Cheyenne VA Medical Center – Cheyenne, Wyoming
Friday May 17th, Evanston, WY (Day Four)
State Coordinators: Kat & Mike Tipton
Today we’re riding as a tribute to Army Staff Sgt. David S. Perry. One August 10, 2003, while inspecting a suspicious package in Baquabah, Iraq, the package exploded and killed Staff Sgt. Perry. Perry was from Bakersfield, CA, assigned to 649th Military Police Company, Army National Guard. His wife Denae says he is credited with saving about 30 others for clearing a perimeter around the package before inspecting it. Sgt Perry is survived by his wife and three children, ages 1, 4, and 6.
When I first heard (last year) we were leaving at 7 and not going to breakfast until 9, it sounded odd. But then I learned, Rock Springs American Legion Post 24 was well worth it. This year was no exception. We pulled into Rock Springs where an enormous flag waved our first welcome (see the pic). The Police and Fire Departments met us at the gas station and took us into town and right to the VFW Post where we had a second welcome. The Color Guard presented the US flag, one for every branch of service, and a POW/MIA flag.
Next, we were welcomed by VFW vets, Aux members, and even the kids and grandkids of members. We handed out pins to the kids who at once pinned them to their t-shirts. Once inside we were welcomed by the chef and his staff/helpers who greeted us with fresh coffee, a delicious breakfast (fresh eggs from one member’s chickens), and even fresh fruit. They went all out.
Mike, Kat, and Donna, took turns displaying their pride for their Post as they presented certificates of appreciation to the post’s Vice-Commander, lead Color Guard, Chef, Aux lead, and Mr. Pomrenke who provided the crane and arranged to get the Rotary Club flag for display by the freeway. They had no less pride as they showed their gratitude to the Mayor, Fire and Police Departments, and Highway Patrol.
They introduced us to the VFW Riders and the Unknown Saints Riders since a few of them would be joining us on our mission east. Next, we discovered there were some among us that were veterans from the War on Terror. There was a medal presentation followed by may hand-shakes, “Welcome Home” and “Thank you for your service.” Always a touching thing to watch.
I was actually sad to leave Rock Springs, it was as if we’d become part of them, and they’d become part of us on our journey across the country. Finally, our escort agencies went over and above by getting us back to the freeway and then got us through the extreme road construction we had to maneuver.
We were off on our way across the beautiful state of Wyoming. I let my mind wander as my eyes perused the views, taking me to new heights of gratitude. I turned to Wayne and said, “Doesn’t it just look like all is right with the world? Blue sky, perfect weather (from inside the car 😊), a 100+ mile view in every direction, ranch animals and wild animals frolicking in their native habitat, watching rain clouds move across one minute and gone the next, and an exceptional view of the Rocky Mountains in CO covered in snow.
In addition to that I gained a profound appreciation for the skill, judgement, and collaboration of truck drivers as they get products moved across the country efficiently. As I was observing this, I noticed how our Head Road Guard, Road Guards, and Tail Gunner kept our group moving forward while we needed to change lanes frequently. It became obvious to me just how pivotal Headdog’s decisions are to the success of the ride. Each terrain and weather condition bring different challenges, and different decisions. As I observed today more closely, the results of each decision Headdog made (avoiding a truck coming down an on-ramp, negotiating serious potholes, being courteous to truckers who were bent on using the full speed limit to their advantage, and wild animals crossing the highway) and the response by the team of Guards to Headdog’s calls, worked like a well-oiled machine.
AND, speaking of amazing truck drivers, let’s not forget that we have one of them on our journey east: Schneider’s Ride of Pride driver, Jeff Waggoner. If you’re on the ride and haven’t yet met Jeff, take some time to get to know him. He’ll be going with us as far as Iowa, where Patrice will take over and follow us the rest of the trip to DC.
For all the mis-communications with the Cheyenne VAMC, I was pleased that the visit was as successful as it was. There were lots of vet out to meet us in wheelchairs and we had teams of riders allowed to visit with vets indoors. We handed out pins, thank you notes/art, two Colfax quilts, and two Freedom Medals. One quilt went to Judy Brayton, the very first female Army Command Sargent Major. She served in the Gulf War. James “Ken” Coats was thrilled with his quilt. Ken served in the Army in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany.
Janet from Colorado, who has been on the NVAR ride to DC several times, drove up to Cheyenne to meet with the vets and join us for dinner, renewing friendships and encouraging us with her positive attitude. At dinner we were blessed to have a dinner that was lovingly prepared for us: a milk-can-bake (which was explained to me as actually being a milk-can-steam). I loved the flavor, even the carrots were delicious…and when was the last time you described carrots as delicious?
Mike and Kat presented certificates of appreciation to the kitchen workers and the Post leadership. But the height of the evening was the Freedom Medal presentations. Four people were honored this evening, two of whom were married and both worked to prepare our dinner. It was the perfect end to an enjoyable day. Be sure to check out the many pictures we have for today, and…
Thank a veteran today,
Thank You – Libby Worden – Sitrep Admin
American Legion Post 24 not the VFW
Thank you for the update… I have corrected the text to the American Legion.