Run for the Wall May 21, 2011

Our mission today takes us from Oddessa, Tx to Grand Prarie, Tx. We will visit the Permian Basin Memorial in Odessa plus visit the small town of Colorado City, Tx.

Trish Burnett, an MIA daughter, who rode with us last year, is with us again. I have had the opportunity to talk to Trish on a several occasions this year. She has become much more friendly. She is much easier to talk to. As I thought about this and I think I know why. Last year, Trish was an FNG and didn’t really know anyone. Being an FNG can be overwhelming. You experience things you just don’t expect. Your emotions are always running away from you. Being an FNG is a once in a lifetime experience. But this year, Trish knows many of us. Plus she has experienced RFTW once already. So this year she is a lot more relaxed around everyone. It is good to see since she is one of the reasons we ride. She is an MIA daughter who had her father returned a couple of years ago. Her family finally had answers and got some closure.

Once again this year, Karoni Forrester, Mia daughter, meets us in Odessa. That is her hometown and her father’s hometown. He is on the Permian Basin Memorial.

Breakfast was at the American Legion Post 430. The Post donated the breakfast. After breakfast we had a short 12 mile ride to the Permian Basin Memorial. This is a beautiful memorial.

This view is from the back of the Chopper looking toward the main part of the memorial. You may notice the statue in front of the chopper of the three soldiers. They are waiting to the chopper to land since one of them is wounded. Plus the ground around them simulates a rice paddy. For many, once they realize where they are standing, you will see them immediately walk fast to get out of there. They will not go near the chopper again.

As we do at each memorial, we place a wreath from RFTW. Usually, the FNG’s are the ones that get to do this. At this memorial, Capt. Ron Forrester’s little girl, Karoni was part of the ceremony. She got to present the wreath. It could not have been a better choice. It is one of those little things that are done on this mission that mean so much to us
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This is a picture of Karoni standing in front of the honored names helping present the wreath. I didn’t ask her, but I am pretty sure she is looking at her father’s name as she stands there. She is such a strong woman to be able to do this, but I know how much her “Daddy” means to her. You can spend five minutes with her and you will also know this. I also know that her “Daddy” is very proud of her. May he rest in peace and may Karoni and her family one day get the answers to all their questions. Never Forget!

This year we did not visit the Big Springs Memorial. I was on the Advanced Team for several days last year and didn’t get to visit this memorial. I was looking forward to the visit this year. I don’t know why we didn’t go there and nobody explained why. Instead we headed directly to Colorado City for fuel and then lunch. Colorado City is another one of those small towns that go all out for us. The whole project is run by local school children. I think they are junior high school age. Once we get there and enter the warehouse there is a lunch at each table for all of us. We go in, get plastic knives, forks and spoons plus something to drink. It is open seating so we can sit anywhere. The meal consists of green beans, potato salad, and one of the best steaks I have had. A local rancher supplies all the beef. While we are there, the children put on a show for us. This year they had a dance group of about 8-9 year old girls. They did a fantastic job with it and got a well deserved standing ovation. They had a couple of singers and of course speeches. One of the things the students have to do is visit a local veteran and make a presentation that is set up in one part of the warehouse. This is just another example of how small town America helps RFTW on our journey across this country.

After Colorado City, we have two of the longest stretches back to back. We travel 116 miles to the next fuel stop. As usual the Advance Team did a great job getting everyone fueled up and ready to go. Of course, everyone takes a break and hydrates. Hydrating is very important when you are riding when it is hot and humid. I drink so much water that you would think I would be spending all my time in the bathroom. But it doesn’t work that way by hydrating, you prevent yourself from dehydrating and be in danger of heat stroke or exhaustion.

Our next ride is 122 miles to Grand Prairie. This is the end of this segments day. When we get to the La Quinta Hotel, there are all kinds of people with flags. They also supply us with dinner some entertainment. The local Dallas Vet Center has a mobile counseling vehicle. One of the really nice things they have done is to make a replica dog tag for everyone who has pre-registered in California. Bill picked mine up for me. They also had these real nice Challenge Coins for us. It was a very nice surprise. As the day comes to an end, we got cleaned up and got ready for the morning. Tomorrow will be busy in the morning. We have to leave early.

As I have said before, there is no stopping for any weather other than hail. But that is just a thought while I am trying to finish this day’s journey. I will take the journal up again in the morning.


Rich 'Yankee' Martin
Sgt. USMC
1965-1969
Viet Nam Vet
1966-1968

Run For the Wall May 20, 2011

This is day three of our mission. Now the platoons are starting to shape up. Most of them are riding together a little better. There are still problems since we have so many FNG’s. But with practice, they will all get better.

Like everyday on this mission we have a mandatory riders meeting. We cover any changes that are made to the day’s ride. Sometimes a route has to change because there has been construction that might become a problem for a group as large as this. Plus we pledge allegiance to the flag and say a non-denomination prayer. And also have a 50/50 and raffle off some items.

Breakfast this morning was donated by VFW Post 10124. It is nice to get donated meals. It helps cover some of the expense we have when we make this journey. At 0800 or thereabouts, we have been running behind this mission, we depart for a short ride over to the Las Cruces Veterans park. This is a short ride from our staging. Well this year was different. I was determined not to break down. I did pretty good at that.

