May 15, 2023 - In Ontario

   May 15, 2023 - In Ontario

Today is the day for meetings.  There are 3 routes that leave Ontario and one from Washington DC.  Each route will have their own meetings.  If you go to the RFTW.US site, I am on the Central Route.  You can find more information there. 

The first person I see is "Dadbo".  He is our LEO Liaison. (LEO = Law Enforcement Officer).  He will be out in front of the pack working with LEOs to keep them informed of where the pack is.  Love his shirt.  His companion is Molly.  They will be in a car.  He has been with the Run for many years in many different roles.

Here is our Assistant Route Coordinator (ARC) - Nick "Rich Boy"

 Route Coordinator (RC) - Paul "Brush" 

and last year's RC - Tom "Boomer"

Every day starts with the Pledge of Allegiance....

And prayer.   Duane is our lead Chaplain.  

This year he is working with Walker Faith and Character Based Prison.  The people there have made dog tags of MIA/KIA veterans out of cardboard.  They have stamped the name of them on the tags.  They gave the tags to Duane and asked that he hand them out to have them carried to the Wall and left there to show that they are not forgotten.

All the team leads introduced themselves; where they were from, how many years on the run....

After the meeting, all routes come together.  Each route raises money along the way in support of multiple organizations and/or schools.  We do not always get to see all the items but this year one of the quilts was brought to show everyone.  Unbelievable.  It is gorgeous. 

There are 4 flags that were folded and presented to each RC.

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:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

3. 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.

4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.

5. 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Next on the agenda is the Combat Hero Bike Build.   This is a motorcycle that has been modified for an amputee.  You will see on most of the RFTW shirts:

"We Ride for Those Who Can't" 

This company says:

"We make it so that those who can't ride, can."

This year's recipient is Stephen Peterson.  He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 at the age of 19. After being deployed for 5 months, there was a remote detonate of an IED on his vehicle.  He lost his right leg above the knee, had a brain injury and several broken bones. He loved to ride dirt bikes and crotch rockets growing up.  Since his injury, he has been snow skiing and likes to kayak.  But his passion has always been for riding.

John Barker presented the bike.

There was a surprise visitor.  Robert, I believe, was his sergeant, and was the one who applied a tourniquet to Stephen's leg that saved his life.  He can in and presented Stephen with a vest and helmet. Wow.... let's get the tissues started early this year.  Stephen was very surprised and a bit emotional, 

Stephen was told to turn around and do not look....the suspense was killing him...LOL

Two guys unveiled the bike.....

and he was finally able to see it.  What a huge grin on this young man's face!!!!

Here are a few pics of the side of the bike.

The bike makes is to the parking lot and Stephen takes it for a spin. 

The Elks Lodge provide a dinner for us for a small charge: Steak baked potato and salad.  This was for about 300.  Thanks to all !!!

While waiting for dinner, I see Don "EZ" Burns.  He was the RC on our FNG year.  He is a Vietnam vet and is no longer able to ride with us.

After that was the movie "Courage".  It was about POW from the Vietnam War.  Great movie.  In true RFTW fashion, there was money to be raised.  The movie was free but if you wanted a nice, comfy chair there were bids.   Hahahaha.  Someone bid on 2 chairs for James "Gunny" Gregory and his wife "Patio".  James is one of the founders for the Run. 

One more fun thing for the day.  Ron's daughter flew to Ontario to be able to ride with him all the way to DC.  The Elks even saved her a steak since she got in late.  

Tomorrow will be the last day for preparations for Southern and Central Routes.  Something new this year, Midway is leaving tomorrow and taking an extra day around day 8.

Flag from Ontario.