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

Day 9 - Wytheville, VA to Lynchburg VA 130 miles

     Day 9 might be short on miles but it is long on precious experiences. The day began in Wytheville, VA.


The Students from Spiller Elementary came out and performed a little patriotic concert for the riders. I have posted a few videos of their performances on Facebook if you want to check them out, very touching.

The best part of the day was watching a few of the veterans meeting their pen pals for the first time. The school set up a pen pal program where a veteran was paired with a student and they wrote to each other all year.

Pictured above is Captain meeting his pen pal and below is Old School.














After leaving Spiller we traveled to Midvale Elementary school where we had a box lunch with the students. The students were so excited to have us visit. The Midvale students also put on a performance for us. I posted a few of the songs they performed on Facebook if you want to check them out.

We went on into Lynchburg where we had yummy pulled pork sandwiches at the Harley Davidson Shop. The Lynchburg shop has the largest collection of t-shirts of any shop I have been to. And I have been to A LOT of Harley shops.




Finally tonight, I'd like to give a shout out to the hydration team. They drive a truck and trailer at the back of the pack hauling, water, gatorade and snacks for the riders. It's a thankless job! I only know the name of one person on the hydration team. I am going to be sure to fix that tomorrow. Here are some photos of the hydration team at at work. Thanks guys, we'd be shriveled up leather without you.

Day 7 - We LOVE our Road Guards - Meridian MS to Chattanooga TN,

Some say Day 7 is one of the hardest days on the run. The ride into Chattanooga is challenging to say the least. There are many interstate changes, hot ramps and loads of traffic to deal with.  The road slopes and if the traffic stops on the slope it's hard to keep your bike upright. Many a bike has been dropped coming into Chattanooga.

Thanks to the ROAD GUARDS,  the group made it into the Thunder Creek - Harley Davidson without incident. So tonight we are doing a tribute to our beloved
ROAD GUARDS!

Road Guards wear yellow sleeves and red caps. They are responsible for getting us down the road. They block traffic, direct the riders and they probably ride double the mileage the rest of us ride. It is a difficult job and not easy to come by. I'll have to double check on the requirements. Feel free to comment if you know what the requirements are. It's not a job I aspire to.

Don't you just love the gloves?

Road Guards keep everyone safe, riders and spectators.




More great stuff to come tomorrow.

Day 6 - Crossing the Mississippi, bridges and friends

I consider the 6th day of the run the overpass or BRIDGE DAY. Driving through Louisiana and Mississippi there are a number of overpasses and just about every single one is lined with patriotic, flag waving Americans. Will Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes, some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by".   The good people of Louisiana and Mississippi have got the standing on the curb down(or in this case overpass). We saw hundreds and hundreds of people on bridges, waving flags, and cheering as the veterans ride by. It sure gives one hope in America.



Some bridges only had one person. Sometimes they were saluting, holding a vest or waving.


There were firetrucks on a few bridges with a flag suspended from the the ladder. It is truly amazing the love and support shown to the veterans by the patriots of Louisiana and Mississippi.













Another highlight of the day: Because Don is the Assistant Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon he had 6 dignitaries riding into Jackson, Mississippi with him today. Pictures here is the Governor of Mississippi thanking him for a smooth ride into Jackson. (Never see that happen with Jerry Brown from California😜)











One of the best things about Run for the Wall is the opportunity to make new friends. This is one of the new friends I met this year. Very nice guy! He has one of the best road names I've ever heard. "On the Five"

First, he is from  California, near the 5 freeway. He and some buddies were going to ride down to Mexico. He was supposed to meet them on the five. Well, he was there waiting for them and they just rode on by and left him "on the five".

I was honored to give him a "Vietnam War, I served sticker". As a Department of Defense Vietnam Commemoration Partner and a Daughter of the American Revolution. I was shocked he put it on the windshield of his brand new, beautiful, shamrock green Harley.

Tomorrow is day 7 when we ride into Chattanooga, reminds me of riding in LA.

Day 2 - Phoenix, AZ to Las Cruces, NM

When you spend 6 hours alone on your bike you have a lot of time to think. I planned out all the things I was going to share with you about today. Then Santa Ed invited me to sit in while he was being interviewed for a documentary on Vietnam Veterans and Run for the Wall.  Totally changed what I was going to share.

I was invited because Santa Ed considers me the "Charlie Mike" of the mission. Charlie Mike stands for "Continue the Mission". I am not a veteran but because of my passion to care for and serve veterans and active service members the mission will continue. Santa Ed does not want, the Vietnam Memorial to turn into just another tourist attraction. He wants everyone to remember that every name on the wall was a person that could have had a life. But because they went to the war in Vietnam their life was cut short.  And the thousands that did come home from Vietnam were never the same.

