May 17, 2022 – In Ontario – Prepare to Ride Tomorrow
We had another beautiful day today!! Lots going on. It is our final day to prep for our departure tomorrow. It was very exciting for me as I have met so many new people.
Not too many pics today but a lot of information that may be helpful for the days to come.
You met my niece Courtney a few days ago, well her sister, Jamie, arrived today. So Ron has both his daughters going all the way. HOW COOL IS THAT!!!
Of course Gunny is there and ready to jump in between the girls for a pic…. hahaha
First time riders are called FNGs = Fine new guy/gal. We welcome them to the RFTW family.
So when we see one (they wear pins that have FNG) they get hugs…..
Pretty cool to be one as everyone comes to hug you.
The day is pretty low key. We do laundry, make sure we have everything we need , and have some last minutes meetings.
I was able to corner Gomez and get a little history on him.
Gomez served 1992-2002 in the Army Infantry, Fort Benning GA. He was in the 101st Airborne Fort Campbell KY. In Belgium, he was a para commando (Para-Commandos are comprised of active duty Special Operators). He went thru agony and misery training exercises. One of the toughest physical courses he has done. He talked about the “woobie” that they carried for warmth that helped get them thru it. He is also air assault qualified. He said that they could be gone up to 8 months of the year. And that within 18 hours they could be anywhere in the world. So had to be ready at a moments notice.
We first met him in our FNG year in 2015. He was the assistant platoon leader riding a Harley
Sportster. On one leg we were behind him and he hit a buckle in the road. Next thing he is tapping out as his bike lost power. At our next gas stop, he is riding in like nothing happened. BUT, to stop the motor he pulled 2 wires apart. Apparently the ignition switch popped off from the bump. It happened before and he thought he had it fixed…well not. He has a few bikes but is forced to ride the same bike this year.
So he showed us his key…it is 50 amp master fuse…. I asked if he had another one just in case and he said “ahhh that is a good idea… I will have to do that”..
Here are the wires he used to connect in 2015. They are now taped up..
Looks like this bike has seen the miles. That is just Gomez…
A little later we reconnect with “Blue”…. Not sure of his real name.
If you were to see him on the street, you would definitely walk on the other side to bypass him. Just remember to NEVER judge a book by its cover. He is one of the sweetest guys that has had a rough life.
Jamie, Jean, Blue, Courtney
Larry and Blue
Blue graduated high school in 1966 and he was 17 at the time. He tried to enlist but you had to be 18. May 1967, he went to a Navy recruiter and trained at Great Lakes where he trained as Electronic Mate. Jan 1968, he was sent to a minesweeper boat (57 foot wood boat) command squadron 11 in Long Beach CA. He had 2 detachments in Vietnam. Due to draw down in 1970 and an early out, he was discharged Feb. 1971 as an EM3rd class.
There were many years of drugs and drinking that followed. He was physically fine but mentally was going thru a lot of turmoil as to why he survived and many of the guys he was deployed with did not. This was a very tough and long part of his life.
He has been on RFTW several years starting in 2014. If you recall, RFTW is To promote healing among ALL veterans. This healing effort has helped him get peace. He now has 2 grand kids, 3 years and 18 months. To hear him talk about how proud he is to be here and enjoy them is amazing.
In 2014, if someone would come to him to give him a hug (because he was an FNG), he would almost run the other way. He now loves hugs and calls them “hug30”. Meaning hugs are welcome at any time..
Jamie and Courtney have seen him over the last several years and love the hug30s. He now can be seen hugging with everyone. They all know “Blue”.
He did tell me that he has given up riding for good. He is no longer comfortable on his bike as before and does not want to hurt anyone. I told how proud I was of him. The grin I got went from ear to ear.
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Big meeting today in the parking lot we will be leaving from tomorrow. This has all 3 routes..OMG what a lot of people and a lot of bikes!!!
There was a nice ceremony where all the route coordinators received a flag.
The flags were folded in front of us.
Each Route Coordinator received a flag.
Are you aware there was a meaning of each fold of the flag? I was not so…..
Fun Fact:
This is what the 13 folds mean:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealign with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
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As I write this every day, I thought I would give you the definition of roles people play to get us cross country. I have also listed the number of how many for each. Here is a list you may want to reference. Remember these are all volunteers.
TEAMS (ahead of the pack)
Advanced road guard - 10 = first to go out and confirm there are no issues on the roads. Ex: detours, traffic issues, … even have been known to clear some debris off the road to keep us safe. They will also be the ones at all road exchanges, so everyone makes the turns.
