Day #9 Wytheville, VA to Lynchburg, VA

 The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten - Calvin Coolidge

This ride has proven to me that our defenders have not been forgotten. The American people love and  support its veterans and activity military. Yet, there are many veterans that don't know. As part of this year's Memorial Day celebration, share this blog. 

Today we rode through some of the prettiest country I have ever seen. Green rolling hills, beautiful vistas with lush green hill sides. If it were like this all year it would be a nice place to live. 

I have been super impressed with how well organized the Run for the Wall is. Each route has a coordinator who I guess over sees everything for their route. Then there are various committees I guess you could call them. 

There is the advance team, they wear blue hats. They ride ahead of the pack and man the gas pumps and the staging areas. There are nine platoons, the first day you pull in you are assigned to a platoon. You place a sticker on your left hand window and from then on when you pull into the staging area you are directed to your platoon's staging area. 

If the advance team doesn't have to rush to the next stop, they honor the veterans as they ride by. This run to the wall would not be possible if it weren't for these hard working volunteers. 

Then there's the road guards. These guys are just plain crazy!!!! They are the traffic controllers. They are up super early and stand on the corners near each hotel guiding the riders to the morning staging area. They control traffic, blocking intersections and highway on ramps while we are en route. They also help in the staging area getting the bikes where they need to be. 

I'll have to work on getting better pictures of the road guards tomorrow. They are super hard working dogs! 

Today was a fun day, we visited two schools, Spiller Elementary and Montvale Elementary. Both schools are doing an excellent job teaching their students love of country and patriotism.

I am going to jump to Today's heroes. If I don't get to bed earlier I am going to fall asleep and fall off the bike.

Today WE were joined by some young Veterans. They are my heroes for serving their country!!!!

These young vets said to me, "we've got to get more young guys coming". Get the word out folks, let the young veterans know about Run for the Wall.

And one more hero, meet Dennis

Dennis was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Dennis' wife told me, he had to eject twice from an airplane and was offered a Purple Heart but he refused it. A True American Hero! Dennis is still unable to visit the wall. 

Tomorrow is the selection process for which of the FNG's get to ride into Arlington. RFTW is the only organization that is allowed to ride motorcycles into Arlington. They are only given passes for 400 motorcycles. The 400 are divided amongst the three routes. Apparently those that have ridden "All the way" meaning all the way from Rancho Cucamonga are amongst the first to be allowed in. We're hoping we get to go. 

Well, until tomorrow. God Bless America, Land that I love, stand beside her, and guide her.....

finish it for me, I am too tired. 

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! 

Day 7 Meridian MS to Chattanooga TN

Today was a little low key compared to yesterday. I didn't think yesterday could be topped.  Don't misunderstand me, today was a tremendous day but, come on, how do you surpass helicopters and cannon fire?

One highlight of today was stopping at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospital. They fed us a great lunch and then small groups of us were taken on tours. Some of us got on the elevator to go up to the fourth floor with Debra our guide. Apparently too many of us piled in because the elevator got stuck. Another first for me, I've never been stuck in an elevator before. We weren't stuck for long. Once we called and reported we were stuck up  someone came and let us out. Once everyone had a few breaths of fresh air we split into two groups and rode up in two separate elevators.

The VA Hospital is a multi-use facility with a hospice center, homeless center and  hospital. We were taken into the PTSD Center and the women's homeless shelter. Both centers were very nice.

Shirley the event registrar cut stars out of old flags for us to give to the veterans with a message of appreciation for their service. Next year I am going to bring pins, it seems they like to collect pins.

Stopped at the Piggily Wiggily for Gas and a snack and boy what a snack. We were served bar-b-que hot dogs, chips and soda. The hot dogs tasted so good!!!  Mr Pig was out shaking hands. I am from California, we don't have Piggly Wigglys. I was so excited to stop at a Pig market. I have only read about them. 

The leg into Chattanooga we were told was the most difficult of the whole trip due to traffic and a high sided lane. Well it proved to be true today. There were a couple of mishaps on that stretch of road. Remember the picture I posted of Kenny a few days ago? Well, it's a good thing I took that picture because his bike doesn't look like that anymore. He was rear ended, no injuries and he is still able to ride the bike. Another rider tipped his bike on the nasty curve. Again, no injuries probably just bruised egos. 

Dinner was hosted by the Thunder Creek Harley. Wow, they laid out a great spread, mashed potatoes, pork and gravy, shaved ice and sodas. In addition to the great food were a couple of cool displays.

I just loved the Harley Funeral Coach. Talk about going out in style!!! 

My other favorite was the Memorial Day display from the Gold Star Wives chapter of Chattanooga.  Gold Star Wives from World War II, cutest little ladies. 

Today"s Heroes: The ladies that made hundreds and hundreds of homemade muffins. The personal touches of kindness are amazing. 

Our riding buddy into Chattanooga.

Steve Engel my Memorial Wreath laying coach. Kept me from embarrassing myself by teaching me how to march and turn. THANK YOU!!! 

Finally, I have plans to put together a photo documentary of this Run for the Wall. There are 21 million veterans currently living in the United States. I sure would like everyone of them to see and know how much they are loved and appreciated by the American people. It should be completed and available for purchase by Christmas. Like our facebook page, "riding for the Wall" to receive notifications of the book's progress and when it's available. 

Until tomorrow...rain in the forecast.

Day #6 Monroe LA to Meridian MS

I know this may seem impossible but today was bigger and grander than all the previous days put together. I will attempt to share with you what the riders experienced today. I fear unless you go on a Ride For the Wall you will never understand what an amazing experience it is. 

