Another successful visit

Our days with Run For The Wall are over for another year. Many will make their way back through our town as they travel to their respective homes after Memorial Day, but it will be another year before they come together with us again.

Allow me to recount a few of the many wonderful stories that occurred while they were in Wytheville. When I walked into the Moose Lodge on Wednesday night, I was greeted by Karoni Forrester and Pam Caine (POW Daughters) and a gentleman named Hall. Karoni and Pam discovered that Mr. Hall’s relative and Karoni’s Dad were on the same panel of The Wall just six lines apart.  They designed a special black coin “for special people” and had a few numbered ones made.  They gave me Number 67 because they first saw Wytheville at Exit 67. 

As further examples of how wonderfully our community is, here are two stories.  Road Guard “Stoney” had bike trouble two years ago and bought a new one here.  He had trouble with it on Wednesday and rode ahead of the pack and went to Harley Davidson. The Service Manger called him by name, worked him into the schedule and got him fixed up. He went to a restaurant to eat lunch yesterday and someone paid his bill anonymously. He was amazed and most appreciative.

Another couple inadvertently left their credit card behind at a Kangaroo Store.  When they discovered it, they called back. They were amazed that the manager had found it, tracked them down, left messages on their home phone and with RFTW. He is mailing the card to them on their way back home.

Just when I do not think I can be prouder of the hospitality that our citizens show, I hear stories like these and realize that how fortunate we are to truly call Wytheville our home.

If you would like to see a good example of what RFTW thinks about us, follow the following link to Days 8 and 9.

http://rftw.org/index.asp?lg=1&w=pages&r=133&pid=22

An Honor & A Priviledge

The day began bright and early in Meridian, Mississippi. We rode 92 miles and had a first gas stop of the day at a truck stop. Our next stop, 100 miles later, was in Ashville at the Piggly Wiggly, this was a donated gas stop. From there we headed on to our final destination for the day, 120 miles to Chattanooga, TN. The last 50 miles we came through hard rain and there was a good deal of construction.

We were treated to dinner at the Thunder Creek Harley Davidson. This evening, I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me. If you recall, last year when I made the entire cross country ride I was given the honor of carrying a poster telling the story of Major Bobby M. Jones, MD. He became a MIA on November 28, 1972. (See last year’s blog post here.) To my great surprise and honor, his sister JoAnne Shirley came to Chattanooga to meet me. It was a very emotional meeting and a great honor. Mrs. Shirley has spent nearly four decades being an advocate for MIA military personnel and their families. She presented me with her brother’s POW bracelet. Words cannot describe how meeting her felt. Another great example of why we ride. We will never forget.

Thanks to everyone who made today such a special day. Tomorrow we are heading to everyone’s favorite town and I know that you all will be ready to give Run For The Wall that welcome home that they are expecting.

What a wonderful surprise to meet JoAnne Shirley, sister of Major Bobby M. Jones, MD!

Family arrives

Tyler and I made it  to the Jackson MS. Harley dealer in time to see the trail of honor and then greet The Run's arrival. We watched as almost 100 police motorcycles and 600 bikes rolled in. Lots of familiar faces, slaps on the back and hugs. An impressive ceremony involving two Congressional Medal of Honor receipents, US Congressman and several POW's from Korean War, WW2, and Vietnam. There were Tuskegee Airmen and Navajo code talkers as well. There were impressive displays of American military equipment including Navy clandistine extraction fast boats  with multiple machine guns, smoke grenade launchers (which were awesome). We got caught in a breif thunder shower as we left Jackson. It cooled things down for the 100 mile ride to Meridian MS. We were afforded the honor of riding in the first platoon. Dinner was donated by the people of Meridian. I met the Mayor and briefly joined her on stage. We made it to the hotel just as more rain hit. We hope for a good nights rest and good weather tomorrow. Many people ask us about the students at Spiller and if we'd have as many people lining the route upon arrival Wed afternoon and departure Thurs morning. I told them we would do our best and the kids were very excited. We'll be there in two days. Wytheville here we come!

