May 23, 2023 – Day 7 – Wentzville, MO to Corydon, IN

 May 23, 2023 – Day 7 – Wentzville, MO to Corydon, IN

WOW!!!! Loved the day today. All you prayer warriors are rocking it.

Beautiful day with temps starting at 54 degrees. Wentzville served a great breakfast at the VFW, but the staging was 1/2 mile away. So, no auction items, but we did do 50/50. One more day to raise money for the kids at Rainelle.

I spotted some very familiar faces. Eamon Tansey and his wife Terri. Eamon was a route coordinator a few years ago. He also served in the Vietnam War. They will be ambassadors this year.

We head to our platoons for the morning meeting. Michelle has been taking pictures every day since she joined our platoon. Today, we have 3 members of platoon 3. The rest of their platoon is on a breakout. They will ride with us the first leg today.

Michelle Is still active. Here is her bio:

I originally joined the Army in 1989 as. 76Y/supply (later converted to 92Y). I served 8 years active and 4 reserves before getting out in 2003. I tried to go back into the Army in 2012 but couldn’t get my age waivered.

I then decided to get a degree in social work so I could give back to the military/veteran community. When I finished grad school in 2015 I treated myself to a motorcycle class and a softail slim. My instructor encouraged me to check out the Air Guard… I enlisted in 2016 (after a 13  year break in service) and spent 4 years as a 4N (medic) which ultimately led me back to the Army.

In 2020 I direct-commissioned as a 1LT/73A (social worker) in traditional guard status.  Dec 2021 I returned to Active status (AGR) and hope to remain there until as close to retirement as I can.

I joined the CVMA as a support member shortly after returning to service in 2016 “Vets helping vets” resonates heavily with my values as a social worker.

 I worked at the VA as a primary care social worker before my current position as “Chief of Behavioral Health” for the New Mexico army national guard. It is my absolute honor to continue serving those who serve.

She can be easily spotted with her bling.    Thanks Michelle.

We head to the first Vietnam memorial in the United States.  As we park there is a lady with a sign. I recognized her from 2022.  Sue was in the Navy in 1955.  Served 2 years coordinator of the women’s barrack.  She was the quarter bouncer.  The next 2 years she served as a stewardess for the commanders. 

Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Wentzville takes extreme pride in being home to the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States. Wentzville was the first city in the nation to realize that the troops who served in Vietnam deserved to be honored.

As it stands today, the Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial consists of a single-column of red Missouri granite, topped by the carved figure of an eagle. Inscribed in the column’s base is:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial December 1967

“Whither thou goest, I will go.”

Group shot.

                            Here again we take up the whole road to stage.

We still have our police escort the rest of the way thru Missouri.

Lance was on the breakout with platoon 3.  They went to Perryville, IN where there is an exact replica of the Vietnam Wall.  The granite was pulled from the same quarry, the names are the same including the misspelled ones, the size is exactly the same, it faces the same to the sun.

Interesting facts.

Heading out to go thru St. Louis.  Last year was crazy but this year we have a police escort. SOOO nice as they closed the highway as we went thru.  

There is the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Head over the Missouri River toward Mt. Vernon.

Fuel first.  

This pic looks like someone trying to herd cats.

Boots here is trying to perfect the road guard "snap".  I guess you have to be here.

So many supporters.....

Even the seniors came out, walkers and all.

Pulling into the Mt. Vernon Airport, we are greeted with lots of kids.  They line the way with flags.  They help serve lunch.... chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls.  They also helped with the clean up.  What great role models they have.  Thanks kids.

Mikes gets a little hop in his step as he points the way.  

As in many of our stops, Paul presents them with a plaque as a thank you for helping us cross this great country of ours.

Here is the plaque. Very nice.

At this stop, one of the riders showed me this.  I love the saying so I thought I would share.  He has it on a mug to always remember.

"Say their names, tell their stories, for to live in the memories of those we leave behind is truly to never die.  Never forget. RFTW."

Heading toward the highway we roll thru some pretty farmland.  We have about 30 miles before we get on the highway.  There are so many people out there I am blown away.

Back on the highway and cross the Wabash River into Indiana.  Remember when I said that Kansas knocked it out of the park for overpasses.  Well Indiana is right there with them.  

Pretty neat to see so many people on the overpasses.  Curt, our tail gunner, is the state coordinator for Indiana.  Way to go Curt!!

Ok last gas stop for the day.

At this gas station there is hot dog vendor that everyone talks about.  Again, all donated to the Run.  We just ate chicken, and we are on our way to have a fish dinner, but you have to have a hot dog.

Fun Fact:

Dewig Meats, located in Haubstadt, Indiana began in 1916 by three Dewig brothers. Today, Dewig Brothers Meat Packing is still family owned and operated by third generation Dewig meat processors. Our retail store boasts a fully stocked 12,000 ft. retail meat market, custom-cut orders & butchering & processing services. Our completely updated retail meat market features 18 self-serve cooler doors and 21 self-serve freezer doors LOADED with award winning meat products. Customer service is key, “The customer is always right,” is our motto.

The hot dogs were really good.

More Indiana bridges as we head to Corydon IN for a fish dinner. Maybe I should have brought bigger clothes AND tissues.

Cannot go a day without showing you some of the country and the colors.  We have been blessed with this wonderful weather and beauty.

Courtney and I always look like we are on our phones.  Well, we sort of are.  Courtney helps out with getting the word out by using social media: face book, Instagram...  I make notes so I can put this together every night.  By the time we get off the bikes, and we are so many days in, I cannot remember what I did that day.  The days all seem to run together.

She will even be doing some live streaming.  

 I on the other hand do it old school, paper and pencil and use Larry's back.  

Another super reception from Corydon.  These small towns really go all out.

I love the kids.  Such a good example for them as they grow.

Kids are the best.

Ron's other daughter, Jamie, has been on the Run several times.  She had a baby last October and could not go this year, but she did come out for the evening.  We get a lot of support from family and friends to keep everything home up and running while we are gone.  Thanks all!!!

Ron, his daughter and granddaughter.

We are on the road for 10 days on this journey.  Many spend another week plus traveling before and after the Run.  So a lot of us are away for about 3 weeks.  This is nothing compared to how long our service men and women are deployed.  Keep all our active duty in your thoughts and prayers.   

We are now back on Eastern time. Funny thing I overheard today, I do not care what time zone we are in, just will someone tell me the current time so I am not late tomorrow.

Temp: 54-85

Route: I-64E

Total Miles: 290

Quote for the day:

Please tell him he is more than just a name on a wall