Sitreps from the Runs for the Wall: Southern Route 2001

Day 1

Wednesday 16 MAY 2001: RFTW Southern Route departed Ontario CA on Wednesday 16 May 2001 at approximately 0800 hours, destination Washington, D.C.; to raise public awareness about POW/MIA's from all wars, to remind people that we want them accounted for and back on U.S. soil. To honor those KIA, and to welcome home all those who served their country as veterans.

Our Guide for first leg of Run was Bobby Chacon. First destination, Coachella (Indio) CA, 90 miles, 95 minutes to fuel stop at Travel Centers of America. As you can imagine our first fuel stop was less than efficient. However, we took a few minutes and discussed the SOP for gas stops. Departed 1005 hours to Ehrenburg AZ, Exit 1, 93 miles, 100 minutes to Ehrenburg. Stopped at the state line to eat lunch and fuel at the Flying J Travel Plaza, South Frontage Road, for approximately 75 minutes. By this time CJ, Road Guard Captain, had the SOP for the Road Guards firmly in hand and was actively encouraging everyone to develop better riding skills. Departed Ehrenburg at 1430 hours, destination Tonopah AZ, 93 miles, 100 minutes, to Exit 94, S/E corner I-10 and exit 94 to fuel stop at Carioca Oil #42, where RFTW connected with AZ State Coordinator Roger Herrick who had somehow managed to attract the Department of Public Safety. DPS did a great job of traffic control into Phoenix. RFTW laid two wreaths at Wesley Bolin Plaza, one at the USS Arizona Memorial for those who gave all and one at the VNM for those who are missing. Bobby Biers was instrumental in arranging the program at Wesley Bolin and Betsy Bayles, the Secretary of State of Arizona, and Pat Chorpenny, State Veterans Administrator. After 30minutes DPS escorted RFTW to VAMC and Arizona Soldiers Home and RFTW participants were treated to refreshments by the hospital staff, led by Sheila Parker and Paula Pendente. We visited with staff and patients. At our departure we were given foot and kickstand pads as a memento, of such good quality that many will have to upgrade our homes to display these treasured items. We then traveled to the Army Reserve Center who provided overnight accommodations. Retiring MSGT Bush was a gracious host, who provided kitchen facilities for Rev. Ruth, whose ministers to motorcycle people, and provided supper and breakfast for RFTW.

NOTES: Southern Route RFTW, led by "Centerpunch" and Road Guard Captain "CJ", numbered approximately 43 bikes, four support vehicles, and one chase driver. There were a good number of press interviewing and filming due to calls made by Bob Minick, supporter from San Bernadino. We were looking good until the road guards ushered the Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson truck pulling the SR 2001 RFTW merchandise wagon out of the parking lot.... right behind the Central Route. New to the route, it was not until the first fuel stop that "Cat," "Canoe," and "iz" were informed that they were on the wrong route and turned around. Dragging behind the pack by two and half-hours, "Cat" managed to get back on track and I only had to wait about 45 minutes for them in the Wesley Bolin parking lot. "Miagi San" developed an oil leak and had to be loaded on the trailer. Fortunately a call was made to Cindy (Bohica's "OL") and she, after several hours on the phone tracked down the necessary parts and delivered them to Wesley Bolin Plaza where his ride was promptly repaired and he was back on the road. Nothing significant at the fuel stops, but touching ceremony to honor U.S. vets was held at the Wesley Bolin Plaza thanks to Roger Herrick (AZ state coordinator) and FSGT Beher. They provided a Marine color guard and placed a wreath at U.S.S. Arizona Memorial for those who have fallen while dutifully serving their country. A wreath was placed at the Vietnam Memorial for those who have not yet returned. The group went to the VAMC to visit for about an hour; I missed that part because I was waiting for the merchandise wagon. Went to the armory where a wonderful meal was served with good company. Some camped in the armory and others stayed at motels. Noted event of day one was money count from merchandise, "Cat" set record sales. You go girl!

