Sitreps from the Runs for the Wall: Southern Route 2003

The day started off with the Arizona Patrol escorting again, doing a excellent job. Hospitality was outstanding beginning at the first stop. the snacks, drinks and pins at the grocery where donated by the vietnam veteran whom runs the shop. Art noted RFTW at the gas stop last year and found out all about it. This, along with other inquires through out the day, proves that RFTW is spreading it's message well.The smiles continued on into Wilcox, AZ. Driving by the Wilcox Elementary School was a real treat as many childern were out cheering. Today they may have been just excited about motorcycles, but some day they will make the connection complete when they realize the cause behind the ride. This is the foundation for the understanding of new generation. Down the road in Wilcox, we were given tasty bag lunches by the VFW Post 6271, these ladies were delightful from start to finish as they waved the group goodbye at the freeway exit ramp. The Southern route incountered it's first delay when a Honda would not start. This, of course was owner error, another delay occured at the Lordsburg, NM gas stop when, Road guard Warren spranded his ancle coming into town. Warren will not be riding tomorrow, but is recovering quickly. The long ride ended in Deming, NM where everyone is getting a chance to relax and gear up for the days to come.

SITREP: Friday May 16th, 2003
Day 3: Deming, NM to Odessa, TX

RFTW began its longest day riding with great excitement. Our first stop in Anthony, Texas, started out with a little trouble at the gas pumps.

However, once the meeting started, Specialist Joe Hudson, with U.S. Army's 507th stationed in Ft. Bliss, Texas, got the group's full attention. Hudson was presented with the P.O.W. bracelets collected earlier, including his own. He will be passing on the rest of the bracelets to his fellow P.O.W.'s from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Hudson was in good spirits, glad to be home, and even allowed us to refer to him by his first name. Joe shook hands and took pictures with enthusiasm. When asked if he had any comment for RFTW, he shook his head in awe, meekly stating that "It's simply amazing....the cause is great." There can be no denial of that statement, especially coming from the mouth of one who knows personally.

The group was honored to meet Specialist Hudson. Road Guard Cookie had the additional honor of having Joe ride on the back of his bike. Joe rode Missing Man Formation for about thirty miles with RFTW. Specialist Hudson and Sergeant First Class Valone gave their berets to be placed at The Wall.

Nothing could beat this first stop, but the lunch at the Cactus Café in Sierra Blanca and dinner in Odessa by Permian Basin Veterans and their wives were terrific! As long as this day was, the Run for the Wall participants are becoming a family, making trips like the one today easier.

This evening we are especially thankful for our safe ride on this important mission and for:
- Specialist Joe Hudson, Former P.O.W. from Operation Iraqi Freedom for both his continuing service to his country and his participation in RFTW.
- Permian Basin Veterans and their wives for dinner

SITREPS: Saturday, May 17, 2003
Day 4: Odessa, TX to Weatherford, TX

This morning's meeting included rider Ham presenting a Desert Storm-1991 patch to be laid at The Wall. We held the meeting during breakfast which was hosted by the Midland American Legion Post.

Then it was just a couple of miles over to the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. The day started with a wreath laying here. This event gave day four a different kind of start then the previous days. Rather than riding off first thing, the group had a dose of what makes us family. RFTW cares about the names on these stones and understands that a name on a stone is a person, and that person is connected to many others.

At the Permian Basin Memorial, Hayden Jones told us that there are 225 names; by coincidence, the construction also required 225 stones.

Fifty miles away at the next stop in Big Springs, Texas, there were more stones, with more names, at another Vietnam Memorial. Again, RFTW laid a wreath. At this site, a map of North and South Vietnam and the surrounding areas was etched into the granite memorial. Veterans came up to this finely-detailed map, pointing from one city to the next, showing where they had been during the war. At Big Springs, there was also a small Memorial Chapel with pictures of the Vietnam Veterans and a case with photos and names of the active duty members from the area.

Lunch stop was in Colorado City at the Colorado Middle School. These sixth, seventh, and eighth graders highlighted veterans from all eras and active duty military personnel. Their storyboards, scrapbooks, and a slide presentation showed hard work and caring. Between these visuals and the speeches and songs, many heads bowed and eyes were wiped; there was a standing ovation.

