Sitreps from the Runs for the Wall 1998

Departed Queen Mary as she sounded her horn to start the Run with 120 riders and 5 vehicles with police escort under partly cloudy skies (after a very rainy night and morning). The Long Beach Fire Dept brought up the rear with a Big Red Fire Engine and the Fire Boat was in the Bay pumping water out of all her guns. All this was caught on tape by numerous TV news helicopters.
Due to the rain our CHP escort was working accidents (since everyone know Californians can't drive in the rain!). The clouds open up and poured on the group - slowing us down. Arrived safely in Banning - missed a group from Ontario - they went ahead.

Rode into the Sunshine and warmth by Palm Springs. Received a warm welcome, buffet and gas at Chiriaco Summit. The Run presented a POW-MIA flag to the George S. Patton Museum.

Nice ride through to Blythe and then along the Colorado River to Parker. Greeted by a police escort and M/C riders and taken to the Parker VFW. An excellent welcome, fruit & drinks - gassed up and headed north. Rode along the Colorado River and then Lake Havasu City (rode by London Bridge). Running late due to rain and hit more outside on Kingman - the group broke up and many were very cold and wet. The main pack arrived at the KOA and were treated to a hot steak dinner from VVA Arizona.

Put everyone to bed safe and sound. All present and accounted for.

MAY 14, 1998
Day 2 Sitrep - Day of the snow!

A pleasant night in Kingman and an awakening to blue skies and puffy white clouds, but a darkness loomed in the direction we were heading. We left Kingman KOA after a great breakfast by VVA and Rt 66 with 130 motorcycles and 6 vehicles.
The ride to Ashfork was uneventful until the AZ Dept of Public Safety (i.e. Highway Patrol) stopped one of our road guards (Noah) and started a discussion on highway safety. Noah grabbed Redlite to help his cause. I (Skipper) joined the discussion when another officer and a SGT ganged up on Noah and Wile-E. They won! We let "them" block the intersections for us to get on 0I-40.

They told us it was cold but clear in Flagstaff - a trucker warned us of ice on the road. Liars! It snowed!! Not flurries! A full-blown snow storm. I (Skipper) could not see and everyone was following me. The slush was 2 to 3 inches deep on the roadway. We tried to stay in each others tire tracks. Arriving for our escort - we could not see them in the snow until we were within 100 feet. They had 4 inches of snow on their vehicles (2 police cars and 6 motorcycles). They lead us into town to the American Legion which had a warm fire, hot coffee and free lunch and snacks for us. Thank God everyone arrived safe and sound!

By the time we ate the snow had stopped and we roared out with a police escort through town. A quick stop for gas at Winslow and back on the road as the foul weather was slowing us down and we were late for Window Rock. What can we say about Window Rock except you had to be there! Two hours late and we were still warmly greeted at the Welcome Center with warm coffee and hot fry bread with honey. A short welcome, some prayers by Navajo Shaman and we thought that was it. It was just the beginning! For keeping with their traditions we were escorted by Warriors of the Navajo Nation who must precede other warriors (us) into their homeland.

We rode 25 miles with people standing or waiting in cars all along the way to honk and wave at us. Cisco didn't know what was up and ended up riding up front with the Navajo Warriors! As we pulled into their most scared place - The Window Rock (a rock formation with a hole through it) we were greeted by over 300 Navajos with yells, clapping, a live band, loud speakers and many veterans. After a formal welcoming and exchange of gifts we were treated to a "Welcome Home" that was also a "Welcome to our home - you are our brothers and sisters now." Songs were sung, dances done, hands shaken, hugs exchanged - Navajo code talkers from WWII - Marines from Iwo Jima, Guadacanal, etc. - demonstrated how the Navajos helped win the war!

They asked for donations to help pay for their memorial and our dinner - the bikers were generous - there was already money from the tribe there. We were fed hot food first. The speaker and leader of the Navajo Nation searched us out and gave the Run all the money they collected. The thirty miles out of our way took us to another very wonderful interesting world. We were invited back.

Late getting into Gallup - we felt wonderful. All present and accounted for.

