Sitreps from the Runs for the Wall: Southern Route 2005

There were hugs and kisses and even a few tears, there were meetings and greetings with those we hadn't seen in a year. We sat awhile and chatted awhile, then we had our meetings and loaded up the gear, cause tomorrow morning  will
be here sooner than we think.

Our ride begins in a few hours and I'm too tired to write another  word.  Peace and Blessing to all, Tomorrow I begin my journey Home.

Preacher

Day 1

It was an amazing day, and a long one for most of us. Some were up at 0330 to make the various meetings starting at 0500 that make the run go as smooth as it does. Watching everything come together was absolutely mesmerizing. 

Registration was ready to go at 0630. At 0715 the riders meeting began with the color guard. Introductions, instructions and prayer offered by Chaplain Richard Perkins. At 0740, we experienced a helicopter flyover. 

The CHP CLOSED Interstate 10 long enough for everyone to get on, get up to speed and settled in. It was an awesome thing to see over 140 bikes participating at the kickoff.

By the time we reached Coachella, the temperature was 84 degrees, by the time we reached Desert Center around 11:30, it was 98 degrees. Enough about the weather. Arizona Highway Patrol met us at Tonapah and escorted over 200 riders into Phoenix to the VA Hospital. We had some 4 wheelers trying to cut into the pack, but with Top Sarge on the radio and the great work by our Road Guards everyone made the trip safe. Some of us went to the Hospital and others went to the Soldier's Home for one on one visits, the visit totally made my day, even after the long ride, just chatting and fellowshipping with the guys and gals was so rejuvenation and just left me with a feeling I can only say I wish you were here.

'Church of the Son' served another wonderful barbecue dinner this year, you guy are awesome. I almost forgot, there was an awesome colorguard presentation and great singing at the VA before dinner. Tomorrow, on to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Peace and Blessing to all, Tomorrow begins day 2 of my journey Home.

I would like to mention most of the Leadership for the Southern Route.

Day 2 - 9 days to the wall.

Again the day was started with a rider's meeting, and we started today's ride with a prayer from Chaplain Perkinds. It was a beautiful, warm morning in Phoenix.

We had a lot of mileage to cover, 390 miles. It was 94 degrees when we went through Tucson. We decided that Tucson had the rudest drivers, because they insisted on getting between us and cutting into the ranks on the Interstate, and were stubbornly refusing to move over. Hey, if that blonde out there in the tan Chevy Impala is out there, your vehicle is NOT a phone booth. Okay. enough of that.

Our first stop was in Marana, and it was already heating up to 98 degrees, but Hal at the Marana grocery store donated water, gatorade and fruit. Thanks Hall we Love ya. We were in and out of the gas line very efficiently. From Marana, we headed toward Willcox, where a barbecue lunch was served at the Chamber of Commerce. Dick's Family Kitchen provided burgers, hot dogs, beans and Potato salad. The interstate in and out of Willcox was under construction, with only one lane open. It slowed us down a bit. It was 98 at Willcox, too.

When we stopped in Gage, NM at Butterfield Stage stop, volunteers were there with cold water and head bandanas. Butterfield had a nice gift shop, and many riders bought small souvenirs.

In Gage, we picked up a helicopter escort that rode over until we reached Las Cruces. The pilot and crew landed at Barnett Harley-Davidson, where we were served a delicious Mexican dinner. Entering Las Cruces was a treat, we were greeted by flags and banners on the overpasses as well as at the bottom of the offramp. Gas was generously provided by Oscar Andrade at the Pic Quick. We Love you too Oscar, we love everyone. The Local TV news crew was waiting and did some interviews.

Something unusual happened, the first 18 wheeler joined our run. He is a vet, and has been following us since Ontario and is heading into Jackson, MS, wanted to register and is now officially on the run keeping other big rigs off our butt's. It was another amazing day. Also, I want to mention the pump jockey competition, way to go Pancho's team, you are today's winner. Until tomorrow, Peace and Blessings.

Lets give these people some props.

Day 3 
Las Cruces New Mexico to Odessa-Midland Texas.

This morning we were treated to breakfast at the VFW Post 10124, provided by 10124 and Post 6917. The menu included orange juice, coffee, eggs scrambled with red and green peppers, sausage and biscuits. 

