Category: Southern Route SitReps

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Central Route Coordinator News – Sept 2018

G’Day,

Just back from a great weekend at Angel Fire NM, I always think of this special place as the spiritual home of the Central Route. There were riders from all Routes helping place the bricks. We laid 580 + bricks, the most that we have ever laid and the last brick laid was for John McCain, it was very moving when his brick was placed, with a bagpiper ( Kim Greeley) leading and the NM national guard walking behind. Thanks to the generosity of the RFTW riders we were also able to collect enough money to lay 15 more bricks for Gumps colleagues.

The process for the 2019 Run is moving along with leadership being picked and the State Coordinators working hard to make sure everything runs smooth in their particular state.

Registration :  If you would like to help the Run operate smoother please register online, you don’t have to pay the registration fee of $30.00 until  the day you are joining the Run. By doing so it will cut down on all the manual data entry that has to be done for walk-ins, its just one or two volunteers doing all the data entry .

If you decide not to pre-register  the walk in registration fee for 2019 will be $50.00

Note: even if you do pre-register you still need to bring your MC license/ insurance/MC registration to the registration point so that they can be checked. If you are bringing a minor with you, the release document must be notarized.

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Central Route Coordinator News – August 2018

 

G’day

My name is Eamon “ Boomer” Tansey. I have been selected for the great honor of being Route Coordinator for the Central Route in 2019.

I served in the Australian Army and one year of that spent in Vietnam.

My Assistant Route Coordinator is Tom Miller who is also a Vietnam Veteran US Army. His experience as a Road Guard Captain and his leadership skills will be of invaluable help in setting up the Route for 2019.

Road Guard Captain for the Route will be Kay Klemme who as Assistant Road Captain in 2018 did a brilliant job.

Run for the Wall is for  Veterans and supporters of all Theaters of War

Over the next few months I’ll be setting up the Central Route Teams for 2019

Thank you to Harlan Olson and his Team for a job well done and making the 30thRFTW a success.

 

I look forward to all Vets and Non Vets joining me in 2019

 

Eamon “Boomer” Tansey

 

 

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Central Route Coordinator News – June 5, 2018

MISSION COMPLETE

The 30th Run For The Wall event is in the history books.  It has been my distinct honor to serve as the Central Route Coordinator.  I was blessed to have an AWESOME team that I could rely on to accomplish the work that needed to be done to make The Run a success.  I was informed by John McKee that in his report to AMA, the Central Route registered 719 riders.

My goal was to complete the Mission with zero accidents; unfortunately that goal was not met.  I suppose when you consider that with nearly 2000 participants and collectively over 3 million miles traveled in an activity that carries risk, the odds for attaining the zero goal was slim.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were affected by any incident.

After Action Report:  I encourage those who participated in the 2018 Run to take the time to complete an After Action Report so improvements can be made for the 2019 event.  The After Action Report can be found on our web site, www.rftw.us.

How do you thank dedicated people who gave so much of themselves over the past eleven months to plan and execute an event like Run For The Wall.  I hesitate to name names because someone always gets left out.  It begins with State Coordinators, who coordinate the fuel stops, lunches and dinners and arrange for hotels and camping sites to accommodate us on our overnight stops.

Then I must thank Eamon Tansey for accepting my invitation to become Assistant Route Coordinator.  He proved to be invaluable in organizing and adding the Gold Star Families Outreach Program, led by Ken Nicholas, to the Central Route.  He selected a team that carried out the program that proved to be a huge success.  In addition, Eamon led the platoon breakouts that visited several memorials along our route, expanding our visibility to communities.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Chaplain Corps, lead by Curtis Hubbell.  Their prayers for a safe and good experience began long before May 16th.  I could feel their prayers and support during the difficult times on our journey.

The Registration Team, led by Kris Allen, played an integral role in registering riders and getting them assigned to platoons.  Great job!

The Ambassadors Team led by Eric and Sonia Amman has become a very important asset to Run For The Wall.  This Team runs ahead of the Pack.  One of their tasks is to look for our supporters on overpasses and to thank them for their support.  This Team was designed to use RFTW old timers to give them a place to serve.  I look forward to putting in my name after I serve my Mentor role next year.