MAY 15, 1998
Day 3 - Day of sunshine and beauty!

A short night in Gallup - we lost an hour as two road guards (Wile-E and Noah again) overslept! We missed our free gas by the Gallup Chamber of Commerce but were promised a bigger welcome next year. We left the KOA (free camping and breakfast) with 133 motorcycles and 8 vehicles under police escort through the whole town of Gallup.
Beautiful sun, light winds and a little cool - perfect leather weather. Witnessed an accident - we were not involved (other side of interstate) but our own Arley (RN), Dino (paramedic) and a FNG stopped and rendered aid.

Arrived in Albuquerque to find the closed rest stop was opened for us and filled with 15 motorcycle officers and six APD officers - our escort to gas and lunch in Albuquerque - paid for by the people of Albuquerque through funds raised by Mud Flap, Freeway and Two Tone.

Excellent reception at Chick's HD, they went out of their way to help some down riders (Redlite being one with a tranny problem - Dino hung with her and brought her in). Others went to Colorado Springs HD. Police escort through Santa Fe and Espanola. Again free gas by Mud Flap. Then on to Toas, through the mountains to Angel Fire.

Dragon was the first of many familiar faces to greet us. The Dr is doing OK and welcomed our gang home again. Many tears and hugs, but our stay was short as dinner awaited in Cimarron. Mud Flap was presented with a letter from his congressman acknowledging his work on Run For The Wall and said he was waiting for us in D.C. The letter will be displayed at Angel Fire. We met the Colorado group and the Run to the Wall from Oregon led by George Cheney (Lone Wulf), Jim Jones and other Brothers Vietnam at Angel fire as they waited for us to arrive.

Construction and new crack sealer made the going slow to Cimarron, but everyone arrived safe and sound - no one down. First free gas - again thanks to Mud Flap - then a free spaghetti dinner, salad, and cake from the people of Cimarron! The cake was a 3d anniversary cake for Redlite and I (our 1st anniversary was in Cimarron and they think every year we come here on our anniversary - it's really May 17th). The now over 200 people (they had all signed in a welcome book) ate 39 pounds of spaghetti!! The evening was great visiting together and remembering those, we ride for - all who are not with us.

Tomorrow it is north to Colorado after enjoying those special Cimarron cinnamon buns, coffee and fruit. A big thanks to Jean & Linda at the Cimarron Inn for heading up the dinner effort and all who worked on it!

All are present or accounted for

MAY 16, 1998
Day 4 - The day of Sun and Warmth.

We awakened to a clear, bright, cold day in Cimarron, NM. After the morning meeting and filling ourselves with hot coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls, we took a group photo - 176 strong!
The ride out the highway was awesome - we had the road to ourselves and the group looked tight! So many head lights up and down the rolling hills as we left the mountain behind. Saw buffalo, cattle and horses. We pulled into Trinadad for gas and right into a state truckers exam - oops!

As we rolled up I-25 we picked up a police escort and entered Pueblo, CO to an unexpected welcome. The intersections were controlled and a street blocked off so we could pay our respects to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in their park. Dragon did a bang up job, handled the Media (reporters asked him why he does this for these buddies - he replied - they're not buddies - they are family, my brothers!) A wreath was presented, we paid our respects and we were on our way with Blue Knights, American Legion MC and police!

The welcome and lunch in Pinon gets bigger and better every year (no state trooper giving tickets this year. The gas was donated by Sinclair Oil, salad, pasta w/meat sauce and balls and bread by the truck stop. 12 free oil changes and over $1,400 donated by various groups and individuals.

Leaving Pinon with a full escort all the way through Colorado Springs (first time for police support here!). A beautiful ride up to Limon across the foothills; arrived at 3:45 pm. The run used donations to pay for gas.

