Category: Southern Route 2025 SitReps

Today is a “short day,” only 127 miles. May be short but packed with visits. Outreach went to the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke.

The Pack went toward Montvale. We fueled at Montvale Exxon and then headed to Montvale Elementary. On arrival the Children and Teachers were on the sidewalk chanting USA!! USA!! USA!!

Last year this SitRep writer ate his lunch with a Kindergarten Class. When it was time to leave one little girl asked for a hug. She then proceeded, in a very animated way, to tell me she was in Kindergarten but next year would be in 1st grade. She had me promise to come back and see her.

I found her and with her Mother’s permission I’m sharing photos.

After leaving Montvale we headed to the National D Day Memorial. This Memorial is in Bedford VA because “per capita” Bedford VA lost the most men in the action surrounding D Day.

The day began with breakfast at White Lightning Harley Davidson. The riders cheered when the dealership announced that on top of the breakfast fare outside that inside there were 30 dozen donuts and fresh coffee. I rode on the outreach this morning which took off early to get to the fuel stop at the Knoxville TA Travel Plaza. Our goal was to get there just after the fuelers and be gone before “The Pack” arrived. First mission accomplished. We then left the TA and proceeded to Chuckey TN to meet with the family of SPC Floyd W. “Jason” Lamb. We travelled some small country roads that were in some of the most beautiful scenery arriving at a small brick church which had a cemetery next to it and across the street. We met with the family with many hugs and handshakes. A wreath was laid and then we heard stories about Jason growing up. His sister told us “even though he was my brother, he was always the nicest guy.” We also learned that a young family member named “Jason” was to receive Jason’s 1963 Ford Fastback, unsure of model. This car has been in the basement garage of Jason’s parents garage, just as he left it, since Jason left for Vietnam. I am hoping and praying that this young Jason can get the car road ready and travel the roads in it just as his namesake would have done. Leaving here was difficult but, there was this “schedule thing” that forced us.

We fueled on our own and struck out for Black Wolf Harley Davidson Harley Davidson in Bristol TN. We arrived with only the Ambassadors beating us. Lunch was served and we were treated to their air conditioning as there was seating set up inside their showroom. Also there were some riders discussing that “every year an RFTW rider has bought a new bike here” and several were goading their friend to make a purchase. Did anyone buy while there??

Leaving Black Wolf I rode with the Ambassadors. Does my PL even know who I am anymore??

As we neared Wytheville we started seeing supporters but we were way ahead. We arrived in Withers Park and were able to take care of personal needs and then prepare for the arrival of The Pack. A local crane rental company has a crane in the air with a huge huge American Flag blowing in the breeze. This same company will be present in Montvale. What a sight to see The Pack roll down the walking path 2×2 and park their bikes.

Welcome Home B Minor

B Minor is from Washington DC. He served in Army Aviation and was deployed four times, twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. He had preregistered but was unsure  of coming after burying his Father May 1st. His Father is a Vietnam Veteran and his Family felt riding with The Run would be a great way to honor his Father. B Minor said he felt part of a “Family” since the first person he met. He is impressed by the people/family culture. He also was impressed with how organized we are considering we are all volunteers. He will be back “With friends!!!”

EDUCATIONAL GRANT TO BE PRESENTED AT MONTVALE

This evening I learned that we are awarding an “Educational Grant” while at Montvale Elementary. The recipient will be Everett M. Graham of Liberty High School in Bedford VA.

His essay is titled ​​​What makes a true American?

These are the words of his essay.