This Memorial is dedicated to the 1800 New Mexicans on the Battan Death March. Of those 1800 only about 900 survived. Last year I had a problem here. I saw something that set me off. That happens on the mission to everyone. But it doesn’t matter. If people see you struggling, they will come over and give you a hug or words of encouragement. That is what the mission is all about. We are all there to help each other thru each day and get us all to the end of mission.

At the Memorial they had a man speak who was involved with the project to build this Memorial. I was unable to here all his words but mainly he told us that the statue of the three soldier’s faces were of his father and an uncle. The third face was of Phillipino who he knew. I can’t remember that name but it was someone he knew, also.

As I was walking back to the bike, I saw my friend Tim. He is an FNG this year. He was obviously in trouble. I went over to him and he said to the effect that he finally understands what I have been saying all along. I told him it was ok and that he needs to take several deep breaths so that he could focus on riding his bike. Our other friend Bill, who was an FNG last year was there also and talked to Tim. It seemed to help Tim and he was ready to go after that.

Our next stop was just a fuel stop. It went well and we got in and out of there without any problems. As I sit here and try to write all this out and get my thoughts down I need to apologize to all of you. I have been unable to keep this up. Usually, I do this before going to sleep at night. I have found that I have not adjusted well to getting up at 0-dark thirty hours everyday. Today is actually the end of our sixth day as I put this on paper. I am three days behind.

One thing this mission does to you is drain you physically and emotionally. Right now I am having problems with the physical part. Of course I am affected by many emotions. That is because each time you ride down the highway or visit a memorial or some small town, you may see the same things you saw the last two times you took this journey. However, you may not see them the same way. Or you may see something you really didn’t see last time. Each time I have taken this journey, I see something that I didn’t notice or I see something a little differently than last time. That affects you. As I have said in the past, you just don’t know what or why something will get to you. You just have to not fight it. Everyone on this mission at one time or another will shed tears. We all know it happens but nobody will laugh at you or think any less of you. We all know that we could be next. It is really one of the things that make this mission so special for all of us.

My words do not do justice to this at all. You have to experience it yourself to truly understand what happens. I know about four of the FNG’s on this year’s mission. Most of them thanked me and SgtMaj for inviting or convincing them to do this. Guess what! It wasn’t us. We try to express how this mission affects us. We haven’t invited anyone. All that joined us this year made the same decision we all made in the past. It was time. We had to make this trip. It was time to try and heal ourselves. It was time to try and visit with our brothers and sisters on the Wall. My words are inadequate to really describe to you how this mission helps many Viet Nam Vets with healing. It has helped me in many ways. Each mission will help a little more. The pain of Viet Nam and what happened after will never go away. That will be with me for the rest of my life. But I do believe that I will heal a little each time I go on this journey.

Once again I have digressed from this year’s journey. But in some respects when I do digress, it is because of this journey we take every year. Those of us that have done this for multiple years know what I say and will understand it. We really are a big family. I look forward each year to seeing everyone again. It is hard to describe the emotions and feelings I get from this journey. Bill M. is on his second year and understands more than last year when he was an FNG. Tim M. is an FNG so his experience is completely different from anything that Bill or me are having. But I try to see them as much as I can but am too busy to spend as much time as I can with them. Ken K. and Tom from Sac. Are just overwhelmed by what they have seen. I have talked to Ken about things but haven’t been able to see Tom too many times except when he is on his bike. Being a Road Guide keeps me extremely busy but it also is something that helps me on this mission.

But back to the mission. The next stop is for fuel in Van Horn, Tx. My wife and son stayed in Van Horn when they took their cross-country trip in 2010. They absolutely love the place. NOT! They stayed in a hotel (unnamed) when it was about 90 out. Well guess what? The A/C in the room did not work. I guess the hotel was not very receptive to my wife’s complaint and took some time to agree to put them into another room. But that was not our experience. We had a fuel stop then sent everyone to another donated lunch at the convention center. Many of the RG’s and I decided to just eat at the McDonalds that was right next to the fuel stop.
Once again, the Southern Route Coordinator Richard “Preacher” Moore did the presentation of plaques after lunch. I have seen this many, many times and that is probably why I choose to buy lunch instead of taking the donated lunch. I would have had to stay for all the presentations. We then saddled up and headed for our next stop. We had a police escort all the way to the freeway and many townspeople outside waving flags or just waving to us. Again, for me I have mixed emotions about this kind of thing. It is very nice to see but I sometimes still say to myself, ‘Where were you 40 years ago? What did we do to make you despise us so much? What is so different now that you try and make yourselves feel better by greeting us in this way now?”

Once again I digress. Our next fuel stop is in Pecos, Tx. On the way here we leave I10 and transition to I20. By the way, we have another time change in Van Horn. We are on Mountain time instead of West Coast time. Lose another hour of sleep. Pecos was a pretty quick stop. Just fuel, quick run to the head and back on the bikes. Our final destination of the day is Odessa, Tx. Ray “Too Tall” ? is one of the owners. His company supplies us dinner. They put on a great spread. But as you ride up the freeway, you first see this gigantic US Flag flying. We exit and cross over the freeway and turn down the frontage road to his business. Many people and flags to greet us. The local PGR is out in force and many townspeople are there. As road guards, we direct all the bikes in and show them where to park. Once everyone is parked, we get to join in the festivities. For me the best part is this is where Karoni Forrester joins the mission. If you don’t remember, she is an MIA daughter. Her Marine father was shot down in 1972 when Karoni was just about 2 years old. I first met her in 2009 when I was an FNG. I had the privilege of taking her to Phoenix on my bike. She is such a special person and I am glad I have gotten to know her.