Staging - 26 = Get to the next stop ahead of the pack and set up for each platoon to be staged
Fuel - 26 = They get to the gas station and clear all pump for the platoons to come in. There is no one at the gas pump when we arrive. They, along with the road guars, direct the pack how to get to the pumps and leaving the pumps
Ambassador - 15 = Thanking the people on the bridges or in the towns for coming out and supporting the Run.
Hydration - 8 - They carry water, Gatorade, snack and are at every gas stop. All donated by someone or organization
Registration - 8 = In every city, they are there when we arrive, and every morning before we leave. Since not everyone can ride 10 days, many will ride only a few days. This team gets them signed up.
Merchandise team - 2 = travels with the Run selling t-shirts and other trinkets
State coordinator - Total 20 for the length of the run. Usually 1 -2 per state. They will work with the local police, state highway patrol, sheriff for escort when possible. Also coordinates with the local town for our meal stops.
Outreach Team
This team will visit Gold Start families. They will go to the family and as they get there , each team member introduces themselves. They will express their condolences for their loss and thank them for service and sacrifice to their country. The Pledge of Allegiance is said and a RFTW pin is given to the family members. There is also a Gold Star patch and a certificate of appreciation from RFTW. A green bracelet is also given as a symbol of hope. They will pray with them and many times cry with them. Thanks Outreach for your time with our Gold Star families.
The Pack Formation:
Missing man -6 - Route Coordinator (RC) , state coordinator, person representing the missing man, missing man coordinator, chaplain
Road guard - 30-35 = they have many jobs: stop traffic on all entrance ramps, guides us thru towns at each intersection, help direct at fuel stops, and whatever it takes to keep us safe.
6 pack - 6-8 = Assistant Route coordinator (ARC), mentor (this is the RC from last year), leadership , any dignitary, .... this changes daily. Could be the mayor, POW... we never know who will be there leg to leg.
Platoons - 15-25 = each platoon has a platoon leader, assistant platoon leader and 2 tail gunners. In the middle are all the participants. There are usually 10-20 platoons
Communication team - 3 - talk to truckers and 1 in back of the pack.
Medical team - 6 - there for any injuries or illnesses
Chaplains - 8 = this is a very key role. Many are on this for healing. Many remember comrades lost in war. This is a very emotional trip for everyone.
Last man - 1 - conveys to RC when the last bike is on the road/ expressway
Sit Rep Reporter - 1 - This person gives a summary of the day
Chase vehicles - 4 to 5 = They have trailer and will pick up anyone running out of gas (yes this does happen) or break downs.
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Totals:
If you add all this up, it is around 160 people that have roles
Participants = 15-25 per platoon - so 200-250
At any given time, we are at 350-450 riding as a unit.
Additional Terms:
Blue Star Family - a family with a member currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States
Gold Star Family - family member that has died during a Military Operation
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In 2017, at our final meeting prior to leaving, Kelly Anderson “Deano” (on the staging team) sang a song that really stuck with me for all these years. I asked him to give me the lyrics. Remember this is from the standpoint of a Vietnam veteran after he has returned home. Also remember this ride started in 1989, for our Vietnam vets.
Nobody Knows.
Written by Kelly Anderson.
I came home my emotions raw, No one should ever see what I saw.
I came home, not to flags and Cheers. Just the ridicule throughout the years.
I took a gun, and placed it to my head. Sometimes I think that I'd be better off dead.
Chorus:
I know there's a wall, with the names of them all.
I can't make myself go, cuz nobody knows.
2nd verse:
I got down on my knees and prayed, God help me not to feel this way.
Then I heard about the Run for the Wall, I packed my bags and I rode with them all.
I rode with them mile after mile, I can't understand why they smile.
Chorus:
I know there's a wall, with the names of them all.
I can't make myself go, cuz nobody knows.
3rd verse:
Day after day, town after town. I can feel myself coming around.
But I know, The Wall is up ahead, I can't get these demons from my head.
Then I saw, 10000 people there. They said they didn't go, but they still care.
Chorus:
I know there's a wall, with the names of them all.
I can't make myself go, cuz nobody knows.
Final verse:
Family beside me, I walked down-the-line. I touched every name, and I began to cry. Brothers surround me, they wouldn't let me go. They said they love me and that they also know.
At that moment, I knew I was home. I knew that I would never be alone. Run for the Wall, you got me here. With you beside me I can beat this fear.
Final chorus:
I'm at the wall, with the names of them all. You helped me to go,
Cuz SOMEBODY knows.
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It has been one heck of a day. And it is now getting late. Cannot wait for tomorrow!!
5AM comes early
Quote for the day:
You are not forgotten
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