Day 2

Thursday 17 May 2001: Departed Phoenix AZ at 0730 hours to Payson AZ, 80 miles, 100 minutes. Fuel stop at Giant Station, departed 0940 to Holbrook AZ, 100 miles 110 minutes. Lunch at American Legion, Post 37 and fuel stop. Departed Holbrook 1230 hours to Window Rock NM, 98 miles, 100 minutes (time change one hour forward). Ceremony at Window Rock by Navajo Nation coordinated by Steve Arizana. Departed Window Rock at 1800 hours to Gallup NM, 26 miles, 40 minutes. Overnight stop with sit-down dinner at Best Western arranged by Jackie McKinney, NM State Coordinator.

NOTES: Run traveled from desert floor to tall pines all within one fuel stop. Lunch at the American Legion was tasty and the cooks out did themselves. The huge red rock formations entering into the Navajo Nation were beautiful and humbling. Got some bitchin' video enroute! Chase One "Bohica" was detained when "SideCar" had technical difficulties. "Buddy" was kind enough to ride "iz" on his bike into Window Rock while "Bohica" did bike assist. Navajo people, from the very young to the very old, were very gracious and welcoming to the RFTW, pinning all riders with POW/MIA pins. Three talented young people of the Navajo Nation performed a traditional dance for Central and SOUTHERN RFTW 2001 XIII, and the Chief addressed the crowd with appreciation of those who served and honor of those who gave all. Think it was 149 Navajo warriors he said did not come home from the Vietnam War. (note correction:) During the ceremony, a fly-over by two helicopters and a C-130 tanker roused the pack to hoorah's! Job well-done Morris Bitsie. "Doty" had a bad day when he locked the keys in his truck twice in four hours! Good thing the police have jimmy's, huh "Doty?" A few missed the elbow-to-elbow dinner that night because we do not believe in leaving our brother's behind, but since he's a good man, nobody got bent out of shape and went on down the road to Cracker Barrel. Weather has been good but a lot of folks are suffering from allergies, draining sinus, sore throats, and puffy eyes will not stand in the way of our mission.

Day 3

Friday, 18 May 2001: Departed Gallup NM at 0800 to Casa Blanca NM, 82 miles 90 minutes, fuel stop for 30minutes at Exit 108. Depart 1000 hours to Albuquerque, 55 miles, 60 minutes. Police picked Run up at San Mateo Blvd. and escorted to VAMC, three miles for one-hour visit. Departed VAMC at 1200 hours to Moriarity NM for lunch and fuel at Rip Griffin's Truck Stop, Exit 198, 75 minutes. Departed Moriarity at 1405 hours for Santa Rosa, 77 miles, 85 minutes, Exit 275 for 30-minute fuel stop. Departed 1600 hours for Tucumcari, 60 miles, 65 minutes, Exit 335. Tucumcari Police met RFTW SR and insisted on parade through town to local VFW for meal. Overnight stay. NM State Coordinator Jackie McKinney.

NOTES: Local police picked up RFTW SR at Exit 335 and insisted on parade through Tucumcari to VFW. Folks were friendly; food was good, music and pool games relaxing. "Cat" admired a VFW support staff's leather and silver chain belt and she pulled it off of her waist and gave it to her. "Canoe" had her first ride in the wind on a Harley D with "Guitarman," and a very colorful sunburn. Our video personnel caught her knee between the truck door and the seat trying to jump out the window for a shot of patriots on an overpass with several flags flying and twisted it. RFTW SR family members took exceptional care of her, even providing a cane. "Bohica"and "First SGT" running with CB radios and monitoring 18 wheel traffic. Every 20 miles a trucker breaks with a comment about the "Hell's Angel's" on the road. Support and Chase lining them out with the RFTW mission. Lot's of support from truckers and beaucoup vet's out on the interstate's driving big trucks. Four states and only two traitors on the CB, one commenting "anybody that fought in Vietnam was ignorant" and the other saying "any POW's still other there is because they want to be." Vet truckers jumped their asses!

Day 4

Saturday 19 May 2001: Depart Tumcumcari 0800 hours to Vega TX, 77 miles, 85 minutes, Exit 36 in Clarendon TX, for fuel stop. Lunch at Sam Hill BBQ. Departed 1300 hours to Quanah TX, 84 miles, 90 minutes, for fuel stop. Departed Quanah TX 1500 hours for Wichita Falls, TX, 80 miles, 90 minutes. Texas BBQ dinner provided by DAV at Neon Spur. Overnight in Wichita Falls. State Coordinator Tom Purtle, State Guide Don Fleischman.

