Emotions ran high today and especially during the ceremony at HQ hotel. There was the BBQ dinner supplied by the local VFW & Am Legion, served by the RFTW Officers, Board of Directors, and dignitaries. There were recognitions of some FNG’s just back from Afghanistan. Remarks by 2 DuPont Corp representatives, one of whom is the inventor of the chemical compound used in today’s body armor by our troops. To say they were well received is an understatement. There was some rousing patriotic music provided by some veterans who were finalists in “America’s Got Talent” in Las Vegas. But the highlight of the program for most of us was the introduction of Tim Chambers (I apologize if have his name wrong as we were surprised by his appearance.) He is an active duty Marine who for several years has stood at attention in his “dress blues” to salute both Central and Southern Routes as they arrive in Arlington – standing at attention maintaining the salute continuously for several hours. He is just back from active duty, has been hospitalized, has a damaged right arm, a broken right hand, and the tip of an IV could be seen protruding from under the sleeve of his tee shirt. The riders were visibly moved, as was he. He will be riding in a chase vehicle, but will be “going all the way” on the Southern route. So please take time to meet this genuine American Hero when he comes to Wytheville on May 25. He is one impressive young man!
The patches and pins have been sewn on, the bags are packed and loaded on the bikes, and the 4:15 AM wake up calls placed. It will be a long, exciting day tomorrow. Central Route departs at 7:15 AM and Southern Route @ 7:30AM. It’s raining as I write this and we expect rain most of the way tomorrow. Central Route is expecting 30 degrees and snow. This journey is not for the faint of heart. But we ride for those who can’t so we have the easy part. Keep us – particularly the leadership, Road Guards, escorts, etc. – in your prayers. Tonight’s prayer service and blessing of the bikes was most impressive.
I am happy to report that Gary Swope, the rider injured in a crash yesterday, was reported tonight to be doing well. He is hospitalized in Phoenix with 2 broken legs, has to have pins placed in both legs, but has no brain trauma and remained conscious throughout the ordeal. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
I am also happy to report that we think we fixed the problem with my cell phone that prevented some of my photos and videos from being posted. Hopefully you’ll soon see more of what we’ve experienced in the last few days.
“0 dark thirty” awaits. This Mission is about to launch.
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