bill is with Nation of Patriots that has raised about $2 million. They work to prevent a veteran from being a part of the 22. They give out checks, one time only, to help with maybe a blown car engine, school supplies, a utility bill … stressful things that might push someone over the edge … and they try to do something / anything to help with the financial burden and that might change the course of history for that family.

They have a patriot tour and pass one American flag around the nation to every state. They raise funds when doing this and have done it for 14 years. The organization is run by volunteers and all the money goes to those in need. The current flag has been moving through the U.S. for two years.

He said the best thing is that sometimes down the road they receive a letter telling them someone’s story, how a life was changed and turned around.

The MECW is set along the banks of the Illinois River. Water sprayed up over the rocks making some rapids. It’s such a pretty setting for the Wall.

It was a busy place this afternoon. Riders placed their profiles, maybe a coin or a bracelet. Others that had come before us had placed a variety of items … beer, whiskey in shot glasses, flags. Even a bear wearing a Marine uniform. The list goes on. While not all are extremely emotional about being there, seeing someone you cared for on the wall can bring someone to their knees. There were a lot of hugs, shoulders clasped, stories shared. It’s healing and part of the reason for the mission.

There’s a museum on site and Bucky is the Curator of the Museum. In addition he’s a Jack of all trades, doing whatever is necessary, including moving mop buckets or signs. He used to put all the mementos at the police department but about 15 years ago they got the building.

There were some well-deserved awards and presentations and a prayer to end our day and the route.

MISSION COMPLETE.

Peppermint Patti

Never forget.

Don’t cry because it’s over.  Smile because it happened.  Dr. Seuss

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Sandbox SITREP May 29, 2023

Northstar Polaris provided breakfast. It’s always a great day when there’s breakfast.

The sun was coming up and the sky was a light golden-orange. It was promising to be a beautiful day although later the wind kicked up.

Small-town celebrations are best. There was a band and a flag group that performed the National Anthem and the Military Song Medley. The Mayor spoke as well as other dignitaries, and they welcomed us with open arms.

Honor guard.

 

Audrey read a poem a Gold Star member write specifically for Memorial Day. It was not about barbecues or fishing or boating. It was about the reason we have our country and our freedom.

It was about our veterans, our military, our civilians who have stood for our country. It’s about the reason we will never forget.

Last year Audrey and Jed ran ahead on the Sandbox Route to get on some of the overpasses to wave at the run as it came through. A couple stopped to find out what was going on. They explained RFTW to them. They stayed and waved. Then their son showed up. He was a veteran and also stayed. More and more people stopped and then stayed, including police.

This year we heard that that couple helped organize people and even had a fire department vehicle so there would be folks there and waving. The interest created by Jed and Audrey was amazing.

Going into Ohio Audrey, Dan and I ran ahead so they could give them yellow RFTW t-shirts and pins for creating the interest. We got to the overpass. Nothing. No one. So we went to the next exit. Nothing no one. Get along folks. Nothing to see here.

We decided to run back to the first overpass we’d gone to to see if anyone was there. Maybe they were late.

Kelsey, Carleen, Audrey, Larry, Jean. Dan, Kimber, Chip, Cindy.

Yep we had people and a fire department vehicle. It was awesome to see that enthusiasm for the RFTW Sandbox Route.

Hunters Moon Harley-Davidson opened their building so we could have our evening meal. It was hosted by Honor Bound and The Worship Church served it. Brisket and the trimmings. You can’t go wrong.

Mount Hope Church has done so much for us. And we thank them, as well as the City of Lafayette for all they’ve done to support us. Thank you.

Tonight was awards night as tomorrow we arrive at our destination early.

Bryan and Lurch. Bryan’s groups have made us very welcome, as has the City of Lafayette.

The evening closed as the sun shone on all of us and we sat with full bellies and shared friendship and camaraderie.

Peppermint Patti
Never forget

“These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor — and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.”  Michael N. Castle

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Sandbox Route SitRep May 28

Run For The Wall®

May 28, 2023
Sitrep for Sandbox, the night before leaving

It’s the first day on the road for the Sandbox Route. Everyone gathered for the morning briefing. We had the Pledge, then the National Anthem by our very own Siren that is always a treat.

Introductions always come … Gold Star families, Blue Star families, active duty and FNGs. We show our respect for them.

Safety came next. There are always reminders each day because safety is first.

These are the things that will be done each morning. Recognition is so important for people, particularly those who have lost someone. The next leg will also be emotional as Sandbox Route goes to the Middle East Conflicts Wall, a living memorial to which b names are still sadly being added.  Say their names. Tell their stories.

There was a special gift to Gunny who is the inspiration for what is RFTW.

Gunny receiving his special gift.

Then it was time to go. Our first stop was gas. Disappointment. Baskin-Robbins wasn’t open. But Dunkin’ Donuts was.

We headed to the Stoystown Legion Post 157 in Pennsylvania for lunch. Old barns. Fences. Beautiful green pastures. Pretty purple flowers. Cows. Horses. And winding two-lane back roads.  The hills went up and down like a roller coaster. Then we made a turn and arrived. There’s even a covered bridge included.

The Flight 93 Memorial was the next stop. It’s a beautiful area, green with lots of trees. We took a winding road to the parking lot. In the distance you could see the wall with all of the names of those who heroically went down with the aircraft in 2011.

Story boards tell about what happened that day.

Story boards tell the story.

There was a wreath-laying ceremony and tears flowed freely. It’s a moving place and you can spend hours there. But it was time to go.

Part of the wall of those more than 40 names.