Today's Hero Board

First I was very humbled today to be in the presence of some super American Heroes!!! Jackson, Mississippi hosted lunch for us. They flew in some American dignitaries and heroes. Steve L. Munro, director of US Veterans Affairs spoke to the group. Today's tip of the day comes from Steve. 

"Son, keep your head down and your ass up. We can patch your ass up all day long"

The next speaker was Lt. Thomas R. Norris, Medal of Honor recipient for his ground rescue of two downed pilots in Vietnam on April 10, 1972. After the meeting we went to meet him. He hugged me and thank Don and I for going on the ride. He was so incredibly humble telling us that he didn't do anything anybody else wouldn't do. I pointed to the medal hanging around his neck and said, 

this says otherwise." He was so kind and very humble and while he looked frail he had a very strong voice and presence. 

Later in the day I found myself conversing with two GOLD STAR Mothers. Wow, talk about sacrificing for your country. It was so humbling being in their presence. Both beautiful women that love their country and their sons. 

        Wilma Allen - me - Dianne Layfield 

Jackson,  Mississippi has a welcoming committee like nothing I have ever seen. The police escorts were beyond spectacular!!! You get 60 - 70 motor officers riding in a block formation with their blue lights flashing it gets your attention. 

Then you throw in FIVE helicopters. According to my in the know husband flying over head was a UH1, a Cobra, and a Cessna L19 Bird dog plus a police helicopter or two. I tried to get some good shots. The problem is I took 368 shots. It's going to take some time to find the really good ones. 

What the pictures don't get across is the noise of these powerful machines, both the motorcycles and the helicopters. Then you throw in the occasional cannon fire. Oh, I forgot to mention the cannon lining the road that were fired here and there. Then there were the flag waving people, that seemed to be EVERYWHERE! 

This is a day I will never forget. 

One of the nicest most touching things I have seen were the two women in Miridian, Mississippi collecting riders dirty laundry which they will wash and return in the morning at 5 am clean. I cannot EVER remember anyone offering to wash my dirty clothes. Much less hundreds of strangers. 

Then there's the people we have met. 

Cute Deb pledges that served us water and dessert. 

Spoon & Jim that have been riding with us since the beginning.

I am going to end tonight with how we begin every morning with a little bio or story telling why we ride. 

This gentlemen here is good friends with SSG Robert F. Scherdin and SSG Richard J Lacey both been MIA since 1968. Which is why he rides. 

I experienced so much more today that I have not the energy or time to share. Please check in tomorrow.

I am posting through out the day on Facebook Page - Riding For the Wall and on Twitter @rideforthewall. 

Till tomorrow. 

Day #5 Grand Prairie TX to Monroe LA

Another great day to be an American!!!!

The day began with church in the Wal-Mart Parking lot. Not something I am used to but it works.

Had our morning meeting where Pops, the Southern Route Coordinator introduced Shane & Katelyn Esser. They were married May 17, 2013 the day before Shane shipped out to the sandbox. They were not at the morning meeting, arrived late after their anniversary celebration. Shane is taking Katelyn to the wall so she can look up her grandfather who died in Vietnam 1969.  I am sure Shane has his personal reasons for Riding to the Wall.  Aren't they adorable!

Our first stop after the gas stop (which was paid for by a Patriotic American) was in Terrell Texas. Wow!!!!  The community went all out! They made homemade PBJs, chicken salad sandwiches, cookies. They were handing out poppies, which I am always thrilled to see. One very touching item was the prayers they gave us. Someone took a lot of time to cut out the fabric squares, to surge the edges and then to write a prayer on every single one. Wow, is that not the most toughing thing? 

On the road again to Longview, TX for gas and lunch.

 Longview gave the Run for the Wall a real Patriotic welcome. 

Longview also set out a delicious spread of homemade cookies, and sandwiches. Each of us was given a handwritten thank you note from the local junior high school students. We were also given a gift bag with a dog tag, a pony bead lanyard of the American Flag and a yellow pony bead lanyard. I posted a video of the luncheon on Facebook Page  - Riding for the Wall - it shows better than anything I can write the warm reception we were given. Check it out. 

Not long after leaving Longview, we crossed the border into Louisiana. Once we crossed the state line we were joined by the Louisiana State Police. The escorted us all the way to Monroe. What a fine job they did. It is not easy to get 300 motorcycles down the road. They were magnificent

I just love our uniformed escorts!!!!

This morning a Vietnam Veteran's wife and I were talking, she told me, "my husband feels like The Run to the Wall" is the homecoming he never got. 

After her comment, it all clicked for me. We drive from town to town where the riders are welcomed home with great fanfare. The out pouring of genuine love, admiration, appreciation and respect is over whelming.  

Later in the day I received a message from a young Afghanistan veteran. He said, "If every veteran could see your blog, I know there would not be a shred of doubt among us that our sacrifices were worth it. There would be no veteran suicides due to PTSD because the overwhelming patriotism would drive out all the demons. I wish I could personally thank and hug every rider and every person in every town that has supported you guys" 

That pretty much sums up the "Reason we Ride"

Once we crossed into Louisiana every bridge held grateful Americans waving flags, waving or saluting. I took 164 pictures today because I just had to photograph every single bridge! 

Here are a few. I hope this is shared with every Veteran so they too can feel the love and appreciation of a grateful nation. 

Oh, I almost forgot,  Tip-of-the-day: Watch for gators on the road. I morning I am looking all over for alligators. Hahaha, a gator is the big hung of tire when a semi has a blow out. 

Until tomorrow.