When asked what she had learned in her three years of involvement with this veteran outreach program, eighth grader Kelly Morris told me about her interview with WWII Veteran D. M. Smith. Smith said he had fought in WWII so that later on his son would not have to fight. Unfortunately, his son, Ralph, fought and was killed in Vietnam. Kelly went on to say that this story, in particular, made her realize how veterans deserve much more appreciation than they get. She said, "This country wouldn't be what it is without them. It might not even be here if it wasn't for them." Though the RFTW family did not hear Kelly say this, I think that the group really felt that she and the other students had learned the meaning of service.

The school was presented with a plaque of recognition, and Assistant Principal, Mark Merrill, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the Southern Route RFTW.

After a gas stop in the afternoon at Baird, TX, on I-20, the group proceded to the American Legion Post #163 in Weatherford, TX. We were treated to a great barbecue by E.C. Green, Post Commander, and his crew. Kent Wilson, Southern Route Coordinator, presented Commander Green with a certificate of appreciation.

We are especially grateful to the following contributors during today's run:
o State Coordinators, West Texas, Phil Woodard and Michael Chaney
o State Coordinator, Central and East Texas, Janice Wentworth
o Midland American Legion Post for breakfast
o Hayden Jones, former pilot during Vietnam, for his lecture about the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
o Big Spring Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Committee for arranging the wreath-laying ceremonies with grand local turnout
o Assistant Principal Mark Merrill and his gracious staff and students at Colorado Middle School in Colorado City, Texas
o American Legion Post 163 led by E. C. Green for the superb barbecue dinner

SITREP: Sunday, May 18, 2003
Day 5: Weatherford, TX to Minden, LA

Things wound down a little today, compared with yesterday. In all the excitement, we completely forgot to thank Colorado Middle School for the lunch they provided Saturday. We were so impressed by the students' work and the guidance given them in their "Real History-Real Heroes" (Learn and Serve Oral History Project) by Marsha Wilson of AmeriCorps VISTA and the total Colorado Middle School staff that lunch was not mentioned in yesterday's sitrep. We are grateful for sustenance, as well as inspiration. Thank you ALL!

As for today, it was a great riding day. The first leg was into Terrell, Texas, where RFTW had the first fuel stop of the day. From this stop, we took a trek off of the main highway passing through Mills Point and Grand Saline to see the memorials there. The local turnout was impressive, especially considering the small population in these towns.

Lunch stop at the Longview American Legion Post #131 started with a warm wave into town. These folks graciously provided a delicious barbecue, entertainment, and door prizes. It was only another hundred miles over to our night stop in Minden, LA.

The group was on its own for dinner. Among the party I dined with, I noticed that the veterans were beginning to speak to each other about their wartime experiences. All of us are interested in those particular memories.

Tonight, we are particularly thankful for:
- Phil Woodard, driver of the staging vehicle (He received a plaque of recognition.)
- Janice Wentworth, East Texas State RFTW Coordinator (She received her certificate from last year and plaque of recognition from this year.)
- Police and sheriff escorts in counties and towns such as Wills Point, Edgewood, Grand Saline, Wood County, Hawkins, Clarksville City, Longview, Harrison County, and Greenwood, Texas, as well as Bossier County and Police in Louisiana
- Buddy Pricer, Commander of Third Texas District, American Legion (He received a certificate of appreciation.)
- Roger Nichols, Post Commander of American Legion Post 131 (He received a plaque of recognition.)
- American Legion Post 131 Ladies' Auxiliary, including Allegra Brown, President, and Nancy Beavers, Incoming President, for presenting Super 1 gas credit for $100 plus a $75 check for bikers to use for gas later during our RFTW.

SITREP: Monday, May 19, 2003
DAY 6: Minden, LA to Meridian, MS

There were only three treks today, but each stop packed a punch. After stopping for gas in Waverly, Louisiana, where we picked up twenty-one day riders, we were escorted by motorcycle, car, and helicopter to the Jackson, Mississippi, Harley-Davidson dealership on Can't Stand Earl Drive. The escorts provided in Mississippi made the road guards feel like they had the day off...a real luxury!