Brother Vietnam arranged for their usual special home cooked meal in Hugo, CO. Six of their riders plus Ghost from Idaho (who came down to Cimarron with the OR RFTW) riding missing man, escorted the group in through a construction zone (yes, they work on Saturday evenings here!) - with special treatment. John Chaney stayed in the background, but all know he was the driving force behind the dinner of roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, tea, coffee and home made pies! They planned to feed 190 and not all the riders came - didn't look like much was left. Chuck De Ferio (sp?) welcomed everyone, thanked all the hard workers and made us feel like family. Deekin, Strangelove and others joined us here! What a great surprise. Task Force Omega arranged for a ceremony in the evening at the KOA for everyone and to offer special prayers. Everyone enjoyed getting in early, visiting together and forming tighter bonds. The emotions of the past days needed to be savored.

A couple of riders went down, but all were fine and no damage (got to watch for that sand and gravel when stopping).

All are present or accounted for.

MAY 17, 1998
Day 5 - Day of the Wind!

Everyone awoke early after a good nights rest to beautiful blue skies and a light wind. A great breakfast donated by Brother Vietnam at JC Deli in Limon. A short meeting to welcome more FNG's to raise the M/C group to 158 bikes and 10 chase vehicles.
The wind picked up as we traveled across Colorado to KS. Fidel and the two little girls, Rachel & Jessica, and brother Josh joined us in Limon finally, in a fixed (?) VW bug - great to have them with us. (Lil Boss needed the help selling the T-shirts & stuff.)

Almost every over pass in KS had at least one person waving and welcoming us home! Very moving. One KS State Trooper roared pass us just to stop, take our picture and salute. Another was on the side of the road with a biker who was running ahead to take photos. Stopped him for speeding, but let him take his pictures and he waved at us, too! Crash and Arby rode ahead and had a rear tire blow out at 80mph! Crash rode the Goldwing into the median, kept it upright and brought it to a stop! Both were scared, but OK!

Arriving in Salina after bucking BAD cross winds, a couple of bikes ran out of gas: Cisco and (yes, you heard it here first) me - the leader. Redlite took over and led the group in. Actually, we had gas in our tanks - It was just on the wrong side and we had to lean over into the wind.

The welcome at Thomas Park, Salina, was wonderful. Smoked ham, turkey, hot dogs, salads, beer, soda, live band, and a large group of well wishers. The weather was humid and just a light breeze in the park. Everyone had a grand time.

All present or accounted for - more tomorrow.

MAY 18, 1998
Day 6 - Day of the overcast

Awakening to cloudy overcast skies and humidity everyone was just excited that it wasn't raining. Quick morning briefing, 50/50 draw, prayer and we were on the road heading east on I-70 our home for the day.
The group was now 138 motorcycles strong and 12 vehicles. Traffic was light and the group was tight (but still 3 miles long!) when we hit Topeka, KS - police escort right to our gas stop. Gas was donated by Abate of Kansas - district 1, 4 and 5 along with coffee and donuts, our toll on the Turnpike and a lunch at our wide spot in the road. These people are great and really know how to say "Welcome Home - we remember our POW/MIAs - and we care!"

Entering and exiting the toll road - RFTW had its very own lane lined with American Flags and a RFTW sign! We stopped at the Kansas City, MO VA Medical Center and were they impressed by the group and our commitment to those left behind or wounded by their service. We visited for a short time - then headed off with many new friends left behind.

Next stop for gas was interesting, as there was only one gas station with four pumps, where two weeks ago there were three stations. I did a live radio interview for the KC area. Our scheduled B-2 fly over was not done due to the overcast.

When we crossed into Missouri, we had to put on our lids. Mike Lopez took a hit on his windshield from an axle nut cover - God was with us. The arrival in Wentzville was a little confused due to the absence of our MO coordinators Dave and Sharon Ambrose who had family emergencies to deal with. But Forestal and Wentzville police came through and provided a longer escort than normally required. They lead us right to the Wentzville VFW where a grand welcome and dinner were waiting.

People lined the hill and banners were out. No big ceremony just come on in eat, drink, be merry and camp here! The VFW will be serving breakfast for all starting at 6 a.m. Two of our road guards had a discussion with a Missouri State Trooper that people on the ramps were upset because we blocked them from getting on the freeway into the group for a whole 60 seconds while we passed by. Heck - took a whole minute away from their busy lives. At least no tickets - just a warning - oh well we leave MO. tomorrow.

