Sitreps from the Runs for the Wall: Southern Route 2004

• SIT REP; Sit Rep: Situation Report refers to the progress of the mission. Often how those in the heat of combat related the rear command. Most often it relays what was going on in relationship to planned events.
• FNG; Funny New Guy/Gale. In intense situations during combat replacements often lacked knowledge of the situation and were felt unsafe to be around. Some thought FNG meant Fairly New Guy while seasoned troops had another name for FNG. Today you are a Funny New Guy/Gale, we love you and will be here for you. No one was born here, we all were FNG's once, if you do not know please ask.
• Cage/4-wheeler; Automobile, Truck, Van not a motorcycle.
• Separation Anxiety; When a rider thinks all is lost and they will be riding in circles forever when the bike in front of them is no longer in sight. Do not give up hope we leave no one behind!
• CMA; Christian Motorcycle Association 
• RUB; Rich Urban Biker, high tec riders often with a cell phone and riding a Harley.
• Run; Road trip with your Buds, most of the time with a place to go to in mind, in this case Washington, D.C.
• Stand By/Wait One; communication jargon for wait a minute I'll be right with you
• Say Again; Repeat; particularly important to assure clear communications.

_______________________________________________________________________
Twelve Days to the "Wall" 
Sit Rep ~ Monday& Tuesday May 17th & 18th, 2004 ~ 
2 days and a wake-up ~ Pre RFTW SR  Phoenix, Arizona to & at Ontario, California 

Never say Never, that's the way things go... well never say Southern Route will not be prepared and ready to roll out for RFTW 2004! Things are looking great as day minus 2 and a wake-up begins. 

Yikes it is 5:00 AM, Monday May 17th ... the staging area is at the famous "House of 9 - balls" in Peoria, Arizona. Riders have converged from around the country; Texas, Missouri, the great northwest and as east as far as Ohio. We ride early from the Phoenix area into Ontario to avoid the desert heat. For those of us in the area it was the weekend of "Ray Mans" wedding. Hoorah for Ray Man & Tambria passing up a honeymoon so he can road guard Southern Route 2004!

Monday afternoon we arrived in Ontario, California after a very windy ride from Phoenix, Arizona. Preparations for registration and merchandise sales began immediately. Some riders were already at the hotel and more arrived at steady pace. Old friendshi were renewed and "welcome home" to the veterans.  

By Tuesday registration was in high gear ending with a all time high of 96 by days end. A BIG thank you to all the helpers lead by Top and well assisted by Faith. Merchandise was well managed by lil' 9 ball and sale for POW/MIA and American flags seemed to be the lead seller. Guess the wind maybe blew a few away! It is really hard to believe how much volunteer work is required before we even leave California. Thank you all for so much of your time and energy. 

Sit Rep ~ Day 1 ~ Wed., May 19th, 2004
Ontario, CA to Phoenix, AZ ~ 327 miles

Aloha writes from Arizona: "I have found that many of the Nam Vets (me included) had positive, even fond memories during their tour of duty. Barbara Johnson once wrote: "Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed." The "Arizona Territory" was not a fond memory for most yet the perspective of riding safely into it today with RFTW is positive, and perhaps begins a healing. We are not Doctors yet it is well acknowledged that the best people to help vets are those who have been there, other vets. In his book Nam Vet Chuck Dean writes: "In service of love... only wounded soldiers can serve". We ride for those who can't, in a service of love."

Southern Route and Central Route join up at the Ontario TA. There is excitement and anticipation in the air as friends old and new re-acquaint themselves and form up for another journey to the Healing Wall. This year marks a record count for Southern Route with over 100 registered for the first day out. The California Highway Patrol lead the riders onto the I-10 with ease and the riders maintained 15 to 20 mph getting through rush hour traffic with no problems. We leave Ontario feeling blessed by the wonderful hospitality and comradery. Thank You Ontario!

