May 7, 2018 - Riding for those who can't

May 7, 2018

Larry and I will again be riding with the Run For The Wall motorcyclist from Ontario California to Washington DC.  We ride for those who can’t.

For those new to following us, and as a reminder for those who watched us the last 3 years, below is our mission statement and what RFTW is all about. This is also the 30th year for the run.  

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Larry and I will be joining a group of motorcyclist to ride across our beautiful United States. This will be our 4th year.  The ride is called “Run For The Wall”.  (RFTW.org)  The wall in reference is the Vietnam Wall Memorial in DC.  The ride will start May 16  and end May 25 in Washington DC as it meets up with “Rolling Thunder”.  We will be leaving May 8 to ride to Ontario, CA. This is where the ride will start.  I thought you may like to follow us and see some of the pictures in honor of those that served.  

Mission Statement of RFTW : To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

Philosophy: We strive to maintain a safe, supportive, and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.

Goals: 1) To guide the participants across America.  2) To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

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History (from the RFTW.org website)

Run For The Wall® (RFTW) was started in 1989 by James Gregory and Bill Evans, two Vietnam Veterans who traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles. They talked to local radio, TV and newspapers about the thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all wars. The need for this awareness continues today and we carry on this tradition every May.

We don’t give political speeches or stage demonstrations. RFTW gets its message to the public by riding across the United States: Coast-to-Coast. We obey traffic laws and treat all citizens with dignity and respect. The issue of public awareness is only part of the reason RFTW exists. We also give Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans the opportunity to receive their own “Welcome Home” and start their healing process.

Anyone who has fought or has friends or loved ones who have fought in a war, has their own issues from their own experience — the welcome home, the goodbye to buddies lost, the ability to finally help the young men and women we watch every night on TV, or just trying to accept coming home alive. Many who participate in The Run find that whatever they’ve been missing can be found in the RFTW family. They can finally start settling issues that have been “stuffed” away for many years.

There’s a nominal charge for participating in The Run, plus you pay your own expenses such as lodging. We are fortunate to receive support from organizations and people along the way. Most breakfasts, lunches, and evening dinners are provided FREE, or for a small donation by concerned citizens. There are many generous groups and individuals who also pay for our gas, too.

The trip is a 10-day ride from Ontario, California, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, where The Run officially ends. We meet on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial just before noon on Saturday before Memorial Day. From there, we walk as a group to The Wall and declare our Mission Complete by placing a plaque at the apex. There are other non-RFTW events scheduled throughout the weekend, including the opportunity to participate in the Rolling Thunder Parade in Washington, DC, on Sunday. This is a sight to behold — 350,000 plus motorcycles all starting from the Pentagon parking lots, parading through downtown Washington, and ending at The Wall.

During the journey across the US, we make stops at memorials, Veterans’ Hospitals and schools. We enjoy parades, escorts and “Welcome Home” receptions provided by the patriots in our host cities.

Participants range in age from 8 to 80. They include fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers (some of whom ride their own bikes!); veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan; active duty military; supporters; friends and family. Everyone is welcome, veterans and non-veterans alike. The main rule is NO ATTITUDES.

Some people join RFTW and think it is just a vacation or another motorcycle event. After a day or two, you realize this is something special and unlike anything you’ve experienced. You become part of the RFTW family whose members come from all over the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The Netherlands, and other countries. What could be more perfect than riding on a mission, making new friends and helping a very good cause (POW/MIA)?                                                                                                                                                         

If you have a few minutes, please go to the web site (RFTW.org). You will be surprised as a few minutes will not be enough.  The FNG (Fine New Guy/Gal) stories of many that have experienced the trip, whether full or partial, are worth reading.  We have a little personal reason for going on this trip.  We have a brother, brother-in-law, and uncle that served in Vietnam. Also a few cousins active today.

Not all of those that served were in the front line or even in the country where the war/conflict happened.  This does not minimize the fact that they have given time from their life and families to serve to keep us safe.  This is same for those that are not actually on the Run with us.  You keep us in your prayer and thought.  We have family members keeping thing going for the 3 weeks we are gone.  Thanks to those.

Any time you see a service man or woman, please take a few minutes to go over to them and thank them for their service.  It only takes a few seconds.  Let them know you appreciate what they are doing. 

This trip will end at the Vietnam Memorial Wall but the support we need to give to everyone that serves should never end.  Keep us, and the 300+ riders we will be riding with in your prayer for a safe ride (and nice weather, we ride in rain, wind, and hail 😊 )

Continuation from Last Year

First:

Larry brother served in Vietnam and was injured severely.  He is paralyzed on his left side but still walks today at the age of 75. He was one of the lucky ones as the rest of his platoon did not make it back.

Last Fall, it was 50 years since Glenn was shot.  He told his wife that that day was more important to him than his birthday.  She arranged for a “Welcome Home“ party for him with family and many friends from their community.  Thought I would share some of the pictures.

Glenn and his wife Diann

 Glenn with his 2 brothers: Larry and Ed

This man has never stopped even though he has a disability.  He has gotten a bachelor and masters degree. And a few years ago became deacon of his church.  He has a great smile and always has jokes for us. 

Now let me show the pics I took before hand just to get the good ones above.  Takes for ever sometimes to get a good one with this crew.

Second: 

Last year we carried 2 POW/MIA flags cross country for 2 men  from Kentucky.  There was also a book that was carried to be signed along the way to DC to show members of their families that they have not been forgotten.  There was a very nice ceremony and presentation of the flags to family members in September.  Here are a few pictures.  We still need to bring them home.  NEVER FORGET!!

Singing of our National Anthem.

 Brigadier General Steve Bullard said a few words.

 Ken Ward and Larry Gault talked on RFTW mission.

 POW/MIA flags are presented to the families: 

Conclude with 21 gun solute and Taps. 

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The phrases "Riding for Those Who Can't" and "Lets Bring Everyone Home" are very common phrase on RFTW.  

      As we ride for the next few weeks, think about  ALL the men and women that server.(past and present).  

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

LETS RIDE!!!!!  Leaving 7 AM tomorrow.....