May 12 - Day Before the start of the Run

At noon today, we had our FNG meeting.  First order of business is to say the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. There were introduction of many people.

One of the most exciting people we were introduce to was a "Metal of Honor" Recipients: Leroy Petry.  He will be riding with the Central route. He has a special bike as he lost his right arm in Afghanistan in 2008. (more on him later in the week).  He is also an FNG.

There was recognition of any Blue Star or Gold Star family members:

• Blue: families who have a loved one serving in the armed forces
• Gold:  If a serviceman dies, the blue star may be replaced by a gold star.

We were introduced to a lot of people that help make the run successful and safe.  Each one is represented by a different color hat.  The number here is amazing. There are many people, not just one person per type.

• Route coordinator - leader of the whole route
• Platoon leaders - the 300+ riders for the day are broke down to 10 platoons,each has a leader
• Assistant Platoon leaders
• Platoon Tail Gunner - these are the guys the are the last per platoon
• Road Guards - usually go in front of the group to verify it is safe, they will make sure all riders are riding safely, they will radio for assistance if anyone needs something. They also talk to semi truck drivers to let then know what is coming.
• Last Man - he makes sure the chase vehicles assist any one in need. no one left behind, last man of the whole 300+ riders
• Chaplin - this is a very emotional ride for everyone.  We have 5 on this route for any one that needs help
• Staging - they will stage us at any stop: beginning of the day, meals, gas stops
• Fuel team - goes ahead of the group to the gas stations to verify all ready and help the staging group get set up
• Ambassadors - they will ride to a town prior to the group to let them know we are coming. Most towns have local law enforcement blocking streets and watching the crowds.
• Hydration team - water at some of the stops

I may have even missed a team or 2.  LOTS of coordination to make this work.

Here is our group of Platoon leaders (Ken Ward is 2nd from right) :

Here are some of the bike. 

 This is Ken Ward's bike.

 Brian Draman (director of Fairfield HOG) is  a tail gunner.  Dave Mene (also from Fairfield) is the tail gunner for Ken.  Hope to post he pic tomorrow.

  In this meeting, there was a lot of logistics we went over.

• Helmets are mandatory
• No breaking if possible, down shift
• No cruise control
• No radios
• No one is to talk on CB radios
• No stopping for bad weather (they will help prepare us for rain, etc. so we can dress appropriately)
• Gas stops: round up to nearest dollar, no change received.  all extra money goes to the chase vehicle 

Around 4:00 there was a band from Camp Pendleton ( I think, it was pretty noise during introduction). We also had a prayer over the riders and bikes from one of the chaplins.

We were then introduced to 2 Medal of Honor recipients : Leroy and Brian (so will get last name later).  They both thanked us for all we are doing for our service men and women.  

Leroy

Brian

 This to me says a lot.  They were up on a stage and a ramp was there to go up and down. As they start down, Leroy turns, stops to help Brian. Brian leans on Leroy as they leave the stage.  No other help.  They did it together.

 Kia donated 3 vehicle to help transport items cross country.  Before last year they had to try and use the chase vehicles and this was very hard.  Jenny Ward (Ken's wife) will be driving one of them.

After this, we had dinner.  No charge. There was a short meeting and prior to that was the Pledge of Allegiance  with a color guard. As you see there were many saluting as we said it.

I have been told there is a bike given to someone at this time.  This year there were 2: Brian and an older veteran.  Brian's bike is specially made he actually rode it after the meeting. This was amazing to watch.  You have never seen anyone grin so much as Brian did.

Instructions

Larry and Brian were able to shake his hand and "thank him for his service"

I talk a lot about Ken and Jenny Ward.  They are constantly talking to people, organizing, making sure all the details are ready. They are 2 truly amazing people and so glad they have let me join them on the fantastic journey.

THANKS !!