We as a country, as a society, must never forget the sacrifices our service men and women make so we can live in peace!
That is why I ride. I ride for those that can't.

"The nation which forgets it's defenders will be itself forgotten"
Calvin Coolidge

I heard a very funny announcement over the radio today. "Watch out for cattle, New Mexico is free range country, cattle may be on the road". What the heck??? Did you know New Mexico has a free range policy? Yeah, me either.  From Deming to Las Cruces, free range. Your cattle can just wonder wherever they want.


Sleep well and remember when you say your prays tonight to pray for our service men and women and our veterans.

DAY 1 - Ontario to Phoenix

Day 1 is in the history books.

 Every year when Run for The Wall comes around I think I am too old, it's too hard, It's too tiring and then after the first run of the first day I remember why I ride! What a great day!!! Beautiful weather, cruising along at 65 MPH on the open road with 300 Vietnam Veterans, Patriots and True Blue Americans. I can't think of anything better.

Today was an easy day as far as days on the Run go. I am riding with the 2nd Platoon in the Tail Gunner position. The best job of all the riders. 2nd Platoon is up at the front so we are one of the first into the gas stops and into the staging (parking) area. We traveled 335 miles and are now settled into the Holiday Inn in Phoenix. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

We stopped in Blythe for lunch. The city put on a very nice program for us along with good eats.  I was given a new Remembrance Poppy to add to my collection. I love Remembrance Poppies!!






Miss Blythe was there to greet the riders. She baked hundreds of cookies for the riders. They were delicious!!!!

Once we crossed the Arizona State Line, we were escorted by DPS Officers. WOW!!!1 Did they do a good job. At one point they shut down the freeway so we could change lanes and exit the highway. It is so nice to have the local support as we travel across the country.

Check out this tribute bike. The  black and white, shading is very dramatic.









As usual, the people of Arizona did not let us down. Many of the freeway overpasses were lined with flag waving Americans as well as the road sides.


I think I will say good night with this quote from Winston S. Churchill

"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."

Good night and sleep well.

Preparing for Run For The Wall - 2016

Bags are packed, bikes have been checked and rechecked. Tomorrow morning we leave for Ontario. Monday and Tuesday there will be leadership meetings. Wednesday morning the riders briefing and send off begin at 7:00 am. Looking forward to seeing all our friends and RFTW family.

As in past years, I will blog every night to bring those of you at home along with us on the run. Through out the day I will post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You won't miss any of the happenings if you follow us on our social media sites.

FNG - BUTTONS

You may have noticed the FNG buttons on everyone vests. The FNG stands for "Fine new Guy or Gal" (shhhh, we all know the military version). The FNG buttons let everyone know that you are new to the RFTW family. Everyone is just a little more helpful, a little more informative when it is your first rodeo.

You may also have noticed that some people have an FNG button that is upside down. The custom is that once you have completed your first year and you make it to the Vietnam Memorial, a seasoned rider turns your FNG button upside down. Often times riders will ask a platoon leader or someone that they especially connected with to turn their button. Don and I were given the honor of turning some of our platoon members buttons this year.

Day 8 @ Tyner/Silverdale Confederate Cemetery

One of my favorite stops on the Run for the Wall- Southern Route is the Tyner/Silverdale Cemetery, located just behind the Thunder Creek Harley Davidson Dealership. This little cemetery has been neglected for years. The RFTW family donates money to help maintain and restore the cemetery.

A brief history of the cemetery: There are approximately 75 - 100 Confederate Soldiers buried at the Silverdale Cemetery. They are from General Bragg's army and they died in a nearby hospital. The names of some of the soldiers are a mystery. The cemetery continues to identify those buried in the cemetery but headstones can only be requested by family members.

General Braxton Bragg succeeded General P.G.T. Beauregard as commander of the Army of Mississippi shortly after the battle of Shiloh and on July 21, 1862 ordered 27,816 men to Chattanooga, TN in preparation for his famed Kentucky campaign. These med had been in camps in northern Mississippi where poor water, shallow wells, mosquitoes and dysentery had made many of these soldiers sick. Some were still recovering from wounds received at Shiloh. The number of troops sent to Chattanooga made it necessary for most of them to be located outside of town. Brigadier General J.M. Withers' division was placed at Tyner's Station on the railroad 10 miles from town. The men buried at Silverdale are from General Withers' division hospital. His division consisted of men from Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina. The hospital was housed in 100 tents.

