Remember Our Fallen Ride: Mission Complete

We arrived in DC on Friday and visited the Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam War Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial on Saturday. However, my mission wasn’t complete until I visited the WWII War Memorial today (Sunday).

I promised my friend Andrew when I took on the mission of riding in memory of his grandfather, a three war veteran, that I would take his bio to each of the memorials for the wars in which he fought. Saturday, we visited The Wall with members of the Ride For Our Fallen, then my family walked over to the Korean War Memorial, which is on the opposite side of the Lincoln Reflection Pond. The park ranger there who read the bio was openly moved. Today, we took the bio to the WWII War Memorial. The small gallery that follows is a hero’s bio taken to each of the war memorials to those who were lost in the conflicts in which he fought. We left the bio at the WWII Memorial, leaning against the wreath shown in the image below.

While we were on the journey across the country I met a young boy named Tate, who dropped a small flag on the ground at our stop in Wentzville. I told that young man I would carry that flag to The Wall to maintain its honor. He agreed and that flag went into a storage compartment on my bike. I’d forgotten that flag when I visited The Wall with the run’s other riders so I took a second trip to The Wall after hours. In the image below, the flag in the middle of the Run For The Wall plaque was the flag I carried for Tate to The Wall.

While we were visiting Gallup NM, I met a Vietnam Veteran (Tom D.) while awaiting pizza delivery in the lobby of our hotel. We struck up a conversation about our mission rolling across the country. While we were talking, the veteran told me of his high school best friend who died in the Vietnam War within the first two weeks in-country. His hero-friend was a door gunner on a Marine helicopter. I promised the gentleman that I would take a rubbing of his friend’s name at The Wall and then mail it to him. Unfortunately, the rain prevented me from taking a rubbing, but I did capture a photo of his friend’s name on The Wall. Michael Barr perished in 1968. The photo of his name on The Wall is below.

On our journey across the country, I met a new brother, Jed Gilman. He was one of our Platoon Leaders. I took on the role of his Tail Gunner about halfway through the trip. It was a great pleasure to help Jed keep our two-wheeled riders safe as we navigated some rather dangerous, congested, highways. Jed’s brother Frederick Gilman was lost in Vietnam. He was killed in action on March 16th, 1970. On the day that Jed rode the missing man for his brother, Jed handed out wristbands so we all could honor his brother’s ultimate sacrifice. Like some of the other riders, I left the wristband I was given at the base of The Wall under Frederick’s name. As we were leaving The Wall I told Jed that I would need a new band next year. Then and there his wife took her band off her wrist and gave it to me. I’m wearing that wristband as I type. It is always the right time to remember our fallen. You’ll find an image of Frederick’s name on The Wall along with images of the wristbands left by myself and others.

Thank you for following along with the journey, I hope it has helped you to remember the fallen this Memorial Day. Below you will find some of the images I’ve taken as we’ve visited Washington DC. Click the image to see a full sized version.

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Remember Our Fallen day 10: Arrival!!

Today was so very exciting for me. When I rode the last day to DC with another organization, I was riding with my dad. Unfortunately, he had a mechanical issue with his bike and we found ourselves arriving to DC much later than the pack. It was gratifying to complete that mission, but I missed arriving with the family I’d made over the course of our cross country journey. Today was different. As we rode into Arlington my emotions overcame me and I was a wreck in my helmet. Those who had arrived before us from different routes across the country were waving us into the parking lot with flags, salutes, and cheering. There were hugs all around, photos were taken and contact information for new family was exchanged. We bonded as brothers and sisters aligned to one purpose. Those who were strangers at first are now family whose shared experiences through the honoring of fallen heroes, rain, wind, and sewing into the communities we visited along the way have woven our hearts together. None of us will ever be the same. We have run a segment of the race set before us and you have been part of our cloud of witnesses; Hebrews 12:1.

The morning started under threat of rain but we mostly experienced sporadic sprinkles. The heavy rains didn’t materialize until well after our mid-afternoon arrival. As is our tradition we started the morning safety briefing with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer followed by information about our route and the hazards we’d face on the road. Lastly, and most importantly, Audrey told us about the fallen we’d honor in the Missing Man formation. Each story is compelling and it is one of the most important parts of each day.

