Louis Johnson VAMC – Clarksburg, West Virginia

Thursday May 22nd, Brookville, OH (Day Ten)

Locations:

• Starts in Brookville, OH, then on to Chillicothe and Clarksburg, before ending the day in Bridgeport, WV

Weather:

• Cool and dry most of the day, although we passed through some light rain in areas.

Agenda:

   VFW Post 3288, Brookville, OH

• I remembered there was one especially early morning from last year, but still I was surprised when Wayne said, set the alarm for 4:20. I did and we got up at 4:20. However, those that fixed us breakfast at the VFW Post were already hard at work making coffee and cooking our breakfast at that hour. All the riders, and police escorts, were very grateful. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover much we appreciate them and their dedication to support the ride to celebrate and promote awareness of all veterans.
• We said goodbye to our Post 3288 friends and went out into the parking lot only to discover it was still dark. Now I know what O-dark-hundred looks like.

   Chillicothe VA Medical Center, Chillicothe, OH

• One hundred and one years ago—April 15, 1924—the Chillicothe Medical Facility was built on the grounds of Camp Sherman, a WWI training center, at the cost of $2.1 million (in 1924 dollars!). It was the first hospital operated by the Veterans’ Bureau. The surrounding camp has mostly fallen into disuse, but the Medical Facility is still thriving. There seemed to be a lot of construction going on in the back, so maybe there are plans to revive more of this historic location. Let’s hope so.
• In spite of the cold some vets met us outdoors wrapped in blankets. This made it easy to find three vets who particularly needed a gift of a quilt. I wish we’d had more. The other group went into the hospital to visit with those who were unable to come outside.
• Every time I hear we’re regrouping in the parking lot, I’m surprised by how quickly the time has flown. I could have spent the whole day here.

   Southeastern School, Chillicothe, OH

• You can see the school from the gas stop and a mile away. I suppose they could see us—or hear us—from that distance also because they were all waiting for us as we drove up. The sidewalk was lined with older students and the young ones were lining the hallway with outstretched hands to slap our hands as we passed and cheering so loudly we could hear anything else. At one point, however, the kids began to chant U-S-A, U-S-A. We joined in and they were so excited. Their patriotism is only matched by their over-the-top enthusiasm. I loved it.
• The program they prepared for us was fun, exciting, colorful, and a tear-jerker. The tears fell freely as the littlest choir sang God Bless the USA. We joined in for the chorus and the auditorium shook with the sound. They also honored six of the graduating seniors who are going into the military upon graduation. They received a standing ovation from the NVAR riders.
• The lunch also was over-the-top. The teachers are always more than generous and cheerful as they feed our hungry crew. The students assisted and hosted the meal ensuring we had everything we needed. In truth, they pampered us. Thank you!
• The band played a medley of military theme music, accompanied by the flag and baton team (see pics below). Then, while we went through the lunch line, they got us moving with hip, upbeat music–they even had dance moves to go with it.
• Certificates, hugs and tears were shared. This group is actually family to some of our riders, one in particular. We’re so glad this is on our agenda every year.

   Louis Johnson VA Medical Center, Clarksburg, WV

• One man a few of our members visited was a man named Mr. Paul McCue. They went on about his interesting and detailed remembrances of his military life, as well as so many other milestones he achieved. One of his many accomplishments was his contribution to the production and distribution of an award-winning movie called The Wereth Eleven. Wereth is a town in Belgium were eleven African-American men were executed during the Battle of the Bulge. Hermann Langer of Wereth uncovered the story. McCue and a few others brought the story to world-wide attention, giving some closure to the families and the appropriate honor to the veterans who unmercifully perished at the hands of the Nazis.
• We gave quilts to Don and Dana, and visited with a few others. The only reason it was easier to leave was that it was their dinner hour and were headed into the dining hall when the doors opened. Otherwise we might have visited with them much longer.
• We also met and too a group photo around Mary Walker. Mary joined the service in 1955, her niece informed us. We later learned she was quite ill and only had a short time ahead of her. We made a point of thanking her for her service. I hope the knowledge of her life mean so much to so many will comfort her in her last days.

   VFW Post 573, Clarksburg, WV

• Rolling into West Virginia is like nothing else; it redefines the color green. (And I thought Ohio was green.) The people are equally authentic and welcoming. Post 573 is typical of this quality. They welcomed us with open arms. We were proud to have our group photo this year taken in front of the VFW Post 573 building. Although built in 1952, it was not their first location. This VFW Post is the oldest in West Virginia, beginning in 1921 with WWI veterans. That’s right, they celebrated their 100^th year in operation four years ago! One hundred plus years seems to be a theme here in West Virginia…Chillicothe and Post 573.
• There is sense of place that goes along with longevity, more than pride of ownership, it’s the connection of family, of history, of belonging. Interestingly we at NVAR call this stop the Family Gathering. This is our last dinner together since we on our own for meals in D.C., so we spend extra time with the men and women from Post 573. Eddie Shinn, West Virginia State Coordinator, presented certificates to the Post Commander, the Auxiliary, and the group who fixed our dinner. We appreciate them like family. They are the best!

OTHER NOTES

• We had escorts almost completely from our morning’s breakfast until our evening’s dinner. We were especially grateful since we learned that two-thirds of the state’s police, sheriffs, and troopers we in Dayton to cover the NATO meetings being held there for the first time. But there wasn’t a two-thirds reduction in cars, so our escorts we had did a wonderful job keeping us safe and the other cars and trucks away. In addition, at its peek today, our group was a mile long on the freeway. The picture below only show the bikes, trikes, and bikes w/trailers. Behind the camera were 5 cars, the chase truck, and the Ride of Pride as well as more escorts.
• We also gave two Freedom Medals today. One to the lead Police Officer of our escort at the Ohio Chillicothe Medical Center. The second was also to one of our escorts that picked us up at a gas stop just inside West Virginia and took us all the way to the Louis Johnson Medical Center. Freedom Medal celebrations are never an interruption, even if we’re running behind schedule. It’s a big part of why we ride. And the recipient is usually surprised by the appreciation. They may say, “Oh, I just did this…,” or “I just served for this time…,” but they are usually overwhelmed when our riders surround them and give them handshakes and hugs, repeating, “Welcome home, solider,” and “Thank you for your service.” You hear that once and it has an impact. But when men and women are standing in line to shake your hand and welcome you home, it often brings a tear to their eye. It’s one of my favorite things to do on the ride.
• To close this report, it’s only fitting to mention that certificates were awarded to many that provided a service to the ride. It reminded me of the dinner on Day 1 where we stood to introduce ourselves and say what our role is on the ride. We all had a role (some two or three). The only exceptions were the first time riders. Being a part of the ride is contagious, and contributing to the ride in some form only makes it more rewarding. As is fitting, the three standing ovations went to the heroes of the ride: the Road Guards and Tail Gunners, captained by JackWagon; our Ride Leader, HeadDog; and the Ride Coordinator, Jerry Conner. I would stand to applaud these men at every opportunity. Our safety and enjoyment of this 13-day experience is in their hands. I trust them implicitly.

Thank a veteran today,

Thank You – Libby Worden – Sitrep Admin