"Binky" is riding the honored position of missing man for the first part of the day while Jim B. takes the position for the last half into Phoenix. Karen "little foot" is Southern Route's guardian of the gap. The ride from Ontario to Phoenix had sunshine all the way and a lot of wind. Thank you road guards for getting us safely through our first day of travel. Top Sarge takes care of the riders with water, snacks, hugs, smiles and words of encouragement. Arizona DPS meet the Southern Route at Tonapah and escort riders into Phoenix to the memorial. We are blessed with safe passage all the way. On to the VA Hospital and Soldier's Home for visiting one on one. "Church of the Son" served a wonderful barbeque dinner at the VA Hospital. To conclude the day the riders are treated to a professional massage at the hotel. Today was an outstanding day for an outstanding group. We love you veterans and supporters.

About Run For The Wall Southern Route; it is well organized due to the commitment of all the leadership working as a team together. For the excitement and eventfulness we are indebted to our state coordinators and the many people helping along the way. They put all things except their selfless giving on pause for a moment. We salute all who have been there for us as we carry out our mission to never forget. We will accept nothing less than full accountability for all POW/MIA from all conflicts. May God bless you.

California

• Ed Gohn California State Coordinator
• T&A Travel Center of America Staging and starting point Ontario, CA
• T&A Travel Center of America Coachella, CA
• Nacho Benveneste
• Lil Lisa Postlewaite
• Harley Davidson & Service Department Pomona, CA
• Fairfield Inn Hotel & RFTW HQ Ontario, CA
• Pardo Park Camping Ontario, CA

Arizona

• Bob Roger AZ state co-ordinator
• Johnny Perez General Manager Flying J Fuel/Food Stop Ehrenberg, AZ
• Ray Fuel Desk Manager Flying J Truck Stop Ehrenberg, AZ
• Christine Lopez or Tristian Chavez Managers Flying J Wendy's Ehrenberg, AZ
• Kevin Wendorf Shell Truck Stop/Carioca Minute Mart "Free ICE for Coolers" Tonopah, AZ
• Dennis Garrett Director, AZ Department of Public Safety Phoenix, AZ
• Sgt. Kenyon A Z DPS - Escort; Tonopah to Wesley Bolin Plaza to VAMC/Soldiers Home Phoenix, AZ
• Bobby "Top" Biers Coordinator of Activities @ Wesley Bolin Plaza &VAMC & Soldiers Home Phoenix, AZ
• Paul Palmer Manager, Holiday Inn Phoenix, AZ
• 3rd Marine Division Association
• Arizona Leathernecks MC
• W. Steven Martin AZ Department of Veterans' Services Phoenix, AZ
• Holiday Inn Myun Ka Menge, Mgn. Phoenix, AZ 
• John Sanders Massage by John Phoenix, AZ

Sit Rep ~ Day 2 -Thurs., May 20th, 2004 - 
Phoenix, AZ to Las Cruces, NM ~ 394 miles

Blinky who many of you know from Las Cruces tells us there are some interesting sites and a nice east west route, highway 60 in the southern part of New Mexico can hit I-25 and drop down to Truth or Consequences and see the rolling wall in a fixed (new) memorial park there. There will be 10 memorials to cover the wars that New Mexican soldiers have died for our country. Head back north and get on 60 west at Socorro stop at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory VLA Telescope; this has been the setting for many movies. That's before you get to Pie Town. Don't forget the grave of Billy the Kid back east at Ft. Sumner, NM.

Well the day was long (394 miles) and the temperatures high yet ice cold water was abundant at every stop. Traveling south and then southeast from Phoenix, AZ to Las Cruses, N.M. allowed us to see where so many of those Hollywood westerns had been made. And then after our mid day stop we were treated by the Wilcox police department to a guided tour of the towns schools. The children at the fences were so excited as we parade past and our hearts were blessed by their joy. Now it was on to Las Cruces our destination for the night. 

VFW Post 3242 graciously provided us with the evening meal at Barnett's Harley Davidson. Not a detail was missed as 1st Battalion of the 202 Field Artillery a mobile kitchen with places to sit and eat by American Legion Post 10. 