This poor little cemetery is getting by on a wing and a prayer. RFTW has been instrumental in helping with what little maintenance it does get. While visiting we met Mike who is passionate about helping maintain the cemetery. He loads his lawn mower onto his truck and after work stops to mow the cemetery. His wife is not super happy about the time he spends away from the family or the money he spends on gas for the mower. I am not sure of the dollar amount RFTW donated this year but I am sure it will help with many projects to maintain and restore the cemetery.

I have purchased two of the cemetery patches. I hope there are more patches to purchase next year. Having a background in the funeral business and having a Confederate soldier from Georgia in my family makes this a very special place for me.

The history of the Cemetery comes from A Condensed History of the Cemetery as told by Jerry Wormsley for the Chattanooga Are Relic and Historical Association.

DAY 10 - ALL THE WAY

Day 10 dawned bright and beautiful. Tree of Life Ministries was our host for breakfast and the morning meeting. Many of the agencies and groups that supported us through Virginia were thanked. Jim Zellers, the Virginia State Coordinator did a great job arranging all the stops, food and gas, thanks Jim!

WE MADE IT ALL THE WAY! We pulled into Arlington with much fan fare. The midway route lined the curbs clapping and cheering us into the staging area. Such a bittersweet moment to have completed the mission. 10 days of being driven with one purpose, one goal and one target, Charlie Mike, Complete the Mission.

Pulling into Arlington, VA and the completion of the mission.

Tomorrow we will ride into Arlington National Cemetery and visit The Wall to pay our final respects.

Day 9 - Missing Man Formation

During each leg of the Run for the Wall there is a missing man formation. The missing man formation is two motorcycles in tandem (#1 is the route coordinator, left  and #2 the state coordinator  right) then the rider selected to ride as the missing man and two more motorcycles in tandem (#5 missing man chaplain and #6 missing man coordinator).  FNG's are encouraged to apply to ride a missing man formation. Flame the missing man coordinator then assigns the riders to a leg. I missed it last year as an FNG but sent in a request this year.

About a month ago I received an email from Flame telling me I would ride the missing man formation on the 9th day, second leg. she said it's only a short leg but it's a very special one. I didn't think anything about it with all the preparations for the run, until yesterday. Then I looked at the schedule and saw that it was indeed a short run (15 miles) but it was very special. Flame gave me the special experience of riding in the lead pack to Montvale Elementary School.

We left the Exxon Gas Stop with numerous Virginia State Police riding out front with their blue lights a blaze. It was beautiful! Something you can't see from the middle of the pack which is where I am as a tail gunner for the 4th Platoon. Then the road guards ride out with their lights a blinking and then the lead pack. Because the lead pack sets the pace there is no need to keep your eyes fixed on the bike in front of you. It was so refreshing not to worry about staying close to the bike in front of you and worrying they would slam on their breaks.

As we came around the corner and up to the top of the hill, there was Montvale Elementary School with all the children out front dressed in red white and blue and waving American Flags. The tears welled at the beautiful display of patriotism before my eyes.  I get very emotional over children and flags for all kinds of reasons. Flame gave me a wonderful gift that she had no way of knowing ahead of time(maybe she did). I took some great video of the kids singing, I'll post them later updates.

The next generation of patriots are being raised in Montvale, Virginia.

From the Elementary School we left amidst much flag waving and cheering. We rode 13 miles to the National D-Day Memorial. As the majestic smokey mountains came into view, my breathe caught at the beauty of the lush, green valley. Definitely a view I would not have seen in the middle of the pack. The rode wound around for a few beautiful miles and once again we came up upon a small rise and laid out before us was the National D-Day Memorial Park. It was gorgeous. I wish I could find the words to describe it for you.  This was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Once again tears welled up in my eyes. We had to wind around quite a bit before we parked. What a treat to be in front of the pack to have such a panoramic view.

Once we parked I turned around to Flame and she was grinning at me. I got off my bike and went to give her a big hug. I gave her an inquisitive look, I did not understand how she could have known how meaningful both of those legs were to me. She just smiled and said, "when I saw on Facebook all of you posts about Remembrance Poppies, I knew this was the leg for you". Wow, was it ever!!! Thank you Flame, I will never forget today!!!  Maybe someday, I will share the what and why both of these legs were so meaningful to me. How Flame put it altogether is a mystery to me.

The National D-Day Memorial is one of the nicest memorials I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. I suggest if you ever go to visit, find a docent to show you around, they have so much information and insight to share. Definitely adds to the experience.


