Welcome to
Run For The Wall
Southern Route
May 28, 2010
Roanoke, VA, to Arlington, VA
22 YEARS OF HONOR
Riding in Freedom for Those Who Can't
"Honoring All American Warriors"
Photos and comments from Photographer Ed Kain are below.
Above, left, Val McClymonds and Shirley "Top Sarge" Scott continued with registration on the morning of Day 10. Above, right, the Class of May 28 FNGs. Below, left, Slammer gave his last, all-important brief to the riders; this has frequently been called the most intensive day of the ride, though it's less hazardous since we can't ride directly to The Wall through the D.C. traffic. Below, right, Shirley "Top Sarge" Scott making the Purple Heart awards to the bikes which had to be trailered at least part of the way on the Run. This award is created annually by Top Sarge and her husband, Vance "Old Fart" Scott; it is precious to those of us who have received it!
Above, right, riders pick up the Purple Hearts for their bikes. Right, Wayne "Poppy" Savoy shows off his bike's Purple Heart. Below, the final Monkey Butt award recipients were Agitator and Bandit.
The representative of the American Legion hall where we were having breakfast. He introduced some of the wonderful folks who served us.
Above, left, Too Tall thanks another volunteer. Above, right, Too Tall acknowledged the tremendously-valuable assistance of Sgt. Jessee and his officers. Below, Too Tall and Too Small offering their last remarks to the riders, thanking them for their assistance and cooperation on this year's Run.
Above, left, an humbled Lil' Bit paid for a lost item. Too Tall, right, also lost a hat again. Below, FNGs traditionally turn their FNG buttons upside at this last riders' meeting; now they are officially seasoned RFTW riders.
"McGuyviere," right, and "Frenchy," below left, represented a small portion of the important Cajun contingency on the RFTW this year. Below, right, Gold Star Mother, Diane Layfield, Sgt. Major's friend, joined us today; her son was KIA in Iraq in 2004.
In Arlington, the Marine Corps Color Guard met riders as they rode into Arlington. Right, SSgt. Tim Chambers, the Marine who salutes Rolling Thunder riders during their demonstration on Sunday (see important story on the Rolling Thunder webpage). He and the Color Guard saluted RFTW riders as they arrived [see below] Below, the first of the Virginia State Troopers arrive in Arlington. Below, right, Too Tall and Too Small arrive.
Above, Pockets and one of the Chaplains arrive in the Missing Man formation.
Right, well-earned relief shows on Too Small's face.
Below, left, SSgt Chambers and the Color Guard saluted incoming RFTW riders. We appreciate this...more than they'll ever know!
SSgt Chambers does this on his own from his heart and without authorization. Riders, if you are positively influenced by his patriotism and support, PLEASE send an email of appreciation to him: timforamerica@aol.com.
See also Gunny's story on the Rolling Thunder webpage.
Above, right, Senior Chaplain Gary "Shepherd" Burd, arrives in Arlington. Above, left, active-duty Chaplain Tim Moore arrives. Right, $5 Marty. He won the lottery to be one of the two people representing the Southern Route to place the RFTW wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Saturday. In all of the years he has sold tickets, he said, he never put his name in to any lottery. This time he did, and he was ecstatic to win this honor. The other person selected to present the wreath tomorrow was Carl "Mustang" Hinkle. This is an honor beyond all others for veterans who ride with us.
Run For The Wall wishes to express its deepest appreciation to ALL supporters, from those who provide support standing beside the road or on overpass bridges as we pass by to those who provide financial support. As always, it is impossible to know and thank all of the kind folks who help us as we cross the United States. Today, in Virginia, a few of the supporters included:
Virginia -
Virginia State Police, Division #6, Salem, VA
DAV #3, Salem, VA
DAV #14, Salem, VA
SGT Dan Jessee 412, Virginia State Police
Holiday Inn Ballston
Arlington Police Department
RFTW State Coordinator for Virginia, Bob "Zoom" Atwell
RFTW State Coordinator for Washington, D.C., John Gossen
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Day 10, Thursday, May 28, 2010
Good morning Run for the Wall, Day 10. After a good night's rest it is time for early staging and the final push into Washington, D.C. The four-wheelers have long departed and all non-essential support vehicles have been sent ahead to D.C. along with the 3-wheelers and trailers.
Some of those riders went directly to the Host Hotel in Arlington, VA, while the campers headed to the Arlington Assembly of God Church who as in past years provided free camping, free shuttle service, and several meals per day to Run for the Wall participants. We hope that this Church will receive 10 fold what they have contributed to Run for the Wall.
The riders met at the American Legion for breakfast and the morning briefing. This will be the last riders meeting for RFTW XXII. Final comments were made by "Too Tall", "Preacher" and "Slammer". It was pointed out that "Too Tall" has once again lost his hat (it was the first time THIS year that he lost his hat. We won't talk about how many times he lost his hat last year...) and final awards (Monkey Butt, and Purple hearts for the wounded motorcycles...) were handed out. The riders then went to their bikes to head to the next fuel stop at Fuel City.