After a long, hot day it was early to bed although a few still made time for a swim in the pool at the Baymont Inn, our nights hotel. 

Thank you all at Las Cruces for a wonderful welcome... from a special made cake at the Baymont Inn, banners as we came to town, to all the hugs and welcome homes, and lets not forget so many people wearing our Run For The Wall tee shirts! Las Cruces you are truly a blessing to a soldiers heart

Arizona

• Sgt. Steve Johnson or Patricia Spencer Marana Police Department Marana, AZ
• Bill Law Marana Freeway Chevron Marana, AZ
• Hal & Betty Horrigan Marana Grocery Marana, AZ
• Wilcox Department of Public Safety Wilcox, AZ 
• Chief Jake Weaver or Penney Bell Willcox Police Department Willcox, AZ 
• Becky Phillips Fuel Manager, Rip Griffin Truck Willcox, AZ
• Della Mantano or Jan Hall Restaurant Manager Rip Griffin Truck Stop Willcox, AZ

New Mexico

• Roger "Cowboy" Mead New Mexico State Co-ordinator
• Kim Barnett Barnett Harley Davidson Las Cruces, NM
• Cruces Crusaders Christian Motorcycle Association Las Cruces, NM
• Joseph Silva Manager of Pic Quik Fast Lube & Towing Las Cruces, NM
• Roger Miller Commander of VFW Post 6917 Mesilla Valley, NM
• Jimmy Jaramillo Commander of VFW Post 3242 Nccorkle, NM
• Paul M. Smith President of Men's Auxiliary JM Carrierre - VFW Post 10124
• Walter F. Baker Commander of American Legion Joe Quesenberry - Post 10
• Harold Whalen Commander of Marine Corps League New Mexico
• M.SGT. Bill Haskins, 1st Battalion, 202nd Field Artillery 
• 1Lt Gary G. Stewart, 1st Battalion, 202nd Field Artillery
• Commander Michael Dixon ROTC of Onate High School Onate, NM
• Commander Arch Bassham United Veterans Council of Dona Ana County
• Gail DeLong, Sales Mgr. Baymont Inn & Suites Las Cruses, NM
• Steve Perry, Owner, Best View RV Park Las Cruces, NM
• BG Kenny Montoya [Adj. Gen] New Mexico National Guard
• Band Director Brian Theodorson Las Cruces High School Las Cruces, NM
• Mayor William Mattiace Las Cruces, NM
• Baymont Inn Hotel accommodations Las Cruces, NM
• Best View RV Park Camping Las Cruces, NM

Sit Rep ~ Day 3 ~ Fri., May 21, 2004 - 
Las Cruces, NM to Odessa, TX ~ 341 miles

After riding Run For The Wall once all the way why come back and do it again? "RFTW is a ride with a mission, to keep alive the issue of POW's and MIA's, but after my third day I realized that there was a dual mission to RFTW. It was also a mission of personal healing, and the ride became very personal for me. The ride, along with what are now my closest friends who continue to be my closest friends were very instrumental my healing processes in the support they gave me throughout this journey. They were there for me, and now it's my turn to be there for someone else." 

Jumper is so right on and Day 3 was a testimony to the healing of Run For The Wall. Breakfast at Barnett's Harley Davidson and the 7:30 am riders meeting was culminated by dual Wreath Laying Ceremonies. Half of the southern route went to the Las Cruces Veterans Memorial Park while the other half went to Anthony, TX. for a Ceremony at their Veterans Memorial Park. Although many ceremonies are alike each is individual in its own manor. Today Run For The Wall veterans had the honor to provide service and respect for those who had given all.

The ride to Odessa, TX was uneventful providing a time for all to reflect on the morning services. Upon arriving at Odessa there was a warm welcome from community citizens and local bike clubs. After a great steak dinner most riders headed to bed early planning to get a good nights rest. It has now been well over 1,000 miles traveled, we are moving closer to the half waypoint. OOORAH!

