Today, we celebrated FAMILY. We did this because we truly ARE a Family. Over the past Ten days, I have seen one hundred “Fine New Guys and Gals” go from being complete strangers to full-on friends. From the shy and awkward first conversations at the start of the Run, I now hear people laugh and tell stories about their kids, their high-school sweethearts, what they like for breakfast, what they do for a living, when and where they served our Country, and their plans for the future. I have heard several people already planning to get together with their new family members, and some are already planning to come back and ride with the Midway Route again next year. These people have bonded as a group, and made individual connections that will last for a lifetime. Our day has been filled with a lot of smiling faces!
And just as some of us have seen in the past, I noticed that the hugs went a little longer today. The conversations were just a bit deeper than yesterday, with more emotion in them. While we still talk about happy things, some of the talk has been about how some of the Riders are coping better with the pain and sorrow that they brought with them. Some have done an about face with their attitudes, and where they were once cynical and angry, I now see hope and happiness. And in one case, I have seen a change in one very guarded and private individual. I told her at the start of the Run that I was going to pick on her everyday, and she said “Bring it on, Hoofer!” What started as just a way to break the ice and get acquainted has turned into my own new friendship. Blaze, I thank you for sharing some of your story, and I cherish the photo that you sent me. For the rest of you, that is all you need to know, other than that Blaze is now fully a part of our Midway Route FAMILY!
At this mornings Riders Meeting, another of the Midway Route traditions was honored. Last year, at every fuel or lunch stop, we had a “dignified Flag transfer” from one Rider to another. Today, one of last years Flags was transferred to an FNG for the ride into Arlington, and on to The Wall. This simple little act, not seen by many, but appreciated by all, is a classic example of our dedication to our Mission. When that flag goes to the Wall, it will represent not just the people that have carried it, but all of the people that it has EVER represented! Each American citizen, whether Active Duty, Veteran, or Civilian, needs to know the pain, suffering, sacrifice, and honor represented by those fifty stars and thirteen red and white stripes. We, as Nation, need to remember the promises made in the name of that flag, and we need to keep them.
The Midway Route of Run For The Wall will see it done!
But before our Mission concludes on Saturday, we want to celebrate each other. So today we took pictures! Family portraits, if you will. We got each Platoon, each Team, each crew, and even some spontaneous groupings involved. We took pictures of the people serving us a GREAT lunch, and a “second lunch” a few 
hours later! We took pictures of the Harley Davidson shop that hosted us. We took pictures of serious stuff, fun stuff, and downright silly stuff. When you see some of the photos, all I can do as far as explanations is to say “You really should have been here!”
And of course, we also had our awards ceremony. I mentioned yesterday about volunteering for the Midway Route. Until you see the Run in actual action, you really cannot fathom how many people it takes to make this operation roll smoothly. This afternoon, we honored all of the volunteers with a plaque for the Team Leaders and a Certificate for each volunteer. There were “rocker” patches handed out for each position, as well. These small black and red patches are generally sewn onto a vest, in sequential order, denoting what the volunteer position was and for which year. 
Some of our volunteers have so many “rocker patches” that you almost can’t see their vest! This is hard, demanding work, but the pay-off is enormous. Not only do you get that certificate and patch, but you get the undying gratitude of everyone on the Run. But Wait, … There’s More! You will have a warm feeling in your heart for helping others. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Today was all about celebrating our new Family. So if you don’t mind, I am going to cut this SITREP a little short, and go outside and enjoy one last evening with my Midway Route Brothers and Sisters.
Goodnight, and we will talk again tomorrow.
Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer’ McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author