The rest of the pack is now on their way for their final leg into Washington, D.C. with the final fuel stop for the first time in Front Royal. We are now within striking distance of Washington, D.C. Excitement is very high at this point. Sandwiches and drinks were provided to the riders so that they are refreshed before finishing the final leg into Washington, D.C.
The advance team, many of the 3-wheelers and support vehicles that came in earlier have lined the streets in front of the Holiday Inn to welcome the Southern Route's arrival, which is still lead by Sgt. Jessie and his team from the Virginia State Police. High fives are given, hugs are given (kisses in some cases), pats on the back and contact information is exchanged as the riders prepare for their weekend in Washington, D.C. Once the Southern Route participants registered at the various local hotels, they then returned to the host hotel to cheer on the arrival of the Central Route riders into Washington, D.C. Again, high fives, hugs, pats on the back and contact information was given and exchanged. It is a great reunion when both the Southern and Central Routes re-converge.
After a little bit of rest, some of the riders were treated to the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks, Washington, where they saw a performance by the United States Marine Corps Band, (The President's Own), the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps (The Commandant's Own), the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Battalion stationed at the Barracks, and last but not least, the Marine Corps mascot, "Chesty".
Although it rained at the parade, in true Marine Corps fashion, the performance still happened. At the conclusion, dozens of riders returned to get a good night's rest in preparation for the Saturday events. Another ride was lead by "Preacher" for the evening visit to the Vietnam Wall. They too got rained on pretty well, but still enjoyed the evening visit to the Vietnam Wall.
Saturday's events included an FNG ride through Arlington National Cemetery, a presentation of the Mission Completed plaque at the Wall, and the group photo on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. After the presentation of the "Mission Completed" plaque, the Run for the Wall participants disbursed all over the Mall area to visit different memorials and sights.
Several people had a special impact on Run for the Wall this year. Of the many FNG's that participated, you are now veterans of Run for the Wall and you are part of a new and extended family. We would like to recognize one of our FNG's who hales from Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Mike Donahue, a seven year veteran of the U.S. Army, who was an 11B, Grunt, a 2P Airborne, and 95B, Military Police (M.P.). Mike served from 1973 to 1981 and his life was forever changed at 10:01 September 28th, 1980 when he was a victim of an accidental discharge by a fellow M.P. Mike took a hit from a 45 semi-automatic that tore through his midsection to include a severe spinal injury. Confined to a wheelchair, Mike said he brooded over his injury for about 30 days until he decided that he had to move on and live his life regardless. He had a van converted to accommodate his wheelchair, which was his main means of transportation until he found a BMW R1200 conversion called Martin Conquest. This spectacular 3-wheeled motorcycle complete with drop-down ramp allowed Mike to roll his wheelchair in and out and securely lock it into place.
Mike was riding around one day in Rancho Cucamonga, when he noticed a bunch of bikes coming into town, so curiosity got the best of him, and when he found out where we were going, he decided "why not? I'll just take a trip to Washington, D.C." Mike went with us all the way from LA to DC. At the conclusion of this run, plans on taking several side trips before returning to his home in California. Mike is a true inspiration to us all and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors. We salute Mike Donahue as the featured FNG of RFTW 2010.
During Run for the Wall, we met many supporters along the way to include Gold Star Moms and Dads. We would like to recognize one Gold Star mother whom we met at the conclusion of the run, Diane Layfield, of Freemont, CA. She is the proud mother of LCpl. Travis Layfield, 0311, USMC. He was Killed in Action on April 6, 2004 in Iraq. Travis was a member of E Co. 2/4 Camp Pendleton, CA. He was part Lakota Sioux Indian, and was hailed the fallen warrior. Among his decorations and awards, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Purple Heart. Travis also wore the coveted Rifle Expert Shooting badge. On 04/06/04, Travis was among 10 Marines and one Navy Corpsman who were ambushed in Ramade, Iraq and Killed in Action (KIA) by small arms fire as a result of an insurgent ambush...a devastating day for 11 families and the U.S. Marine Corps. Travis served several years in the Navy Sea Cadet program, was an avid history buff and loved driving his '62 Ford Fairlane. Travis was laid to rest at the San Bruno Golden Gate National Cemetery near San Francisco, CA.
Run for the Wall 2010 was missing many people who have since departed. Born on October 28, 1947 he went on to serve in the U.S. Army, a Vietnam Veteran and a guy who lived life on his terms. Always willing to do whatever necessary for Run for the Wall, he always gave 110% to its success. On December 12th, 2009, still under his own terms, after saying goodbye to many of his friends and his family, he went on to his reward. We know he is out there somewhere, looking down on Run for the Wall, yelling at a few of us, laughing at many, and supporting the Run from afar, we would like to dedicate Run for the War 2010 to Larry "Stepper" Rodgers. Welcome Home.
Respectfully submitted by
Steve "Hawgwash" Hill
MSgt. USMC (Ret.)