Everyone was safe and sound. Our merchandise coordinators vehicle broke down at our lunch stop - so Ron and Kay Jullian and the kids transferred everything to Jack's vehicle. They will stay behind, get repaired and catch up ASAP. Jack was a big help.

All present or accounted for - more tomorrow.

MAY 19, 1998
Day 7 - RFTW X - Day of the humidity.

Oh, what a beautiful morning, but oh the humidity! Those riders from out West or high attitude were dripping by 8 a.m. The Wentzville VFW ladies were up cooking a donated breakfast for everyone at 0500 and started serving at 0630 and almost ran out of food - so many riders, 160 strong plus 10 vehicles with drivers and passengers almost 200 people!
Police escort (by the Chief!) through town to the 1st Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated in the U.S. in 1967! Paid our respects and got a family group photo. Escorted out of town and on to St. Louis. Stopped at Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center and visited with the patients and staff. We reminded them all that they are not forgotten and we are riding for them.

Helmets off and we hit Illinois. The pack is traveling well together and stretches for 3 to 4 miles depending on the speed. Bad potholes along I-64, caused damage to a few motorcycles. Redlite split a front tire, but got a new one at Mt. Vernon HD.

Arriving at Hade's Truck Stop Mt. Vernon, IL. police escorted us into the parking lot full of people with a waiting lunch, cool drinks and various sundries. Jean Dominque did a great job of organizing it all and Christina did a moving POW/MIA table ceremony. After lunch the whole group - 180 bikes - went down through town, past the high school, around the town square full of American flags and white crosses for veterans who passed away this last year - a regular parade of bikes! Then out across the rolling hills of Illinois and Indiana.

With Redlite at the HD dealer, Meok from Colorado, rode up front. Without Redlite, Skipper exited too early in Indiana - so the group practiced their off and on ramp skills. Short stop in Dale, IN to fuel up and fill up with liquids. Everyone was sweating so much, that even with sore rears they were ready to get back in the saddle.

A short ride away to Corydon, IN and what a welcome awaited at the county fairgrounds (where campers will stay for free). Fish and chicken dinners with beans, bread, beer and soda were all provided by the American Legion and VFW of the local area. Local state coordinators, JR and Billie Bubula out did themselves. The Governor of IN declared May 19, 1998 Run For The Wall Day! JR read a moving poem written by a 12-year-old girl. We lost another hour, but gained family back as the Jullian (who broke down in Kansas) caught up with us. Now we have more FNG buttons (as Ron and the kids make them) and we really need them. The group is growing and emotions are shifting as we get closer to D.C. Good night from all.

All present and accounted for!

MAY 20, 1998
Day 8 RFTW - Day of the haze, humidity and hills.

Thunder showers during the early morning hours woke many riders (others were so tired they slept right through them!) The moisture dumped from the sky just added to the already humid weather. We were greeted with fog in the morning and later temperature 10 degrees above normal - hot and humid!
Left Corydon at 0830 (to miss Louisville traffic) we were escorted by local sheriffs deputies - approaching Louisville they had staged dispaties to block all on ramps to I-64 making our entry in to Louisville the easiest, safest and quickest ever! /this was executedy by our Utah/Kentucky coordinators, JR and Billie Bubala and above the call of duty!

Arriving at Louisville VA Medical Center the LPD was busy and couldn't escort us so the VA police caught us and brought us in to a fantastic welcome by the staff and patients. The riders now 200 strong with 12 support vehicles met with patients and staff and visited for 1.75 hours. Our riders, Jerry from the Navajo Nation, had gone down in N.M. and hurt his foot. The VA x-rayed for him and he had a hair line fracture. They splinted it and he is doing better now.

Again the VA police escorted us out of town and the group was split by a train - so we just parked on a side street and waited for everyone to get together again. We started climbing hills in KY. Keeping our speed at 60 mph we were passed by most trucks and all cars, but one - we had to pas him!

We pulled into the Kentucky Veterans Memorial in Frankfort. It is like a huge sundial, extremely complicated but very simple and very moving. After getting gas there was a scramble to form the group, as one rider cut another off and went down - not hurt, but damage to the bike and some anger. Also, one road guard received a citation courtesy of KY Highway Patrol. Said he was speeding (he was) and was reckless (he wasn't - it just looked that way).