After breakfast, we departed for the Las Cruces Veterans Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. We had three active - duty in uniform to assist in the wreath - laying ceremony. Brigadier General Robert Reese, WSMR was the speaker along with the Mayor. One officer recently returned from Iraq wounded, and lost 15 buddies. Another, Blinkies granddaughter had her basic training graduation today, and wedding tomorrow. Congrats. Today we crossed into Texas... the state that never ends. Or so it seems to those traveling across. We stopped in Clint for gas, and it was 93 degrees. 

Lunch was on our own in Van Horn, TX, where the temperature hit 100 degrees. Sam and Poncho won the pump jockey competition (who pumps the most gas) both this morning and afternoon. Better luck tomorrow Marty and Gale. After Van Horn we transitioned to I-20, towards Odessa. The temperatures went up to 103! by the time we reached Pecos for the next gas stop, we were ready for water, gatorade and ice cream. Ray and Kay from Odessa paid for everyone's gas. Thank you Ray and Kay! 

Our last stop for today was at the Oil Patch RV park in Odessa. We ate a delicious dinner of brisket, coleslaw, beans, potato salad, rolls and a wonderful assortment of desserts. Thank you IBSA, CASI and Operation Desert Storm Assoc. Some stayed at the RV Park, and the rest stayed at Airport Plaza Inn. So tired and a little road sore. Peace and Blessings. 8 days to the Wall.

NM Cont: 
Roger Miller, Commander, VFW Post 6917, Mesilla Valley, NM 
Paul M. Smith, President, Men's Auxiliary, J.M.Carrierre-VFW Post 10124 
Harold Whalen, Commander, Marine Corps League 
Michael Dixon, Commander, ROTC, Onate High School 
William Mattiace, Mayor, City of Las Cruces, NM 
Ralph Meyers, Commander, VFW Post 10124 
American Legion Riders, Chapter 1 
American Legion Riders, Chapter 4 
American Legion Riders, Chapter 5 
Daniel Dilow, Commander, JROTC, Las Cruces High School 
Roberto's Mexican Food 
Dickerson's Catering 
Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. 
City of Las Cruces Police Department 
Don Morrison, Provost Marshal, WSMR 
TX West: 
Mike Barton, Cotton Valley Exxon 
Royce Barton, Cotton Valley Exxon 
Karen Mead

Day 4 
Odessa TX to Weatherford TX

It was another gorgeous morning. The sun was just coming up when we left our hotel for Oil Patch RV Park, where breakfast was provided. We were served bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits with gravy, plus coffee.

At 0800 we departed for the Permian Basin Memorial Site. This memorial was conceived on a cocktail napkin in 1986. It has been completely planned and financed by a group of Vets. It's really beautiful, and heart warming. and heart wrenching at the same time. There are over 200 Vets memorialized. There's a helicopter that appears to be in flight, and at night the landing lights shine on the bronze statue. An eternal flames burns. This is the kind of memorial that helps with the healing, that there are those who care enough to put this project together and see it through to the end. Our own RFTW color guard proudly participated in the ceremony. 

At 0900 we departed for the VA Medical Center in Big Spring, where we visited patients out in the front of the building and many of us were up on the wards too. The time went too quickly, and we were on the road again for Colorado City.

In Colorado City we were treated to lunch and an awesome program by the talented students, teachers and staff at Colorado Middle School. Some students talked about uncles and grandfathers that served in the Military. They put on a great show. These folks are really talented.

Next, we had a gas stop in Baird. Gatorade and water was donated Vivian. With temperatures over 100 degrees again, keeping the riders hydrated is very important. Sometimes we grab water bottles from the riders and hand them a cold one, the water left in their bottles is actually hot.

Only 33 more miles after Baird, the Eastfield, TX Chamber of Commerce provided water and small servings of ice cream, real small servings of ice cream. It was good ice cream and the break was refreshing.

The American Legion Post 163 provided a great bar-b-cue dinner in Weatherford and this tired soul was off to rest up and prepare for tomorrow. Peace and Blessings. 7 days to go.

