Welcome to

Run For The Wall

Southern Route

May 21, 2010
Las Cruces, NM, to Odessa, TX

22 YEARS OF HONOR
Riding in Freedom for Those Who Can't

"Honoring All American Warriors"

Click here for Day Three Sit Reps
(a little too "exciting" for most today)

Click here to contact the webmistress

Riding on RFTW is the "experience of a lifetime" according to almost all who go to the effort to ride at least 2-3 days with the pack. On the Southern Route, at least, riders belong to the "family" very quickly, making some friends for life. Every rider has a story about why he or she is with us; if you have a chance, ask "why..." It will give you a chance to hear a personal and collective mission; frequently one person's mission becomes shared as stories are told. Thanks to Ed Kain for his photos and commentary today:

Day Three began with breakfast (inside and outside seating available) at the VFW; Posts 10124, 5916, and 3242 all contribute to this large event and a great meal! Above, right, and below, right, the FNGs joining us at Las Cruces are greeted by the seasoned riders. Below, right, Steve "Hawgwash" Hill, who writes the Sit Reps (Holly types), read the names of five soldiers KIA in Afghanistan just recently. We ride for these soldiers, too...for "those who cannot ride."

Doug "Sgt. Major" Lyvere, left, is keeping a blog during this Run. He got an e-mail from a captain in Kuwait. The gist of what he wrote was his thanks to VN vets for what they did to secure today's veterans' "welcome home" from current deployments, benefits, etc. "It's not the war...it's the warrior that really counts." That's an important fact for all American citizens to remember...always! We owe these soldiers our gratitude for our freedoms.

The greatest challenge at the memorials has always been limited facilities. Lines at the mens' room are frequent on the RFTW. Ladies have it better with lines than in "real life."

Right, J.C. Smith shows of his Union cap. He may change "colors" soon.

Left, Captain Gary Stewart, returned to be Master of Ceremonies at this Las Cruces Veteran Memorial. Above, right, left-to-right: Command Sgt. Major James Rivera, First Battalion of the Two Hundreth...; Major Troy Chadwell, First Battalion of the Two Hundreth...(please write if you know the name exactly) Executive Officer; Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Paula Gonzales; Ms. Dolores Archuleta, Las Cruces' Mayor Pro-Tem Emeritus; White Sands Missile Range Garrison Command Sgt. Major Reggie Daniel, Sr. Below, left, the men in the yellow jackets are the WWII veterans who come out to support us annually. Below, right, the Marine Corps Honor Guard which were present last night came again this morning for the ceremonies. Thank you all!

Above, navigation through construction areas on the RFTW is a frequent necessity. This construction was located west of El Paso. The pack is looking good! Again, police escorts were very valuable!
Below, left, Cowboy introduced Kay "Too Small" McDowell (click here for more photos below). Kay and Ray hosted the marvelous dinner with a great variety of choices and even "homemade ice cream" (third year in a row) at night in Odessa, TX. To Cowboy's right is Wild Bill, a regular supporter. Below, center, Cowboy made a presentation to Karoni Forrester, an MIA daughter who rode with us last year and reminded us of the many POW/MIA issues. Below, right, Bruce Officer's wife joined us tonight and will make the rest of the trip with us.

The red patch on Karoni Forrester's vest (below) was custom-made to honor her father, and she was thrilled.

Above, Karoni expressed her appreciation. Trish Burnett joined her as an MIA daughter. Trish and her father are both from the Midland-Odessa are.

Right, a further demonstration of the special trike first shown on Day Two. This veteran is a wonderful addition to our mission, and his presence speaks volumes to show our current military personnel that we ride for them, too. See another photo below.

The fueling crew is absolutely masterful, doing their job efficiently! Road Guards must be permitted to jump into the line so that they can get on with their duties; no one minds once they know RG responsibilities. Below, right, RGs (Dave Cappel on the right) join Lynne Fouraker with flagging responsibilities. Lynne and Edwin Craft left First Platoon leadership positions this year to join the Advance Team, and it has been an interesting change for them. Advance Team, Road Guards, and Merchandise Team members are among those whose responsibilities keep them away from some of the most inspiring moments and presentations. This is one reason why FNGs are encouraged to ride a year without responsibilities.

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. In New Mexico, a few of the supporters included:
New Mexico Army National Guard, Las Cruces, NM
New Mexico State Police
Pic Quik, Inc., Las Cruces, NM
VFW 10124, Las Cruces, NM
VFW 5916, Las Cruces, NM
VFW 3242, Las Cruces, NM
Dolores Archuleta
Las Cruces Police Department
Las Cruces Fire Department
Barnett's Las Cruces Harley-Davidson
Bravo Chevrolet

In Central Texas, a few of the supporters included:
American Legion Earl S. Bailey Post 430, Odessa, TX
Ray's Equipment, LLC, Odessa, TX

New Mexico State Coordinator for RFTW - Bill Hawkins
West Texas State Coordinator for RFTW - Glen "Viper" Scott
Central Texas State Coordinator for RFTW - Diann "Mojo" McKee