Then there’s the Leadership Support team made up of all the various tasks, beginning with:
Finance                                                 Jenny Ward, Larry and Jean Gault
Missing Man Coordinator               Tom Pogue
Itinerary/Handbook editor             Kirk Olson
Leadership Support Vehicle           Everett Paeper
Sit-Rep Writer                                    Roger Hageman
50/50 Rouser                                      Jimmie & Judy Royce
Photographer                                      Dan Ecksten
Videographer                                      Mike Malta
Quartermaster                                    Dan Koster
Friends of Bill Coordinator              Jerry Ewing
The Medical Team led by Barb Bell and Wade Wills attended to our medical needs in various situations as they arose.  In talking to one of the medics, hydration or rather lack of, was a contributing factor in many of their calls.  Thank you.

Speaking of hydration, what would we do without the Hydration Team, led by Ron Masten?  They followed us from stop to stop providing us with water and snacks.  A big help this year was the 16-ft truck provided by Penske Truck Rental of Loveland, Colorado.

Then there’s the Merchandise Team, made up of Lillian and Doug Hunt, who pulled the Central Route merchandise trailer from stop to stop to sell RFTW items to local supporters who come out to see us.  This is an important part of funding our Mission.

How could I not mention the Last Man & Chase Vehicles Team, led by Jim Sloan.  I heard so many stories of the selfless giving of these team members to help riders that were having a difficult day.  At one point near the end of our journey, I was told that the Chase Team had picked up 54 bikes and delivered to dealers along the way.  Plus they had repaired 29 bikes on the side of the road.  Well done, team!!

Then there is Dave Talley and the Communications Team.  They worked behind the scenes to talk with truckers on the CB radio, asking them to be patient with us and our Mission.

The Fuel Crew led by George Creacy and Dennie Georgette made our gas stops quick and efficient considering the number of riders we had this year.  Several times during The Run, I would stand and watch as they orchestrated the refueling operation.  A thing of beauty.

The Staging Crew, led by Steve Berniklau and Rick Behymer, flagged the riders coming out of the fuel pumps and directed them to their assigned platoons.  This team guided us to our assigned platoons every morning and at every stop.  Another well oiled and organized team of dedicated individuals.

I saved the next two teams for last, because they are the ones in charge while the Pack is in motion.  First up are the Platoon Leaders who are responsible for their individual platoons.  They are responsible for maintaining spacing between platoons and riders within the platoon.  It is a teaching and coaching job which they did well as I watch some videos taken from overpasses.

Road Guards — just as the name implies!  That band of brothers (and sisters) lead by Tom Miller.  On several occasions, I witnessed Road Guards who put their safety aside to protect a rider from intruding trucks and autos.  They are the first ones to arise in the morning to help us find the staging areas.  While we are in motion, they monitor the riders looking for those who are out of place or causing a rubber banding condition by their riding style.  In addition, to all that, they monitor weather conditions looking for anomalies such as micro bursts.

Thanks to everyone who served in various capacities this past year to make my job easier.

My Wall Is Your Wall,

Harlan “Whitebirch” Olson
Central Route Coordinator

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2018 – Mission Complete

Today began at approximately 7:00 am as FNG’s began staging in the underground parking lot of the host hotel. At 8:20ish the rider’s meeting began with Slacker and Captain standing on top of the parking structure. Riders were instructed on the route to Arlington National Cemetery and how to behave in the cemetery. It was emphasized that we arrive as a group and we will leave as a group. Arlington expects better behavior from Run for the Wall and it’s riders if the relationship is going to continue. Happy to report, everyone went in as a group and left as a group. Should be good for another year.

As it is to be expected when entering America’s most hallowed cemetery, the emotion was overwhelming. Arlington National Cemetery, contains the remains of more than 400,000 people from the United States and 11 other countries. The Tomb of the Unknown contains the remains of three soldiers, one from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War respectively. There was an unidentified soldier from the Vietnam War interred in the monument, but the remains were identified in 1998, thanks to modern DNA technology. It was decided to leave the Vietnam tomb empty and revise the grave marker to reference both unknown AND missing soldiers from that conflict.

Southern Route was honored to have two of it’s riders selected as part of the Run for the Wall Honor guard and to participate in the wreath laying, Old School and Captain America.