A line of reenactment volunteers in military dress from several eras saluted us beside the road; cheering crowd greeted us as we came off the parking lot. Later, we experienced a bit of all the wars reenacted in their Trail of Honor. The cannons' and guns' reports and stunned and shocked all of us, especially civilians. The group was reminded that the combat losses, others losses, and wounded since the Revolutionary War total 3,541,767, not including those from the most current conflicts.

At Earl Rockmans' Harley-Davidson dealership, the ceremonies were amazing. Participants included Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery (author of the Montgomery G.I. Bill and now known as "Mr. Veteran" on Capitol Hill), Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas. We ate our Alligator Sauce Piquante (like a chili) with the table of the Unknown Soldier at the head of the dining area. We bowed our head to Taps, and raised them for the National Anthem. Harlan Powell sang the song, My Buddy, for fallen riders, which he extended in meaning to all service men and women. This is just a portion of what went on at this stop. Everyone's emotions were intensely felt, with hugs and tears aplenty.

The ride out through town was like a parade, except that we went beyond entertainment. When RFTW rides through town, people see the P.O.W./M.I.A. flags, they see Veterans and see that Veterans are people, and this creates awareness. If this awareness sparks an interest, and even one person looks into the issue further, the RFTW Mission is accomplished.

Supper stop was in Meridian at the Ag Pavilion. The welcome here was an excellent example of Southern Hospitality. The Chunky River Harley Owner Group, City of Meridian, and American Legion Post 79 treated RFTW to a catfish dinner and live music to a very appreciative crowd! Some riders even had enough energy at the end of this long day to take a turn on the dance floor.

This evening we are especially grateful for:
o Jay Kumar, owner of Exacta Inn, and Hollis Hughes, owner of the restaurant at Exacta Inn in Minden, LA, for breakfast.
o Mississippi State Coordinator, Don "Papa Bear" Stringer, for a thorough job in planning our run through Mississippi.
o State trooper and police escorts (including a helicopter) from the Mississippi state line through the state to Meridian.
o American Legion Post 1, Clyde Hancock, for lunch coordination.
o Earl Rockman, owner of the Jackson Harley-Davidson dealership, for a meeting place and hospitality.
o Scores of volunteers who helped make arrangements, pumped gas, fed us all, performed reenactments, staged the bikes, and just generally offered the best of Southern Hospitality, as well as singers and other participants in the luncheon program.
o Medal of Honor Recipient, Jack Lucas; Mississippi Governor, Ronnie Musgrove; Congressman G. V. "Sonny" Montgomery; and other honored guests for their attendance and unified support of RFTW.
o In Meridian, the Chunky River H.O.G., the City of Meridian represented by City Secretary and Vietnam Veteran, Ken Storm, and American Legion Post 79 provided a tasty fish dinner, entertainment, and a resting place for those who wished to camp.

SITREP: Tuesday, May 20, 2003
DAY 7: Meridian, MS to Chattanooga, TN

It was already raining this morning when the family met back up at the Ag Pavilion for fruit and cereal breakfast provided by Papa Smurf. We unsheathed our rain gear and hopped into it (some more easily than others) and rode out looking like a bunch of bananas, pickles, and blueberries.

Gas stop number one was in Tuscaloosa, AL, where Ford Motor Company provided gas at Pilot. From there, we rode into a Saber Salute by the Holt High School ROTC at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Staff and veterans greeted us with flags waving.

The reception was warm, and we were all happy to see active duty Army personnel Kevin Fitzgerald McDonald walk into the dining area from outside. He was injured two months ago in a motorcycle accident. Kevin commented that getting better is "no problem with this kind of support." RFTW wishes Kevin well, and thanks him for the inspiration.

The VA gave the family a nice and nutritionally-balanced lunch, complete with ice cream.

All the rides seemed long today, even after the rain ended. It was cool driving and humid at stops.

The day ended at the Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson where Rolling Thunder Chapter II of Tennessee and Christian Motorcyclists Association of Cleveland and Chattanooga provided pizza dinner. We gobbled it up gladly.

Here's hoping for better weather tomorrow and at the same time giving thanks for such little rain today.