Texas

• Diann "Mojo" Perkins and Janice Wentworth Texas State coordinators
• Karen Mead Escort for Anthony, TX 
• Glenn Scott Escort for Anthony, TX.
• Ray & Kay McDowell Odessa, TX
• Airport Plaza Inn Hotel accommodations Odessa, TX

Sit Rep ~ Day 4 - Sat., May 22, 2004 - 
Odessa, TX to Weatherford, TX ~ 278 miles 

"In Colorado City, TX the Colorado Middle School put on a heart-wrenching program during our lunch, done by both the kids and the local townspeople. It was one of the best programs on the whole trip. I thought to myself, when it was over and I was trying to compose myself, "man...oh...man." Richard, a riding friend, saw this and said, "...and it's like this all the way to D.C." 

The American Legion Post 19 at the Oil Patch RV Park serves an early morning breakfast to Southern Route. Riders' meeting is followed by an 0800 departure. Many new riders have joined the group. We head to Permian Basin Memorial for a Wreath Laying ceremony. We find as we look upon the memorial there is the reflection of the flag in the stone, what a beautiful site to see. Upon reflection and listening to a local high school playing taps we mount up and head for Big Springs Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. A steady stream of motorcycles, 3 wheelers, and chase vehicles, they slowly approach the memorial with a huge crowd waiting to greet them. A wreath is layed and veteran's spend time looking at the Granite Vietnam Map locating the areas they fought in and also spent time looking at photos and reading about fallen brothers.
It's great to be back at the Colorado City Middle School to see old friends and make new ones. The school put on a wonderful program, a barbeque lunch was served and veterans were honored in a special way. Many tears, hugs, and smiles are exchanged. Thank you Colorado City...We love you!

Depart for Baird 13:20 and parade downtown Eastland with Police Escort to Eastland Square. Cold water and yummy blizzards are donated for the group. Thank you Eastland Texas for your support and warm welcome. See you next year!
On to Weatherford, Texas for delicious barbeque dinner served by American Legion Post 163. Many new riders are joining up here, some will go all the way and some as far as Longview. We now have close to 250 riders. 

Texas

American Legion Riders of Texas

• Wyatt's Trailer Sales
• Best Value Inn Hotel Accommodations Weatherford, TX
• Best Western Hotel accommodations Weatherford, TX
• Ft. Worth Campground Camping Weatherford, TX
• Colorado City Middle School Faculty and Students
• Colorado City Community Partners and Volunteers
• Clint Brown & Gayle Younger

Sit Rep ~ Day 5 ~ Sun., May 23, 2004 ~ 
Weatherford, TX to Minden, LA ~ 278 miles 

Across those "wide open spaces" Mojo had told us about we enter Louisiana. Author and Historian John Adam of Minden tells us " Louisiana, more than perhaps any other state in the Union is a study in contrast. In a relatively small state are packed so many diverse elements in both the human and physical landscape." Could he be talking about the road gator up ahead! 

He goes on to offer, "When you mention Louisiana the first thing that springs to many people's mind is the swamp lands and bayous of South Louisiana. However, Louisiana also contains the rich delta lands of the Mississippi and Red Rivers, the prairies of Southwestern Louisiana the gentle uplands of Central Louisiana and the pine hills in both the northwest and the Florida Parishes. In North Louisiana you will see streams labeled Bayous that would be known as small rivers in other states, without the cypress trees and Spanish moss seen in familiar images." No matter how you cut it this is another fine state to check out when you have more time. "In Louisiana the only thing that is more varied than the weather is the landscape, both human and physical."

A 6:30 early morning church service begins our day outside the pool area. There are many sign-ups for new riders joining the group. A young soldier with the Army has just returned from duty in Afghanistan and spent time visiting with riders. He was greeted with warm hugs and a "welcome home." Merchandise sales are well under way, riders are packing bikes with water, sunscreen and looking forward with happy hearts to be on this journey once again. Missing man riders are changing twice daily giving riders the opportunity to honor MIA's and process personal feelings of wartime losses. Raffles like the 50-50, girls/guys raffles are fun for everyone. The monkey butt powder is awarded daily and is good for laughs.