Captain America said that when he stepped on the black tarmac, where the guards march 22 steps back and forth, it was surreal, knowing the lifetime commitment the guards make. Old School too was overwhelmed at the honor of being one of a few that ever have the opportunity to participate in a wreath laying on such hallowed ground.

You did your fellow riders proud, thank you for your service and patriotism.

From Arlington National Cemetery, riders gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for the group photo. You talk about hot! Takes quite a while to get 1,500 people gathered on the steps. Once the photo is taken the group makes the short walk over to the Vietnam Memorial where the tributes and biographies that have been carried across the United States are placed at the wall. The Three Route Coordinators and Gunny placed the “Mission Accomplished” plaque at the apex of the wall. Fng’s have their buttons turned upside down, signifying that they made it all the way to DC and to the Vietnam Memorial. And their Mission is Complete.

It has been an honor to be your sit-rep writer again this year. I hope I have done a decent job in capturing the daily events of the run. Riders, now that you are home and able to read the sit-reps, please remember to go to RFTW.US and complete your After Action Report, FNG Report and Volunteer to serve next year.

To all the wives that sit home for three weeks while their husbands/loved ones are serving those that serve, thank you! Many of the men on the run are worried they won’t be “allowed” to participate next year. Please don’t stand in their way, this is more than just a ride with their buddies, there is purpose and a goal and their service is needed and appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2019, May 15 – 24.

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Day 10 – Lynchburg, VA to Arlington, VA Shenandoah Valley & Parkway

The first 200 miles of today’s journey into DC were absolutely beautiful. An early morning ride through the Shenandoah Valley with the new spring foliage in beautiful hues of green. The sweet smell of honeysuckle permeated the air. The rising sun glittering through the branches and leaves on the trees. I wish I had better words to describe the beauty we encountered this morning. All of my senses were drinking in the beauty of the valley.

There were two gas stops, one at Sheetz in Fisherville. The owner, donates the gas and any snacks the riders’ want from the shop, very generous! The second gas stop was also a donated stop with staging taking place at the Holiday Inn Parking lot. Somebody makes peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the riders. We’re talking hundreds of pb&j sandwiches. They were delicious! I wish I had found out who made them to thank them. Next year!

An announcement was made by the public relations representative (me). “Once you ride with us, you belong to the Run for the Wall family and families should stay connected so, go to RFTW.US, sign up to get updates when they are posted, also sign up for access to the forum. The forum is fairly active all year, you can learn some valuable information for the forum. Another way to stay connected is through the “Run for the Wall” facebook page and instagram account. You can tell if you are on the official pages because the profile picture is the new logo. And, finally on the website, go to Scuttlebutt and fill out an After action report and if you are an FNG, fill out an FNG Story. This will help us Continue the Mission. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering next year in platoon leadership, staging team or fuel team. The run doesn’t operate without volunteers!”

The route went through the chant one final time before we do it on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. We are hoping the other routes will join in for the “Bring them Home” at the conclusion.

Ghost Rider the “tormentor”????

The dreaded purple heart ☹️????, means you dropped your bike on the way to the wall. I know of a number of yellow sleeves that oops and one set of black sleeves. We won’t name any names though, that’s not nice ????.

Tomorrow is the final day of the mission. Staging for Arlington begins at 7:45 am, according to the book. I’d go down a little earlier. After the ride into Arlington, the wreath will be laid at 10:15 am. This year Southern Route has two members in the honor guard, Old School and Captain America. Just like last year, I will go live on Facebook so family members at home can share in this special honor. “Run for the Wall”, official Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/RunForTheWall/

Good Night.

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Day 9 – Wytheville, VA – Lynchburg, VA, only 130 miles

Oh, what a beautiful morning…☀????, couldn’t ask for more beautiful weather to start the day. Instead of rain we woke to a beautiful sunny day. Much better than last year’s down pour.

We breakfasted in the Spiller Elementary School Cafeteria and enjoyed hot coffee and a good hot breakfast. Spiller rolls out the red carpet for Southern Route riders.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKwtYelsxf/?taken-by=runforthewall

The morning rider’s meeting was held in the Wytheville Memorial Park. The children came out and the rider’s give them small trinkets and gifts before the children lined up to sing to the riders. It’s a favorite of many of the rider’s. The children sang for us and recited the poem Old Glory…

After Wytheville, We had a 95 mile ride over to Montvale Elementary School where we were fed a nice box lunch and enjoyed a patriotic program put on by the children.