NOTES: RFTW SR riders developing helmet tans and bowlegged strides. Weather outstanding until fuel stop in Clarendon. The pack got held up by bad weather, but Chase One ran on down the road to check things out. Parked it on top of an overpass where a Storm Chaser clocked the wind at 35 MPH and a State Trooper made a quick stop to check things out and wish RFTW SR well. "Bohica" and "iz" trucked ahead a few miles of the pack and he tied ropes around her ankles while she taped the Run from the trailer bed. Video a little shaky, but lots of laughs. Joe, President of the Wichita Falls DAV, greeted all the Run riders at the door of the Neon Spur, and welcomed them with a warm personal handshake. Wayne, owner/operator of the Neon Spur was a wonderful host and the meal was tasty and filling, Texas BBQ. Tom Purtle did an outstanding job of representing the RFTW mission by arranging a four-service (Army, Airforce, Navy, and Marine,) Missing Man Dinner Table. Every item, from single rose to Bible, was placed on the table, one piece at a time, by a male or female soldier. Their movements were made in precise, slow motion. Heads were bent and eyes misty when Taps was played, but the tears flowed when the band played Amazing Grace. RFTW brothers and sisters were there for each other with support and understanding. Not a drop of rain fell until the ceremony was over and then it came down in buckets...guess God cries for our POW/MIA's and their families too.

Day 5

Sunday 20 May 2001: Departed Wichita Falls 0800 to Decatur TX, 76 miles, 80 minutes. Fuel stop at Exit 503 for 30 minutes. Departed Decatur at 0955 hours to Terrell TX, 105 miles, 115 minutes. Fuel stop at Longview. Departed for Minden LA at 1555 hours, 99 miles, 115 minutes, Exit 47. Overnight in Minden. LA State Coordinator Linda Thompson.

NOTES: RFTW SR hosted at National Truck Stop in Longview by American Legion Post 131, Gerry Don Turner Commander, with cold drinks and homemade snacks, most appreciated since weather very hot and humid. Oma Lynn Brown, a member of the "MISFITS," a Christian motorcycle club, enlightened us to the fact that for every $3 dollars of net pay her husband receives, the government knocks off $1 dollar of his Social Security Retirement pay. The Brown's extended an invite to all for the 12th annual Canton Classic, October 26-28, 2001, Canton, TX. Encountered a deranged and cowardly trucker with a nasty mouth along the way, negative comments over the CB about RFTW, vets and bikers in general...until he stopped for gas at Exit 503. When confronted this outspoken trucker denied that it was he on the CB, but we ain't heard a word since! As this SITREP is being typed, going down the road, we just passed the now infamous Dairy Queen stop just East of Shreveport. "Bill's"bike threw a fender and cut a strip out of his front tire. As a safety measure Chase One trailered his bike to Shreveport and dropped him off at a Holiday Inn to wait until a Harley shop opens in the morning and he can replace his tire and rejoin the Run. LA State Coordinator Linda Thompson arranged for camping sites at the Woods Ranch in Minden, LA. A large building called the Wagon Wheel was opened for RFTW at the Ranch and RFTW riders who were camping were treated to air-conditioning and hot showers. The Minden American Legion hosted a supper that was a true example of Southern hospitality, turkey and ham with all the fixin's. Linda arranged to show RFTW riders a copy of last year's Rolling Thunder events provided by Lynco Productions, featuring several RFTW participants. Way to go Minden, RFTW looks forward to coming back next year! Our Road Guard Captain, "C.J." and "Cat" were scouting the lake for a spot for us to swim in and put his bike upside down in a culvert, had to be pulled out with a jeep. No one hurt, bike's okay (except for band-aid "Bohica" put on the front fender") and our recon team were given new road names: "Culvert Jumper" and "Ditch Witch."