After dinner, we were done for the day. We all headed to our hotels where we checked in and got some sleep and thought about what tomorrow’s day will bring. Each day gets better. The FNG’s hear this all the time from us and by the end of the mission, they will all realize how true that is.

I will try and catch up daily but don’t bank on it. I guess I am feeling my old age and have to sleep a little more than I did in the past. Not matter, tomorrow will be better and the mission is what is most important, anyway.

Run For the Wall May 19, 2011

Today is the start of the longest riding day. We will travel from Tolleson, Az to Las Cruces, NM. This will be a tough test for the main body and especially the FNG’S. They will all have to stay focused on their immediate surroundings. They can’t let their attention stray at all.

Our first stop was for gas in Marana, Az. a distance of 102 miles. The day started out in the 60’s instead of the hi 90’s low 100’s like it has been in the past. The main problem for today was the gusty winds. Some are worse than others.

Once again, we see people on the overpasses. While this is easier for me to deal with, it still tugs at my emotions. Sometimes I wonder where they were 40 years ago. Back then, if they were on the overpass it would have been to throw things at us. Now times have changed. They cheer us on. As I think of this, I start to think about things. My father was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He also fought in Europe. The WWII generation is called our “Greatest Generation”. They do deserve that for what they did. Then I think that maybe Viet Nam Vets can lay claim to being one of the best generations also.

When we came home there were no parades. We weren’t welcomed home. In fact, we were vilified. We were made to feel like third class citizens. Most of us didn’t let anyone we met know we were Vets. This country made us feel ashamed of our service. But now look at what we have done. We badgered the VA into giving us the benefits we were promised. Agent Orange damaged many of us, some more severely than others.

But the most important thing in my mind is that we demanded respect for today’s Warriors. We are determined that this country will not do to today’s Veterans what they did to us. We take care of each other and make sure the present military veterans get the help they need. We will never turn our backs on our fellow vets. It will not happen. And that may be our greatest contribution to date. Like I said, we can lay claim to being one of our greatest generations. We now stand tall.

I digress. Sometimes I just have to say something regardless of how appropriate it is. It is what I am feeling at the time and I need to say it.

After leaving Maranna, we headed for Wilcox, Az. This is another of those small desert towns who go all out for us. After gassing up, we head for the local VFW where we are fed lunch at no charge to us. Most meals are donated at every town we stop in. As we enter the lodge, people are lining the sidewalk to the entrance. They shake our hands and give us hugs and welcome us. They tell us thank you for coming. They actually got it backwards. We should and do thank them for all they do for us.

In the past, after lunch we would ride past the Wilcox Elementary School. This year we didn’t because the children were out of school. The principal told us that that would not happen again. It was so much fun. These are young kids. Maybe 7-10 years old. They line the fence with their teachers and we beep are horns, rev our engines and make as much noise as we can. The kids light up and really enjoy it a lot. We do too.

Our next leg is the longest. It is 122 miles. It will take over 2 hours for the pack to travel this distance. Our stop will be at the Savoy Truck Stop where we will have a time change to Mountain Time. This is a pretty quick stop. Just a gas and go. At least that is what it is supposed to be. But many riders need to use the facilities so it takes a little longer.

After Savoy it is a quick 72 miles to Las Cruces for the night. We will stay at the Hampton Inn. Nice hotel and nice rooms. Las Cruces Harley Davidson supplies dinner. It was very good. They also had a ceremony with dignitaries that basically thank us for stopping in Las Cruces. Again, we are the ones that thank them. One of the things we do is present plaques to those that take care of us. These are nice plaques that just try to show those people how much we appreciate them.

After dinner we headed to our hotel to try and get ready for the morning. We have to be at the American Legion Post at 0600 for meetings and to stage the platoons as they come in. Today was a pretty good day, Nice cool temperature but gusty wind all day.

Tomorrow goes from Las Cruces to Odessa, Tx, It will be one of the good days. Each day gets better as we go along.

Rich 'Yankee' Martin
Sgt. USMC
1965-1969
Viet Nam Vet
1966-1968

Run For the Wall May 18, 2011

The mission begins today. We leave California for the start of our 10-day journey to DC. The RG’s staged at 0515 so we could get to the staging area. Once there we were all assigned different duties. I relieved one guy whose job it was to direct the riders to the platoon they are assigned to. I did that until I had to leave to join the team I was assigned to. I was part of the Exit team..

By the way, when we left it was cold, windy and raining. When we started out, it was still dark. There are five of us on the team. So we just move down the highway at a steady pace. We rarely had to slow down as most of the traffic was heading in the other direction. About half way to our first gas stop, the rain stopped. It was still windy and cold. We arrived in Coachella Truck Stop and filled up. The Advanced team was getting setup for when the main body arrived. It is amazing how hard and fast they work once the main body arrives. They can fuel over 200 bikes in about 15 minutes.

Our job was to direct the riders to the next staging area and make sure they didn’t try to stop at the fueling location. The riders already know who we are so pretty much follow our instructions. After the last bike is fueled, the Advanced Team Leader collects the money from his team and goes in and pays the bill. In the meantime we hang out, take a break or do what we want for a few minutes.

