Central Nebraska Veterans Home – Kearney, Nebraska

Saturday May 17th, Cheyenne, WY (Day Five)

State Coordinator: Bill “Mongo” Luft NE

Locations:

• Begins in Cheyenne, WY, rides through North Platt and Kearney, before ending in Grand Island, NE

Weather:

• The day began warmer—mid 40’s—and warmed up from there. By 4:30 it was 77 degrees. Blue sky, a few clouds, the perfect riding weather all day.

Agenda:

   Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie, Cheyenne, WY

• The coffee was hot when we arrived at 6:30. The breakfast was wonderful. I’m amazed at how many people are more than happy to wake up early so we have a hot breakfast on a Saturday morning. Bless them all.
• I was told to check the bar top in the lounge before leaving. It’s mostly shiny pennies under glass with a few gold, silver, and bronze coins from all the countries where their members had served in the military. In the center of the top is an eagle fashioned out of these four different colored coins, with two Lady Liberty silver dollars at the top. It is, after all, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie. But whoever created this display under glass has an artistic eye.
• On the ride across Wyoming into Nebraska, at one point Sweetness spoke across the radio, “The pack of motorcycles is a pretty sight from back here.” It couldn’t be more true seeing it from the back of the pack (we ride directly behind Sweetness). Even if no one saw the words on the chase truck, “Sacramento to DC,” it would be obvious this group of riders are on a mission. NVAR rides on schedule, NVAR rides in all weather, and NVAR rides with a purpose—to fulfill our mission. And that is all part of what makes our riders, “…a pretty sight…” They do, of course, ride tight and straight which adds to their impressive look. : )
• About an hour before North Platte at the gas stop, a few bikes pulled out of the pack and hit the freeway. I didn’t understand it at the time. Farther down the Interstate there they were, an Honor Guard standing at attention, saluting the pack as we passed. I later learned they were honoring one of our riders who lost her life in an accident near that location. Her husband is no longer riding, but our crew never forgets that she lost her life while on a mission to honor all veterans, and therefore we honor her each year.

   North Platte Veterans Memorial, North Platt, NE

• The gas stop across from the North Platte Veterans Memorial was a welcome stop, we’d been riding all morning. Then we saw Bill “Mongo” Luft, Nebraska State Coordinator, coming toward us. Immediately we were all at home. As we gravitated across the street to the memorial we noticed the day had warmed up, the North Platte Fire Department had a large flag flying from the top of the ladder on a hook-and-ladder truck, and the wreath ready for the ceremony. Mongo led the squad who laid the wreath and gave out certificates to the Fire Department and other who participated in this event. In addition a Freedom Medal was awarded just following the wreath ceremony.
• The North Platte Fire Department treated us to sandwiches from Subway, with all the trimmings. The group gathered around the picnic tables overlooking the water. We had a great visit with them and also, sadly, said goodbye to Rich and Donna who left after lunch to return to Cheyenne.
• Before leaving many, especially those here for the first time, wandered among the various memorial locations. On the east was the Law Enforcement Memorial honoring the twelve who have lost their life serving the community in the name of peace and freedom. Across from that was the monument to the Unknown from all eras, past present and future. To the north of that was the North Platte Canteen Memorial.
• FYI: The North Platte Canteen was a WWII phenomenon. Trains would pass through town carrying soldiers from across the country, east to ship out to Europe. At that time there were no restaurants or other military arrangements to feed these soldiers. Women in town couldn’t see these men go hungry so the baked bread with what little rationed flour they had and made them sandwiches. Before long others joined and cookies, brownies and fruit were added. This train stop on their trip across the country became known nationwide as the North Platte Canteen. See the pictures below.

   Central Nebraska Veterans Home, Kearney, NE

• How does one describe this beautiful new location recently built to replace the veterans home that had stood for over 100 years. Words like serene, well-planned, beautifully landscaped, fully equipped, and honoring all come to mind. But all together they don’t begin to describe this new home. The residents in this five-part campus looked to be well cared for and happy.
• Two characters I had the pleasure of learning about are, first Terry Markus, Air Force. He served during Vietnam from 67-72 but he was never deployed. He served as a weatherman from stateside. Sweetness spoke with him the whole visit listening to his stories as if he was a student in Mr. Markus’ class, he even had Sweetness take notes. Mr. Markus cover the history of the Nebraska Territory (1856-1867), March 1, 1867 Nebraska became the 37^th state and the remaining land became the Wyoming Territory. He also covered President Lincoln’s assassination, dates and locations, and the length of prison term for the doctor, Dr. Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg. It was certainly impressive to see at his age that he certainly had all his faculties.
• Quacker visited with a man whose speech was slurred so he didn’t get his name, but he certainly got his history. He served in the Navy onboard the USS Juneau, an Atlanta-class light cruiser that played a significant role in WWII, notably in the Guadalcanal Campaign.
• This facility also has a moving memorial site on campus. We didn’t get a chance to visit it, but I did get a photo, see below.
• Our visit was too short, as usually.

   American Legion Post 300, Grand Island, NE

• After a long day, it was especially great to receive a warm welcome at the American Legion in Grand Island. They met us on the street with half the road cordoned off for our parking.
• Several people were honored for their part in planning and preparing for our visit. Also we witnessed the award to Trey, a newer member of the Purple Fish Motorcycle Club with a similar mission to NVAR. Trey will be joining us for the remaining trip to DC. It’s his first time on the ride. Mongo vouches for him, so he’s already a brother.
• Dinner was every bit as delicious as the rides’ long-timers had spoken of. They served the best catfish (locally caught, I understand), with enough for seconds. I must say the corn was excellent. Why should I be so surprised, this is Nebraska! But it was as sweet as candy and as fresh as if picked yesterday. (Maybe it was 😊.)
• Before we finished, Mongo led in a Freedom Medal ceremony there in the American Legion clubhouse. We want to welcome you home, and thank you for your service.
• It’s always hard to leave Nebraska, but we’re happy to be bringing one of their own with us. Welcome Trey.

Thank a veteran today,  

Thank You – Libby Worden – Sitrep Admin

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