Today check in and breakfast started at 06:00 at Sam’s Club. While the main group followed the itinerary I joined Karoni on the outreach to meet the Family of LTC James “Gabby” Gates. We had LEO escort and started through the countryside to a small, very rural, cemetery. There we met three relatives which included a brother and sister. They told us about Gabby and explained to us tjat they had been armed with the proper questions to ask and at their last meeting they met with a gentleman who Karoni says is the “right guy” and that they now feel there is progress being made. We were also informed that the US Government has now trained the bomb removal crew members on how to tell if in their excavations there may be a burial site. The archaeological team can be informed. These teams are time limited in country as the bomb removal folks have no limits. This teamwork enables more focus for the archaeologists. While there there was a wreath laid and a riders replaced last year’s RFTW Challenge Coin with this year’s. He has been doing this in the past.
Leaving the cemetery we headed for the Love’s Truck stop at Tallulah and the first fuel stop today. Hydration and restrooms along with a little time in air conditioning. High humidity and temperature in the mid 90’s. After fueling it was off to Jackson MS and the Wahabi Shriners. These folks are wonderful and provide a great venue for us to take a break in air conditioning. Oh yea, they provided lunch as well. Leaving the Shriners I rode with the Fuel team to tyhe Shell station at Exit 77 in Morton MS. The operation of the Fuelers was new to me. There is a 2 bike team that heads out first. They acquire a nozzle or nozzles to fuel the balance of the team upon their arrival. Once the team is fueled they park off to the side in a place where they can once again leave first. While waiting they take care of their personal needs and get a snack and hydrate. What surprised this SitRep writer is that they are own their own for snacks and hydration as the hydration trailer gets to the station just before the scheduled departure to the next destination. They often need to buy their snacks and drinks in the station.
While waiting in line to fuel with the fuelers I looked over and saw a couple sitting next to a motorcycle. I waved them over and Willie came over. I gave him a pin and told him to hang around as they are about to witness “organized chaos” as the pack was coming and it is amazing to watch. After I fueled I went to speak with them. They are Helen and Willie and had many questions. I answered best I could and when the Ambassadors arrived I hooked them up. As I left to get to my bike Helen and Willie were planning on joining next year, if only for a leg. I sure hope they can ride with us!
Leaving the station I rode once again in the SP Platoon to the Lauderdale County Agri Center. The supporters here go “ALL OUT!!” Dinner was a charcoal barbecued half chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad and bread with butter. Can you say “Delicious and filling?” Also they do laundry here. Drop your laundry off on arrival and in the morning it is back neatly folded like your Mother did it for you as a child!! Donations readily given by all!!
Welcome Christine, Tyrone and Jericho
These folks are from Upland CA. They are patriots through and through. What got them involved is “Fit Bit” who is one of our Chaplains. Christine and Tyrone are his parents and Jericho is his son. This trio are traveling along in a Class C RV. They decided this would make a great family trip but also a way to show support to veterans and KIA/MIA. What has impressed them most is everyone is a friend even though they have never met before. It is also very easy for them to speak with any participant as a friend. Will they be back? YES!! It will probably be limited but they will at least be present to support riders in some way!
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 