The Advance team will then mount up and head to the next fuel stop. After some time, we mount up and head to the same stop. The next stop is in Blythe, of Ca. This small town goes all out for us. Not only does most of the town line the streets to wave and cheer, they feed us lunch. While we are eating, the high school band plays for us. They also have a missing man table set up and tell us what it signifies. I have heard this several times and it never gets old. It just touches your heart.

After we left Blythe, the rest of the day was just riding on to Tolleson, Az. We did have other fuel stops but they went well as usual. Also, again this year as we were going thru the desert, we would go under an overpass that had people cheering and waving flags. No matter were you looked you couldn’t see anything but desert. These people would just get there around the time we were expected by, just to show us they supported us. I have seen this for the last three years and always affected by it. Sometimes more than others.

Our Ambassador’s go up to these people and talk to the all and tell them how much we appreciate seeing them there. That is one of the jobs of our Ambassadors. They also stay back after someone has fed us the make sure those people also know how much their efforts mean to us. Is that a great job to have or not? The Ambassadors are all former Route Coordinators and also State Captains. They are people who have put a lot of time and effort into making Run For the Wall so special.

I do have a confession to make. Today is actually Thursday. I started this yesterday evening but was so tired I couldn’t finish. I would drop my netbook when I fell asleep, or I would have to erase the 20-30 identical letters that would appear when I fell asleep. Finally I just shut down and went to bed. I no sooner laid my head down and I was fast asleep.

I will get started on today’s blog when we get to Odessa, Tx. Friday afternoon. So far this has been just as exciting for me as the past 2 years. The farther east we go, the better it gets.

Run For the Wall 2011-May 15th to 17th

These installments are written by Rich "Yankee" Martin. Rich is a Vietnam Veteran & a member of PGR. This is his 3rd year participating in "Run for the Wall".

May 15, 2011

Today is the day! I left for RFTW in Rancho Cucamonga. I met Doug “Sgt Major” Lyvere in Gilroy at 0930 so we could ride down together. It seems like this day has taken forever to get here. The anticipation is torture. It seems like the day was never going to get here.

This is my third year doing this mission. My first year, 2009, I was an FNG. The whole mission was an emotionally draining experience. By the time I got to DC, I was just drained. It was extremely hot and humid there and I could not drink enough water to stay hydrated. At least it seemed that way. Friday night, I got to tour the Commandant of the Marine Corps home at view the Evening Parade. The Parade is spectacular. On Saturday, as an FNG I got to go to Arlington to visit the Tomb of the Unknowns. Then on to the Lincoln Memorial for a group picture before heading for the Wall. I almost didn’t make it. I almost turned around and ran in the other direction several times. But my mission was to place a picture of an MIA at the Wall. I was successful doing that but I couldn’t do anything else.

2010 was my second year and I became a Road Guard. That was quite an experience. It made the mission so much better. I was busy the whole way and worked with the most dedicated people you will ever meet. Road Guards are responsible for getting everyone to DC as safely as possible. We take our responsibilities very seriously. Once again, this was a very emotional ride. You never know what will set you off. Something minor will trigger something and start the tears flowing. It usually happens when you are not expecting anything. I still was not able to spend anytime at the Wall last year. I couldn’t visit with any of my brothers. I am hoping this year I can spend time with them. That is my personal mission for this year.

This year, I have been looking forward to this even more. I can’t wait to see everyone. When we arrived in Rancho this afternoon, there was a surprisingly large group already there. Lots of hugs and catching up. It was good to see Cowboy, Cajun, Scratch, Wrong Way, Lightbulb, Stoney, Bandit, and DJ. Pied Piper 2009 Route Coordinator was there this year. He missed 2010. Too Tall, 2010 Route Coordinator and his wife, Too Short, are here again. DJ from Kansas is here. These are just some of the people I greeted. More will be here on Monday and Tuesday. We did have a Memorial Service for Top Sarge’s husband, Vance, who passed away this year. They are long time RFTW people. They are well known and loved by many people. Top Sarge (Shirley) will be driving one of the support vehicles again this year.

Our ride down here was pretty uneventful, except for the anticipation I was feeling about getting here. We did get a little sprinkles at least three times. Enough to wet the windshield but not us. Traffic was light most of the way. Even when we got to the LA area the traffic was relatively light. By the way, we only made 2 strategic changes of direction. One of them was because of the GPS. But that is the fun part of riding motorcycles. You have to overcome and adapt.

I will continue this with my thoughts about Monday and Tuesday before I send it out. We actually leave on Wednesday so the next two days are just meetings and more meetings.

May 16, 2011

More riders have been and will continue to arrive today. I will spend the day seeing more of the RFTW family and that is what we are, After 10 days of riding together and experiencing this mission together, you become family.

Most of today is spent making sure people knew where they had to go to register and sign in. Last year we had about 900 people pre-register. That is nationwide. This year I heard there were about 1050 pre-registered nationwide. Rumor has it that SR had about 300 register just today. In the past we usually would leave Rancho Cucamonga with 200-250 bikes. So this should be an interesting mission.

Today was a day of mostly greeting people you met in the past. We had a leadership meeting at 1730 where this years Route Coordinator, Richard “Preacher” Moore reminded us of why we ride. He also covered other important information. When that ended, the Road Guards went to dinner together. We had about 25 of us in several tables pushed together. We went to a Famous Dave’s and had a great dinner. Of course, they did separate checks and as veterans, we got a 25% discount. It was nice having dinner with everyone. We get to relax before we start work on Wednesday.