Onward to Terrell and Longview, Texas. It is incredible the amount of riders joining Southern Route this year. We are running out of wristbands, FNG pins, and merchandise. We are so happy to have all these new people with us. After driving by two awesome memorials we had a wonderful barbeque at American Legion Post 131 Longview Texas. We were also given trays of crawfish (crawdads) and they were GOOD! Photos and film are being taken and recorded daily, with so many wonderful candid expressions both heartfelt and those with smiles. This truly is a meaningful ride. Donations are being made to Southern Route for fuel for the riders. This seems to be happening on a regular basis and the riders are thankful for the generosity provided them. 

Depart for Minden at 14:00, Escorted to State Line on Hwy 80 and then transitioned to I-20. We end our day with a fish fry at the Bayou Inn. Back at the motel riders are not too tired to clean up their bikes and ready them for the ride tomorrow. 

Louisiana

• Linda Thompson Louisiana State Coordinator
• Camping at Woods Ranch/ Exacta Inn Motel

Sit Rep ~ Day 6 ~ Mon., May 24, 2004 ~ 
Minden, LA to Meridian, Miss. ~ 270 miles

"I know many who have had similar experiences...I now know that to me this was when I really understood that The Run is not about getting there; it's the Run itself that heals. ... why this Run is so very, very special ...Welcome Home ...You are NOT alone. SEMPER FI" Skeater

Southern Route has grown to 500 riders and we are adding more riders at each fuel stop. Depart Minden for Waverly 0800. Pick-up DPS escort at Mississippi State Line. A lot of construction along the route but safe passage is once again afforded us. There are many comments from riders and excitement when they look in their mirrors and see what seems an endless sea of motorcycles. The DPS escort was outstanding with an added bonus of a helicopter flying overhead. Upon arrival we are told that the "Black Knights" will be parachuting while carrying the POW flag and the U.S. flag. What a sight. The freeway is closed down and every vehicle has come to a stop as we all look up and see the red smoke trail while the Black Knights come down. We are told to go to the upper deck of the Harley Dealer for a catfish meal and program. All branches of the military are honored, an honorary table is reverently set for our MIA/POW's, the group can walk the trail of honor, and a cannon blasts on the hour. A fine turn out with delicious food for all and warm hugs, tears, and again goodbyes. The HD dealer opened up and serviced many bikes on the spot. Thank you Jackson, Mississippi! Once again we are escorted out of Jackson and on the road to Meridian.

Police escort Southern Route to the AG Pavilion where many are awaiting SR arrival. Chunky River HOG provides a wonderful barbeque chicken dinner. We are happy to be back in Meridian, the city that opens its' heart to Run For the Wall and always says, "You have the keys to the city." The night ends with daily raffles and everyone heads to motels and camping. It's been a long but wonderful day. 

Mississippi

• Don "Papa Bear" Stringer Mississippi State Coordinator 
• Mississippi Highway Patrol
• Central Mississippi Harley Davidson, Earl Rottman
• France Knight, LAMOPH
• Chunky River Harley Owner Group (HOG) Meridian, MS
• Semper Fi/Always Faithful
• Baymont Inn Hotel accommodations Meridian, MS
• Econo Lodge Hotel accommodations Meridian, MS
• Meridian Fairgrounds Ag Pavilion FREE camping Meridian, MS

Sit Rep ~ Day 7-Tues., May 25, 2004 ~ 
Meridian, Miss. to Chattanooga, Tenn.~290 mi.

Remembering Tuscaloosa Mustang tells us, "Like the first year we stopped to visit with the Veterans at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospital, Marty's eyes still fill with tears remembering the Veteran he met that had been in the hospital 1 year longer than Marty is old." 

