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.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 