Day 3, Friday, May 21, 2010

We had another wonderful breakfast at VFW Post 10124 and then the riders meeting.  After the morning briefing, riders were escorted to the Las Cruces Memorial park for a Wreath Laying Ceremony.  We again had the pleasure of listening to Captain Gary Stewart as MC of the Wreath Laying Ceremony.  He introduced all of the dignitaries and special guests in attendance this morning.  Our next speaker was a great motivational speaker, Reggie Daniel, Command Sgt Major of the White Sands Missile Range.  According to Cpt Stewart, Sgt Major Daniel has a resume over 3 pages long, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to hear of his many accomplishments.  What we did learn is that Sgt Major Daniel has been in the Army for going on 31 years and is an Iraqui Freedom Veteran.  Even more impressive, Sgt Major Daniel rode his motorcycle to this Wreath Laying Ceremony.  After the ceremony and some chatting with our World War II Veterans, we saddled up and it was off to our mid-morning fuel stop in Clint, Texas.

Prior to arriving at Clint, we were surprised and very pleased to discover the fuel was donated by Sharon McGee and Johnny Rusk.  After a quick fuel stop and hydration it was off to Van Horn for fuel and lunch.  Rather than having the riders wait in line forever at McDonalds or other fast food establishments (not because service was slow, but because we were so many) in Van Horn, they were treated to lunch by the New Life Restoration Center of El Paso, Texas headed by Pastor Bobby Garcia.  For your information, Pastor Garcia has another food unit that was providing lunch for the Central Route today too. 

After lunch it was off to our afternoon fuel stop at the Flying J in Pecos, Texas.  The fuel was donated, courtesy of our Southern Route Coordinator “Too Tall”.  After inclement weather caused us a brief delay in leaving, the riders departed for Odessa Texas for the evening stop and a meal that included catfish and all the trimmings, again, courtesy of “Too Tall” and his company, Ray’s Equipment. 

The 4-wheeler Platoon remained behind at the Pecos, TX fuel stop waiting for one additional driver to catch up (they had to have two axles replaced) when out of nowhere a tornado touched down in front of their Platoon and a subsequent lightning strike hit a commercial building adjacent to them which burst into flames.  The only thing missing from that event was the wicked witch of the West. 

A little while later (when all the hearts started beating at a relatively normal rate) the 4-wheelers proceeded on to Odessa, TX without further incident. 

I want to share something that speaks highly of the character of our Assistant Route Coordinator, Richard “Preacher” Moore.  “Too Tall’s” bike had a mechanical issue leaving our lunch stop and had to be loaded onto a trailer.  Rather than “Preacher” filling in for “Too Tall”, “Preacher” gave up his motorcycle so that our Route Coordinator could continue the ride with the Southern Route.  That speaks volumes for our Assistant Coordinator, “Preacher”.  After a great dinner at Rays’Equipment, “Preacher” once again stepped up to lead an evening ride to the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a candle light service. 

All in all it was a great day.  A little bit of weather, some high temperatures, and a 30 degree drop in temperature when the rain came through.  Best of all, everybody arrived safely in Odessa, TX for the evening. 

Our FNG’s continue to do us proud as they have completed nearly one third of Run for the Wall XXII. 

Now it is time for everybody to get a good night’s rest and then it will be up and at ‘em early for breakfast at the American Legion Post 430 and then our visit to the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial for our morning ceremonies. 

P.S.  I had the pleasure of seeing Cpt Gary Stewart of the New Mexico National Guard again and Cpt Stewart still does not have the Harley he said he was going to get last year and the year before, and the year before and the year before…  So what’s UP Captain?  You’re going to have to get that motorcycle some day because we are not going to let you ride in our formation with your Hummer, even if it is armor plated.  In all seriousness though, thanks again for your hospitality and your service and to the men and women of the New Mexico National Guard. 

Respectfully submitted by
Steve “Hawgwash” Hill
MSgt. USMC (Ret.)

The following are from Raven and Sapper's photos on their Facebook page for Day Three, May 21:

Above, Ray and Kay listening (they look very tired...especially understandable when you read that they had bike trouble earlier today...see the SitReps below). Above, right, Tom "Ghost" Titus rejoined RFTW this year after a two-year lay-off. We're happy to see him back again! Below, left, important supporters receiving thanks from Ray and Kay. Below, right and continuing, Karoni Forrester models her vest.

Above, our official Chase Dog rides with Dee "Short Stack" Barker. Enough good words can't be said about the wonderful feast and supporters present to help us at Ray's Equipment, LLC., in Odessa see below, right. Thank you, thank you!

After the dinner, many riders rode to the Permian Basic Memorial to see the evening lighting even as storms raged closeby. Preacher led this ride again. The "dust off" memorial was the brainstorm of Hayden "Pappy" Jones and his friends. Pappy saw RFTW visit it regularly before he passed away four years ago.

To "travel with brothers" on this mission across the United States is more precious than we can describe. Comforting always takes place, and the Permian Basin Memorial is only one of many places which stir the hearts and emotions.

Memories for each are personal and profound. We hope a brother is there to comfort each and every one...rider and/or supporter, young or older.

Below, left, Douglas "Blinky" Beckman sent a photo of RG Poncho. Good to see him again!