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Women's Auxiliary serves breakfast at the Ag Pavilion for all riders. We sign up more riders with a total of approximately 650 riders since day 1 in Ontario. Of course some riders have dropped off at their destinations and others continue on.

Today we leave Meridian headed for Chattanooga, but first we stop at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. An escort and parade into Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and as we drive along there are flags lining the streets. Upon arrival there are crowds of people on both sides of the drive waving flags, cheering and welcoming home the veterans. Lunch is served to the group and groups are taken to the 4th floor to visit veterans. Tuscaloosa has started a RFTW photo/memory wall in one of the main halls and plan to fill it year after year as RFTW comes to visit. Southern Route donated toiletries and miscellaneous items for the patients. Depart Tuscaloosa for Gadsden 12:00 noon and arrive at Chattanooga 14:45. A lot of construction coming in and all riders make it in safely. Southern route receives a wonderful reception upon arrival. Thunder Creek H D hosts a dinner reception. More delicious food and dinner with the gold star mothers is a welcome blessing. Music from a Native American group is performed with the raising of the POW flag. Taps was beautifully played on a wooden wind flute. Chaplain Anthony offers up prayer. The sun is going down and warm breezes feel great after a long day of riding in the humid heat. 

As you look around at all the riders it is plain to see friendships forming and a common bond between all.....the mission "We Ride for those Who Can't." We are grateful for the opportunity to spread the meaning, touching hearts along the way and healing our own hearts too.

Alabama

• Rusty Watts Alabama State Coordinator
• Tuscaloosa Police Department Tuscaloosa, AL
• VFW Post 6022

Tennessee

• Lou Mulsand Tennessee State Coordinator
• Rolling Thunder Chapter II of Tennessee 
• Christian Motorcyclists Association Cleveland and Chattanooga, TN
• Quillen Veterans Administration Medical Center Johnson City, TN
• Thunder Creek Harley FREE camping Chattanooga, TN
• Tennessee State Police 

Sit Rep ~ Day 8 ~ Wed., May 26, 2004 ~ 
Chattanooga, Tenn. to Wytheville, VA ~ 298 miles 

"When things get rough ... I remember that I am not alone ... and there are others who still care about our POW & MIAs, believe me it makes difference. That's what the Run is about for me, making a difference in the quality of people's lives by helping the healing to begin." Iz 

Morning briefing is at Thunder Creek HD and sign ups are going strong. Southern Route has signed up approximately 700 riders now. We have had to use red, white, and blue ribbon pins because we have run out of wristbands. Top Sarge has been busy with printing more itineraries and of course handing out tons of Chap Stick and sunscreen. Lil 9 ball is busy with her crew at the merchandise truck and with the number of riders; requests for RFTW items have greatly increased. 2004 is proving to be a very "BIG" year in every way. Teams are working well with each other. We send a big Thank You to our pump jockeys who ride ahead of the pack to prepare the gas pumps and stand and make sure all riders are fueled up with less confusion, getting everyone in and out of the area quickly. Are hats are off to you. Thank you Slammer and 9 ball for a well organized and smooth running Run For The Wall Southern Route. Aloha what can we say for all the daily prayers, except "mahalo." It is because of the prayers of our loved ones at home and those here on the run that we ride safely, with protection along the way. For the support vehicle drivers' thanks don't seem enough for the endless driving and assistance you provide the riders. Thank you for being there! Jerry we hear the "Nam Vet" book is being well received by our fantastic veterans along the way. A Big THANKS to all of you who support our mission, those with us and those back home.....WE LOVE YOU!

Departure at Chattanooga 0800 and Knoxville here we come and we can't wait for the "Krispy Crème" donuts that await us there! At the VAMC in Johnson City we lay a wreath in memory of those who have given all for our freedom. A visit with in patents at the Johnson City VAMC is followed by lunch provide by Rolling Thunder TN 4 and VFW Post 2108... in the shad of an outdoor pavilion! Thank you for the great meal and shade.

