Wed, May 20, 2026
Chattanooga, TN
White Lightning Harley-Davidson
Confederate Cemetery
We laid a wreath at the Confederate Cemetery next to White Lightning Harley-Davidson.
Leadership Support Platoon
I have enjoyed the privilege of riding in the Leadership Support Platoon (SP). The Platoon Leader (PL) is Rod “Reckless” Runyon. The Assistant Platoon Leader (APL) is Pete “Pistol Pete” Torrecillas and the Tail Gunner is Jonathan “Red Ryder” Creel. Our position in the lineup is right behind the Missing Man Platoon and the “on deck” Missing Man representative typically rides with us.
Knoxville, TN
TA Travel Center
Our first fuel stop of the day is the TA Travel Center. The Marine Corps League performed a flag presentation ceremony including our Pledge of Allegiance.
Missing Man – Roy Knight, Jr.
Starting in Knoxville, TN, the Missing Man Team rode to honor USAF Col Roy Knight who went Missing In Action (MIA) on May 19, 1967 in Laos. Gold Star son Bryan Knight rode as the Missing Man representative.
Missing Man Team
Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer is the Platoon Leader. He frequently says, “I am good with spreadsheets, but the Chaplain Team members are good with prayer. Would you like for them to pray with you?” In my experience, the answer is always, “Yes.”
The Missing Man Chaplains are Vernie “Turnip” Batten and Tonya “Stormy” Batten. Bonehead also invites others in the area to join the prayer circle. This is the team that facilitates healing for family members and friends of POW, MIA and KIA service members.
Bristol, VA
Black Wolf Harley-Davidson
The staff and volunteers at Black Wolf Harley-Davidson had lunch ready for us when we arrived. We had drinks, hot dogs, chips and dessert options, including patriotic brownies. I had one slaw dog and one chili dog, but I had already eaten the slaw dog by the time I remembered to take a picture.
Wytheville, VA
Withers Park
It seems that the whole town comes out to welcome us when RFTW SR riders arrive in Wytheville, VA. There are lots of options for hydration and snacks. There are at least two 18-wheeler tractors with awesome patriotic wraps.
Before long we gather for another All Hands Riders Meeting including our Pledge of Allegiance, a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and various recognitions and presentations. Before being dismissed we are reminded of the plans for tonight’s Steak Dinner at the Moose Lodge and tomorrow’s activities.
Wytheville Moose Lodge 394
We had an excellent dinner with salad, baked potato and ribeye steak cooked to order.
This SitRep is a work in progress.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 