So day 9 has come to an end and there is just one more day left.  What a bittersweet time. I am glad I won't be riding 80 MPH in the pouring rain another day. Sad it is over and the friends/family I have met will be scattered around the country until next year when we all come together again. I have learned so much, felt so much and experienced so much.  I have so many people to thank but tomorrow is a super early day. The alarm is going to go off at 4:30 AM so it's lights out, until tomorrow.

Day 8 - Donut Day

Another great day on the mission. We travelled from Chattanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA a total of 285 miles done in just four legs. It was a little dicey getting out of Chattanooga. The Platoons stayed tight but with a lot of rubber banding which is not fun for a tail gunner.

The day began with a wreath laying ceremony at the Silverdale Cemetery. I purchased a cemetery patch for the second year in a row. It was half the price of last year's patch :)

Here is a link to the cemetery's Facebook page if you would like to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silverdale-Confederate-Cemetery/202558459780441

Once we rolled out of Thunder Creek Harley Davidson we rode 79 miles to the Knoxville Truck Stop. This is one of my favorite stops on the entire route. The community comes out to show their patriotism and support of Run for the Wall. I must admit though, it's the donuts. Dunkin Donuts hands out hundreds of FREE donuts to all the riders. I love them, I ate two.  No calories on vacation, right?

 Last story for tonight, this was shared with me by Gonzo, the one on the right with his friend Weasel. They were telling me about the coin Weasel is wearing around his neck. It is a coin that their buddy was wearing when he was killed in Afghanistan. The coin was returned to his mother who asked Gonzo to take it on Run for the Wall with him. Gonzo carried it half the way and then handed it off to Weasel who will carry it the remainder of the way to the Vietnam Memorial.
A great tribute to the fallen because,  at Run For the Wall
"We ride for Those who Can't"

Day 7 - Spyder in Chattanooga

I would like to introduce Spyder, my new Run for the Wall friend. Since day one, he has been kind, consider and shown me and the entire 4th Platoon kindness and encouragement. The staging team wanted to give him another Platoon's placard and he said, "No" this is my platoon. He is very patient with me when I am not sure where to park.

Let me explain, my bike has a tail gunner sticker on the front windshield but I have been riding as Assistant Platoon Leader and then today as Platoon Leader. Each job requires a slightly different parking place in the staging area. It's all about the order the bikes pull out. He has been very kind in getting me to the right place. Some of the staging crew or road guards just yell at you without hearing where you need to go. The more experienced leaders tell me to just go where I need to go and leave them yelling in the parking lot. It's not really my nature. Spyder has always been very patient with my every changing assignments.

Spyder is great guy, sadly today he got a flat tire on his bike. Hopefully the Chattanooga Harley Davidson will get it fixed tonight. Oh, did I mention the Harley shop stays open all night fixing the bikes in need of repair. GoldWing people don't you dare say a word!!!!

We stopped for lunch at the Tuscaloosa, AL Veteran's Hospital. Oh my, I anticipated seeing the old guys that live in the extended care facility. I did not expect to meet the young guys. I forgot my camera so I ran out to my bike to grab it and there walking in the parking lot was the head nurse for the hospital walking with a young men by the bikes. I took a closer look and realized he was a patient at the hospital. He was wearing a Marine Red shirt and plaid pajama bottoms. I stopped to talk to them. She told me his name, Fred and that he used to work on Harley's. I asked him if he rides bikes and what kind. All he could answer was Harley. I thought he might tell me the model but all he could manage to say was Harley. The nurse told me he was not yet 30 and that he suffered a dramatic brain injury in Afghanistan. Broke my heart to see a strong young man injured in such a way. I asked him which branch of service he was in and he told me he was a Marine. I ran to my bike to get him a Marine Corps sticker which I put on his shirt. I also gave him a Run for the Wall Pin and gave him a big hug. I hope I made a difference in that young man's day.

We proceed inside where we wondered around the hospital meeting veterans, talking with them and giving out pins and stickers. We met another young vet, Bob Tomlin, he also suffered a traumatic brain injury only in Iraq. Bob told us an IED the size of a school bus blew up in the vicinity of where he was.  He wanted to show us pictures that he posted to Facebook but there wasn't any cell service where we were standing in the hospital. I took down his name to friend him when I got service. I have searched his name on Facebook but he is not coming up. I am sad, I thought I had a new Facebook friend. He was a very nice young man. I hope he recovers enough to someday live on his own.

I was so nervous this morning when Old School told me I would be running as Platoon Leader. What the heck???? I barely figured out the tail gunner position.  Old School was very good in explaining the duties of the Platoon Leader as he leads the pack down the road. 1. Throttle up and down slowly to keep the platoon from rubber banding. 2. Maintain 1/8 of a mile between you and the 3rd platoon in front of you. 3. Before changing lanes make sure it is safe. 4. Pass back the appropriate hand signals.

