RUN FOR THE WALL Jean and Larry: May 25, 2016 - Day 8 to DC --- Corydon, IN to Hurricane, WV

We got up per normal at o'dark thirty. (about 5 AM). 68 degrees and no rain. YEAH!!!

We have simple breakfast outside today. Very nice.

We will have 4 people from Ft. Knox riding with us today and they will be riding up in the 6-pack. Very much an honor to have them join us. They rode with us to Frankfort, KY.

This is Larry. He is the starter for the Run every day. I had mentioned earlier that the platoons all take turns moving toward the front. This is the guy that coordinates the staging team as to where to put the platoons, so when we are ready to leave they are lined up right.

Love this pick but standing by the "Wrong Way" sign.... not sure what Grizzly is trying to tell us.

These 2 pics were taken right after we got started about 7:30 AM !!!! WOW

Heading over the Ohio River into KY

Check this out... no traffic. Last year there was a mix up because of some construction. We had no LEOs going thru Louisville at 8 AM. It was crazy!!! This year we breezed thru because no traffic.

First stop: Robley Rex VA Center. The staff is always so excited to see all the bikes. Several of the patients want to ride the bikes. Great reception. This was named after Rex Robley who died at 107. He was a WWI veteran that started to volunteer at the age of 78.

Here Papa Smurf is thanking the police for the great efforts today to get the Run thru Louisville safely.

This area was designed and complete by Tyler Prell for his Eagle Scott Project. It was beautiful.

In honor of the Vietnam Veterans.

Here are some of the nurses that take cares of out veterans.

All lined up and ready to go.

As we leave, a friend of Larry takes a few pics of Larry and I. Thanks.

AGAIN no traffic.!!!! We love it.

This is in front of me heading on the highway ramp.

This is behind me. Remember the pack is about 2 miles long.

We see the fire trucks and ambulances on the over passes , I am sure it gets crowded with all the traffic. So I need to tell you a funny story about one of the guys from the Ambassadors team. The Ambassadors go 30 minutes ahead for the Pack. ( again another organization to promote the goodness of the Mission for our veterans). One place the stop is on top of the bridges and thanks those setting up the flags, setting up signs or just there to wave. They get off the bikes. So now you have truck, people and RFTW ambassadors. Lots of people. So the one ambassador (we will call Joe) and his wife are getting ready to go to the next bridge and they take off. One of the team points to Joe and is pointing at the back seat. Seems in all the confusion, he forgot his wife. OH MY GOSH!!! He stopped part way down the entrance ramp. He commented she is running down the ramp with chaps, rain jacket , and biker boots. He said it was pretty funny. She was a good sport and just laughed at it.

This is Nate. He is Ken and Jenny's son. He joined today and is part of the Fuel team.

Good to see you again Nate.

This gentleman server in Vietnam. He was in the service for 21 years. The vest he has on was made by his wife. She and several other women make the patterns and he quilts them. They make blanket and other items for the veterans at home. Too bad I only had time to talk to him while Larry was putting gas in the bike. Yellow hat = fuel team. They are another team ahead of the Pack.

This is Wild Bill. I guess after 8 day you can get a little crazy. He was almost doing a dance as he was direction everyone to the staging area.

This is "Blue" you met him earlier. We just met his son, Bill. Once they finish the Run, the 2 of them will spend another few week traveling the country visiting relatives. Bill still does not have a road name. Larry suggested "Blue Boy". Pretty funny but not sure Bill will like that.

Neat site from behind me. I think I am getting better. What do you think?

This is a sundial in Frankfort, KY at the Kentucky Vietnam memorial.
Here is an explanation of how this works:
The veterans whose names are listed on this Memorial fought and died for the same values that inspired their ancestors since the Revolutionary War - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The blue-gray granite plaza of the Memorial contains the names of Kentucky’s 1103 citizens who died. Each name is precisely located so the shadow of the sundial pointer, touches each veteran’s name on the anniversary of his death. Thus, each individual is honored with a personal tribute.

Here is an example.

Larry and Jean photo op.

Presenting of the colors. This is something no one should get tired of: the respect do to the flag and this country. As soon as the call to present colors is given, all are quiet and hands are saluting.

Since Larry and I are from Cincinnati, several people rode down to see us. I even got to see my nephew TJ. Thanks guys for coming.

Not much room here so we all lined up down this narrow road.

I love the kids!!!!

As we head to Mt. Sterling for lunch, you should have seen the kids!!!!

Look at the line of bikes.

This road guard, aka Rocky, now has another job under he belt "crossing guard".

Jenny's mom, dad, sister and friend, son, daughter-in-law and 3 grand kids came to see them. This is the youngest and what a ball of energy he has.

On the road again, heading to Hurricane WV.

Jenny, Larry and I head out separately looking for a bank. Very weird not having our 300+ friends with us.

We are ahead of the pack but we still get the waves from the over passes. We have decals on the windshield to denote we are part of the Run.

Here it our Hydration vehicle.

Beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia.

You know me by now. Love the scenery!!!

What a neat treat, a Huey fly over to escorted the pack about 20 miles in. Better pics are below.

In Hurricane WV.

Love the kids helping. She was very cute and looked like she love being there.

These 2 gentleman are brothers. The one on the right severed in Vietnam and was in the service for over 18 years. The one on the left was only 8 when his brother joined. Both are working as Ambassadors.

Here is the Ward crew. All have different color hat meaning different roles. The amount of effort they all put in to this mission is amazing. I have loved being a part and helping.

FYI:

Black - Leadership

Red - Road Guard.

Yellow - Fuel team