Gratefully, the day was very uneventful. The roads were only a little hectic getting into the city whereas in years past, the congestion has been tremendous and the ride treacherous. Our day was rather short consisting of just three legs and two stops. The first stop was for gas and a very early lunch. The second stop was a gas stop, which was paid for by three of our riders who returned back toward home at that point. It was great riding a few days with these wonderful friends. It was even more special having my family meet them.

Our arrival does not mean our mission is over. The mission is not over until we visit The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and for me it extends to the Korean and the WWII memorial. I’ve ridden this entire ride in memory of the grandfather of my Worship Pastor. Over this weekend, I’ll take his grandfather’s bio and photo to each of these memorials in honor of his sacrifice for country.

I’ve included a few images from the beginning and the end of the day.

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Captain’s Blog, Remember Our Fallen Ride Date, day 9; Students, Students, and Happy Birthday’s

The title is a shout-out to my son who suggested that since I’m a retired US Army Captain, I go full Star Trek. My family and a few riders started the day at our hotel with the presentation of a road name for Crysten. Boilermaker (Dan Koster) dubbed her Sunshine. It’s perfect! The spelling on the tape is as you’d expect but Dan is going to change it to Sonshine since the light that Crysten exudes comes from her love of Jesus and He shines through her. Thanks, Dan Koster, you chose well.

Today we started in Nitro WV with a send off from the students of a local elementary school. News media was on hand, and the students were awesome. It is always wonderful to see community leaders and educators reflecting the value of veterans issues to younger generations.

Preparing to leave Nitro

After our departure from Nitro, we rode to the WV State Capitol in Charleston. The visit to the Capitol and its monuments is always memorable. Today’s visit did not disappoint. We were treated to see Ronnie (Rock), one of the Tailgunners from my first ride with another organization that travels through these parts this same time of year. Ronnie waved us in and hugged us all. I’m glad my family was able to meet him. We also were able to speak to a young man who has been coming to the Capitol to greet riders of that other group and ours since he was three years old. He graduated from high school this year. When you view the media gallery below, look for a young man wearing a blue shirt and shorts. Our ride leadership presented cards to him and we all thanked him for coming out. When I was 18, and the years leading up to it, I don’t think I’d have had the presence of mind to do what he’s done all these years. Some of you who know me, might suggest differently since I joined the Army between my junior and senior years of high school, but what he has done takes a long term commitment that few young people have the ability to sustain.

We left the Capitol grounds and made the two’ish hour ride through the WV mountains to Rainelle. The roads were super curvy and the weather was perfect. Our reception in Rainelle was amazing. Once again there was a bit of rain inside my helmet. There were cheering students from the local school, and people from across the generational spectrum lining the streets. We paraded through town with the aide of a law enforcement escort and parked at the Rainelle Elementary School where we were blessed with lunch and a time to talk with the students and faculty. One of the teachers told me this day is their favorite day of the year. She jokingly said, we should just skip all of the others and come straight to the day riders roll into town. Today is my daughter’s 18th birthday, and the school treated her to a birthday cake and the singing of Happy Birthday. We made her give a speech; thank you homeschooling where impromptu speeches are commonplace. Her sash reads “Charlie Mike on my 18th”. Charlie Mike is a military term that means “continue the mission.” Tonight we are resting in Lewisburg WV before we ride into DC. The mission is nearly complete.

Photos are below: the iron bike was purchased and erected at the school through the fundraising efforts of the students. The field of flags is a memorial to all of the West Virginia service members who have lost their lives in battle since WWI. There are about 1100 of them. One flag per person is there on the hill. It is a powerful presentation of honor. As always, click an image to see a larger version.

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Remember Our Fallen Day 8: Science, Reunions, and Flags

There are so many things to write about today that I’m afraid I’m not going to do any of them the justice they deserve. In short, we encountered friends we’ve not seen for several years, visited the amazing Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, were welcome at two locations by massive flags, had lunch at Man O’War Harley-Davidson, ate dinner in Nitro, WV and surprised my daughter there with the arrival of her brother and mother, who wouldn’t dream of missing Crysten’s 18th birthday, which is tomorrow.

