Strong Women

Same drill as last night. For the nuts and bolts of the run, go to RFTW.US , Southern Hub, Southern Sit-rep.

https://rftw.us/category/southern-route-sitreps/

This year is the XXX anniversary of Run for the Wall. Someone decided it was time to have an all female platoon leadership. This year the 2nd platoon is comprised of Eyes (me) as the Platoon Leader, Mojo (Diann) as the Assistant Platoon Leader and Happy Jackie as the tail gunner. ALL WOMEN.

We decided we didn't want to give out challenge coins as is customary, we wanted to do something different. Mojo had these really cool pins made for us, featuring Joan of Arc, a Strong Women. Because we are strong Women, leading veterans to the Vietnam Memorial.

Today I had the honor to give out a few pins. One to Wildcat, A road guard that works super hard all day to keep riders safe and rolling at the right time in the right direction, a strong woman.  Another pin I gave to a female rider, Shannon who is also an MIA daughter,  a strong woman.

And then when we arrived in Wilcox, AZ the police department lined up to be recognized for escorting us in and out of town. Guess what, one female police officer amongst the 10 male officers. I just had to give her a pin!

Her name is Marsha, she nearly cried when I present her with a pin. This is what I say when presenting a Joan of Arc, 2nd Platoon, 30th anniversary pin. First I explain the Joan of Arc thing and the first ever all female platoon and then I say,



"To a strong woman; may you be one, may you know one,  may you ride with one" 


Had a great day. The RFTW riders are wonderful. Everyone is super respectful of the female platoon. No special treatment is expected and none is given. By the way, none of us are crazy feminists or anything. We have husbands and boyfriends and love our men.

Finally, a shout out to my good husband who gassed up my bike tonight so I could come in and write the Run for the Wall - Sit-Rep. You're the best my honey, love you!

Good night and God Bless, 345 mile day tomorrow.

Day 1, Ontario CA - Chandler AZ, 50 Mile Detour

Since I began this blog, five years ago I have new Run for the Wall Responsibilities. I know write the office sit-rep "situational report" every night for the Southern Route. I also post to social media sites for the Southern Route, I am in platoon leadership. Due to these responsibilities, I can't keep up this blog as well as the official one. Please check out the official blog at RFTW.us, Southern Route Hub, Southern Route Sit-Rep.

Here's a link: https://rftw.us/9252-2/

I thought I would post the verbiage from the official sit-rep (below) but then  I'll add my thoughts and impressions that might not be appropriate for the official blog.

I can't believe I am a Platoon Leader! You know my road name is Wrong Way Eyes. I am riding as the Platoon Leader for the 2nd Platoon. Let's hope I don't make a wrong turn and take 300 motorcycles with me! My road guard, Care Bear, his road name is really Caretaker, but I like Care Bear better, anyway, he has assured me he won't let me go the wrong way.  Ha, he's always off riding somewhere else in the pack. It's all on me, keep me in your prayers that I don't go the wrong way!

Today is was hotter than heck! We took a 50 mile detour to avoid some problem on I-10. I thought for sure we were lost in the desert and the Arizona State Troopers had no idea where the Chandler Harley Davidson deal was located. We eventually arrived, an hour late.

On a serious note, it is such an honor to ride with MIA daughters and sons, with Veterans of not only Vietnam but Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. Helping to escort these veterans and family members is a small thing I can do for the freedoms I enjoy.  More tomorrow!

Official Sit-Rep Post incase you don't want to look it up.

It was a beautiful morning to kick off the XXX Run for the Wall. 

3 Routes - 1 Mission

To quote Board of Director President, Les Williams, "This is a mission, not a joy ride. We are here for our brothers & sisters. The rider's meeting began with the usual, prayer, pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and The National Anthem. 

As the National Anthem began a quiet hush fell over the crowd. Slowly and gently, voices could be heard joining in. The voices swelled in one united chorus. Brought chills to my bones and made me that much prouder to be an American 🇺🇸.

