WHY I RIDE-Don Smith

WHY I RIDE

• Name: Don Smith
• Road Name:       Haven’t ‘earned’ one yet
• FNG Year: 2019
• How many times have you been All the Way?    1   
• On Which Route (Routes) did you ride? Southern Route
  
  

 What is your favorite Run for the Wall memory?
In Wytheville, VA. Pam Cain talked about her father, Col. Oscar Mauterer who has been MIA since Feb 15, 1966. That was three days after I was born. The pollen must have been bad that day because my eyes began to water. While I was listening to her talk about Col. Mauterer I was also thinking that this is why I am here. This lady has not known where her father is roughly since I was born.  Wiping my eyes several times I said prayers for Pam, and her family. At the D-Day Memorial I caught up to Pam. As I approached her, my eyes began to tear up again. When I got to her I stumbled over my words but told her that her father went MIA three days after I was born. She must have sensed how emotional I was and gave me a hug like we’ve known each other for decades. I told her that her speech was my “RFTW Moment” and that I would tell others of his story. She sincerely thanked me, and we traded email addresses.

Remembering my youth (1970’s-80’s) when I saw POW/MIA bracelets and was curious about them I decided the best way to honor Col. Mauterer was to purchase one. When I got home from the Run I looked them up online and ordered one. The day it came in the mail I sent Pam a picture of it. She was overwhelmed with what I did. Among other words of appreciation, she said, “You just have no idea what this does to strengthen & support us.”  I wear the bracelet every day. Many times people have asked me about it and I gladly answer and still get choked up.

When I got home I also arranged for monthly visitations of our Christian Motorcyclist Association Chapter at the Oregon Veterans Hospital in The Dalles OR. these visits are equally appreciated by the Veterans and by our Chapter members.

When I got home I also arranged for monthly visitations of our Christian Motorcyclist Association Chapter at the Oregon Veterans Hospital in The Dalles OR. these visits are equally appreciated by the Veterans and by our Chapter members.

Have you held any positions as a volunteer on the Run? I have not but I will volunteer in the future.

 Are you a Military Veteran, or do you have a military background or a relationship with a member of the Military? I am not a Veteran. I have a brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and many Uncles, and cousins who have served.

Are you a Gold Star or Blue Star family member? No

What inspired you to participate in the RFTW the first time? Several friends have gone ‘All the Way’ the past few years and I felt the need to do it as well.

What brought you back? I haven’t yet but will in 2021.

 Have you participated in Rolling Thunder? Yes

 Are you planning on participating in Rolling to Remember (the AMVETS event that replaces Rolling Thunder)? Yes