May 17, 2011

Most of the morning was spent in our Road Guard meeting. There was a lot of information passed down. A long time member of the Central Route who is now on the Board of Directors took the time to explain why some of the changes were made. It seems that most of the changes on the CR were done a year or two after we did them on the SR, CR was always catching up. So this year they decided to have the SR wait until next year for any changes so that CR and SR will be working on the same page.

The rest of the day was just spent greeting all the riders coming in. My friend, Tim Mermod, made it in this afternoon. He made it in time for the FNG meeting. That is an important meeting for him to attend. Most of the afternoon was spent talking to FNG’s. I remember when I was an FNG how people would come up to me and welcome me and answer any questions I had.

Some of the people who arrived today were Robert and Alica Padilla. I met Robert last year and this year we did a Welcome Home for Alicia’s son when he returned from Iraq. I also saw Mayor Trent Crowe, of Wytheville, Va. This year he was able to make it all the way out here so he can go all the way. You will hear about Wytheville once we get there. It is a special place for us to visit.

Another special arrival today. If you have ever seen a video of Rolling Thunder one image everyone will remember is that of Marine SSgt Tim Chambers standing in his dress blues saluting the riders as they go by. He has stood there for 4 hours until the last rider passes. Last year he was in Arlington saluting us when we arrived at the host hotel. This year he is going with us all the way. He will be in one of the vehicles since he is unable to ride a motorcycle. He is not 100% physically at this time. He insists he will be out at his post again this year. I just don’t know how he can do that with his condition. We will see when we get to DC.

The mission starts in the morning. As a RG, I have to be ready to go at 0515 in the morning. But I can’t wait until morning. The mission is what matters and that is why we all are here. I will continue this after the first days travel.

Run for the Wall 2011

I have a friend who is participating in "Run for The Wall".....10 day motorcycle ride from So. Calif. to Washington, D. C. He will be writing his story along the way & I will post it here. I did this a couple years ago & people loved it. Hope you will too. Will start posting tomorrow.

Recycle your greeting cards

As the holidays are now we all start putting decorations away & tossing out the cards you received from Family & Friends. I am hoping that you can send the card fronts (don't send the photo cards from Aunt Edna or anyone else please) to me so that they can be recycled into new cards for our troops next Christmas/Wintertime. This year I was able to send card packs to over 1200 troops. I am hoping to do more next year (last year was about 1000). Please ask friends & family to do the same. Cards will be collected all year (all greeting cards) Please email me at pfcrensmom-cardsfortroops@yahoo.com for address on where to send them.

Thank you so much for your support!!

Wreaths Across America

A small donation each month can put a wreath on the graves of many who stood up for you & our country when they were needed. Check out the story here.....

My Baby is 24!!

The Communicator turned 24 today.....the first of his birthdays we have spent together in 5 years. A good day & I'm a happy mom

OPERATION: MOM BLOOD DRIVE

Gold Star Families License Plate Project

Please vote daily for this....whether or not you live in CA!!!

CARDS 4 OUR TROOPS

THERE ARE NO HALLMARK STORES IN AFGHANISTAN OR IRAQ (YES...WE STILL HAVE TROOPS THERE) !

THIS IS STICKY.....PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE BLOG.

I currently need Cards 4 Our Troops Kids by 07/01/11.... ! All Deadline Dates for 2011 are at end of post......Check FACEBOOK page for updates.

{PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY....I REALLY NEED THE CARDS TO BE DONE AS I HAVE ASKED....I DO THIS BY MYSELF & NEED YOUR HELP TUCKING THE FLAPS & CARD BACKS INTO THE ENVELOPES....I'M SPENDING HOURS DOING THIS & NOT GETTING TO MAKE CARDS MYSELF}. It would also be very helpful if you can put 2 cards in a ziplock...leave ziplock open tho so I can enclose a note plus 2 All Occasion Cards.

I am a Former Army Mom/a Blue Star Mom. My only son (our only child actually) is now a US ARMY Veteran. In March 2007 I started sending cards overseas to the troops in care packages. I have made arrangements to send the cards in care packages. All Occasion Cards (Love You, Thinking of You, Hello, Friend, Missing you, Birthday & kids, etc. ) for them to send to their children/loved ones at home/something they can personalize) are always needed .....I have been getting requests for Get Well cards that can be sent to injured buddies too....packages are sent monthly so send cards as you would like. I will be taking any store bought cards I get to the local VA Hospitals & Fisher House. Can also use donations of envelopes & cardstock always as well as card front from greeting cards you have received & aren't keeping so we can recycle into new cards. BIG NEED RIGHT NOW IS PRIORITY MAIL & REGULAR POSTAGE as I am getting alot of requests for more cards from the troops & always want to comply.