Morning meeting at 06:00 at the Meridian Agriculture Pavilion. Breakfast was provided and there were left over baked goods from last night’s desert. I ask for some of the peach cobbler, the nice lady laughed at me and broke it to me gently that the cobbler is the first desert gone. My taste buds cried! After all normal functions we took off, like a heard of turtles, for Tuscaloosa. We stopped at the Pilot Truck Stop at US11 and Skyland in Tuscaloosa to fuel and then headed to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. There we were able to interact with patients and staff. The Veterans were so glad to see us and have us greet them and give a handshake or a hug. Leaving the VAMC I rode with the “Mission M 25” to experience and learn about what they do. When they get a report of a Rider tapping out it is first determined if they need help and what kind. If the Chase truck is needed “Puff Daddy” assigns a team which consists of a truck with trailer and two motorcycles. The motorcycles stop behind the rider and the Chase truck in front. Makes sense to me. After an assessment they will get the Rider back on the road or load the vehicle onto the trailer. I felt it important to share what this team does for all of us. Mission M 25 provides many services. They provide 1-Hydration truck, trailer, driver and staff, 2-Missing Man Formation Chaplain, 3-Three Chase Team trucks, trailers and drivers and also all of the Platoon Chaplains. I never knew that this much was provided, THANK YOU!!! Next stop was in Gadsden at the Petro Travel Center. There was ample time to get a restroom break and refreshments. All the refreshments at this stop were provided by the Marine Corps League. Lets just say they had ample supplies and could never have taken everything they tried to get me to take. Off to Lightning Harley in Chattanooga!! This is one of our dreaded legs as we have gone through the the northeast side at rush hour without LEO support. Thanks to the efforts of our Road Guard “Unplugged” we are told we will have LEO support but no idea of how that will look. OMG!!! We had LEO support so GREAT that we had a clear #1 Lane and relatively easily made it through. Thank You to Tennessee State Troopers and any other agency involved. Sorry I don’t know who if any other agencies were involved but I was pretty busy looking at all the cars and trucks around me.

WELCOME HOME Colonel Roy A Knight

After dinner I got the pleasure of meeting Bryan Knight. Bryan and his Mother took Col Knight to Love Field in Dallas when he was deployed to Vietnam. Col Knight was an A1 Skyraider Pilot out of Udorn Thailand. Col Knight was shot down and MIA in 1967. Bryan followed his Father’s footsteps and became a Pilot in the Air Force flying F117s and A10s. After his Military service he proceeded to fly for Southwest Airlines becoming a Captain. His Father’s remains were identified in 2019 and returned. When it was time for his Father to come home Bryan made a request of Southwest asking if he could fly his Father home. He was granted that request and Bryan was able to bring his Father home, after 53 years, to Texas and specifically to Love Field where he saw his Father leave for Vietnam! The unfortunate part of this is that Bryan’s Mother passed prior to ever learning of her Husbands fate.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE

Today check in and breakfast started at 06:00 at Sam’s Club. While the main group followed the itinerary I joined Karoni on the outreach to meet the Family of LTC James “Gabby” Gates. We had LEO escort and started through the countryside to a small, very rural, cemetery. There we met three relatives which included a brother and sister. They told us about Gabby and explained to us tjat they had been armed with the proper questions to ask and at their last meeting they met with a gentleman who Karoni says is the “right guy” and that they now feel there is progress being made. We were also informed that the US Government has now trained the bomb removal crew members on how to tell if in their excavations there may be a burial site. The archaeological team can be informed. These teams are time limited in country as the bomb removal folks have no limits. This teamwork enables more focus for the archaeologists. While there there was a wreath laid and a riders replaced last year’s RFTW Challenge Coin with this year’s. He has been doing this in the past.

Leaving the cemetery we headed for the Love’s Truck stop at Tallulah and the first fuel stop today. Hydration and restrooms along with a little time in air conditioning. High humidity and temperature in the mid 90’s. After fueling it was off to Jackson MS and the Wahabi Shriners. These folks are wonderful and provide a great venue for us to take a break in air conditioning. Oh yea, they provided lunch as well. Leaving the Shriners I rode with the Fuel team to tyhe Shell station at Exit 77 in Morton MS. The operation of the Fuelers was new to me. There is a 2 bike team that heads out first. They acquire a nozzle or nozzles to fuel the balance of the team upon their arrival. Once the team is fueled they park off to the side in a place where they can once again leave first. While waiting they take care of their personal needs and get a snack and hydrate. What surprised this SitRep writer is that they are own their own for snacks and hydration as the hydration trailer gets to the station just before the scheduled departure to the next destination. They often need to buy their snacks and drinks in the station.