Tonight we are especially thankful for:

• Papa Smurf and Jenny for providing our breakfast.
• Ford Motor Company for a free gas stop.
• Tuscaloosa Police Department for escorting riders and chase cars.
• Personnel from the Tuscaloosa Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, including: Director Ken Rule (now riding to the Wall with us and other members of the staff); John Goldman, Deputy Director; Doug Taylor; Rebecca Arrington, Director of Nutrition Service; and others who came out to wave and speak to us.
• Linda, one of our RFTW participants, for telling her story and reading Psalms 144.
• VFW Post 6022 Commander Richard Kizziah for continuing support.
• Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson in Chattanooga for providing a dinner and meeting place.
• Rolling Thunder Chapter II of Tennessee and Christian Motorcyclists Association of Cleveland and Chattanooga for provided pizza, drinks, and dessert for dinner.
  

SITREP: Wednesday, May 21, 2003
DAY 8: Chatanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA

This morning it was really raining. At our soggy riders' meeting, we named honorary riders Cameron and Connor Kapperman. Kids, you will be with us in spirit, and we look forward to the first year you are able to join us in person. RFTW riders proved their dedication today by moving on through this terribly cold rain and fog.

Stop one, in Knoxville, Tennessee, provided some relief because of the doughnuts and hot coffee donated by Krispy Kreme, DAV Chapter 26, and Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, Tennessee. Some Rolling Thunder members joined us at this stop.

We then had a gas and go stop in Baileyton, Tennessee. From there, riders went to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mountain Home Veterans Cemetery in Johnson City, Virginia.

After the ceremony, the family met back at the Quillen VAMC, in Johnson City, Tennessee, for their first visit at this location. Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 and VFW Post 2180 and Auxiliary, along with several co-sponsors, provided a lunch with a variety from burgers to buffalo wings.

Inside the VA, a group of us met Korean War Army Veteran, David Cureton. We presented Dave a RFTW packet with pin, decals...and asked him if he would like to get on a motorcycle. At first he was hesitant, explaining that he had always been afraid of getting on a motorcycle; but after a moment of thought, he said okay. He thought it would be safe with us. Soon after, Dave was aboard road guard Big Foots' bike. (Big Foot was formerly known as Warren). Dave's grin was ear to ear, and a few minutes later, he was asking the VAMC Director, Carl J. Gerber, if he wanted to go for a ride. We were all honored to meet Mr. Cureton.

With a slight misunderstanding about gassing up, we received an escort out of town by the Tennessee State Police. More Rolling Thunder members joined us again at this point.

At our night stop in Wytheville, Virginia, RFTW first attended a ceremony at the Withers` Park. Here the family was proud to be introduced to Julius "Junior" Long, Vietnam Veteran and P.O.W.

We had a steak dinner, treated by the local Moose Lodge. Here we got a chance to mingle with those from the ceremony earlier. With full bellies, some went on to sleep, and others to partake in the evening's gathering at the campground.

Today we especially thank:

• Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson for staying open late last night to service the motorcycles on the RFTW
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, D.A.V. Chapter 26, and Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, Tennessee for providing refreshment at the morning gas stop
• Mark Kapperrman for his Fuel Fund Contribution
• All those at Quillen VAMC, in Johnson City, Tennessee, including: Carl J. Gerber, Director; Isabel Hall, Volunteer Coordinator; and Judy Fowler-Argo, Public Affair Officer
• Rolling Thunder Chapter 4, Tennessee and VFW Post 2180 and Auxilliary, and other sponsors for our lunch today
• Tennessee State Police
• Jr. ROTC Eagle Batallion
• Wytheville Moose Lodge 394
• Mark Peterson, Chairman of United Auto Workers Union 2069
• Julius W. Long Jr., Vietnam Veteran and P.O.W.
• Trent Crewe, Mayor of Wytheville
• Laurie Clay, Virginia State Coordinator
• Lou Mulsand, Tennessee State Coordinator
  

SITREP: Thursday, May 22, 2003
DAY 9: Wytheville, VA to Roanoke, VA

We went back to Withers Park this morning where the lovely ladies of the Wytheville Quota Club provided breakfast. The impressive memorial at this park provided the perfect backdrop for the patriotic serenade the fourth and fifth grade chorus of Spiller Elementary gave us. RFTW presented Spiller Elementary with a POW/MIA flag.