It was a short hop over to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. If you haven’t been there it’s worth the out of the way trip. It is an excellent museum/monument to those that gave their lives.

A description of the Overlord battle:
“It is hard to conceive the epic scope of this decisive battle that foreshadowed the end of Hitlers dream of Nazi domination. Overlord was the largest air, land, and sea operation undertaken before or since June 6, 1944. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 service men.

 After years of meticulous planning and seemingly endless training, for the Allied Forces, it all came down to this: The boat ramp goes down, then jump, swim, run, and crawl to the cliffs. Many of the first young men (most not yet 20 years old) entered the surf carrying eighty pounds of equipment. They faced over 200 yards of beach before reaching the first natural feature offering any protection. Blanketed by small-arms fire and bracketed by artillery, they found themselves in hell.

When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe had been breached.”

Platoon photos were taken at the memorial:

Sorry I could not run fast enough in the heat and humidity to get all the group shots that were taken. If anyone has them, send them to me and I will post them in the next sit-rep. I did manage to get the photo of the Virginia State Police Motor Unit ????

After the memorial a quick, easy, beautiful ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a beautiful day to ride the sweeping curves and green hillsides. The smell of honeysuckle or clover was lovely. We’re not sure what we were smelling. If there’s a local Virginian out there that can shed some light on it, we’d appreciate it.

Pulled into the Lynchburg Harley Davidson shop for chicken sandwiches chips and ice cold water and soda. Many riders went t-shirt shopping. Just what we need, another t-shirt????.

A very important, rip the patch off ceremony was held for a rider. TS had a patch that said, “Vietnam Era” I asked him about his service. He only spent one week in Vietnam and didn’t feel he deserved to wear the “Vietnam Veteran” Patch. I disagreed with him. He answered his country’s call to serve. He went to Vietnam and did what was asked of him. At the Harley Shop he was gifted a new Vietnam Veteran Patch and ripped off the old one to ready his vest for the new patch.

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Ripping off the old patch ceremony.

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I know for many veterans this is a sore spot. The veterans that did not set boots on the ground in Vietnam feel like second class Veterans, like they didn’t serve “enough”. I feel for them, just as I feel for the Veterans that went to Vietnam, witnessed the horrors of war and returned to a country that spit on them and the service they gave. I don’t have an answer, but I hope that ALL veterans, boots in country Veterans and Veterans that served in other ways know that America appreciates you, your service and your sacrifice.

2nd Platoon Leadership presented their Road Guard with a special thank you gift. This year the Southern Route put together the first ever ALL female platoon leadership. Mind you, the platoon is not made up of all females, just the four leadership members. The Road guard assigned to them, VOLUNTEERED to work with them. Today they presented Caretaker, now to be known as CARE BEAR, a Care Bear of his own. This year’s motto is “we ride with heart”. Thought the Tender Heart Care Bear was a good representation of the 2018 run. Once again, a big thank you to the Road Guards and the job they do to keep us safe and rolling down the road.

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is day 10 and we arrive in DC. Seems like yesterday we were in Ontario. I hope many of our riders are considering volunteering for leadership jobs next year. We need people to work the fuel team, the staging team, and platoon leadership. If you enjoyed the experience you had this year, please consider returning next year and helping to “Charlie Mike”, “Continue the Mission” it won’t happen without volunteers like you! If interested you can volunteer at RFTW.us.

Tonight’s thought:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

256 Miles to D.C., rider’s stay alert, stay vigilant, be safe, God speed!

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Day 8-Chattanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA ???????? Home stretch

Today began dark and early, I know you’re surprised by that!

Morning Rider’s meeting, 1st Nav shared the story of Silverdale Confederate Cemetery and the 155 unidentified souls interred in the cemetery. Since Southern Route has started contributing to the cemetery, 40 remains have been identified.

After 1st Nav’s introduction to the cemetery, Santa Ed auctioned off two Silverdale Cemetery patches. Not really, he just showed them and remembered when patches were really auctioned off. Instead of auctioning the patches, hats were passed to raise money for the cemetery. Riders donated $1,800 to continue to search for the Missing in Action interred at Silverdale Cemetery. This is one of my favorite things the run supports. What better fits the RFTW mission than supporting the identification of American Soldiers, interred in their own country???