While waiting in line to fuel with the fuelers I looked over and saw a couple sitting next to a motorcycle. I waved them over and Willie came over. I gave him a pin and told him to hang around as they are about to witness “organized chaos” as the pack was coming and it is amazing to watch. After I fueled I went to speak with them. They are Helen and Willie and had many questions. I answered best I could and when the Ambassadors arrived I hooked them up. As I left to get to my bike Helen and Willie were planning on joining next year, if only for a leg. I sure hope they can ride with us!

Leaving the station I rode once again in the SP Platoon to the Lauderdale County Agri Center. The supporters here go “ALL OUT!!” Dinner was a charcoal barbecued half chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad and bread with butter. Can you say “Delicious and filling?” Also they do laundry here. Drop your laundry off on arrival and in the morning it is back neatly folded like your Mother did it for you as a child!! Donations readily given by all!!

Welcome Christine, Tyrone and Jericho

These folks are from Upland CA. They are patriots through and through. What got them involved is “Fit Bit” who is one of our Chaplains. Christine and Tyrone are his parents and Jericho is his son. This trio are traveling along in a Class C RV. They decided this would make a great family trip but also a way to show support to veterans and KIA/MIA. What has impressed them most is everyone is a friend even though they have never met before. It is also very easy for them to speak with any participant as a friend. Will they be back? YES!! It will probably be limited but they will at least be present to support riders in some way!

We all started to gather at the Walmart Super Center at 05:45. Karoni is taking a group today to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the fairgrounds here. I joined this Outreach today. ROTC Cadets presented colors. Our Honor Guard then placed a wreath at the Memorial after we were informed about the different sections and engraved panels. There is a separate panel for Texans that are MIA in Vietnam. From the time when first built and dedicated in 1989 the number of names of MIAs is down to 99 which is about 33%. THIS IS WHY WE RIDE!!

We left our Outreach and headed toward the first fuel stop which was at Brookshire’s in Terrell TX. We were fueled and then waited to join the main pack. Snacks and hydration were provided by local groups. There was also a short ceremony.

Now on to Longview TX to the Fairgrounds. We were met by many along the road prior to arriving at the grounds and once there the drive was lined with flags and cheering supporters. There was a variety of food choices but what was most appreciated was the air conditioning. Humidity is high and my bike was showing ambient air temperature to be 96 degrees. Along with all the normal things done at a stop we had a young lady sing the National Anthem for us. WOW, did she have a voice!!

Leaving Longview we headed toward Monroe LA. On the way running side by side, with me in the right track, the bike to my left disappeared sound wise, looked left no bike, looked in left mirror no bike,,  and then when checking right mirror, THERE HE IS!!!!! Coasting on the berm an safe. Was told it was an electric power issue but more importantly, he “Tapped Out” and everyone behind us responded appropriately! Once in Monroe we arrived at the Shriner’s Hall and were treated to fried catfish, french fries, hush puppies, cole slaw and (shh, the best in the world) tartar sauce.

Welcome Home Rick!!

Rick is from Sacramento CA. He served in the Army in Vietnam 69-71 in the Artillery. He was assigned to bring supplies up te the guns, be it shells on down to rations. He is one of the men who allowed those guns to breath fire without ever triggering them. Rick got involved with the urging of some friends who do The Run. He told what as impressed jhim the most is everyone is friendly and the “love we have for each other.” When asked if he would be back he responded that he would not due to financial constraints. His eyes told me he would love to come back. Rick, I hope God enables another Run in your future.

Today we started with our breakfast and meeting at American Legion 430. Breakfast was GREAT and if you need to know what it was come ride with us next year! All of us sang Happy Birthday to Baby Buzz!!!

At the Legion, as with every leg of this ride we set up a Missing Man Formation. This morning Karoni Forrester rode in memory of her Father Capt Ron Forrester. His home town is Odessa TX.