Day 6

Monday 21 May 2001: Departed Minden LA at 0800 to Delhi LA, Exit 153, 105 miles, 115 minutes, for 45 minute fuel stop. Departed Delhi for Jackson MS at 1040 hours to I-55, 70 miles, 85 minutes. Lunch at Harley-Davidson dealership and 90 minute fuel stop. Departed Jackson at 1335 for Meridian MS, Exit 150, 90 miles, 100 minutes. Overnight stop in Meridian. State coordinator "PapaBear."

NOTES: Drawing had a humorous twist this morning. The first prize was a pink pacifier instead of money, and "Mike" is now known as "Binky." Don't think he will whine about not winning anymore. "Skeater" just has a way with people! Rain, rain, rain, go away, RFTW has something to say! Our Mississippi hosts; "PapaBear" and "Spoiled Rotten" got bypassed at the Rayville connection because everyone was so intent on getting out of the rain at the Delhi fuel stop. They saw RFTW go by and caught us in Delhi, laughing. Everyone soaked to the bone and chilled, but no complaints. "PapaBear" rode out front with "Centerpunch" and "Spoiled Rotten" rode the "Missing Man" position. Said he was honored. Escort by local law enforcement officers made the ride a lot easier and several joined us for lunch. The rain felt like grit in a fifty mile an hour wind on the way to Jackson, but was worth the discomfort for the chow the Harley-Davison folks laid out. Good ol' Southern meal with a taste Cajun cooking. Everyone loved the alligator sauce picante! The HD shop was built to party, complete with showers, laundry facilities and crash pads for HD riders. There was a rush to buy rain gear since the weather wasn't looking too good. "Centerpunch" got snazzy in a new rain suit and we almost talked him into pink sunshades to match his beret. The pack topped off the tanks compliments to Ford Motor Company. We rode down Capitol Street in Jackson, despite the gloomy, bone chilling weather, and people were running out of office buildings and stores to stand in the rain and wave. Arrived in Meridian and the Mayor, Ken Storms, former three tour Vietnam vet, said the city was ours, if we needed help for anything just call a Meridian policeman. He was true to his word because "Bohica" got a police escort to a laundry when he couldn't find anyplace open to dry his wet gear. Picked up a few more riders, pack now at 61. Mississippi made us feel right at home and we thank you!

Day 7

Tuesday, 22 May 2001: Depart Meridian 0800 on Exit 150 to Tuscaloosa AL, Exit 76, 93 miles, 100 minutes. Fuel stop and visit to VAMC until 1100 hours. Departed Exit 76 for Steele AL, Exit 174, 98 miles, 115 minutes, lunch and fuel stop for 90 minutes. Departed Steele, Exit 174, to Trenton AL, Exit 11, 75 miles, 85 minutes. Fuel stop for 30minutes. Departed Trenton for Sweetwater TN at 1650, Exit 60, 60 miles, 70 minutes. Time change one hour forward. Overnight stop in Sweetwater TN. AL State Coordinator "Iceman".

NOTES: RFTW participant count at 91 and growing. Still raining when pack rolled out of Meridian MS enroute to Sweetwater, but weather cleared and more than glad to peel off rain gear at first stop, not that we're complaining about the sunshine! Everyone looking for "Iceman" at Steele, but he was not there, hope all is well with him and family. Last contact was yesterday and he was looking forward to doing a greet and meet in Steele. "Hammerdown," AL coordinator, rode in and joined the pack Enthusiastic welcome at Tuscaloosa VAMC by staff and patients. One SC vet with RFTW in need of medical attention was escorted to ER, treated, and provided medication in time to rejoin pack before they rolled out. Wish it worked that way all the time! Brunch provided for everyone and large box of sausage, biscuits and orange juice packed up and sent with RFTW for snacks on the road. American flags and wonderful people waved us on our way as we rolled out. "Guitarman" dropped back from the pack to lay down on his bike and take a nap...what will that man do next? Today "Doty" rocked in the big 54 with a "happy birthday to you" sung by everyone on the ride in a parking lot and a big cake. They had to drag him out of the store to sing to him, but it's blacktop all the way now "Doty"!