Cards should be blank inside for the service member to write inside to their loved ones (their words are better than anything you can stamp out usually), must be with regular envelopes...,
tuck the flap into the envelope
(no clear envelopes please),
then tuck the back of the card inside envelope too.
Also, if you use dark paper please put light color insert so they can write on that. We always want Thank you cards from you TO the troops....with a personal note inside (thank you for your service, you are in my prayers, hope you come home to your loved ones soon, etc, No hope you don't get shot, etc.). Due to security issues these envelopes (envelopes are not required for the thank you cards to them if you don't want to put them in one) must be unsealed. Must have Cards 4 Our Troops Kids for the next packing by July 1st as well as All Occasion cards (which I need year 'round). You may use your email address as your hallmark on the back of the card if you like. This would be a great way to use the swap cards you accumulate.If you are interested in participating please email me with any questions you may have or to ask for the address to mail the cards to: pfcrensmom-cardsfortroops at yahoo dot com (change the -at- to @ or click the link & PLEASE DON'T DISRESPECT THE TROOPS BY USING THIS EMAIL TO SEND SPAM!). This is a year round project.

2011 Card Deadlines....

7/1/11 Cards 4 Our Troops Kids (cards to send home to kids)

8/5/11 All Occasion (Thank you cards and letters of appreciation in observance of 9-11 (10th anniversary)
9/2/11 Halloween (no body parts or ghoulish PLEASE)

10/1/11 Thanksgiving

11/4/11 Christmas Cards (NO GOLD STARS)

00/00/11 Winter /New Years Cards

Thanks to the Troops are welcome all year....take a moment to let them know how you feel about them....also All Occasion Cards (as generic as possible)

More Emails Received from Troops

I have received more emails from this past mailings to share.....for those who do not make cards but would like to help we could use Priority Mail postage stamps so that we can send cards that we get requests for in between packings. I am also collecting card fronts from store bought cards that we recycle into new cards.

Thanks!

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Ms. Dresser,

My name is Kelly. I just wanted to write a quick thank you for the cards that mysteriously appeared in our barracks. We don't have easy access to a PX and it's so great to have cards to send home. Both my Dad and brother's birthdays are coming up and thanks to you they may actually get a card in time (the other half is up to the post office!)

Thanks so much for taking the time to make these beautiful cards. Your work is greatly appreciated!

V/R

Kelly Fxxxxx
Medford, Oregon
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Ma'am,
My name is SPC Tricia Sxxxx and I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan. I'm writing to express my gratitude for the homemade cards that you've sent. My unit received them in a care package today and since I love to write and am crafty myself, I snatched them right up. The other girls in my office love homemade cards as well and we were hoping that you'd be willing to send us some more. It means a lot to us knowing that there are people who care and support us through all we do, and we think these cards are a fantastic way to do so. It means so much more knowing the kind of thought and effort you've put into helping us stay in touch with our family and friends. Once again, thank you, and hope to hear from you soon!

With warm regards,
Tricia Sxxxx

Emails received from the Troops

Here are some emails I have received from Troops who have received Cards we have sent overseas.....if you have been debating over whether to participate in this project I hope this will give you that push you need.

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Hey,
I just wanted to say thank you very much for the cards. It is my favorite thing to get out here because I send a lot of stuff back home. Thank you a million times for your support. I attached a picture for you to know who I am and if you guys ever need someone to send these cards to, send them our way. Everyone in my shop says thank you as well!!

V/r
SPC Jessica M. Cxxxx

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
- Will Rogers

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Dear Debbi Dresser,
Thank you so much for your wonderful card to me. You encouraged me a lot
with your warm and loving care.
Especially your handmade cards you enclosed were so beautiful. I wish to
have more. You enclosed 4 cards. I was so selfish to use them by myself.
Would you forgive me not to share it with other soldiers?
I really appreciate you and your support.
Please pray for us. We need your prayer support so badly.
I pray and bless you and your beloved ones.
May God bless you.

CH (CPT) Abrahamyoung ki Xxx

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a
broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)
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Hi
I wanted to pass along a big thank you for the homemade cards
and all the goodies. I sent the cards out to my family. I attached a
letter I typed up to answer some questions from the folks that sent
things over here and just to let you know who you sent your items to. I
shared with my whole office and everyone passed along their thanks.

v/r
Michael A. Mxxxxx, Capt, USAF
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Debbi Dresser,
I wanted to thank you for the cards, they are very creative and tastefully done. We all appreciate having your loyal support and are honored to serve our country.
Our family and friends appreciate them too!

I attached our command photo.

Thank you once again!
V/R,

LSCS(SW) Don F. Xxxx
______________________________________________________________________

Ma'am,

I received a box on behalf of my company here in Baghdad. Inside were a few greeting cards that came with a slip of paper with your email address. I have meant to contact you sooner and I apologize for the lateness in my gratitude. The box was full of great things such as DVDs and food items. My Soldiers attacked it with fervor from a taste of America! I happened on the cards because they were perfect for sending my wife for the upcoming holidays and her birthday. She received one of them for Valentines Day.

My Soldiers are so grateful for support packages. We know our mission here is now being overshadowed in the press by our brothers and sisters on the offensive in Afghanistan, your support of our mission is incredibly motivating. Many of my troops I are on their 2nd, 3rd and even 4th deployment here. We have seen chaos and lawlessness blossom into a young democracy. Streets that once rang with gunfire and explosions are now full of trucks and cars, people and children moving freely with almost no fear of the cowards who tried so hard to destroy the will and progress of the country. We are so close to achieving victory here, we can see it, we feel it and we cannot wait for the elections on March 7th. We know they will be successful because the Iraqi Security Forces are taking the protection of voters seriously. Side by side, we are planning with them and supporting them, but the brave Iraqis are taking the lead in every aspect of our mission. It is incredible. So much good news each day!

