Utah State Veterans Nursing Home – Salt Lake City, Utah

Thursday May 15th, Elko, NV (Day Three)

State Coordinator: Jason “Fat Guy” Stephenson           

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Locations:

• Begin in Elko, NV, ride through Wendover and on to Salt Lake City, then to Evanston, WY

Weather:

• Another cold but dry day. We are truly grateful for this weather considering everywhere we’ve been so far we’ve heard, “It snowed here just yesterday.” Let’s hope the storms continue to be one day ahead of us.

Agenda:

   Coffee Mug, Elko, NV

• They opened at 6:30 but we showed up at 6:25. Two of their regulars walked in at 6:35 and were so stunned at the restaurant being already full, they stood by the door to be sure they had the right restaurant. Later they said they enjoyed our company.
• As usual, we were served with all speed, the coffee was strong, and the food was great. The waitresses were both friendly and efficient. We always look forward to our morning in Elko and visiting them for breakfast.
• Before leaving Rainman, a rider who joined us the day before—new to NVAR, wanted to make a comment to everyone. Jerry gave him the floor. He expressed he was somewhat surprised at the mission and dedication of the ride and the group. Rainman said, “I’m really impressed with what you’re doing. And I’m not easily impressed.” He may not be able to go all the way to DC, but it seems he’ll enjoy the ride as long as he can.

   Meet-Up w/UT Riders, Wendover, NV

• As we approached our exit in Wendover we were looking to see the bikes, not certain how many would be there. Closer and closer we looked over the ridge at all the businesses’ parking lots and didn’t see them. At last they came into view…dozens of bike, several cages, two fire engines, 2 ambulances, Police, Sheriffs, and Highway Patrol. What a greeting! A Patriot Guard took an arial photo of this eclectic group, see pic below.
• After a quick gas stop we gathered for a pre-ride meeting and awarded a Freedom Medal (picture attached). It is always an honor to be a part of the presentation to someone who has returned from the military.
• A special recognition was given to one who gave the greatest sacrifice, Dave Clemmons, a Gold Star father who lost his son Bard in the War on Terror. Jayson Stephenson said, “Even if it was only one lost, it would be one too many.” I, for one, was giving Dave a big hug in my heart as all eyes were on him. We look forward to honoring Brad’s sacrifice with a wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

   Utah State Veterans Nursing Home, Salt Lake City, UT

• At the last gas stop before Salt Lake City we pick up our escorts to get us through the maze of freeways on the way to Utah State Veterans Nursing Home. We had heard there were “50 escorts” but we all thought that was an exaggeration. We were 70 to 80 bikes pulling in at the gas station, only to discover it was not an exaggeration. There really were 48 escorts from Police (2 cities), State Troopers, Highway Patrol, and Sheriffs. It looked a bit like organized chaos from the gas station. But once we were on the road, our escorts were absolutely amazing.
• 48 Motorcycles with flashing lights, followed by another 70-80 bikes, for 22 miles into Salt Lake City, made quite the spectacle. (But it was really fun, too. I could get used to running red lights and blowing through stop signs….just kidding.) There are 2 pictures, but I was in the middle of the pack, so you’re only seeing half the riders.
• When we arrived we barely fit all the bikes, three cages, and the NVAR Chase Truck into the parking lot at the Vets Home. Again, quite the spectacle. Even the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds from the daycare in the next building came by to see the bikes. They each got a sticker from the Salt Lake City Police.
• The vets were lined up in the wind and cold, some wrapped in blankets in their wheelchairs, to greet us as we arrived. Once parked, we hurried over to greet them. The ceremonies followed outside, including the pledge of allegiance, certificates to all the peace officer’s associations, and the organizers of the Home.
• Two quilts were given to Frank Marsh, retired Army, and Roy Gerber, Marine. Frank quickly wrapped his around his shoulders on top of the blanket he already had.
• The Home prepared a lunch for the riders and officers. Many sat inside and continued their conversations with the vets out of the wind.
• The wonderful visit to the Home came to an end too soon. At four o’clock we headed out and on our next stop, aided by escorts all the way out of town…thank heavens, it was nearly rush hour.

   Wreath Laying, Evanston, WY

• We were escorted from the freeway in Evanston directly to our reserved parking space in the middle of town, in-between the memorial sight and the VFW Post 4280 where they were preparing a meal.
• Arriving right on time, we parked and went directly to the memorial sight. The ceremony didn’t take long, but everybody lingered—and jockeyed for position to get the bet photos—of the preschoolers who led us in the pledge of allegiance. As soon as it was over the young ones were spirited away by their parents to get them out of the wind.

   VFW Post 4280, Evanston, WY

• The evening was co-led by Mike Tipton, Wyoming State Coordinator, and Jayson Stephenson, Utah State Coordinator. Many “thank you” hugs and handshakes and several certificates went out to all those who make the evening a wonderful time for NVAR.
• Dinner was hot and delicious. The kitchen workers from the Auxiliary did a wonderful job at setting tables and preparing food for a very large crowd. It was so very appreciated after long stretches of riding.
• In addition to the NVAR cake that followed dinner, Jayson Stephenson and his ‘crew’ of volunteers had collected raffle prizes all year. They had so many exceptional items; I hope they sold a lot of tickets. All the proceeds go toward Christmas gifts for veterans who have no family locally.

OTHER NOTES

• When Head Dog, Mike & Kat Tipton, Donna and others from the mid-west, were traveling to California to begin the ride, they stopped in Evanston.
• When they expressed an interest in getting together with those from VFW Post 4280, they were told everyone was unavailable, they would be participating in a funeral for some vets who had no family.
• Head Dog’s immediate response, “We’ll join you.”
• It is, after all, our mission. To let all vets know they are not forgotten, especially when there is no one else there to honor their life or their service to preserve our freedom. (Pictures in the gallery.)

Thank a veteran today,

Thank You – Libby Worden – Sitrep Admin

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