TX Central: 
Big Spring Vietnam Memorial Committee, Big Spring, TX 
Mark Merrell, Colorado City, TX 
City of Eastland, Texas 
Hosey Henderson 
West Texas Barbeque Association 
Vic Silvester 
Weda Fox, West To Go, Baird, TX 
Lou Ann Atkins, Director, Big Spring V.A. Hospital 
Staff, Big Spring V.A. Hospital

Day 5 
Weatherford TX to Monroe, LA
Sunday, May 22, 2005 

This morning started with a short non-denominational service, followed by the riders meeting. Merchandise sales are going great and we are handing out donated water and gatorade all day. Sunscreen is abundant. Missing man riders are changing twice daily giving riders the opportunity to honor MIA's and process personal feelings of wartime losses, what an honor. The monkey butt powder is awarded daily and is good for laughs. We signed up about 165 riders in Weatherford. Our group is getting notice simply by the sheer size of it, about 3 miles long. 

In Terrell, our gas stop and sign up was at Brookshires Chevron Grocery. The parking lot was FULL with bikes and spectators, we picked up 250 day riders! The Terrell Chamber of Commerce and the community provided sandwiches, chips, gatorade, water, juice and volunteers pumped free gas. 

On to Longview, where lunch was prepared and served by the Longview American Legion Post # 131. It was a fun stop. After lunch we headed for a quick gas stop in Minden and then on to the Shriners Hall in Monroe. The Sons of the Confederate Vets cooked up a wonderful catfish fry, with jambalaya and gumbo and potatoes. What a great dinner. after dinner they explained all about the SCV and their flags. 

Some stayed at the Shriner Hall and camped out back while others were headed to the Day's Inn or Best Western. Another great day, can't wait for tomorrow, I heard Mississippi is awesome. I'll let you know. Peace and Blessings. 7 days to the Wall. 

TX East: 
American Legion Post 131, Longview, TX 
American Legion Post 163, Weatherford, TX 
Buddy Pricer, Longview, TX 
American Legion Riders of Texas 
Greg Smith, Construction Safety & Health, Inc., Austin, TX 
LA: 
Bayou Honda 
Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson 
Roger Easterling 
Thomas Morgan 
Gene Easterling 
Todd Maxwell 

Day 6 
Monday, May 23, 2005
Monroe to Meridian

We left Monroe under partly cloudy skies, 75 degrees. We picked up DPS Escort at MS State Line. Harley Davidson of Jackson provided lunch and a wonderful ceremony. It seemed as though all of Jackson came out, the 'Black Knights' parachuted while carrying the POW flag and the U.S. flag. What a sight. All branches of the military are honored with a Dignitary Naval Greeting, an honorary table is set for our MIA/POW's with a great ceremony, the groups than walked the trail of honor where a cannon blasts on the hour. We had a visit by the Governor, who gave a short speech and the youngest Medal of Honor winner Jack Lucas (Who is so cool, he blew me away) and many former POWs. 

The "Trail of Honor," a special trail that features revolutionary war encampments and batteries of soldiers dressed in attire depicting the eras from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. When we left the Harley Dealership we toured by the VAMC. Police Escort to Downtown Meridian, where we paraded, laid a wreath at the Veterans Monument at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Food was provided, and we were back at our hotel by 7pm. What a day, couldn't wait to get to sleep. Peace and Blessings. Almost Home.

MS: 
Mississippi Highway Patrol 
Jackson Mississippi Police Department 
Semper Fi 
Harry Burnham 
John Johnson 
Lucky Osborne 
Bo Maske 
Chuck Holifield 
Joe J. Adair, Director, VA Regional Office, Jackson, MS 
Robert Lynch, M.D., Network Director, SCVAHCN, Jackson, MS 
Rebecca Wiley, Acting Director, VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 
Leonard T. Outlaw, Police Chief, VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 
Nancy Mullins, POW Coordinator, VA Regional Office, Jackson, MS 
Dr. J. Harbour, POW Coordinator, VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 
American Legion Post #1 
V.F.W. Post #9832 
Brandon P.D. Motor Unit 
Flowood P.D. Motor Unit 
Madison P.D. Motor Unit 
Rankin Co. S.O. Motor Unit 
Warren Co. S.O. Motor Unit 
Ridgeland P.D. Motor Unit 
Jack Hobb 
Jim Addy Wade 
North Jackson Honda

Day 7  
Tuesday, May 24, 2005 
Meridian to Chattanooga

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Women's Auxiliary served breakfast at the Ag Pavilion. We had sunny skies and 72 degrees as we departed Meridian for Chattanooga. We had a ride of about 90 miles to Tuscaloosa. We gassed up at the Love's truck stop, and then were escorted by DPS to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. As we drive along there are flags lining the streets. We were greeted by folks waving flags, and lots of cheers. The excitement can be summed up by one tiny little boy at the curb that pointed and shouted "motorcycles!" 