We had a gas stop and handed out dozens of pins and stickers. Then it was time to move along to our dinner stop in St. Clairesville, OH. North Star Indian Motorcycle hosted us for dinner.

Two Gold Star families were recognized. One spoke of her son, Peter.  He joined the infantry. His mom said that puts you up front, doesn’t it?  He then became a dog handler, of Duke. His mom said that puts you even further up front, doesn’t it?  Yes.

Peter was killed and his parents got his dog, Duke. He passed away since last year. His mom said Peter wasn’t a typical Marine. He wrestled at 112 pounds. He was infantry and they’re first in. With a dog they’re even further up front. It’s been 12 years now, but Peter was where he wanted to be. The hole is still there and the healing is constant. We thank you for helping to keep those memories alive.

Bugs and Polar Bear were recognized for their work for the Museum and their veterans.

We said thank you loudly multiple times then it was time to head to the hotels and get ready for tomorrow

Peppermint Patti

Never forget.

“If a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Sandbox Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 3

Sandbox Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 3

Day 3, May 26, 2020 – Lafayette, IN, to Marseilles, IL, 191 miles

We departed Gilman and headed to Starved Rock Harley-Davidson in Ottawa, IL, for lunch.  As always, the stops are more than hospitable to all of us.  After the lunch break, we staged by platoons to ride the 11 miles to Marseilles and the Middle East Conflicts Wall.

The Middle East Conflicts Wall – our destination.  The MECW commemorates the service men and women who have lost their lives in worldwide conflicts since 1967.  Dedicated in 2004, the project was conceived by Tony Cutrano and Jerry Kuczera and built with donated material and labor.  It’s the first of its kind to give honor to the fallen by name while a conflict is ongoing.  Names on the wall include fallen heroes from such diverse locations as Panama, Lebanon, the Balkans, Grenada, Somalia, terrorist attacks in Italy, Greece, an Israeli attack on the USS Liberty and the current conflicts in the Middle East.

This is where we would pay our respect and honor the sacrifices of those who have fallen.  Names continue to be added each year usually in June in conjunction with a motorcycle freedom run.  Text at the memorial affirms all those commemorated are heroes who died for freedom and will never be forgotten.

The Middle East Conflicts Wall is a memorial you have to want to see, to go visit.  It’s not in the middle of a big city; it’s actually kind of isolated.  But it’s a memorial well worth visiting, and I believe all of us can agree on that.

Memorials bring many emotions to the surface.  It can also be a not-so-kind reminder to those who have served.  There are those who need our help in healing, and visiting these memorials and sharing friendship, a hand, or a hug may be able to help them along that road.

Because of the wars including the conflicts mentioned on the MECW, wounds are not always visible, and 22 men and women commit suicide every single day.  Mission 22 is committed to lowering that number, hoping to reach the point of elimination.  One of the best ways of helping is to reach out … to someone that you think might be at risk.  Or if you’re at risk, please reach out to others.  Every person on this Run is dedicated to helping others and wants to help.  Please let them.

Be proud that you’ve been a part of the RFTW, Sandbox Route, Wall 2 Wall mission.  You can stand up and say, “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.”  You’ve done it, and all of us hope to see you again next year.

“Nothing is strong as the heart of a volunteer.”  Col. Jimmy Doolittle

Signing off for this year,

Peppermint Patti

Photos for the Sandbox Virtual SITREPS courtesy of PhotosbyJerry.smugmug.com

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Sandbox Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 2

Sandbox Route 2020 “VIRTUAL” Sitrep Day 2

Day 2, May 25, 2020 – Clairsville, OH, to Lafayette, IN, 359 miles

Bright and early we were at it again, and in for a long day.  Briefings started at 6:30 AM. but there is breakfast at the North Star Indian, Polaris, Slingshot dealer, where we meet up and where we depart for the day.  No one should ever go hungry on this mission … breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.

Here is a Link to this morning’s Virtual Brief Video for those who missed it. https://youtu.be/yOsTIMz838o Go to the following link to get the link for tomorrow’s Brief. https://rftw.us/rftw-sandbox-rc-newsletter-may-2020-virtual-daily-briefing-edition/

If you were on the initial Run from California, you’re probably fatigued and running on adrenaline and caffeine.  Be sure to stay hydrated.  It’s important to your well-being and you’ll hear it time and again from the medical staff.  Be sure to stop by the hydration station at every stop to get a drink and a snack.  Don’t be a casualty.  It won’t be pretty.

The VFW post in Union, OH, provided lunch for the day.  There are usually some other treats in store, including music, memories or just time to get to know the people that are providing for us.  Always try to get to know some of these folks as it’s one of the most rewarding relationships you can form along the route.  Sometimes someone you’ll be seated near and chat with will relate their story of wars past.  It’s an honor to have them share with us.  A memory of theirs may hold a lot of anger or bitterness, but once that is shared with you, you have helped them to heal a bit.  If it happens, share their tears, thank them and maybe give them a hug before you go on your way.  Remember, one of the RFTW missions is to promote healing … and you will have just done that.

 

Cpl Jason Dunham, USMC KIA Iraq 2004

It was a long day and finally we arrived about 5:42 PM at our destination for the day, Hunter’s Moon Harley-Davidson.  Dinner and the recognitions program for the Sandbox Route would go until about 8 PM.  It was a long day as we rode for those who couldn’t.  This is what we do.  This is our mission.

 

“It was my duty to shoot the enemy, and I don’t regret it.  My regrets are for the people I couldn’t save:  Marines, soldiers, buddies.  I’m not naïve, and I don’t romanticize war.  The worst moments of my life have come as a SEAL.  But I can stand before God with a clear conscience about doing my job.”  Chris Kyle

Peppermint Patti