The Flag ceremony was performed by the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines. Les dismissed them immediately so they could spend time with their families, as they are being deployed soon. May God Bless them and keep them. 🙏🏻

James Gregory "Gunny" was then presented with the one thing he's never been awarded, an FNG patch. Hahaha! ismissed the group with these words, "We will meet again in Washington D.C." Amen! And we were off! 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi2Ir1tlNdS/?taken-by=runforthewall

The Southern Route made it to their first stop, 92 miles, a little ahead of schedule. Wookie shared the story of Specialist Elliott Crook, assigned to Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division: "The Screaming Eagles" 

On May 16, 1971 Spc Crook was the crew chief of a UH1H helicopter. Other crew members: Lt. Joseph P. Nolan, pilot; W1 Craig L. Farlow, aircraft commander, and SP4 Timothy J. Jacobsen, door gunner. The helicopter was the 7th to land on the LZ. On departing the LZ, pilots of 5th & 6th helicopters reported taking enemy fire. LT. Nolan reported that he was taking heavy ground fire, that his crew chief was wounded. Lt. Nolan immediately took off and at 250 feet, witnesses saw his aircraft rapidly lose roter RPM and crash into the tree tops, bursting into flames. No No survivors were seen to exit the aircraft. The crew is missing in action. 

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE!

 "Man doesn't die as long as he is remembered" WE REMEMBER! 

We left Coachella ahead of schedule for the 92 mile ride to Blythe. Four miles in, we left California and entered Arizona. We also crossed the Colorado River. The ride was beautiful, saguaro Cacti on either side of the road. The cacti have new growth right now. The tops of the cactus look like they are growing hair.  The ride was a little hot, my temperature gauge pegged at 120, but it's a dry heat 🤪.

Blythe rolled out the red carpet. The Blythe JROTC conducted a beautiful remembrance ceremony. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi2dUkbll0L/?taken-by=runforthewall

I ate lunch with an MIA son, Joe Stuart, he is an FNG rider. I have his Father's biography and will share it another day. We are honored to have Joe riding with us. We love you Joe and are glad you decided to join us. 

Pulled out of Blythe, again ahead of schedule. Bee lined it for the Tonopah - Shell Station. Once in Tonapah, we learned there was a problem on the I10 and Arizona State Troopers would be escorting us on the detour. WELL, little did we know it was a 50 MILE DETOUR! Through the Sanora Desert National Monument Park, beautiful detour.  The route was supposed to be 68 miles, it ended up being 114 miles. I was beginning to wonder if anyone at the front new where the heck the Chandler Harley Davidson was located.We finally arrived, enjoyed cheeseburgers and mac & cheese, called it a night and went to the host hotel. 

I'll end with today's quote in the Southern Route itinerary. "My responsibility, our responsibility as lucky Americans, is to try to give back to this country as much as it ha given us, as we continue our American journey together." GEN Colin Powell. 

California Rocked it today!

California redeemed itself (slightly) today. Normally we ride through California and there is nary a person on the over passes or lining the streets. Not today boy! To start with, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution came out to send us off. These ladies are members of the Katuktu Chapter. Ladies you're the best! Senior, one of the Southern Route, Road Guards photo bombed us which made it even more fun. 


And April Laing a member of the American Legion Riders, Chapter 716 also came out to send us off. Sorry I didn't get a photo. Thank you for coming out to support us!

As we rode from Ontario to the Arizona state line, I counted five overpasses with flag wavers. One over pass held a firetruck with the firemen standing at attention. Oh my heart swelled. Then 10 miles outside of Blythe, CA we were escorted by the California Highway Patrol into Blythe.

Say what you will about California, we are Americans!

Every year, I start off a little nervous. This year was no different. Wouldn't you know it, on the first day, the first maneuver is a u-turn. Those of you that don't ride won't understand what a big deal a u-turn is. I am not a very big person and I am riding a 950 pound motorcycle. It's not easy to make sharp turns. (don't believe everything you see on you tube). Well, I nailed that first u-turn and everything that followed. I got this, 2017 is going to be a breeze!

I am going to bed now, I will write a better blog post tomorrow night. I need a little sleep tonight.

I want to leave you with this quote:

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave" Elmer Davis

I am so thankful for the men and women that stand guard at the gates of our country. God Bless them one and all.

Santa Ed Receives a Book

The run hasn't even started and I have already shed tears. Let me tell you the story.

Four years ago I went on my first Run for the Wall. I met so many Vietnam Veterans. One in particular touched my heart,  Santa Ed (pictured here). I told him of my plans to write a book about the run. The book was to help ALL veterans heal from the scars of war. I held both of Santa Ed's hands and said, "look into my eyes, I want you to see into my soul and know that I WILL write this book". Santa Ed, became very agitated and said, "that's it, that's it, you can't use my words on me!" Your road name is Eyes. Every since that day, my road name has been Eyes.

Well today, I had the opportunity to present Santa Ed with a copy of the book Run for the Wall - A Journey to the Vietnam Memorial. He cried, and I cried. Yes, it's been a four year project.

