Monday, May 2, 2011

The Journey Begins

Every journey begins with a mission. Every mission begins with a dream.

On Thursday, May 5, 2011, I will begin a journey. It will take me across our great country and back. It will challenge my strength and endurance. It will stretch my mind and body. It will bring me great joy and great sadness. I will be a different person upon my return.

The journey is part of a mission started, over two decades ago, by two Vietnam Veterans who wanted to increase awareness of an undeniable fact - there are thousands of POWs and MIAs from all wars who have never made it back to U.S. soil. They are unaccounted for, but this mission shines a light of awareness that they should not be forgotten. They have paid the ultimate price. Freedom is not free.

Between now and mid-May, I will make my way on motorcycle to the West Coast where I will join 500 of the greatest people I have ever met and make this cross-country ride of purpose, healing, and honor.

It’s been a dream of mine to make this entire ride ever since I first met the wonderful people of Run For The Wall in 2001. That was the first year that they made Wytheville, the small Southwest Virginia town in which I live, a host community on their new Southern Route. They have visited us the last Wednesday and Thursday of May every year since. Their presence has made an incredible impact on our community and on me personally.

I have been the Mayor of Wytheville for over two decades and will represent Wytheville and Virginia on this ride. But this is a personal journey for me. I am going on my own time, on my own dime. It will be the journey of a lifetime.

Through the wonders of social media and the Internet, I will be documenting each day in some way. Mastering this technology will be a challenge, but I am willing to attempt it. You can teach an old Mayor, new tricks. I hope you will join me.

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5 comments:

  1. AudraMay 2, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I am so looking forward to taking this journey through your eyes and experience. Enjoy the trip and travel safely.

    Best,
    Audra T. Repass

    ReplyDelete
  2. jawlibMay 3, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Be sure to find Jo & Joe at the Goodland stop--we are the coordinators for that stop. Have done the ride several times and it was always fun to stop in Wytheville. Hope we can return the favor.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hobbitqnMay 3, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Have an awesome ride Trent!! Tell our friends Don & Della we are looking forward to seeing them when you hook up!

    Clear Skies and Dry Roads!
    Cheers,
    Albert & Pam

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 3, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Waiting for you Brother....See you in El Paso on your way West, than in RC CA for the Ride of YOUR life time.

    Cowboy

    ReplyDelete
  5. frankMay 4, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Good luck to the trip, Trent. We know you'll do your new "colors" proud, as you always do Wytheville and every veteran proud. Ooh-rah! See you when we see you.

    Frances & Frank

    ReplyDelete

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