Myself and Crysten with “Mama G”

We started our morning with a short sixty-five-mile ride to our first fuel stop. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see friends from my two previous rides with another organization that takes a similar route across the country. Hugs, smiles, and introductions were made to expand Crysten’s biker family to include some of the great people that comprise what I consider my “ride family”. Our two-wheel platoon swelled at that gas stop to include several more riders who will go with us the remainder of the way to Washington DC.

After our gas stop, we rode a short fifteen-mile leg to the Kentucky Vietnam War memorial. This memorial is not only a spectacular monument to the Kentuckians who lost their lives in Vietnam, it is also an amazing work of scientific art. At the monument, Marine SGT Reynolds opened our visit with a heart-moving story of how as long as he has breath, he fulfills his friend’s wish to make sure that on the Wednesday before Memorial Day at 10:00 am he would be there. The story was moving, powerful, and exemplifies the honor a warrior brotherhood bond forges between two people. While many of SGT Reynolds’ words were powerful, I greatly appreciated these; “If you don’t want to be prayed for, don’t come to Kentucky.” Nothing can stop a man who is a warrior both in his constitution, but also in his spirit on his knees. I look forward to seeing this man again. Next time, I will be sure to strike up a conversation and meet him, which I did not do today. The memorial is a sundial that casts a shadow on each fallen’s name on the date that he perished. It is a scientific work of art. I’ve put a link below to the memorial’s official webpage, which I highly encourage you to spend time reading.

Follow this link to learn about the amazing sundial Kentucky Vietnam war memorial.

Following our visit to the Kentucky Vietnam War memorial, we traveled a short distance to Man O’War Harley-Davidson where they graciously hosted us for a hamburger and hot dog lunch. Their service department also checked the fluids on my bike, which has been running really hot. I’ve resorted to riding a good amount of the day with my right leg on my highway peg to keep the heat from burning me. I was grateful for both the generous lunch and their report back to me that everything looks fine with my bike and that the hard riding we do where we frequently engine brake is likely the cause of the heat.

Another 30 miles down the highway and we rolled in to Zip Zone gas in Indian Mound, KY. There, we were met by a fire ladder truck with an enormous flag flowing graciously in the wind. I missed who gifted us with gas, but the stop was paid for. The donors also provided coffee, water bottles, and some amazing caramel candies. To those who cared for us so graciously, thank you. If you happen to read this blog, please reach out to me so I can properly identify you here.

Jean and Larry ready to ride Missing Man

The final leg of the day was very special. Before I left my home in Olympia Washington, I spoke to my friend and Worship Pastor, Andrew, about honoring his recently deceased grandfather by riding for him on the Remember our Fallen ride. Luis Castro Acobes was a three war veteran (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) who served in the army for 28 years. He was a Silver Star recipient and attained at least the rank of LTC. I was unable to verify his final rank, the photos provided to me show LTC rank insignia, but it also appears to show Brigadier General rank as well. Regardless of his final rank, his service and dedication to country through combat, enduring the trials of being a tortured POW, losing three KIA brothers, and finally finishing his service to the USA in the Secret Service, is extensive. I had previously ridden a missing man leg and also was responsible to the run filling the position of tail gunner, so I asked if our newly arrived friends Jean and Larry could ride the leg on my behalf. Thank you Ride For Our Fallen for honoring this veteran and thank you Jean and Larry for fulfilling the missing man escort role on such a long 120 mile leg.

Upon arrival in Nitro WV, we were met with two enormous flags held aloft by two fire ladder trucks. I’ve never seen such a massive POW/MIA flag. It was amazing to ride under those flags. There was certainly rain in my helmet as we approached our destination. Nitro, thank you for the warm welcome, super tasty bbq chicken and pulled pork and the gift of free gas. Your hospitality is equally as big as your hearts.

From before the ride began I’ve been harboring a secret from my daughter. Her 18th birthday is tomorrow so I arranged for my wife and son to fly out to meet us here in Nitro and then continue the remainder of the journey to Washington DC by rental car. The surprise reunion was all I’d hoped it would be; Crysten was completely surprised and so very happy to see her mom and brother.

