Day 4 began with a delicious breakfast provided by American Legion Post 430. After breakfast we took a 10 mile ride to The Permian Basin Memorial. For Vietnam Veterans, this is a very emotional stop. The angle of the helicopter coming in and the soldiers on the ground hoping for a ride out of the jungle brings back very vivid memories.
Southern Rider, Karoni Forrester “Hoops” Dad’s name is on this memorial. She graciously agreed to share her father’s bio with us.
Capt. Ronald W. Forrester, USMC
MIA 12/27/72 – North Vietnam
Ron was 25 years old when his plane was shot down over North Vietnam. Two days after Christmas, 1972 and one month to the day before the Peace Treaty was signed. Capt. Ron Forrester and his pilot, Cast Jim Chipman went on a solo night mission as part of Operation Linebacker II. Their A-6A Intruder never returned to base. It is believed their plane was hit with anti-aircraft artillery. Their crash site has not been accurately located. There are mixed reports as to whether either Marine was able to eject from the plane. Forrester and Chipman are MISSING IN ACTION
This is why we ride!
AMBASSADORS REPORT –
The Ambassador team paid tribute at the Texas State Cemetery to two of Texas’ fallen heros, who both earned the Metal of Honor posthumously. The team laid a wreath at each gravesite. Their citations are written in large plaques in the cemetery. Alfred Wilson, U.S. Marine was KIA when he jumped on a grenade to save the others in his squad, absorbing the full force of the blast. Marvin Young, U.S.Army, was critically wounded, he stayed behind to cover the withdrawal of his men and died on the battlefield.
After lunch at the Colorado City, Railhead Building we had two 100+ mile rides to Grand Prairie. Made it through Dallas with nary a hiccup, thanks for the LEOs and fantastic road guards. Gonzo out in front of the Pack is doing a fantastic job and Wild Cat is bringing up the rear. Road Guard book ends.
I think we’ll close with a quote about duty. Southern Route riders wear many hats, often times it’s not the job they were enlisted to do. Everyone pitches in and does what needs to be done. So…
“Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.”
General Robert E. Lee
Good Night, safe riding to all three routes tomorrow.
P.S. I am too tired to proof read or spell check. Sorry if there are mistakes.
What an honor it is to ride with the family members of POW/MIA/KIA’s. It humbles the riders in a profound way that we are among these living historians, connecting us all to the history of this great nation. What an incredible journey!