Off to the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial. While there Native Americans offered to cleanse us of Evil Spirits by using Eagle feathers to fan smoke from smoldering sage across all parts of our bodies. The smoke cleanses us just as rain from a storm cleanses the air.

Leaving the Permian Basin we headed for we headed to Alsups in Colorado City for fuel. After fueling we went to have lunch at Abilene VFW Post 6873. This is the home of the best burgers and dogs in Texas. One of my fellow riders said his dog was “the best ever!” It really was good and fueled us to go on! On we went to Cisco Texas and the Road Ranger Truck Stop for fuel. Getting there my bike showed me 96 degrees as the ambient air temperature and it felt every bit of that while there. While there our departure was delayed to try to avoid weather. That was a great decision!! We basically only got sprinkles and light rain. In Fort Worth there was construction and horrid traffic conditions. Mix a storm with that and results could have been much different. Despite many issues our Road Guards and Leadership got us to Dubiski Career High School safely. There were no reports of any incidents or RFTW Riders being hurt.

At the school we presented several plaques, two scholarships and got to honor a woman who lived in the Phillipine Islands when WW2 started and served as a Japanese Civilian American prisoner.

FNG Melissa has joined our Family!!

The heading says that but in actuality she was already part of us, “Fit Bit” is her husband. Her husband and “Leatherneck” pushed her to get involved. She told me she was nervous at first but now she knows it was to be for her. Home is Norco CA. She is not a Veteran, she is a Patriot and “cares deeply” for people. She works to help the homeless, homeless Veterans. She didn’t say it but I sensed that she would help anyone in need any way possible. She also has a personal tragedy with the loss of her son and knows how loss feels. Many Riders on RFTW have experienced loss and she wanted to help. What has struck her the most is that her Heart Strings have been touched every day. I didn’t ask if she would be back as I knew the answer. When I stated that to her there was a big smile and an affirmative nod.

Run For The Wall assembled this morning at Las Cruces American Legion #10. The Legion provided breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage patties, biscuits and sausage gravy. The coffee was pretty decent as well. After a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance normal announcements were made and the 50/50 drawing held. One of our riders quickly responded to the number called and was making comments of how lucky they were. Then. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . another rider walked to the front and said “I have that same number.” Is there two of the same, no. The quick responder had misread his ticket and he and the rest of us got to start the morning with a good laugh.

We were dismissed by Big Red, saddled up and rode to Las Cruces Memorial Park. After parking 2×2 along the curb we walked to and into the park the the Vietnam section. This park has several Memorials devoted to different conflicts or various groups who have served in war. Along the sidewalk going in I had a little thank me and wanting to shake my hand. She was just so sweet that she also got a hug from me. Asking her Father if it was okay to share her with our RFTW family he consented to her picture being posted.

Run For The Wall, meet Ally

Onward into the park. The Legion color Guard presented the colors, RFTW Honor Guard laid a wreath at The Vietnam Memorial. The Legion ended official Ceremonies with a 21 gun salute and a bugler playing taps. We were given time to view the park before KSU. We wee then off on the road again. LEO assistance in Las Cruces is 2nd to none. There was a Police Cruiser, Auxiliary Cruiser or State Police Cruiser at every intersection getting us out of town and safely onto the highway. THANK YOU!!!! to all agencies involved!!

Once on the highway we were headed toward Faben’s and the Fast Trak station for our first fueling of the day. Getting there was not as easy as reading what I just typed!! There was construction plus rush hour traffic plus a few drivers who appeared to not care that we were on motorcycles and vulnerable to their aggressive actions. The Road Guard’s work involved also getting us around I10 being closed just after the end of the construction zone. Our LEO Escort and our Road Guards did a fantastic job as I’m not aware of any incidents involving any Rider.