Next stop - Huntington, WV. - Police met us on I-64 and disturbed our flow so much a couple of guys dumped their bikes - no damage - but we are better alone with them just getting intersections for us. Behind the motel, a tent was set up with hot food, cold drinks and loud music. The local HOG Chapter washed bikes for free, the HD dealer serviced bikes and a good old relaxing visit with each other. We made the news on local TV - CBS station - for our effort and mission - top story (right after 195 million dollar powerball pick pot). They showed Snakes bike, Redlite's bike used quotes from M.T., StrangeLove, Dave and me (Skipper). Very good coverage - hurray Huntington! All have gone to bed tired and anxious for tomorrow. Good Night.

All present and accounted for.

MAY 21, 1998
Day 9 - RFTW X - Day of the hills.

Another night of thundershowers left the bikes wet and a chill in the air. The Smart campers slept in the big tent put up by Huntington HOG chapter. Bill Hall and Keith Smith from Huntington, who came out to Long Beach to go all the way, were great at coordinating things at home. Our police escort did not show so we assembled, had our meeting and got on the road all alone, with 234 bikes and 14 vehicles! We made a big statement past Charleston W-VA. Thanks to our road guards stopping each on ramp, we rode through safe. We stopped at McDonald's in Belle, very odd as the residual of the showers left the ground wet and gray skies. We split the m/c group in two for riding on the route 60 since it is a two lane windy mountain road. A rider from Rainelle warned us of gravel and sand in the road way (Eagle Nest area). We took our time and rode easy.
Stopped for a family shot at Glen Ferris Falls - a tradition and got all the bikes in the little parking lot as Warren had ridden ahead and had the owner clear it for us. Her son is a Vietnam Vet and she was happy to do it. He then rode ahead to Rainelle to let them know we were arriving soon. The parents wanted us to spend more time with the kids, so we rode right into the schoolyard. All the kids were on the sidewalk cheering and yelling as we rode in!!

The first group got in and ran out to help welcome in the second group with the kids - gosh - we look good riding in formation and the thunder - WOW!! We visited with the kids until Greasy (Danny Belcher) and Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 2 (Kentucky to the Wall) group arrived. We then had a short ceremony.

Christina told the story of POW/MIAs tribute table setting. The boy scouts presented the flags from all services, POW/MIA and American. A duet sang the Star Spangle Banner. We gave T-shirts to all of them I gave a thank you talk - presented a wreath made by Billie Bubala to the school and Christina made 450 pins for the kids (all were wearing them). Greasy spoke. The Mayor spoke and told everyone about the dedication of a new park to the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Rainelle. Ghost (Tom from Idaho) presented over $500.00 to the school for the kids from money made from patches donated by Lone Wolf (George Cheney from Oregon) which honored the Northwest run to Angel Fire and the Wall.

Our campers were allowed to camp on the athletic field at the school and use the gym to stay clean. If we don't mess it up, they will let us camp there from now on! The Moose Lodge put on a great dinner for all riders (now our 238 bikes and Kentucky 43). We are leaving first before KY on our last day of the ride. The emotions are running high and everyone is excited, scared, happy, tearful and wondering what about tomorrow. The emotional recharge gave to us by the kids and people of Rainelle will carry us through. Next, report from Fairfax after the Wall. Smoke left his vest in Huntington and rode back for it! All made it safe through the hills.

All present or accounted for! Good night.

MAY 22, 1998
Day 10 - RFTW X - Day of the joy and tears.

A cool morning with fog in Rainelle greeted all, but no frost like last year. The Kentucky group let RFTW leave first and at 0800, we were on our way for the final day's journey. The group rode well with JR and Billie in front leading our way in their jeep with a flashing light and siren (when necessary). Virginia State Police informed us we must stay in the right lane except to pass - so we obeyed the law and our road guards worked harder to stop traffic on the on ramps.
Ron (of DC Ramblers jumped ahead to escort us into Iwo Jima, the weather was good, the road was good, the mission being done - over 200 strong! We missed our escort, they caught the 1st group of 13 bikes into Iwo Jima and thought they were us! Oh well, our road guards got the intersections and brought us to Iwo. Photos were done at Iwo - family group, ladies all the way, everyone all the way, Vietnam Veterans, Marines, Navy plus many personal photos. Then with a National Park Police Motorcycle escort we headed to the Wall.