Piece of cake! I enjoyed the job. I think because I had the fun part of the job without the responsibility. I was able to drive out in front of the Platoon for two legs today. approximately 200 miles. Our Assistant Platoon Leader was back for the last leg into Chattanooga. I was once again int he back of the pack.

I best get to bed, early day tomorrow. Excuse any typos or grammatical errors, I am too tired to read it over and tomorrow is a big day.

Day 5 & 6 - A game changer

Sorry to skip a day of posting. Yesterday was a very, very emotional day. Let me give you a little recap.

I rode tail gunner the first two legs yesterday. I have decided I like the tail gunner position. Once I figured out the purpose and function of the tail gunner, I kind of like it. I am pretty good at maintaining a steady speed and not getting caught up in the speed up, slow down, hit the brakes pattern so many riders get into. Maintaining a steady speed helps the platoon behind you set a steady speed. It's a nice job, you get to interact with the riders, learn about them and learn their story. Why they are on the ride, if and when they served in Nam. What they hope to get out of RFTW, all good stuff.

The last two legs of the day Slacker had an errand to run so Old School asked me to ride as AAPL, Acting, Assistant Platoon Leader. I thought he was feeling sorry for me because he knew I had, had a rough day. I didn't know Slacker was gone. So anyway, rode two legs as AAPL. It's pretty easy to ride at the front of the pack, you only have one bike to watch and match speed with. It gave me time to think and ponder some things and events of the day.

Jump to the evening program at the Shriner's Hall in Monroe, LA. I was still pretty much a mess, I had been mentally working through my emotions during the evening program. There was a slide show of war pictures, funeral pictures and military pictures, some pretty graphic stuff. Then the POW MIA ceremony was performed by the Monroe High School ROTC. By this time I had worked out that I needed to get over my bad day because I wasn't on the Run for me, I was on the run to help the Vietnam Vets that needed my help to get to the Wall and to listen to them when they wanted to share an experience or their feelings. The saying, if you're feeling sad, go lose yourself in service and you'll forgot your own woes. By the time the program was over, I knew that's what I needed to do.

Everyone stood up to leave the hall, I turned around to file out and there sitting across a table from me was a Vietnam Vet with his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands crying. I pushed the tables aside and pulled him into my arms. He cried and cried on my shoulder as we stood there hugging. He said, "this is the first time in 45 years I have cried". He talked about the 50 caliber guns he used to fire or something about big guns, I admit I don't know anything about that stuff. I don't need to know, what I do know is that he was in pain and I was there to hug him, to love him and to help him heal.

Yesterday was a life changer for me. I have a much deeper understanding of PTSD and of the pain our veterans face upon their return from war. I love our military and veterans so for me to have a DEEPER understanding and appreciation is a pretty big deal. i understand so much more than I did when I came on the 2015 Run.

Sorry, this was just a bunch of words but I thought readers should know that amidst all the fun pictures and patriotic ceremonies the mission is what is important. To help heal ALL veterans, that is why we ride.

Day 4 - Mini Marines

Wow, another great day. We have been riding a day and a half and are still in Texas! What the heck?

Our first stop today was at the Permian Basin Vietnam Memorial. It is a beautiful place with very powerful visual displays that emotionally deliver a very hard punch to the Vietnam Veterans. Many shed a tear or two as memories came flooding back. I have provided a link to their website if you would like to pay a virtual visit.  http://www.veteransmemorial.us

At the basin the colors were presented by, I believe they are called Junior Marines, I call them Mini-Marines. Are they not the cutest things? I know, I know, Marines are not "cute" but these are!

I spoke with the youngest one's mother (Pictured here). His name is Rieker and he loves participating in the Junior Marines. He took his job as a member of the color guard very seriously, as you can see.

Also at the basin there is a Native American  that blesses the riders and all the bikes. 

I believe all of the gas today was donated, I can't remember giving the fuel team any money. All of the food is donated for all ten days. I will try to get a list of all the organizations that donate food and money for gas to post here to publicly thank them. 

I think I am getting the job of tail gunner down but every run it seems something comes up that I am not sure of. Old School (Platoon Leader) has got to be sick of my questions. He patiently answers them though. 

As we came into Colorado City today there was quite a bit of traffic. All the LA Riding paid off! Traffic is no big deal to this Southern California girl! 

Mileage today, 351 miles and yes we are STILL in Texas! Till tomorrow, God Speed and good night!