Photos are below, as always click them to get a bigger, better view. Most are self explanatory but I want to expound on the small doughboy silhouette. These are painted and equally spaced on the sidewalk in the area of Nitro were we were hosted for dinner. They are there to honor the men who fought in WWI and to be a reminder of the city’s role in nitroglycerin production in support of the WWI war effort.

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Remember Our Fallen ride Day 7: Sweltering Heat and Soaring Spirits

Today’s ride started in Wentzville Missouri, the site of the first Vietnam war memorial in the United States. We staged at a local church then were escorted by a contingent of police motorcycles to the memorial a few miles away. There we participated in a wreath-laying and some emotional words from the local VFW Commander and the Wentzville Mayor. The heartfelt Welcome Home and recognition given to the Vietnam Veterans in our group was powerful and encouraging. We are grateful for you, Welcome Home. Our nation was founded by men of character, fought for by men of honor, and stewarded by people from all walks of life who love her. It is our veterans who bear the visible and invisible scars of sacrifice required for the protection of our heritage. For those wounds that take so long to heal, thank you, thank you so very much.

After the ceremony, we rode to a park from which we could clearly view the St. Luis Gateway Arch. The arch was built to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase, which occurred in 1803, and the role of the city as the gateway to the westward expansion of the United States. The arch stands at 630 feet making it more than twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty and 75 feet taller than the Washington Monument.

The Arch photo op was a great moment for us riders to take in the scenery which we often miss as we focus on the mission at hand. It also took us a bit more time than we expected so we arrived nearly an hour late for our planned lunch stop. Regardless our hosts in Graville, Illinois were overwhelmingly gracious. There were many members from the community and other riding organizations present. They all waited for us and blessed us immensely with pulled pork sandwiches, enough desert to start a bakery business, and such warm kind-heartedness that made each of us feel the warmth this small town has to offer. It is the selfless, patriotic actions of people like those in Grayville that bring restoration and healing to the veterans in our group, and those in their community. Mr. Gillard, thank you for coordinating such a fantastic reception for us, and thank you to the many hands from across the community who pitched in when asked for assistance. Our hearts are full and our spirits lifted by your generosity.

After lunch, we rode out of Illinois and into Indiana for our overnight stop in Corydon where I met two ladies who were eager to bless us by taking a group photo and then providing our evening meal. I left after thanking them for their kindness but didn’t participate as my passenger was feeling the effects of the day’s heat and humidity. However, I want those ladies and the people of Corydon who helped them support us to know that I am very much honored by your gift to us even though I had to choose a different path for my evening.

Below you will find some images from the day. I want to write about two of them. First, the young boy with whom I’m photographed holding a flag. This young man dropped that flag and was very sad that it hit the ground. After speaking with his mom, I called him over to me and we talked about how we protect the flag from touching the ground as an expression of honor. I then asked him if I could take it to the Wall and leave it there. He said “yes”, so we got a new flag for him and his flag is on my bike, bound for DC. The second image is of the Wentzville police patch. Just before we departed, one of the motorcycle officers who escorted us came down the line of bikes and said “I have just one more if anyone wants it.” I quickly turned and replied yes, but one of our riders had raised her hand first. He began to offer the patch to other person but she honored me with it instead. I’m not sure which hit my heart more, the kindness of the officer to offer a memento of our journey, or the gift of the rider who gave it to me instead of accepting it for herself. There is such generosity on the ride. The riders become family, our hosts, extended loved ones who nurture the flame that drives our mission, and the first responders, clergy, and community leaders shepherds to our spirits and safety. We couldn’t complete this mission without each and every participant, no matter how small their role. You can click on any image to make it larger.

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Remember Our Fallen ride Day 6: Raining in our helmets

Today’s route ran from Junction City Kansas to Wentzville Missouri. It was a hot humid day with some wind, but nothing serious. We felt a few sprinkles early but those were very short-lived. All in all, it was great riding weather.

The second leg of the day, I rode the Missing Man Formation for LCPL Christopher B. Wasser, KIA, Iraq. Please read his bio. Click the image to get a bigger version. When you ride for the Missing Man, you ride at Attention. You don’t salute others, and you don’t wave at patriots who come out to support the mission. It’s a duty of carrying the missing man’s honor, which is intended to be formal, respectful, and intentional. While I did not know LCPL Wasser, it was an honor to learn of his dedication to country that lead to him giving the ultimate sacrifice. LCPL Wasser, you are not forgotten.