They made sure DC knew we were here. They took us around the Pentagon and back to the Wall. We parked next to the Wall and each in his or her own time walked down. Mike Lopez (from California) burned sweet grass for all at each panel to help the spirits - he is Native American. Healing started for many. Most were happy at the feeling of accomplishment for doing the Run and carrying the message of our POW/MIAs. The count of bikes at the Wall was 190, plus six on trailers and 14, which got their early, plus all the support vehicles and traveling vehicles. After our time of healing and reflection at the Wall we departed for the motel or camp.

Dinner that evening at the Black Eyed Pea was grand. Everyone was talking, sharing and enjoying each others company. Buddy Haskel (from Hawaii) won the soap stone! A ticket sold by Mountainman's aunt won the quilt. Barbara promised another one for next year. The money raised from the quilt supported bikers who needed a little help to go all the way. The money raised from the soapstone will go to maintaining the website and keeping ur domain name. Those who helped make this year's RFTW a success were presented Certificates of Appreciation, not expected but well deserved. Over 240 dinners were served, well over our estimate.

Tomorrow is the wreath laying at the tombs of the Unknowns followed by dinner at the DC Ramblers Clubhouse. One little accident when one of our cars ran into the rear of one of our trailers. Mission accomplished. We were mentioned on Good Morning America, local TV and newspaper raising POW/MIA awareness.

All present or accounted for. R&R for two days.

MAY 25, 1998
Day 11 - RFTW - Day of Reflection

Everyone got to sleep in! Cloudy skies and gloomy weather greeted us as we assembled behind TT Reynolds for the ride to Arlington Cemetery. The wreath presenters had been selected to represent the four branches of service and who had worked hard to make each years Run a success. These are doers not talkers. Fidel was to represent the Air Force, Lone Wolf the Navy, Skeeter the Marine Corps and Ghost the Army. Ole mister misery got Fidel and he could not do it. I (Skipper) asked for an Air Force volunteer, and as she always has done, Billie (from Kansas) spoke right up and offered to perform the duties. She then asked what she had volunteered for. I explained her duties. She said, "Oh, piece of cake." (I knew what would happen).
Fairfax police on Harleys met us and helped us out to I-66. Ron Eschenger lead on his motorcycle, followed by JR and others in our "escort" jeep (flashing lights, siren, flags flying and magnetic signs - one sign was lost in Virginia yesterday and replaced for FREE as a donation from a sign maker in Fairfax - people care!)

Then Redlite and I (Skipper) with RC in the missing man formation. We ran in parade formation at 45 mph all the way to Arlington. As we pulled up with our 200+ motorcycles and vehicles, also over 20 other riders were waiting our arrival. A man in a suit spoke to Ron and said follow me.

Into Arlington we rode, two abreast, engines roaring into the hills of the hallowed ground letting everyone know - we remember, we care. We parked just below the tombs and squeezed everyone into the parking lot held for us.

I went to thank the man in the suit, it turned out he was the Superintendent of Arlington Cemetery, John Metzler. He wanted to personally escort us in and told us to stay as long as we wanted. No time limit! I thanked him for us and he said, "No , thank you all for bringing awareness to this special weekend and place!"

The wreath was provided by the DC Rambler M/C for us. It was a beautiful red, white and blue floral arrangement. It was presented after the 1130 changing of the guard and the American Veterans M/C wreath. After the presentation, all the presenters eyes were filled with tears as strong emotions swept through them. I knew ...I've been there with Redlite in 1995. Can't describe it reflecting on all the missing, left behind from all the wars and hoping there will never be another unknown.

After hugs and congratulations all around. I stepped down to thank the Tomb Guards. I spoke with two Sgts. and they thanked us for honoring and remembering American heroes, those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. I was interviewed by CNN so keep your eyes open. I repeated our message of "You are NOT Forgotten. We ride in Freedom for those who can't."

