RFTW - SR
Day 1
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
to
Tolleson, AZ
May 18, 2011
Sit Rep: RUN FOR THE WALL-Southern Route (SR),
DAY 1 (Vance's Run), Wendesday, May 18, 2011
After several days of "DOWNTIME" in Rancho Cucamonga, it is time to finally mount up in anticipation of day #1 of Run for the Wall. It is always nice to get together with family and friends...and yes; we are FAMILY. We would also welcome the FNG's..our newest additions to our ever growing family. We welcome each and every one of you who are joining us for the first time. From us "Old Timers', we can promise you that this event will be one that will stay with you for a lifetime. During the next ten days, you will see America at its best...visiting wonderful communities; meeting great people...and just enjoying the camaraderie that this run brings.
One of the hi-lights of this year's event was a Celebration of Life for a member of the Run who is no longer with us. Vance Scott was an integral part of the Run and more so and integral part of our family. He spent many years as a Road Guard and was always willing to step up in his quiet way to do whatever was needed to be done for our success.
Vance, we will miss you but I imagine right now you are looking down on us...smiling now and then...shaking your head at some of the stuff we will do (as you always did)...and just being with us in spirit.
After a final night in Rancho Cucamonga, it is time for the morning ceremonies. We had introductions, prayer, and a presentation of the colors and taps. We are now saddled up and on our way to Coachella, CA for the mid-morning fuel stop and our first Southern Route rider's briefing. As a note, the rider's initial briefing is always held at the first stop because there are issues that need to be brought up that are UNIQUE to each route.
From Coachella, it is off to our lunch stop in Blythe, CA...a wonderful community just west of the Arizona border. It has become a much appreciated stop for the Southern Route because of the generosity of its citizens. In addition to donated fuel and lunch, the people of Blythe donated $3000 to the Run. Thank you all very much for your generosity.
With a full tank of fuel and a full belly, it is off to Tonapah, AZ for the afternoon fuel stop. Arizona has been somewhat kind to the riders this year. We experienced exceptionally cooler than normal temperatures but the trade for the better temperatures was a little wind and some light drizzle. After a brief fuel stop it was time for the final leg of Day #1. It is off to Tolleson, AZ (West Valley of Phoenix) for the evening stop. Dinner was courtesy of the Golden Corral. After eating it was time to settle down....catch up on the day's events...perhaps locate a friend from another platoon of riders or just kick back..
Day #1 on the Run is always filled with some apprehensions...what if.....?...is always on the minds of some...For the FNG's...great job...we are proud to have you along and look forward to the rest of the Run with you.
As always, we could not transition from point A to point Z without the outstanding support we receive from another group of our extended family...many thanks to the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department...Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, California Highway patrol, United States Border Patrol and the City of Blythe Police Department and Fire and Rescue.
For our Brothers and Sisters on the Central Route...we see that you are facing some serious weather issues. We are wishing you safe travels as you transition to the lower levels of Arizona and hopefully a little warmer weather. Be safe...See ya in D.C.
Steve Hill
MSgt USMC (retired)
"Hawgwash"
Run For the Wall - Southern Route - In memory of Vance "Old Fart" Scott, Road Guard
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Special thanks to California State Coordinator for RFTW-SR, Shirley "Top Sarge" Scott
and to Arizona State Coordinator for RFTW-SR, Jerry "Bookman" McNelly.
Above is one more photo taken on May 18. For years, SSGT Tim Chambers has saluted riders in Rolling Thunder in his Marine uniform; this was always a thrill for us as riders. (See story and photos on the www.rftwsr-2010.us website, Day 10 and RT) Now, he has broken his hand and can no longer hold the salute. He has joined SR this year and will be riding in a van, experiencing his own "Welcome Home." Enjoy, SSGT Chambers. You and the other veterans deserve this wonderful brotherhood of riders.
Below, "But, Chief, all of these nasty bikers followed me home...can I keep them?" SR entering Blythe, CA, under escort. They had been in rain much of the morning. We can't say enough good things about these citizens and their enthusiastic welcome each year. For new riders, Blythe is their first experience/thrill in the year's "Welcome Home" ride. Thank you, Blythe!!!
Above, the Jr. ROTC in their traditional salute and citizens clapping as the riders enter the Fairground building for lunch. Above, right, it's good to see Floyd Marlow in better health this year! Mr. Marlow instigated the first reception for SR in Blythe years ago and has been a major supporter. Thank you, Mr. Marlow! Below, the lunch line and SSGT Tim Chambers being introduced to the crowd.
Above, Mayor Joey Decuta acted as Master of Ceremonies. Right is Major General Tom Clifford, USAF Retired, who narrated the POW/MIA Table Memorial presentation put on by the Jr. ROTC students (see below, left). For a written copy of this presentation, click here. For a video of a similar POW/MIA Table Memorial presentation created for Illinois Women Veterans, click here. May the words and their meaning impact us all.
Above, right, Preacher presented one of the RFTW collages to Floyd Marlow with thanks for all he had done for Run For The Wall. Below left, the city of Beaumont, CA, sponsored a rider this year and asked that RFTW-SR representatives ride down to accept a proclamation presentation. The Advance Team with Photographer Ed Kain and Jerry McNelly, were our representatives. The man in the gray suit is Allen Kapanicas, City Manager. Below, right, is Mayor Brian DeForge presenting the proclamation to AT Leader David "Wahoo" Hampton.
Above, our own Hydration Team before the riders came in. They "save our lives" at every stop! Below, the community near the Spotlight 29 Casino came out with lots of water and refreshing supplies. They also opened up side doors to provide access to additional restroom facilities...very important to riders! Above right, Preacher usually focuses on safety comments for the riders. Below right, John "Slammer" Gebhards enjoying the sun.
Left, Cajun demonstrates the hand signals "passed back" by riders on the Run. Below, Laurie "Airborne" Clay, long-time State Coordinator for VA and now from NY, rode out to join us.
Above, Preacher presented a plague to Tammy, Operations Manager of the Spotlight 29 Casino, with a plague of appreciation from RFTW. Right, SR riders crossing into AZ on I-10. Below left in Tonapah, SGT Major was able to shake hands with a sniper from WWII. Greeting folks who come out to meet us/support us is always a highlight of our mission journey. Right, James "Gunny" Gregory is with us for awhile; he was the original Coordinator of RFTW and rides back and forth between routes every year.
Left: Jerry Wiers, State Representative for AZ; Sweetness, Bruce Officer's wife; and Jerry McNelly. Bruce "Ducktape" came out to see us, too...so good to see both of them! Above, Wahoo...
Above, supporters on Sun Valley Pkwy, the first bridge after leaving Tonapah. This photo was taken of the gathering about half an hour before the RFTW would pass underneath. Wow! Thanks, everyone!! Right, young patriots are especially appreciated, since we know they mean the American spirit WILL survive. Below, left, Diane "Sweetness" and Bruce "Ducktape" Officer. You look GREAT, Bruce; really wonderful to see you looking so good after your crash last fall!
Above, it was a wonderful entry with flags into Tolleson, AZ! Below, dinner was provided by Golden Corral and served by Church of the Son, a motorcycle ministry lead by Pastor Ruth Ford. The Church of the Son folks have served us dinner and breakfast in AZ for at least three years. We appreciate their efforts and wonderful smiles. They are, indeed, spreading the light!
