Saturday, May 17, 2014

Day 4 Odessa TX to Prairie TX

Wow, What a day!!!!

Began at the usual 5am. It's getting harder to get up. Made it to the staging area on time and inside the American Legion Post 340 for a delicious breakfast of... you guessed it, biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns all homemade by the post members. I tried to hold back, only half a biscuit.

Met a few interesting characters, there's the General, he made us the "FNG" bead lanyard. See the little dog in the picture with him. That's driver, she has been on seven rides with him. Rides on the front of his bike. I will try to get a picture of them on their bike tomorrow. I love the goggles!


I began wondering why we were having these wreath laying ceremonies every single day, sometimes a couple a day. Then today I had the honor of participating in one. Made a difference, now I get it 

I saw the faces of the Vietnam Veterans as the wreath was laid and as they came up to the monument to trace their finger across the map of Vietnam. These veterans have not had or in some cases taken the opportunity to deal with that time of their life. This ride gives them 11 days of being with like minded people that love and support them and allow them to feel the love, pride and support of the American people. 

I had a Vietnam Veteran tell me a few days ago that whenever he begins to feel out of sorts he knows it's time to go on another run for the wall. 


The favorite part of my day was visiting Colorado City, Texas, a small town of 5 square miles and a population of 2,000 people. 

What the town did the the riders was a miracle. First off when we pulled in to "filler er up" the gas was paid for. Come to find out, the citizens of Colorado City paid for it. The fire department hung a huge flag to welcome us. Lunch was delicious, steak, chicken, potato salad and the most delicious bacon wrapped poppers I have ever tasted. Then they had a program with tap dancers, violin solo, a community band, students shared their veteran biographies and a Boy Scout leader sang, Proud to be an American. Wasn't a dry eye in the place. Colorado City wins for most patriotic city visited to date. I hear Tennessee is quite amazing. 

So here's a couple shots from Colorado City.




And finally, I thought it was time to talk motorcycles, but to tell you the truth I am so tired. I think I will save it for tomorrow. Here's a shot of Kenny on his bike. Can you name the bike? Kenny is a very nice Vietnam Vet from Colorado State. 


Please excuse any typos or grammatical errors, I am just too tired to care. For current on the ride information follow us on twitter @rideforthewall or Facebook page Ridingforthewall

I am better about posting on the fly throughout the day. 

Good night.

5 comments:

  1. Kris, thanks for taking us along on the ride via the posts. All is well here you and Don travel safe. Rich

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Rich and thanks for following along with us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Found the link to your blog on the RFTW SIT Rep site. My husband, Steve Engel, is the second person from the right on your wreath-laying picture. He had the honor of representing the Air Force at the ceremony. Thank you for posting that picture. Great blog!!! Safe travel.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Ruth. I hope you follow along.

    ReplyDelete
  5. SABUNG AYAM - BOLA - CASINO - TOGEL - POKER | DIJAMIN ANDA AKAN BERMAIN DENGAN AMAN!!! KUNJUNGI WEBSITE KAMI di www.sabung-online.org | WA : +6281377055002 | BBM : D1A1E6DF | BOLAVITA

    ReplyDelete