We ate lunch in Concordia Missouri, a town I remember fondly from my first year riding with another organization. This town goes all-in to provide a memorable lunch in the park. Flags line the street, people wave from their homes, businesses, street corners, and sidewalks as we pass through town. This year even the Concordia Bank sign’s digital marquis read “Thank you for your service”. Crysten and I made a short Facebook Live video while in Concordia, you can view that here. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a large number of townsfolk who had made enough food to feed a number of riders exponentially larger than our group. There was so much provided that they asked us all to take some on the road with us to enjoy later. Besides their kindness and generosity, there was a standout moment that came from the Concordia Mayor, Michael Brown. Nestled in the middle of his kind words of welcome and well wishes of safety for our journey Mayor Brown said these words, “In a time where people are tearing down monuments, you are building living monuments.” Poignant words in a troubled time.

After lunch, we ticked off the miles to Wentzville Missouri where we were treated by an immense US Flag suspended across the street between the ladders of two fire engines. There is no way to describe the magnitude of the impact that flag had on our riders from the time we saw it until the time we rode under it. Crysten, correctly stated for me and many others, “it is raining again.” It indeed was raining inside many of our helmets. Once we were parked, the local veteran’s service organizations held a ceremony where we were honored with words from a State Representative, the Wentzville Mayor, the local VFW Post Commander, a rifle volley, and the playing of Taps. I was moved by the heartfelt, meaningful words from each of those who spoke. They truly love and honor this country and those who sacrifice for its freedoms. We were also gifted with a barbecued steak dinner, which was oh so very good.

Tomorrow we continue to move Eastwards towards our objective, Washington DC.

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Rain soaked morning: Remember Our Fallen ride day 5

Today, I took very few photos. It was a miserable morning and taking pictures just wasn’t feasible. We were up at 5:00, at McDonalds by 6:00, and ready for the morning safety briefing by 6:15. We ate while we listened to Nutz (our leader) remind us of the rules we ride by that keep us and others safe. The briefing took place in a lull between bands of absolute mayhem. When I packed the bike, the sky lashed me with sideways rain blowing at about 25mph. It was a chore to load the bike. However, I wasn’t fully soaked. I’d taken my rain gear off of the bike the night before and had it on while loading out. Chalk one up to foresight. The rain subsided during the morning briefing, but radar imaging indicated another band coming behind the first one. I thought we might get hit with that while we prepared as a group for the day, but we were spared the inconvenience.

Once we hit the road, we rode straight into the teeth of the first band of nastiness that assaulted me in my hotel parking lot. However, it added a new twist, hail. For the next 60’ish miles we rode single file down the highway with the wind, rain, and hail pummeling riders from right to left. We usually ride side-by-side and nose-to-tail but not in that weather. We were given the signal to ride single file in an attempt to keep everyone safe. When we cleared the storm, I peeled my hands from the bike controls and stretched my neck which was aching from fighting the wind that attempted to tear helmet from head. The ride leadership, tail gunners, and the riders themselves are all to be commended for seeing everyone through what could have been a complete disaster.

Lunch was served in Oakley, where I was so focused on getting dried out and eating that I forgot to snap any photos. They served us a warm lunch of chicken-fried-steak, potato salad, chips, and desert. The outpouring of this town upon us on a Sunday was not missed. I am very grateful for their sacrifice of time, energy and resources to bless us.

The remainder of the day ticked off the miles to Junction City, Kansas. The streets were lined from the freeway to their Vietnam Memorial in the center of town. However, the last few blocks found me whooping and hollering with gratitude and amazement at the countless number of US Flags lining the roadway; each held by a person who came out just to show honor to us and the mission. We met a lady CMA rider who took Crysten’s phone number promising to encourage her each morning with texts for the remainder of our journey. At the Vietnam Memorial, local news media filmed two of our cohort as they laid a wreath at the memorial. Our leaders also thanked the crowd for coming out and the Eagles provided dinner. They will also send us out with breakfast in the morning. So many blessing us, so much goodness aching to be recognized in our blessed United States.