From Chattanooga, it was on to the T/A Truck Stop. Road Guard Scout, Gonzo had been waiting DAYS for this stop and enjoyed the donuts to the fullest ????.

One more gas stop and then we were off for Bristol-Black Wolf Harley Davidson. A nice lunch was waiting for us with all the cold drinks we could ever want for.

After that it was onto Wytheville, VA a small town with a huge patriotic heart. The town welcomed us with much fanfare. We parked our bikes on the sidewalk that rims the town center. A nice ceremony was conducted and it was off to the Moose Lodge for a steak dinner.

Today Southern Route went on an incredible Outreach in Dalton, GA to the sister and 101.5 year old mother of Maj. Bobby Jones, Vietnam MIA. 1st Nav & Wookie have carried his bio the last several years across country; “reading his story is moving enough but actually meeting the family and hearing about what they’ve been living with for over 4 decades….this is why we ride.” Thanks 1st Nav for sharing the experience with us.

I have got to get more sleep, before I crash my bike. I have more stories to share but they will have to wait. If you are wondering if Run for the Wall is right for you, I promise you it is, this ride will change your life.

Tonight’s thought: Duty, honor, country

As young West Point cadets, our motto was ‘duty, honor, country.’ But it was in the field from the ride paddies of Southeast Asia to the sands of the Middle, that I learned the motto’s fullest meaning. There I saw gallant young Americans of every race, creed and background fight, and sometimes die for ‘duty, honor, and their country’.” General Norman Schwarzkopf

DISCLAIMER – I am not only too tired to proofread, I am exhausted. More tomorrow.

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Day 7 – Meridian, MS – Chattanooga, TN ????Emotional Day

Today began dark and early. Breakfast was held at the Meridian, Age-Pavilion. After clean laundry was collected and stowed on bikes, riders chowed down on breakfast and soda! I love the south!

Morning rider’s briefing was held. All Platoon Leadership was brought up to the front and introduced as a group. We were then informed we would all be getting pink slips in three days. ARC, then invited riders to consider serving in a leadership position next year.

We then traveled on to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. I try not to get personal in the sit-reps but tonight I have to make an exception. Today I met Sgt. Shane Strickland USMC, he served 2 tours in Afghanistan and 1 tour in Iraq. He suffered a spinal injury during a training accident.

When I walked up to the hospital, Shane was reclining in his special wheel chair. I could tell he suffered a serious spinal injury but I wasn’t sure of his mental state. During the pledge and national anthem he was making eyes at me. At that point I knew mentally he was in there. After the ceremonies were over I went up to meet him. He was so happy and was attempting to speak with those around him. I hung back a bit and when the crowds cleared, I stepped up to present him with one of our platoon pins. I took his hand, showed him the image of Joan of Ark and explained that this year there was an all female platoon Leadership. He thought that was just wonderful and gave the biggest grin. I bent down and kissed his cheek and hugged his shoulder.
THE COST OF FREEDOM CAN BE FOUND AT ANY VA HOSPITAL.

I have spend the remainder of the day thinking about Shane. Shane gave everything to his country. He will live the remainder of his days at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospital, mentally fine but physically unable to do much. Shane has no family, no one to visit him, send him birthday greetings, bake him a cake, remember him on the holidays. My heart breaks ????.

Run for the Wall family, I ask you to think of Shane and send him a card or a gift to let him know he has not been forgotten. Cards, letters and gifts can be sent to:

Sgt Shane Strickland
3701 Loop Rd,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

From the VA Hospital we went on to the Piggily Wiggily. We encountered a nice rain shower en route to the Piggily. Didn’t stay long and off we went to navigate our way through down town Chattanooga during rush hour. Things went pretty smoothly, bumper to bumper traffic but the pack held it together and without mishap made it to the White Lightening Harley Davidson Dealer. A HUGE shout out to Ghostrider for doing a rolling block to get us off the highway, just in time.