Also, at breakfast I was honored to receive a road name. In my new family, they call me Scribbles.

After a little more traveling in the rain, we stopped for fuel at Shell where the Stop In store #205 donated drinks for everyone. The folks here were extremely hospitable. Exchanging RFTW pins for the kindness, FNG Frank encountered a fellow Vietnam Veteran. When Frank hugged this Stop In worker, gave him a pin, and told him, "Welcome Home," emotion burst. After three decades, he finally received the much-deserved embrace of his country.

Last year RFTW was only able to pass by Montvale Elementary School. This year the family was able to make a stop. These kids were packed with enthusiasm like we had just offered them all a trip to Disney World. Cheering at the roar of the motorcycle engines, waving flags frantically, and holding up their hand-made signs gave our whole group warm hearts despite the weather. The short program at Montvale was inspiring. The kids traded school magnets for handshakes, and then stuck their hands out for more. Marine Corps Veteran FNG Ken commented "Can you believe that a bunch of kindergarten kids, made a bunch of old men cry?"

For lunch today, RFTW went to Liberty Lake Park. AmVets Post 40 made us freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Now that everybody knows almost everybody else, conversations over meals roll along like those between old friends.

Next stop was the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The artistry and planning at this memorial has created an immensely moving ground. The depiction of the soldiers storming Omaha Beach provided graphic imagery to match what most of us only know as an event from history.

RFTW laid a wreath below the Overlord Arch. Five bikers made a lap around the memorial's drive in Missing Man Formation.

The evening concluded with a visit to the Virginia Veterans Care Center and homeless facility. They spent days working on a smoked pig dinner for RFTW, and it was excellent!

Today we especially thank:

• Wytheville Quota Club Members, President Sherry Boyd, and those who breakfast supplies to them
• Principal Dr. Monk, staff, and kids at Spiller Elementary
• Virginia State Police
• Principal Vaneta Lonard, staff, and kids at Montvale Elementary School
• Bedford Police Department
• Salem Police Department
• Virginia Veterans Care Center personnel, including Lee Jewell and Waynard Caldwell who received certificates of appreciation.
• All those at Virginia Veterans Care Center, which was presented a plaque of recognition

SITREP: Friday, May 23, 2003
DAY 10:  Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC

The hot breakfast prepared for us by DAV, Chapter 3, Roanoke, Virginia, couldn't mask the heavy sense of ending that hung in the air at this morning's meeting. Thanks went out to many people who have been helping RFTW's Southern Route all along the way.

The scramble for organization at lunchtime in Strasburg, where the Central and Southern Routes came together, was only a great distraction to the near future.

After we took the annual group photo in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the family moved on to The Wall.

The days and activities have rushed by and are jumbled now. Here it is still. Voices that have been trained to carry and command respectfully whisper; some disappear altogether.

In the whispers, we hear pain, healing, and compassion.

We bring so much to the Wall.

In the whispers, we find someone who was also at..., someone who also did..., someone who also knew..., someone who knows about... We hear a child exclaiming, "All these people died."

We find so much at the Wall.

In the stillness, we see men who have never before met in an embrace. We see fingers pointing to names of someone...to the time when... We see letters forming under crayon rubbed into paper. We see flags leaning onto the granite, staggered between teddy bears, poems, and shell casings.

We leave so much at the Wall.

This is why we have come All the Way.

Other Activities will take place this weekend. On Saturday, RFTW will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. On Sunday, RFTW will ride with Rolling Thunder to support the POW/MIA cause. Many will visit The Wall several times.

Today we especially thank:

• DAV Chapter 3, Roanoke, VA
• Virginia State Police
• D.C. Park Police
• Laurie Clay, Virginia State and D.C. Coordinator for RFTW
• All of those providing support this weekend
• All Road Guards
• Kent and Ginny Wilson
• All the riders for participating

Notes added: We also thank Julie Layton, an FNG, for her diligence in preparing the daily Sit Reps along the Southern Route. She has been a trooper!

Please take a look at another website, which has been kept along our Southern Route, for photos and commentary: http://www.RFTW2003.org. Anne and Frank Perry have been/will be uploading to this site, and the site will be maintained with additional comments for at least one year.