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!