It is still my prayer and hope that the book makes it into the hands of every American Veteran, that they can see and feel the love, support and appreciation of the American people.



Another wonderful surprise was when another one
of my favorite Vietnam Veterans came riding into the parking lot.
This is "On the Five" 😂, years ago, he was left waiting on the 5 Freeway for a bunch of his buddies. They didn't show up for hours. Well, the name stuck.

One of the best things about the run is the friendships you make and renew year after year as riders gather from all over the world to once again partake in this Patriotic, Veteran loving, flag waving event.

It's May and Time to Roll

This week begins my serious preparation for the run. I put a lot of thinking into this preparation. What to pack? What goes where on the bike? When will I need this item?  How often will I need this item? Do I even need to bring this?  I also load all the overnight stop locations in my weather app so I know what to put on every morning, I hate to be cold! I pack tributes of those I am riding for that I will carry to the wall. I have stickers and pins to give to the children at the schools. I have Vietnam Commemoration stickers to give to the Vietnam Veterans we visit. It's a lot of thinking that goes into getting ready.

This year, I have added another task that needs careful thought. Every year I have been on the run I spend my nights staying up late blogging. I want to keep readers at home up to date on everything that happens on the run. I make sure to add the emotional parts of the day as well, I guess I am just emotional. This year, I have been asked to be the sit-rep writer for the Southern Route. This is a new job for me and I am a little uneasy about it. The sit-rep includes JUST THE FACTS. In my mind,  just the facts are, well, just so boring! This is going to require an even later bedtime. With this in the back of my mind, I want to do an even better job of packing. I want as many things as possible to be streamlined. It all has caused a great big THINK! 🤔

 On another note: This year's motto is MISSION > SELF which means, Mission greater than self. I love that! On the run we are working collectively towards one common goal. It is this goal that drives the run and remains the focus day in and day out. While on the run we are constantly thinking of the individual, making sure no one is left behind. Yet, the focus is the mission and what is best for the mission. In this day of ME-ME-ME it is a timely motto. I look forward to Ghostrider's leadership and working with him this year, it's gonna be great!

As we embark on this Journey to Washington D.C., we ask for your prayers of good weather and safe travels.

Sturgis - 2016, Crossing the Continental Divide and Jackalopes

On our way to Sturgis and I thought I would share some of our experiences. And hey, if you're here let us know!

Day 1 - We rode 450 miles from Orange County, CA to Cedar City UT
Day 2 - 520 Miles from Cedar City UT to Rawlins, WY
Day 3 - 370 Miles from Rawlins WY to Sturgis SD

Today was full of new adventures. First let's talk about the damn wind! Oh my gosh I nearly got blown off my bike and into the oncoming traffic. There was a 30 knot (at least) cross wind that came in gusts. Just when you thought you were safe to relax on the hand grips you'd be hit with another gust. Made for a very, very taxing, tiring ride. Oh and then it began to rain. Luckily we had stopped and put on our leather gear. Kept us warm and dry as we pulled into Rapid City and our hotel room.

I must say who ever surveyed the state line between Wyoming and South Dakota used the tree line and the wind. As soon as we crossed into South Dakota there were trees and the wind stopped blowing. I think even the cattle grazing on the South Dakota side were happier.





 


Here are a few pictures and stories from our day.

We stopped at the visitors center at Independence Rock. I love the history and stories associated with Independence Rock so we stopped to pay our respects to the thousands that crossed the prairies headed west. We were surprised to be greeted by the Christian Motorcycle Association CMA volunteers. They set up an aid station at Independence Rock. Gave our coffee, snacks, water and sent us on our way with a prayer and a blessing. It was very nice to have them greet us and bless us on our journey.

As you know the CMA is our very involved with RFTW. They feed, us pray for us and ride with us. Great organization. I have to remember to join when I get home.

One of the riders with the CMA was a young veteran from Iraq. With a purple heart on his vest. Very nice young man. Always a soft spot in my heart for the vets. Anyway, his bike was one of the most unusual bikes I have ever seen. I didn't see it till we were leaving so I didn't get the story behind it.
Skunk Works, interesting!

We stopped for lunch in Casper, Wyoming at the Plains, Historic Hotel & Trading Post. Interesting place. I learned about Jackalopes. I had no idea they were first discovered in Douglas County, Wyoming. I had to buy a small stuffed one to add to my wild animal collection.

The strangest sight of all at the Plains Trading Post was the women's bathroom. I started to post it to social media but so many captions ran through my mind, I gave up. If you think of one, by all means, share it with us.

Two toilets in one room???


And finally, Crossing the Continental Divide