A few photos are below. The two folks with me are Radar and Bait. Radar brought his son on the ride just as I am riding with my daughter Crysten. It is a testament to these two that they are even here. Bait had heart surgery not long ago and was cleared for the ride shortly before it started. I’ve enjoyed getting to know a little about the two and thought I’d bring a couple of faces of the great people on this ride to you. The writing on the pavement is in honor of the missing man. Each leg of our journey a different fallen hero is honored by the missing man formation. The name is written on the pavement in the place where a bike would be, and the slot is kept open while the ride progresses. It is a way to remember the fallen, the reason why we ride.

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Remember Our Fallen days 3 and 4

We have now traveled about half of the miles we will traverse to get to Washington DC and have six days remaining in our mission. Day’s three and four travel from Gallup NM to Limon CO.

Each morning we have a safety briefing and learn of the fallen whom the entire group will honor in the Missing Man formation. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited and the Chaplain prays for safety over the day’s activities. Usually, when we travel to Gallup, we are met with a ceremonial dance and celebration of the Warrior by the Native Nations residing in the area. I need to learn more about the peoples represented as I believe there are more than the two I remember; Navaho and Hopi. This year due to Covid concerns, the traditional welcome into Gallup did not occur. However, the morning of our departure we were given a ceremonial Water Blessing by a Navaho Medicine Man. He recited something in a native language, followed by the playing of a whistle, then he dipped feathers in a bowl of water and splashed each and everyone of us. I was honored by the blessing as I know it meant a great deal to him even though I know my safety and identity comes from Jesus.

We left Gallup by way of participation in a parade to honor the local Christian High School basketball team’s state championship. Students, faculty, and families lined the route and waved as the team passed by on a float and as we supported them. We left town in a warm rain which subsided after about 60 miles, then made our way to a fuel stop and donated lunch at the Santa Fe Harley-Davidson dealership. The kindness shown to us by so many generous people is always humbling. I found it interesting that their Harley Owners Group (HOG) is named the Sangre De Cristo Chapter (Blood of Christ). The name is boldly painted on the exterior of the dealership. I hope each member understands that the Blood of Christ isn’t just a name, but a gift providing eternal life. The remainder of the day included another fuel stop and then the ride up to the Angel Fire Vietnam Memorial. Dinner and breakfast in Eagle Nest were donated, yet another blessing from generous patriots.

The memorial is beautiful containing a few sculptures, a chapel, a Huey helicopter that one of the members of our ride actually crewed on in Vietnam, a small amphitheater, and a museum. Note the red bricks lining the walkway in the photo to the left of this text. Each brick bears the name and service date of an honored veteran. The memorial is a must-see and is worthy of a trip to New Mexico. Crysten and I rode ahead of the pack into Angel Fire. My bike had been on a trailer the first time I rode there. So, for this trip, I wanted the road and my thoughts to myself. We were the first to arrive and nearly the last to leave the memorial. Crysten took in every detail of the museum’s exhibits, the statuary, the chapel, the bricks, and the overwhelming reverence the memorial inspires.

We left Eagle Nest bound for Limon Colorado with a stop in Raton to parade through town followed by yet another donated lunch, this time by the American Legion Ovie Vernon Post No. 2. After eating lunch Crysten and I jumped ahead of the pack to meet friends Traci and Scott Nelson in Fountain. It was great visiting with these long-time friends. Scott retired as a Army LTC and his son is now serving in the Army. We geared up for rain when we said our farewells to Scott and Traci, then set out to intercept the pack as they paraded through Fountain Colorado. Unfortunately, we missed them and were deterred in intercepting them on the route by construction detours and a lack of the police escort they had through town. This left us playing catch-up. The pack rarely travels at the posted speed limit, which gave us a chance. We were successful but only at the last moment of our arrival to the donated fuel stop in Limon. We pulled into the station just as the chase vehicle was turning off the highway. After fueling, we paraded through town and were met with many locals waving flags and hands as we rode by. Parades like those today in Raton, Fountain, and Limon are amazing reminders of the good that is still present in the US populace. The day ended with the blaring of tornado warning sirens. There was a tornado sighting along the route we rode to arrive in Limon. We were again blessed by God in the timing of that storm occurring after we all passed through. Tomorrow we ride into Kansas. We’ve completed just four of ten days, but I can feel the end of the mission getting closer.

