Hello Central Route Riders.
Greetings from sunny (and HOT) Southern California!
I know that even though our 2021 ride was cancelled, many of you, including myself, were able to get a couple of weeks riding in May/ June. Six other riders and I left California on June first and headed out to Perryville, Missouri. Most of you are likely already aware that a local farmer in the area, James M. Eddleman, donated a big chunk of money and forty-seven acres of his farm to build an exact replica of the Vietnam Wall in Perryville. The organization supporting it has the mission of supporting all of our service men and women and their families, and providing an environment of peaceful reflection. Everyone in my group was impressed and moved by the patriotism we saw in Perryville. See www.mnvn.org for more information on that memorial.
Good News! Angel Fire Service Project/Reunion for 2021 is ON! Although this event is hosted by Central Route, all routes are heartily invited to participate. As in the past, this event will take place over Labor Day weekend in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Since we were not able to meet last year, we have close to 800 bricks to lay in the path to honor vets. My understanding is that we are especially in need of younger volunteers with brick-laying experience! The guys that have been doing it for the last ten years are now in their seventies and aren’t getting up and down as easily as in the old days. No offense intended, old guys! I know all too well what I’m talking about! Start studying You-Tube clips on laying bricks and bring your knee pads, level, and rubber hammer. I also want to post that Kris (Tigger) Allen has posted some information under “Regional Gatherings” on our RFTW Forum. More information will be posted as soon as it is available, including registration and itinerary.
Enjoy the rest of the summer! I will check in from my camp host site at Carpinteria State Beach when I have more information in July.
Stay Safe. God Bless the United States of America.
Tom “Boomps” Miller