THE JOURNEY RESUMES

Tyler (aka Hookie) & I rode 436 miles to Birmingham, AL. Had a good trip. Stayed with my counsin and visited my Aunt. Today we ride to Jackson,MS to see Earl's wonderful tribute to all wars & warriors.  We'll greet the rest of our Run family there when they stop for lunch tomorrow.

May 29, 2011 - Return Journey

After last minute hugs and “see you next years” we headed home from Arlington. We had an uneventful trip, passing many familiar bikes along the way. We stopped at the Staunton Harley Davidson store to meet some riders who’d come from Wytheville to meet us. Unfortunately, when we were ready to leave one of the Harleys wouldn’t start. What better place to have a problem than in the parking lot of the repair shop. A couple hours later the rider was on his way back to Wytheviile. We all arrived home by late afternoon.

So now I’m home, the Mission ended, the bags unpacked, mowing to be done, the desk to shovel off, and the memories, mementos, pictures, and things ready to be reviewed, relived, and put away. I rode 6458 miles since riding out on May 5. Would I do it again? In an instant! It was extremely rewarding. I heard wonderful things about our community over and over again. I had rider after rider tell me they were considering relocating here. Many said they’d be back before next year’s Run. One even asked about scheduling a convention here. This community definitely continues to impress. Our warm Welcome Home is heartfelt and sincere – and the first many of these heroes have ever received. On their behalf I thank you so very very much! You are indeed very special to them all.

So the world’s longest welcome home parade is ended for another year. Be mindful of all the bikes passing thru in the next few days and weeks. Some of them will be your friends on The Run. Some will be those who’ll become friends on the next Run. Word travels fast. Be good to our visitors. You never know when nor where it’ll come back to you. I found it, for instance, in a little town of 500 in Alabama.

Enjoy Memorial Day. Spend time with your family. Fly the flag. Remember those not with their families. Remember Freedom has never been free. The Veterans paid the price for ours. The cost of our freedom is written on The Wall.

May 28, 2011 - Mission Accomplished

Today we concluded our mission. We rode into Arlington National Cemetery some 400 bikes strong. We entered through the front gates and entrance way, unlike other years. We rode in single file past the long rows of neatly arranged headstones, each one representing at least one American hero who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I’m sure the other visitors to Arlington didn’t know what to make of our long procession of motorcycles. Each one was quieted, even the loud Harleys kept nearly silent as we were indeed on hallowed ground.

We saw the Guard of the Tomb of The Unknowns make his required 21 paces end to end, wait the required 21 seconds before each move, and resume his pace. In an unexpected change today the Guard on duty went into the Guard box for a while and was joined by another Old Guard member for a brief time. The rumor was that he had become overheated and had to retire to the Guard box to regroup and wet down his gloves to maintain his grip on his rifle. Many in attendance had never witnessed such before. But he resumed his pacing shortly and was replaced by the Changing of the Guard on the appointed hour – a ceremony we also witnessed.

Then they removed the existing wreath, removed one chain barrier, and our RFTW representatives assembled at the top of the stairs to begin the ceremony. The Commander of the Old Guard met them on the steps, had a few words of instruction, and then they marched down the steps, onto the truly hallowed ground of the actual tomb, presented the wreath, and returned up the steps. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes, but will last a lifetime in our memories. That is why we rode. Many wept significantly. All were affected

I had the distinct honor of walking both up to and away from the Tomb of the Unknowns with Sgt. Brian Mast, whom I mentioned yesterday. I should tell you that our bikes – and he rode in as a passenger on one – were parked on a rather steep hill nearly a half mile from the Tomb. It was a long walk, up many stairs, and quite strenuous for most of us. His pace was slower, but determined as Brian moved along. At one point I told him he was walking better on 2 artificial legs than I was on my real legs. He answered that that was because he didn’t get blisters. This young American Hero is indeed an inspiration to us all.

After the wreath laying we moved to the Lincoln Memorial for our group photo. It was the last time we’d all be together in a group. That was emotional. Many promised to return to Wytheville on their journey – and all said they’d visit us again in their thoughts!