We were treated to a lunch in their beautiful atrium that was air-conditioned, but with the glass ceiling it was like sitting outside, without the humidity. 

Tuscaloosa is a beautiful city. 

We had a little bit of traffic when we reached Chattanooga, so it took some time to get through it all to the Thunder Creek Harley Davidson. Music from a Native American group is performed with the raising of the POW flag. Taps was played on a wooden wind flute. There was a lovely dinner of chicken-fried steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, and LOTs of dessert. We had dinner with the Gold Star mothers and then off to our sleeping arrangements. Peace and Blessings. 

AL: 
Pilot Truck Stop, Tuscaloosa, AL 
Discount Food Mart, Asheville, AL 
Blue Knights Alabama III

Day 9
Wytheville to Roanoke 

After a wonderful breakfast at Wytheville's Memorial Park, we were treated to a program by the children of Wytheville. After a wonderful visit, we were on the road again. We departed Wytheville's Memorial Park for Montvale, where we were treated to delicious box lunch and Program with the Children of Montvale Elementary School. We were welcomed to the school by cheering, waving flags, and holding hand-made signs. These are beautiful, talented kids! They put every single vet that is visiting that school on their Wall of Honor. These kids are so full of excitement.

Next was a visit to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. It is an 88-acre monument including a moving recreation of the actual beachhead assault (complete with lifelike statuary). In 1944, the population of Bedford, VA was 3,200. Home to Company A of the 116th Infantry Regiment, the town sent 35 soldiers to Normandy, France during World War Two. Twenty-one of those men died on June 6, 1944 -- forever after known as D-Day. Sadly, this harrowing statistic put Bedford on the map for suffering the highest per-capita loss of any community in the nation.

We did a Southern-route group shot on the steps in front of the Overlord Arch. It is just beautiful. Next we visited Salem VAMC, Virginia Veterans Care Center & Homeless Shelter and were served dinner. This old vet is so tired. Peace and Blessings.

Day 10 
Roanoke to Alexandria
Friday, May 27, 2005 

Breakfast was at 6:30 am at the DAV across the street from the Virginia Veterans Care Center and Salem VAMC. After a delicious breakfast and plenty of coffee. Next, we gathered for our last meeting, and the certificates for those that helped the Southern Route; and patches for leadership and Road Guards.

There are so many kind, talented people in the leadership groups. The Road Guards did an astounding job keeping the riders together and safe. Don't forget to thank The Road Guards if you get a minute. And, thank you to the strike team who went ahead to get cones ready to stage the bikes, and to help pump gas. 

At our morning gas stop in Toms Brook, we combined the Southern Route and the Central Route for our ride into D.C.

A group photo was taken at the Lincoln Memorial, lower steps. We then move on to the Wall. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial....The destination we've been anticipating.

There were tears, plenty of them. Flags, notes from the school children, and other tributes were laid at the base of the Wall. We went in groups for support, which was a HUGE blessing. 

At 6:00 pm "A GATHERING OF THE RUNS" dinner and get-together at the Holiday Inn Arlington. It was good to wind down with new friends.. and old ones, too. Peace.

TN:
Thunder Creek HD
Clyde Luttrell 
U.S.C.A.V.
Management & Staff of Davy Crockett Travel Center
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts of Knoxville
Randy Smith and Staff, TA Knoxville, TN

VA:
Spiller Primary School, Wytheville, VA.
Harley Davidson of Wytheville
Virginia State Police, Division 6
Virginia State Police, Division 7
Montvale Elementary School
Jeff East
Roanoke Valley Veterans Council
The Links, Wytheville, VA