Once again, I want to thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and urge you to let others know that our Soldiers are working tirelessly here to get home. We must always remember the sacrifice of our fallen heroes, many of whom stood next to us during the times when the outlook was bleak.

Very respectfully,

1LT Erik Axxxxx

--
"The line between disorder and order lies in logistics…"
- Sun Tzu
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I WAS ABLE TO USE THE CARDS AND THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL. WE WERE WONDERING IF YOU HAD A WEB SITE THAT WE MAY PURCHASE SOME ON.

THANKS AGAIN.
Rose T

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Debbi,

I wanted to send you this email just to say thanks for the cards included in some of the care packages we recieved here. I have personally used some of them and so have my soldiers. The cards make it very convenient to send notes home to our loved ones. The variety of the cards helps to cater the note to certain events or holidays. Please continue to do what you do for our support. Thank you and know that your cards are being put to good use.

SGT Allen D. Xxx

"Lead By Example"
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Dear Debbi,

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the wonderful cards you and your friends made for us. They are very handy for sending thank-you notes back to all of the awesome people back home who send carepackages and letters out here.

We all really appreciate the support from folks like you back home.

Semper Fi,

Maj Tammie Xxxxx

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Ma'am,

I want to thank you for the cards you made. They were very wonderful
and I sent one to my wife and two daughters. I know they will enjoy
them very much. Again Thank you for your support to the troops.

SFC Jason A. Mxxxxxx

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good afternonn miss debbi dresser my name is spc jose m gxxxx im a reserve soldier who is right now in iraq and i went to heavens ground thats where most of the stuff that is to give away to soldiers is and i was looking at the post carrds and i started looking at some of them there and got the ones you send and i must say that they are precious i would like to thank you for the supports you give and the work you put into them i took around 20 post cards most of them the ones that could be for any ocasion and im going to send them to all my family, they arer in a nice and detailed way of making them that i know there is a lot of work and love put into them i saw one that was more than beautifull and i send it to my girfriend on her birthday and she cried because the postcard pplus what i wrote made her feel special, once again i would like to say thank you for your suport and have a good day.

ATT:

SPC Jose M. Gxxxxx
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Dear Debbi,

I am a service member currently deployed to Kosovo and just received some of
your homemade cards. Just wanted to let you know that I think they are
wonderful, and also wanted to thank you for supporting America's troops, we
are truly appreciative of all that you do for us. God Bless and take care.

Very Respectfully,

SPC Juliet R. Fxxxx
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Dear Debbi,

We just recently received your latest Op Care and Comfort boxes with the enclosed Valentines Day cards. They were very well received, and trust me the cards will be used. I took one out myself and already sent it home to my wife to celebrate Valentienes Day. We thank you so much for your support and the joy you bring to our lives while away. We have just completed our first quarter of the year over here, things are starting to happen very fast. That is a good thing because time goes by fast, but bad because it has become normal for us to be over here, away from home. Packages like the ones you sent us with all the goodies, magazines, books, etc are a small reminder of home, and it causes us to pause for a second and remember home. It is a very good think to remind ourselves, plus who can deny candy, chocolates, and the rest of the goodies right!

I am sure the cards you sent will be received well at home. I am pretty sure they have been taken up by Soldiers and will be used. I get nothing but thank yous and smiles when I show our Soldiers what is in the boxes, I just can't say it enough, it means a lot to us.

We thank all of you so much for you support. I hope this new year has been good so far to all of you. I wish you the best, God Bless all of you, and look forward to the next time we hear from you.

Respectfully,

Ruddie Xxxxxx

Valentines on the way to Troops

Packing was yesterday & we were able to send Valentine's plus All Occasion Cards (2 of each per baggie) to nearly 700 troops in care packages. Great job by all the card makers who volunteer their time & art to this cause especially as it was so soon after Christmas & New Years. I wish to thank all who helped. Hope we get more helpers as the year/decade goes forward. Thank you for all your support!!

Happy 373rd Birthday National Guard!!

Chairman Marks National Guard’s 373rd Birthday

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2009 – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a message today commemorating 373 years of service by the National Guard.

Here is the text of the chairman’s message:

On the Thirteenth of December each year, we celebrate the creation of one of America’s most enduring institutions – our National Guard. The Guard has a proud history of serving and protecting the American people at home and defending our allies abroad.

Now, more than any time in our history, our National Guard keeps our military, our Nation strong. We would not have been able to maintain over eight years of sustained combat operations without this incredible service and the sacrifices of Guard families and employers who also contribute.

During World War II, National Guard units were among the first in the fight. America’s Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen performed valiantly during the Cold War in far away places from Korea to Europe. Over 20,000 Guardsmen served on active duty in the Vietnam War, and over 75,000 answered the Nation’s call in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Today over 70,000 of you are currently supporting expeditionary operations in locations around the world while still maintaining vigilance and crisis response stateside. Your efforts are making a remarkable difference at a critical time in our country’s history. We could not do it without you.

On behalf of your fellow service members of the Armed Forces, the Joint Chiefs and I thank you and your families and employers for 373 years of courageous sacrifice and service to our Nation. Because of you, the National Guard is Always Ready, and Always There.

Sincerely,

M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy

HAPPY 234TH BIRTHDAY US ARMY....HOOAH!!

Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our Nation. From the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 234th birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong both here and abroad. Their willingness to sacrifice to build a better future for others and to preserve our way of life is without a doubt, the Strength of our Nation.

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JCS Speech
United States Army Birthday 2009
By Adm. Mike Mullen , Pentagon
Sunday, June 14, 2009

The history of our Army is the history of America. And today, without question, our Army is the best fighting force this country has ever seen.

Whenever I have the opportunity to visit with you – our Soldiers, and our Army families – it’s hard not to feel exceptionally proud of the difference you are making as you defend our Nation and create security and stability around the globe.

It’s difficult as well to miss your fighting spirit and your remarkable resilience, which were so critical to turning the tide in Iraq, and remain indispensable as we shift our main effort to Afghanistan. Your legacy of success has always been paced by a trademark ability to learn and adapt. As you train and teach to those hard-earned
lessons, you are writing the history of warfare, line by line.

Indeed, your versatility is indispensable to every facet of war – especially our efforts to prevent war itself – from building partners to defending our homeland. You know that no one can do this alone.

You also understand what eternal debts we owe our wounded, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Soldier’s Creed of “Never leave a fallen comrade” inspires a Nation to care for them with a commitment that is for life. And in this charge, as is true of so many others, you lead the way – “always fighting from the heart.”

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is an honor to wish our Army and Army families a happy 234th birthday. Hoo-ah!

Remembering Flag Day

Every Flag Day, June 14, America recognizes birthday of Old Glory with its own holiday. In 1885, Wisconsin school teacher B.J. Cigrand started a grassroots campaign that began with his students celebrating Flag Day. After nearly 30 years of state and local celebrations, President Woodrow Wilson made Flag Day official in 1916. Flag Day became a national observance by an Act of Congress in 1949 and was signed into law by President Harry Truman. For more information, including educational materials, visit the National Flag Day Foundation website, USFlag.org, the Library of Congress website, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) website.

RFTW 2009 - Pt 6 (Rich)

May 19th
This segment covers Meridian to Chattanooga. This was one of the few times that breakfast was on our own. However, the hotel had a continental breakfast for free, so once again, free breakfast. As we do every morning we have our meetings. Each morning we also pick up new registered riders. What we do is get all the new FNG’s up front to applause from the rest of us. The coordinator than asks us to look at them and asks us what we say to new FNG’s. We all holler “Welcome!” Then they are told that they are a part of our group and if they have any questions, to ask anyone wearing an arm band of any color. Our job is to get them to their destination, whether it is part way or all the way, safely.

Again, we depart with a gas stop (not free) with a destination of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. As we roll up to an entrance you notice flags lining each side. Then you see the patients lining the walkway and cheering us. Many of them are in wheelchairs and accompanied by hospital staff. As we dismount, we go over and mingle with the patients.

(photo to follow)
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

While here, we were fed lunch and were able to visit patients in their rooms. I have trouble doing this for some reason. It is something I am working on to overcome my reluctance to visit my brothers and sisters that are bed ridden. The director of the hospital gave a short speech thanking us for being there and making the Medical Center one of our stops.

(photo to follow)
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Director

After lunch and a visit, we mounted up for the ride into Chattanooga. As a side note, I had emailed and called a guy I served with in the Marines. His name is “Buzz” Griffey. So far he has not returned any email and phone calls. Last year when I saw him, he was not in great health. I haven’t talked to him in several months and I am getting worried. I told him I was doing Run for the Wall and that one of the stops would be Chattanooga. That is where he is from even though he lives in Chickamauga, Ga. He has 8 acres just south of the battlefield. We toured it last year when I was there. Hopefully, he will call me soon.

But back to the story. We stopped outside of Asheville for a gas stop and a surprise snack stop. If you have spent any time in the south, you will recognize the food chain store called Piggly Wiggly!. I swear to you that is the name. I have proof. See the picture!

(photo to follow)
Piggly Wiggly! They really exist!

While here, a local motorcycle club provided snacks which consisted of hot dogs and chips. Of course, I had to have something. I couldn’t just ignore that good old southern hospitality, could I. like I said earlier, too much food and not enough exercise.

On the road again and heading for Thunder Creek Harley in Chattanooga. We were warned to be alert because we would be getting there right around the commute hour and that traffic would be horrendous. Once we got there, everything turned out pretty good. Traffic was heavy but our road guards did their normal outstanding job and got us all thru without any problems. We got to Thunder Creek and found parking to be real bad. We were parked on a long downhill driveway. I wasn’t too comfortable with that because my bike is loaded. I managed to pull way over and turn slightly left so that the bike wasn’t pointing downhill. I felt a little easier with that.

(photo to follow)
The driveway at Thunder Creek HD. It doesn’t really show its steepness

The HD shop provided supper for us. Hamburgers and hot dogs and all the fixings. They had entertainment set up outside, also. There were vendors and also the Tennessee Veteran’s Memorial Wall. It listed those men and women from Tn. who served and gave all. It is another instance of why I love sunglasses. I can’t look at it for too long.

They did have entertainment. Of course it was country and you know how much I just love country, NOT! But one thing I did do. I found the cheapest pair of gloves I could find. Along the way, Karoni lost one of my summer leather gloves and I lost one of my summer gloves. So all I had was a leather set. I bought a padded, fingerless set that I used the next couple of days. Fortunately, the HD part of the gloves that I paid so much extra for are all black and hard to see.