Outreach separates from the Main Pack

After fueling at Fast Trak the main pack continued on their planned agenda and ended the day at Croosroads Fellowship Church in Odessa where they would meet up with the Outreach Group. Out rode out heading for Pecos TX. We did make a stop for fuel and a Gourmet Meal, eat your hearts out Main Pack. After finishing there we proceeded to Pecos Texas’ Veteran’s Memorial park to meet with the family of CW2 Johnny Mata. Mata was assigned with the 507th Maintenance Company. His group was ambushed near Nasriyah, Iraq. He was returning fire out both sides of his vehicle but eventually was killed in the attack. He was one of eight bodies recovered during the rescue of PFC Jessica Lynch. His sister Rosa  was relentless in her push for a “Veteran’s Park.” She did not stop when they put a small Monument in place that now sits at one end. There are shelters, meandering sidewalks, an early jet fighter elevated on a pole along with beautiful green grass and flower beds. There is a Plaque on a marble base near the plane which is CW2 Mata’s Memorial.

Welcome Home Bruce

Bruce, todays FNG, served in the Army, he served in Korea, Germany and then back stateside working with Nightstalkers. He was deployed 3 times, once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. Bruce had a friend who talked highly about The Run. Bruce finally retired and has joined us this year and has already decided he will be back next year. When asked what has impressed him the most he quickly mentioned fueling and how well it flows.

Leaving Ontario it was partly to mostly cloudy with a temperature right at 60. As we departed we had CHP escort just as Midway did yesterday. These Officers are great!! Their Commander told us that they considered their work with us to be a mission, to assure our safety to the Arizona state line.

First stop today was at Shelee’s Travel Plaza located adjacent to Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella CA. Fueling went well considering it was the first fuel stop for us this year.  Things WILL get better and run like a well oiled machine. Shelee’s offered fresh fruit, fruit filled sweet rolls of some sort all the water and electrolyte drinks we cared to take. Temperature now was in the low 70’s.

On the road again and headed to a stop where we are treated like royalty, Blyth CA. First thing we do when we get into town is fuel at the Valero. After everyone is fueled we then depart for a 2 mile ride to the Colorado River Fairgrounds. Upon entering the shelter we were offered water and electrolyte drinks, much needed, and then our choice of sandwiches and chips. The gentleman who sang the National Anthem for us did a fantastic job and after he was one done myself and many other riders approached him and complimented him on his performance.

Off again and headed to Tonopah AZ to fuel at a Pilot Travel Center. Temp has now reached the upper 70’s. In staging things were made happen to allow Arnie “AMMO” Harmon the ability to shed his trailer and ride in the MMF for Capt. Joseph “Joe” Pirruccello. Capt Pirruccello piloted A1 Skyraiders out of Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. AMMO serviced the planes the Captain was flying. Capt Pirruccello was shot down 12-08-68 over Laos. It was believed at the time he was deceased, body not recovered. The area where the plane went down was home to a large cave complex and there were thoughts that Amercan prisoners could have been held there out of sight of aircraft flying overhead. No American POW’s were returned by Laos at the end of the war. Status was changed ti KIA in 1973.

This leg ended In Casa Grande at the Elks Lodge #1957 who welcome us with open arms. We were again greeting by their members giving us all the refreshing beverages we would take. Inside we were ushered toward their members serving up country fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, tossed salad with choice of dressing and warm rolls with butter. The meal really “hit the spot” and it is hard to imagine that any of us left there hungry.

WELCOME HOME JACK

Today I met a Vietnam Veteran named Jack who is from Enterprise UT. Jack explained to me that ever since his return he has “demons in my head.” He went on to explain that he and his wife some years back went to see the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and he was unable to approach it. He also said he has been to many Psychiatrists and they have not really helped. In the last several years he has had some health issues and physical injuries which have been a challenge. He then lost his wife suddenly in a bus accident. After losing her, his “Demons” have been back with vengeance.

Jack said he learned about Run For The Wall and the camaraderie within. He is unsure of how this will all unfold but he seems to feel confident in the fellow Veterans around him and how they will understand. Jack is aware that if at any time he needs anything he can reach out to any Chaplain or any fellow Veteran as all are here for the same purpose.