Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Day #8 Chattanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA

Another amazing day on the run.

The day began with our usual Southern Route Riders meeting. At the end of every minute there is asegment I'll call, "why we ride" where someone either reads a biography of an MIA or shares a personal story. Today was a personal story told by Gump. I mentioned Gump in an earlier blog. Today the story he shared was of his 22 days as a prisoner of way in Iraq. There were five captives, two died in captivity. Gump said, I have never been so happy to see a Marine as we they arrived to rescue us. Gump also said, "the reason we did not leave any behind in Iraq is because of the lessons learned in Vietnam."  When Gump returned home he was given 20 POW bracelets with his name on them from COMPLETE strangers. How loved and appreciated it made him feel.

  Gump sharing his story. 


On to Knoxville, TN for one of the best donuts I have ever had, okay, truth be told I ate three. Delicious, super fresh Dunkin' Donuts donated by TA Truck Stop. 


Somebody set up a hydraulic lift and was giving rides so I went up in the lift and snapped this picture. I am missing half the bikes which are off to the other side. Our numbers swelled to 500+ today. 



Off to the Blackfoot Harley Davidson for lunch along their river bank. 


Onto Waytheville, VA and let me tell you that town loves Run for the Wall. The mayor and his two sons were on the ride with us. The mayor's 22 year old cutie son has been on 14 runs to the wall. His road name is Hooky because he played hooky from school to go on the run. You gotta admit he's a cutie. 


The people of Waytheville go absolutely all out for the riders. I believe everybody in that small town was on the street to welcome us. Had a wonderful reception in the park. I posted a video on the Facebook Page - Riding for the wall, you can check it out there. We were treated to a steak and baked potato dinner at the Moose Lodge. What a great all American town. 



Today's tip of the day: Flag waving locals-you can't buy it, you can't raise it, you can't teach it. Mayor of Waytheville. Interesting statement, still pondering it. 

And our Hero of the day, meet Bill 



Bill was what he calls a closet Vietnam Vet meaning he hadn't come to terms with the his role in the war and therefore just wasn't dealing with it. It took him years to finally "come out" and accept the war. Almost all of Bill's platoon was wiped out. It has taken Bill years to find peace and the Ride for the Wall helps him and of course his faith. 

Bill, if you ever read this, thank you for sharing your story with us today. I enjoyed breaking bread with you today. 

And finally for today, I received a few photos from the photographer that is shooting fabulous, beautiful majestic photos of the run. My plan is to compile his majestic photos and some of my average photos to capture the spirit and mission of the Run for the Wall. My hope and prayer is that the closet vets, that BIll refers to, not just Vietnam Vets but the young ones, just home from Afghanistan and Iraq that are suffering with PTSD will somehow get a copy of the book and it will help them "drive the demons" out and they can find peace.

Enjoy the teaser shots and thank you Ron Stewart, you are absolutely magnificent. 



Until tomorrow. I am giving the "why we ride" message tomorrow, Yikes! 





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