Southern Route Spotlight
Allow me to introduce Dustin “Leatherneck” Taylor
Dustin is the Southern Route Lead Chaplain. Dustin’s responsibilities reach well beyond what one might think falls under the heading of Chaplain. The Chaplain Corps consists of about 30 individuals. They are there for the spiritual and emotional support of all our riders but also engage in a wide variety of responsibilities, ALL in support of our riders. Dustin maintains responsibility for each of the Chase Vehicles. The Chase Vehicles follow the pack and are there for any rider experiencing mechanical issues during the day. Chaplains on motorcycles are alerted to riders on the shoulder of the road, and they assist the rider in loading their bike on the trailer. Transport is then provided to the next possible service location. If you’ve ever experienced a breakdown on the road, you understand why this is such an important service, provided through the support of Mission M25. His responsibilities don’t end there. Consider the Hydration Trailer providing drinks and snacks at each stop. The trailer is manned by members of his team and they work extremely hard to support our riders with all the donated supplies. Consider all the hard work our Chaplain Corps provides along the Run and give them a “Thank You” whenever you see them.
On a personal note, Dustin presents a large, perhaps even intimidating persona to those who have never met him. I can assure you his disarming smile and open heart make him the perfect person to lead this incredible group of Run For The Wall participant/supporters. Take a moment to say hello to Dustin, or any of his Chaplain Corps. They are always there for us.
Here are a few words from Dustin about Run For The Wall;
“My name is Dustin Taylor, road name “Leatherneck.” My FNG year was 2015. After a friend recommended it as a bucket-list item, I planned to do it just once, but after the first couple of days on the road, I was completely hooked. The following year, my faith led me to join Mission M25—a non-denominational Christian organization that has supported Run For The Wall for over 20 years—and serve with the Chaplain Corps. The mission and the deep camaraderie we build year after year are what keep me coming back.
As Senior Chaplain, I assemble and lead a dedicated support team. Our Missing Man Chaplains support those riding Missing Man, while our Platoon Chaplains offer moral and spiritual encouragement to all riders. The Chase Team handles broken-down bikes, assists with illnesses, and manages accidents, while the Hydration Team distributes snacks, drinks, and cooling ties at fuel stops ahead of the pack. What I love most about the Run is twofold: reconnecting with the friends and family I’ve made since 2015 while accomplishing this great mission, and participating in the outreach to families to assure them their loved ones are never forgotten—a connection that has personally changed my life.”
Captain Joseph Samuel Pirruccello, USAF
MIA 09/16/1966 – Laos
A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Captain Joseph S. Pirruccello was a Spad pilot in Vietnam. On December 8, 1968, he was sent out on a mission near Muong Song in Sam Nuea Province, Laos. During the flight, his A-1E aircraft was hit by enemy fire and crashed. No parachutes were seen and no beeper signals were received. It was not believed at the time that Pirruccello survived. He was listed as killed, body not recovered (KIA/BNR), but there was ample evidence that the enemy could give more information about his fate.
Throughout the rest of the war, families of the men missing in Laos were assured that “every effort” was being made to find them and return them home. Unlike POWs in Vietnam, men whom the Pathet Lao held captive were not allowed to write letters home. They were closely guarded and only a handful were known to the U.S. by name.
Ironically, Sam Nuea Province, where Pirruccello’s aircraft went down was the location of a huge cave complex where many Americans were known to be held, out of sight from aircraft searching overhead. The caves were huge, and extensive. There was reportedly even a bakery exclusively for Americans to relieve them of a constant rice diet.
When the war ended, and 591 Americans were released from Hanoi in 1973, military officials were dismayed that hundreds of known or suspected to be held prisoner were not released. There were nearly 600 Americans lost in Laos, only nine Americans held by the Lao were released at the end of the war. The nine had been transferred to Hanoi for return to the U.S. Laos did not independently release any POWs.
DPAA has Captain Pirruccello’s case listed as “Active Pursuit.” He is remembered on Panel 37W Line 67 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
Never Forget
Respectfully,–
Dave “Double D” Davies
2027 RFTW SR
Assistant Route Coordinator