As we form up to ride on to Wytheville our missing man rider is the Mayor of Wytheville. Upon arriving Wytheville Memorial Park we are greeted as old friends, very much a tribute to the American Veterans. 

Wytheville HD dose us proud by opening its doors for entertainment an any service needed into the wee hours. Shuttle service is also provided to and from our rooms and a great steak dinner provided by the Moose Lodge. 

With a great meal, our bikes in safe hands and a warm shower we retire for much needed sleep...ZZZZZZZZZZ!

Tennessee

• Lou Mulsand Tennessee State Coordinator 
• Rolling Thunder Chapter II of Tennessee 
• Christian Motorcyclists Association Cleveland and Chattanooga, TN
• Quillen Veterans Administration Medical Center Johnson City, TN
• Thunder Creek Harley FREE camping Chattanooga, TN
• Tennessee State Police 

Sit Rep ~ Day 9 ~ Thurs., May 27, 2004 ~ 
Wytheville, VA to Roanoke, VA ~ 140 miles

""We had stopped at the [Montvale] elementary school outside of Wytheville, VA to give the kids a POW flag for their new flagpole. All the students had made little fridge magnets for our bikes with their school mascot on them (a young minuteman). We were in the drive trading RFTW pins for magnets, when I saw a young girl in a wheel chair up on the sidewalk. She couldn't get off the curb to get to us and give away her magnet, so I went over and asked her name. It was Kayla. When she gave me her magnet, I started to give her a small RFTW pin, but decided to go one better and asked if I could [pin] her my unit pin from Vietnam on her shirt (it was a bigger pin). While I was doing that, another guy came over and asked if he, too, could give her a pin. Shortly, Kayla had more pins than any other student, and about a dozen or so of us were trying unsuccessfully to get the raindrops out of our eyes. As we walked away, one of the guys looked at me and said, ‘Most of the year, I think I'm the biggest bad ass around, but then someone like Kayla shows me I'm not." Hoppy

The early morning wreath laying at Wytheville Memorial Park was followed by a energizing and emotional program with school children, teachers and citizens of Wytheville. A wonderful send off for a short riding day... finally only 140 miles! The emotional exhilaration ahead was beyond anyone's expectation. 

Hoppy we second your words on Montvale Elementary school. The welcoming chants of USA, USA, and USA brought home what America really feels for its veterans. Then to personalize it even more came the chant... BIGFOOT, BIGFOOT, BIGFOOT and all knew Warren was a hero to these kids. We all had the honor of spending lunch in the different classrooms selected for small groups of 10-12 riders. After lunch with the students an awesome, all American, program was given in honor of the veterans and all veterans. Montvale Elementary School you have moved from a flag waving drive by a few short years ago to a huge heart doctor for all of us today, may God bless you. 

A short trip down the road and we were at the D-Day Memorial, the 60th anniversary on June 6th. Not like the children of Montvale Elementary yet emotion filled. We all know that we ride for those who can't and many gave all on D-Day, June 6, 1944. 

At the Virginia Veterans Care Center we meet some who were on the beaches at D-Day and have our evening meal at the Salem VAMC. Ironically, this is in the same area where the original 12 on the southern route recon ate in year 2000.

At one of the stops, an elderly woman with tears in her eyes says, "I want to tell you that I lost my husband 30 years ago in Laos and he's never been found...we don't talk about it because it hurts so much, but I want to personally thank you for what you are doing to keep the issue alive because it gives us hope." Faith.

Tomorrow we meet with central route in Woodstock. The wall will be the ending event with mission accomplished. One more day.....