Today I was pulled from my spot as 2nd Platoon leader to ride with Sergeant major, a Road Guard. I did not ask for this “opportunity”. Someone up the chain thought it would be a good idea for Platoon Leaders to see what the pack looks like and the ramifications of not riding in tight formation. This took me so far out of my comfort zone, I can’t even tell you! I experienced many riding firsts. Let me preface this by saying I live in Metropolitan Southern California, the concrete jungle. So today, I rode on grass for the first time. Took my bike off the pavement and onto the gravel and then back on the pavement for the first time. Went up a curb to a center divider and then off it on the other side. Made a u-turn on a highway on ramp. And went 5 over the speed limit ????. I never knew “five over” was so fast.

I now know for certain, I NEVER want to be a road guard. I knew that already but… I have great respect for the road guards and the job they do. I am thankful they are willing to do the job and that they enjoy the heck out of it. I understand the need for platoons to stay tight. I hope I am not asked to ride with a road guard again. I’ll stay in my little Platoon bubble, they know me there and I like it.

I’ll write more about the ride tomorrow when I am not so emotional about coming face to face with the cost of freedom and so many riding firsts.

I love the run and the opportunity to meet so many American Heroes and love them. That’s why I am here, to love the veterans and to ride for those who can’t.

Tonight’s thought:

“The Bible says the angels of heaven are God’s Army; When you stand in Arlington, you know God has a damn good one.”

God speed and ride safe tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER: Too tired to proofread, deal with it. ????

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Ambassador update – Day 5 & 6

This tired sit-rep reporter forgot to include the Ambassador Team report in the last two sit-reps so here’s an addendum to update you on the wonderful work the Ambassador’s have been doing. Thank you Little-bit for the Ambassador write-ups.

Day 5 – Texas State Veterans’ Home

The Ambassador team, on an outreach, had lunch with the Veterans at Texas State Vets Home in Bonham, Texas. One of the residents was a Frozen Chosen Marine. Another was on Iwo Jima when the American flag was raised. It was a honor to meet some of the last surviving members of the Greatest Generation.

Day 6 – General Chennault Museum

Today the Ambassadors visited the General Chennault Museum in Monroe. He was the renowned leader of the Flying Tigers in China & Burma in World War II. A legendary hero of the air war against the Japanese.

Riders are gathering at the Meridian Age-pavilion as I type this. Type to hit the road. Safe riding everyone!

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Day 6 – Monroe, LA – Meridian, MS – Crossing the Mississippi

Today was a beautiful, picture perfect riding day, not too hot, not too humid, it was very, very nice. Morning staging took place in the Sam’s Club Parking lot. McDonalds was there serving breakfast sandwiches and the Amvets had snacks and caffeinated sodas, hallelujah!

Robert Reavis, “Old School” shared the MIA, why we ride story:

In addition to Old School the Military Suicide Prevention officer for Louisiana spoke to the group. He shared some very sad statistics:

114,000 veterans have committed suicide since 9-11
8,000 veterans a year commit suicide
22 veterans a day commit suicide

Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255

Santa Ed has been giving riders, patches, stickers and t-shirts, hoping to spread awareness that our military are in trouble and need our help.

The Louisiana State Police have to show off every year. It’s okay, all the riders enjoy it.

From Monroe, LA we rode to Jackson, Mississippi, the most patriotic town in America! This took us across the mighty Mississippi. Always a milestone on the Southern Route. Jackson, MS goes all out every year to welcome the riders. I wish every American and especially every veteran could ride in to Jackson with Run for the Wall. It’s an amazing show of patriotism. The ultimate Welcome home!

Captain Robinson spoke to the group. He was held captive in North Vietnam for 7 years. He had quite a story to tell. He shared a number of interesting observances: “Never commit the troops before we commit the nation”. “Never will a generation of veterans abandon another.” AMEN!

Riders enjoyed the Trail of Honor, a walk through US History beginning with The American Revolution. With reenactors and artifacts. This was a three-hour stop, which was nice. Had a chance to rest, catch our breath before pushing on to Meridian, MS.

Seventy Mississippi State Troopers escorted across the state. It’s really something to watch them control traffic. The 99 miles from Jackson to Meridian was a straight shot on East on I20 with not a moving car in sight.

Enjoyed a good dinner, riders turned in their dirty clothes to the nice people who do our laundry and then it was off to the host hotel.

Tonight’s quote:

“I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led my a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep.” Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand

DISCLAIMER – Excuse the spelling and grammar errors, I am exhausted. It was so tempting not to bother to write a report.