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