Welcome to
Run For The Wall XXI
Southern Route - 2009
"Service Beyond Self"
Day Seven - May 19
Meridian, MS, to Chattanooga, TN
Exit # Distance Time ETA ETD
Meridian – Tuscaloosa 76 90 miles 1:30 9:30 12:00
Tuscaloosa – Ashville 166 90 miles 2:00 2:00 2:45
TIME CHANGE TIME CHANGE TIME CHANGE
Ashville – Chattanooga 7B 118 miles 2:00 5:45
Total Mileage 298 miles
The following photos were submitted by SR Photographer, Ed Kain:
Registration at the Ag Pavilion in Meridian. Below, Greg "Pied Piper" Smith addresses the FNGs who joined us just today. Greg reported on his blog that they rode into Chattanooga with over 400 bikes! That's the largest pack ever for theSouthern Route, we think.
Above, left, Pied Piper introduced a VA representative (also an FNG) who has been traveling with us. He spoke about some of the things which the VA could do for vets and the mobile VA centers. Above, right, Lynne Fouraker getting ready for the raffles. Below, left, RFTW Treasurer, John King, is back with us on his new bike purchased at Harley-Davidson of Jackson after the accident he and Ela had in New Mexico. He thanked people for their prayers and concern. Below, right, John "Slammer" Gebhards, Road Guard Captain, discussed various problems which he had observed within the pack, trying to make riders more aware of challenges.
Left, Dwayne "Cajun" Guidry going over hand signals used by RFTW. Above, two military personnel from Meridian who are getting ready to be deployed. Left, Lt. Frey and right, Staff Sgt. Pee. Below left, Ray "Too Tall" McDowell tried to explain what happened to his hat (???) Below (several photos) from our experiences at the VAMC in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We love the patients and staff there! The welcome they give us is tremendous, and the lunch they serve is deliciously nutritious, too!
Ceremonies at the Tuscaloosa VAMC: Above, Damon Stevens, Public Relations for the VAMC; Left, the Director of the Tuscaloosa VAMC, Alan J. Tyler, introducing Amy, who will be traveling with us. Below, left, Mr. Tyler introduced Cameron, who will also be traveling with us. Below, right, Pied Piper presented the VAMC's plaque of appreciation from RFTW.
Left, our RFTW-SR Advance Team, including the Fuel and Staging Crews. We owe a LOT to this fine group of folks, as they fuel the large pack quickly and efficiently and get the riders lined up appropriately afterwards. Above, Polley "Biker Girl" Berry.
Below, left, the large group of overpass supporters who were about halfway between Tuscaloosa and Chattanooga. Below, newlyweds Lynne and Jim Leithauser from Rainsville, Alabama, came out to cheer the RFTW-SR riders on. Thanks to ALL of you...your efforts really encourage the riders!
Left, at Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson in Chattanooga, we had entertainment and great food! We are especially pleased to have a photo of those workers to support us by serving food...thank you so much for your efforts! Below, right, Chaplain Wes was hungry!
Above, a miniature version of Tennessee's Wall of veterans killed in the Vietnam War. Left, a Native American Vietnam veteran blessed us with his talent.
Sit Reps for Day Seven
Day 7, Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Good morning RFTW XXI, we woke to a beautiful sunrise in Meridian, MS. After a well deserved rest, the riders staged at the AG Pavilion (Lauderdale County Agriculture Center) where we were served coffee, breakfast snacks and for those who took advantage of this incredible service, picked up their laundry. At the conclusion of the morning Riders Meeting, it was off to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center for a visitation and lunch. For those who have never been there, this one splendid facility, with its red brick buildings, well manicured lawns and shrubs, and it's flag-lined drives. If it weren't for the Veterans inside, you would think you were at a plush country club.
I want to share a brief encounter I had today with a young Marine wounded in Iraq. He was on his third tour of combat. His name is Shane. Out of respect for his privacy, I will only tell you his first name. He communicated with me in a very unique way. From his appearance, Shane was a victim of a traumatic encounter that left him with severe head injuries. Shane and I communicated though, when I said the right things, his eyes lit up, he gave a big smile and he gave a big "thumbs up". Shane wanted me to know that although he was severely wounded, he still understood everything I said. I found out he was a Marine Corporal, served with the Second Marine Division and is married. He is excited about going home to his family some day as he continues to make progress healing. Whether you are Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force or Coast Guard, there is something about each being able to communicate with another. In a few hours I learned a valuable lesson, Shane doesn't want you to feel sorry for him, but rather be proud he served his country on Your behalf. He likes the Texas Longhorns and the Crimson Tide. When you mention his wife, his eyes light up, he gives a big smile and a "thumbs-up". Shane had a rather large group of fellow Marines around him to include, "Gunner", "Mustang" and Cole with his unique Marine Corps tattoo. All of us just wanted a moment with this courageous Marine. I hope to in the days ahead to communicate with Shane's family so we can tell more of his story, just like Shane, there are many more warriors out there that have suffered traumatic injuries. So.... as you go about your day and you think you are having a tough time, think of Shane and others like him. It sure makes our problems seem insignificant. Semper Fi Shane and Thank You for your service.
Very reluctantly we had to depart for our next stop in Ashville, AL for fuel and refreshments provided by the local community and Veterans. If you want an EXCELLENT hotdog, join RFTW Southern Route and stop in Ashville with us. Many thanks go to the local citizens for your generous donations and hugs.
From there it was off to one of our most demanding segments of the ride as we navigated the various interstates leading into and through Chattanooga, TN. It is quite an interesting leg as we transition from several freeway interchanges during rush hour traffic and finally winding our way to Thunder Creek Harley Davidson. Well done to all the riders for a great Day 7.
At the Dealership, we were greeted by the Native American Veterans, Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Wives, and many Veterans' Groups to include Rolling Thunder. After dinner, we were entertained with some fantastic Native American music (including Blues style). One Native American Veteran spoke of how these great people lost more Veterans per capita than any other race during the Vietnam War. A tribute was given to Lori Ann Piestewa, a Hopi Indian from Arizona and the first Native American woman to die in combat in the service of her Country. A mountain in the Phoenix Mountains, AZ was renamed several years ago in her honor. If you ever visit Phoenix, look for Piestewa peak. (Side note - Holly and I were invited to a Hopi Pow Wow a year ago, where we had to honor to meet the family of Lori Piestewa).
Many thanks for the hospitality of Thunder Creek Harley Davidson; the riders are beginning to disperse to their various hotels and campsites for the evening. Now it is time that we get pumped up and prepared for Day 8.
The Honorable Trent Crewe, Mayor of Wytheville, VA has joined us here at Thunder Creek Harley Davidson and he has promised big things for the riders tomorrow and Thursday. Mayor Crewe will be riding with us tomorrow from Chattanooga into Wytheville.
We would like to extend our best wishes to our Brothers and Sisters on the Central Route, we hope that they have a continued safe journey and we will see you in D.C. in a few short days.
Respectfully submitted by
Steve "Hawgwash" Hill
MSgt. USMC (Ret.)
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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. However, here is a list of special people and organizations who helped us through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee:
Ken Storms, City of Meridian
RFTW Mississippi State Coordinator, Don "Papa Bear" Stringer
RFTW Mississippi State Assistant Coordinator, Tony "Rotten" Compton
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
RFTW Alabama State Coordinator, Steve Mozian
Management and Staff, Best Western Heritage, Chattanooga, TN
Management and Staff, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Knoxville, TN
Management and Staff, Watt Rd. T/A Travel Center, Knoxville, TN
RFTW Tennessee State Coordinator, Clyde Luttrell