We then followed Ron over to the DC Ramblers clubhouse at Fort Washington for a donated "Welcome Home" dinner by them. Wayne donated food and the guys cooked it (fried chicken & stuff). Lowell the President did a great job as a bar tender. We had a relaxing lunch. Missing was Dragon, had not seen him, but found him at Fort Washington HD where most traveled to after lunch. His bad leg had swelled up and needed to be drained. He is up and doing better. Quite a few riders got a grand tour of the DC area. One person trying to get back to the hotel went north on 295 and then hit 495 and went south and after 30 miles was back where he started. Another person trying to find the HD ended up at the Wall. A group in a van was lost for 3 hours and never did find the HD. We'll get maps for all next year as they are so many it is hard to get the word out to everyone. Wile-E broke his belt doing a wheelie outside of Arlington and had to wait a long time for a pick up as Skeeter was last out and he got lost going to the Ramblers' club house. So it was a while before we knew what had happened and sent a chase vehicle back for him.

Everyone is getting excited about tomorrow and Rolling Thunder. Don (from Chicago) took some people to 8th and I for the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team last night and made contact with Artie Mueler for Rolling Thunder tomorrow. He will hold our spot and let us ride in honor behind his group!

Everyone is visiting and cleaning their bikes for the parade. The weather should be good. I just saw our wreath laying on CNN Headliner News!!!! The word is being spread.

All are present or accounted for. Good Night.

MAY 26, 1998
Day 12 - RFTW X - Day of Thunder

WOW, what a day!!! Can't believe our mission is over and we received a "Well Done" from Artie Mueler, founder of Rolling Thunder. He had heard of us before we arrived. We started the morning with clear skies and an early breakfast donated at TT Reynolds. Plenty of good hot food. Thanks Mark!
An interview by the owner of the Fairfax Newspaper of many riders and me (Skipper), finally made him understand the difference between Rolling Thunder and Run For The Wall.

The talk was short, "Follow me and ride safe." The Fairfax Police had four cars to block intersections for us and worked like a charm. We rode in parade formation the 18 miles to the North Pentagon (100 acre) parking lot to assemble for the parade, (so big the employees use buses!) We arrived early to secure our place of honor behind Arties' lead group of Nam Knights MC. there was an error and we were told to park behind In Country Vets MC. Then another guy said no - RFTW parks in front - so we circled around. Then the guy in front said no and back we went again behind the In Country Vets MC. The operative word was SNAFU (Situation normal, all F**ked up) - stay flexible. We finally parked behind ICV MC, which was better for us as they did not leave enough room for our 200+ riders! The founder of ICV MC, Pat found me and apologized. There was a mistake and they were supposed to be behind us. He said they would hold their position and let us go in front of them. All other motorcycles were parked in the lot; we were along the road. Next they did not want to let our two jeeps (JR & Billie in the lead jeep with their magnetic RUN FOR THE WALL - LA to DC signs on the door and flashing yellow light bar and Skeeter's in the green jeep with RFTW Convoy Ahead" on the wheel cover as a tail end Charlie) and then Wally in our official chase van and trailer. They said absolutely no four wheelers with the bikes. Last year many cars and trucks tried to jump in the bikes and almost caused major accidents. But Artie was going to allow ours and Don our lead contact with RT, straightened it all out and our vehicles stayed.

You would be proud of us! We worked directing traffic, took a RFTW family photo with Krazy Rik, policed our area and saddled up. At noon, we started out on Rolling Thunder XI. The parking lot was full of bikes!!! They watched us ride out. We held our speed and formation riding four abreast. People could read the LA to DC on the lead jeep, you could see them say it and point and then wave or yell. What a welcome home, just wished it had been 20 years earlier.

We rode the five and a half-mile route without stopping, parked by the Wall, hugs all around and went to the Reflecting Pool for the ceremony. We left the Navajo Nation Flag and Plate at the Three soldiers.

Mission accomplished. All present or accounted for.

Ride safe.

End of Report.