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Remember Our Fallen Ride Day 2

Day 2 found us riding from Williams Arizona to Gallup New Mexico. The wind was out in force, but we were not deterred from our mission of remembering those whom we have lost. We were also reminded today that about 83,000 men and women have not been accounted for from past conflicts. They too are why we ride.

The ride into Gallup had me emotional. It was this leg that I rode in honor for one of our fallen heroes when I rode with another group on this route five years ago. We entered town that year at the most westerly end and paraded through town some six or so miles to our stop. From beginning to end the streets were lined with cheering, flag-waving patriotic people. You can read my post from that day here. Today there was no parade, and there was no reception by our Native Warrior brothers and sisters. However, there was a veterans organization staffed by loving and kind people who welcomed us to Gallup. They set up food trucks and sold their amazing Native influenced t-shirts. They also held a raffle for a clock created especially for the Remember Our Fallen Ride. One lucky winner will have that clock waiting for him/her upon returning home.

We enjoyed lunch in Holbrook where these kids were awaiting us on the curb. I asked permission to take a photo and post it to the web. Just one of the kids was not allowed to be included, so sadly you don’t get to see his smile because I was asked to remove his face. They were all warm and friendly, each one giving me high-fives and welcoming Crysten for the photo-op. Thanks so much to the VFW Post that prepared and served us lunch.

Shortly after our departure from Williams, we were escorted by the Winslow Police to the famous Standin’ On The Corner park. The statues, bricks, and massive Route 66 emblem painted in the middle of the street are all meant to commemorate both the city’s historic significance as a town on Route 66 and also to remember “Take It Easy”, a song made famous by the Eagles. We had a great time chatting with the locals, posing for pictures and meeting the LEO’s who escorted us into town.

Reading this blog each day you might think we are on a joy-ride across the US on a motorcycle. If that is the message I’ve left you with, I’ve not achieved my goal as a writer. The mission is very important and it is why we ride. Twenty-Seven veterans take their life each day. According to Statista.com 1,282,184 US Military lives have been lost across all conflicts in US history. Among all those who have served the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency lists 83,114 service members as unaccounted for. It is for these heroic men and women along with the veterans who we’ve been fortunate to know and love who are no longer with us that we ride.

Tomorrow we ride from Gallup to Eagle Nest, NM. This day is special as we get to visit the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial, established by the David Westphall Foundation. A few images from the day and our route map for tomorrow are below.

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Remember Our Fallen ride Day 1

Today was day one of the Remember Our Fallen ride. We left our hotel at about 7:00 am and rode to the staging area about 20 minutes away. There we met two other groups making a similar journey along different routes to Washington DC. The ride commenced at 8:00 and was perfectly uneventful. The pack rode well together and the ride’s leadership was stellar. Today we rode for several of our fallen heroes, each with their own story, which was shared before the day started. One thing I learned today is that the sad statistic of 22 veterans taking their lives each day has now climbed to 27.5. The US is failing her heroes. If this number troubles you and you want to get involved with an amazing nonprofit, you should take a look at Operation: Transition Outside The Wire. They are located outside of Williams Arizona, our overnight stop.

Lunch was donated by a Gold Star family, and dinner was donated by a combination of services organizations in Williams. We are blessed to be cared for by folks who still love the USA. Part way through our lunch break, I began to feel a little light-headed. I’m not sure if it was the one hundred degree heat, or something else. Choosing to be cautious, Crysten and I rode out in front of the pack to our overnight stop. I didn’t want at less than my best riding in the pack where intense concentration is required to maintain proper spacing from the bike in front of you and correct lane placement so as to not hit the bike beside you.

On our ride to Williams we stopped in Kingman to top off the tank and drink sugar free Gatorade. We also took advantage of a walk-in beer cooler to cool down. All in all it was a great day of honoring fallen heroes and experiencing what the media is hiding from the public, the USA is still a patriotic nation filled with God fearing patriotic people.

Below you will find a video I took of the pack entering Williams followed by a few photos and tomorrow’s route map.

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