Virginia

• Laurie "Airborne" Clay Virginia State Coordinator
• City of Wytheville Wytheville, VA
• Spiller Primary School Wytheville, VA
• Harley Davidson of Wytheville Wytheville, VA
• Holiday Inn Hotel accommodations Wytheville, VA
• KOA Campgrounds Camping Wytheville,VA
• Virginia State Police
• Montvale Elementary School "Home of the Little Patriots" Montvale, VA
• Salem Police Department Salem, VA Disabled American Veterans of America Chapter 3
• Quality Inn Hotel accommodations Roanoke, VA
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel accommodations Roanoke, VA 
• Salem VAMC Camping Roanoke

Sit Rep ~ Day 10 - Fri., May 28, 2004 ~ 
Roanoke, VA to Washington D.C. and to the "Wall" ~ 239 miles

"Upon returning home I found that my life had changed. I understood more about the POW/MIA issues, veteran issues, and the healing power that exists in the RFTW family. I also learned that each and every one of us (vet or non-vet) who lived during the Vietnam War era needs some type of healing. I tell every FNG that I talk with...RFTW will change your life forever and they are about to become a member of a wonderful family...it's the time with the family that I love the most." Gator

The DAV provided us with a wonderful breakfast and early morning meeting area. Registration has gone far beyond expectations, now over 800. The 7 am meeting is our last as Southern Route, today we join Central Route and become one Run For The Wall family. Awards, certificates, and admiration is distributed among the group. With a closing note our Chaplain "Aloha" eulogizes our journey and challenges each to make this the beginning of a new life for themselves. As Gator said "that each and every one of us (vet or non-vet) who lived during the Vietnam War era needs some type of healing" so let the healing begin.

After a gas stop we arrive at Woodstock just before Central Route who we have seen on the way. Central Route heads into D.C. with Southern Route as second platoon. This is a new maneuver in hopes of relieving the stressful trip. The National Park Police escort picked up only first platoon and southern goes it alone. A great trip into D.C. with awesome leadership and road guards. We are told that our entry into DC was one of the tightest in formation as it has ever been. On lookers were amazed as we enter the city, not one bike out of place. Thank you Road Guards & Leadership!!!!!

Well as predicted the WWII Memorial dedication this weekend and crowds, press, etc. has caused some congestion in the city, yet thank you "Airborne" and "Lt" as our arrival went well. A family photo was taken at the Lincoln Memorial, lower steps. Then it was time to move to the "Wall"... this is an emotional time yet there was courage and strength last seen when we were brothers together. The Rolling Guard Flags were delivered and the special signed cards that Montvale Elementary children gave us to place at the Wall. Tears are shed by many, warm hugs from brother to brother and sister. The Healing Wall, never changes, always calling out to us and moving our hearts with compassion to reflect upon our fallen comrades. We appreciate those who fought for our freedom, and we know more than ever that freedom is NOT free. Some riders stay longer, others are moving out for the hotels and campgrounds. Though this seems to be the end of a long journey, tomorrow will again bring us all back together for one more ride as we go to Arlington Cemetery.
Washington, D.C.

• National Park Service Police Escort into "The Wall"
• Comfort Inn, Alexandria

Many thanks go out to all of you who have given so much of your time, put forth so much effort, all of the fuel donations along the way, Hoss Cat thanks to you and your dad for the truck and trailer for merchandise and water, Jim for your truck and trailer and endless trips with the bikes, Anne & Frank Perry (for all the wonderful photos taken, you have truly captured the heart of the riders and those friends we have met along the way), Shirley & Vance for your van for all the registrations, snacks and water/drinks, etc., all the volunteers assisting leadership team, the chaplain and his wife on Central Route who donated motorcycle bibles for chaplain on the Southern Route, for all of you who's names we never got published in time for the sit-reps please forgive us, WE LOVE YOU and we do Appreciate you! Words cannot explain the heartfelt thanks that the riders have for such a wonderful 2004 journey across our beautiful nation.

Word came to Southern Route that rain storms were about 30 minutes behind us the entire time, but it seems that we were given a parting of the clouds and sunshine the whole way. Coming into DC it was cloudy and cool, which was much needed, but still we had no rain. Thank you for the blessings..... One more day to Arlington and then Rolling Thunder Parade on Sunday.