Day 8

23 May 2001: Departed Sweetwater TN 0800 hours, Exit 60, destination White Pine VA, Exit 8, 80 miles, 90 minutes, for 40 minute fuel stop. Departed White Pine 1010 hours for Bristol VA, Exit 5. Unable to exit on 5 due to road construction. Police escort to Exit 7, staged in empty parking lot near food and fuel for 90 minutes. Departed Bristol on I-81 for Wytheville VA, Exit 70, 75 miles, 85 minutes. Arrival in Wytheville at 1425 with police escort to Wytheville for dedication ceremony at War Memorial. Overnight in Wytheville VA. State Coordinator Laurie "Airborne" Zimmerman.

NOTES: Travel on interstate intense with road construction and numerous 18-wheelers asking what was going on with all the bikes. "Ohh Wee, its the Hells' Angels!" "No driver, it's Run For The Wall and we're traveling from California to D.C. to remind people that we still have people that unaccounted for. We want our POW/MIA's accounted for, we want them brought home!" "Go safety and with our prayers," was the common response, with one trucker stating that he was a returned POW from Vietnam and he knew that we left men behind. Traffic reduced to one lane in a few places and moving slow, RFTW causing traffic to jam in places, but mostly the truck drivers gave us the road and their blessings. Road seemed especially long and hard today and everyone is weary of the ride, but dedicated to the mission. Reward came when the pack drove into Wytheville Memorial Park and a large number of folks were waiting for RFTW with waving flags, and some excited elementary kids were taught to shout "Hoo-Rah!" The Mayor welcomed us and extended an invite to come back every year. World War II and Korean vets stepped sharply forward to unfold and run up a brand new POW/MIA flag beside ol' Glory. Both were waving in the wind as a local woman played Taps, made us proud to be Americans and sad that all have not come home. The local police and fire department escorted RFTW to the KOA campgrounds, and shortly thereafter, the Moose Club hosted a spaghetti dinner. The evening was topped off by a spirited raffle of a dozen different items to raise money for the school children of Rainelle. The weather is wet and cool, but our enthusiasm for the mission burns hot.

Day 9

25 May 2001: Departed Wytheville 0800, I-77 North, for Athens, Exit 14, US 20, northeasterly to Athens, 40 miles, 50 minutes. Departed Athens 0850 for Bluefield Dam, 25 miles, 50 minutes, photo opportunity, 35 minutes. Departed 1015 for Rainelle WV, 30 miles, 60 minutes. Traveled 20 miles to wait for Central group to arrive in Rainelle together. Overnight stop. State Coordinator Laurie "Airborne" Zimmerman.

NOTES: Everyone in high spirits and eager to say hello to Rainelle school children again this year. Weather overcast and cloudy. Winding roads to Rainelle very beautiful, but road construction made travel slow. Once the pack got to Bluefield Dam all the cameras came out of the saddlebags and RFTW SR smiled, posed, and hugged each other until the signal came to mount up again. RFTW SR and CR joined up and cruised down the main street of Rainelle to the enthusiastic waves and shouts of the children and other residents of the town. Counter column ended in the Rainelle Elementary schoolyard, where old friends came running out to say hello and get t-shirts signed. The powers-that-be of Rainelle and RFTW united under the tent to once again speak the words of affection for each other that we all felt. One RFTW rider came forward with a $100 dollar bill for the children of Rainelle and challenged other riders to do the same. Looked like a traffic jam!

Day 10

26 May 2001: Departed Rainelle 0800 hours, US 60E to I-64E, to I-64/81N, 110 miles, 120 minutes to Exit 205, Raphine, 30 minute fuel stop. Departed Raphine at 1030 hours for Tom's Brook, Exit 291, I-81N to I-66E, destination Washington, D.C., 85 miles, 90 minutes. Arrived 1500 hours at Iwo Jima Memorial. State Coordinator Laurie "Airborne" Zimmerman.

NOTES: More windy roads, more road construction, more rain...nothing could stand in our way! One rider was so into the ride that he forgot to get gas and SR's Chase One had to refuel him on the interstate. Also had two disappointed riders who were trailered in, but still made Iwo Jima in the rain. Four hundred and eighty-two men and women stood dripping wet and happy as hell at the base of Iwo Jima, we made it....ALL THE WAY!

Day 11

Saturday, 26 May 2001: Please refer to Central Route RFTW for SITREPS from this point.