Then we moved to The Wall. The Mission Accomplished plaque was presented and laid at the apex of The Wall. It was emotional. That presentation officially concludes the mission of RFTW 23. It is now history. But what a history!

I was honored to lay at The Wall a flag of the Blue Ridge Pepsi facility I’d been given to carry to The Wall. I also carried Maj. Bobby Jones’ poster to the panel on which his name appears and traced his name on The Wall. I thus fulfilled my promise. I feel close to him and hope to contact his family. At least they know he is not forgotten. I traced another name from The Wall for a friend. Many of the vets had a hard time getting to The Wall. Some could not get down there. Several were engulfed by other Riders as they broke down sobbing and unable to move forward for a while. One rider in particular froze up, sobbed heavily, and fell to his knees. The RFTW Family surrounded him, thus making him less visible, and comforted him until he was able to continue. He stood ram rod straight and saluted – with several others – in both directions of The Wall to respect those named there. It was hard for him, and for those of us who don’t fully appreciate his pain. Once Again, The Run heals. That’s why we rode.

I then visited Thunder Alley – an area off Constitution Ave, where vendors are set up to sell everything motorcycle or military. It’s a busy place. Then we returned to the hotels and dinner at the church. The Arlington Assembly of God offers barbeque ribs and chicken for all riders. They also furnish shuttle service, laundry, and allow camping on their grounds. It’s an amazing ministry they offer. And it’s muchly appreciated.

Then it was back to the hotel to hang out in the lobby. I received many wonderful comments about Wytheville. Many riders plan to return to visit us over the coming days and months. There is one military group which holds a bi-annual convention that is considering holding it in Wytheville. You never know what wonderful things might come from The Run.

Tomorrow we’ll ride back home. My head is swimming with the thoughts, emotions, visions, sights, and sounds of The Run. It will take me some time to process it all. I appreciate your following me. I have received wonderful comments from many folks about how it helped them explain The Run to those left at home. I am grateful for your support. I am extremely appreciative of how wonderful the Wytheville community has been of my ride. I hope it will pay dividends to our community for years to come. And I greatly appreciate the hard work of Rosa Jude and Justin Plaster in getting it all done!

May 27, 2011 - Post Script

Closing ceremonies have been concluded, 8th & I Marine Barracks ceremony rained out, and riders showered, in street clothes, hanging around the lobby swapping lies and reminiscing. But I had conversations tonight with four individuals that are important and meaningful enough to recount to you.

Upon arrival at the hotel we were greeted by Brian Mast. His story was told in Wytheville. He was severely wounded by an explosion in Afghanistan (I think it was) and lost both legs above the knees in Sept. ’09. He is truly an amazing young man. One story I heard about him was that 10 days after he reached the hospital a buddy went to visit him. He was not in his room. When the visitor asked the nurses’ station where he was he was told “If you can find him please tell us so we can get him to physical therapy”. Brian went scuba diving 10 months after his explosion. He was wearing shorts and using canes today when we arrived. He came out to thank each vet personally for their service – on two artificial legs, plates in his head, and rods and screws in his back! That is why we ride – although Brian told me he fully expects to make the ride himself one day!

I had conversations with three other riders who show an odd juxtaposition. I’ve mentioned two of them in earlier blogs. One is an 83-year-old rider who’s ridden from northern CA. He served in the Army in WWII. He has some interesting tales to tell. He is glad to have made The Run, found healing along the way, and told me the WWII Vets and the Viet Nam vets are very much alike, but they were treated very differently. He is already planning to do it again.

The third is an American Soldier during WWII who was captured and held by the Japanese for several years. He was made to build railroads while a POW. He too found healing on the Run and plans to do it again. After all, as he told me, “I’m only 81”. I hope I can do half as well if I reach his age!

The fourth is an American born citizen of oriental descent. During WWII his entire family was “interred”- locked up by our own government just because they were of Oriental descent. So they both suffered during the war. One was imprisoned by the Japanese government at the same time the other was imprisoned by our own government. They both found comfort on The Run even though their experiences were very different.

Four different men, from different generations, suffering from different injuries – but all finding (and giving) healing on The Run. That’s wh