RFTW Day 7

Today is the 7th day into my journey and the 1st official day of Run For The Wall. We ride for those who can't and to make people aware of POW and MIA issues. Barry A. Olson was a classmate and neighbor of mine growing up. Barry dropped out of high school and eventually joined the Army. On September 26, 1968 he was riding on an APC (armored personel carrier) which was hit with a B-40 rocket fired by VC or NVA. The APC caught fire and Barry was sitting over the claymore mines and other ammo. After the attack was over all personel were thought to have been evacuated. At a later head count it was discovered Barry was missing. A search was launched and he was not found. He had been seriously wounded and was thought to have died yet no remains were found. Local villagers or the NVA or VC know what happened to him. Posters were distributed in the area and rewards offered. No remains have ever been found or turned over to the U.S. Barry's mother died never knowing what happen to her son.

We left Rancho Cucamonga this morning in 75 degree weather at 07:30. By 08:30 we were in the desert and at 95 degrees. I am part of the advance team and our job is to help fuel the bikes at the fuel stops. Our fuel team heads out before the main group to get things ready and we hand them the gas hose and collect the money. We round up to the nearest dollar to speed things up. We can fuel 200 bikes in 20 minutes to the pleasure of the station employees and customers because we could tie things up for a long time. To be part of the advance team you have to have been a previous participant in RFTW so we have an experienced group of riders. We ride tight and it is so exciting to ride with about 30 bikes at 80 mph across the desert. Even 30 bikes take up a lot of highway so we have to be aware of traffic and not block its flow. Maybe we are all adreline junkies and love the high you get. On our second fuel stop was in Blythe, CA and as we pulled into town we were escorted by local police and firemen and greeted by people lined up on the streets waving flags and cheering and saluting us. This is part of the healing process for the FNG's (Funny (or F#$%*ng)New Guys) this is the parade they never got when they came home. I still get choked up and this is my second time. The fuel for everybody was paid for by donations from the people of Blythe. After fueling we headed to the fairgrounds where a BBQ lunch and refreshments were provided again by the people of Blythe. The local school band was there to play the National Anthem and other music. People were lined up shaking hands and thanking the riders for their military service and mission. Probably won't see that on the big three news channels, but it will be in our hearts forever. If you are ever driving by Blythe, CA stop and spend some money there on gas and food. At our next fuel stop a trucking company paid for the fuel and we are talking about $1500-$2000 worth of fuel. The Arizon HP motorcycle patrol gave us an escort into Phoenix and to the Veterans' Home. We met with the residents and they were thrilled to see us as they remembered last year's visit. I talked to 3 or 4 residents and they were so glad to have visitors. One resident I talked to, Frank, was a WWII Vet and after the war went to college on the GI Bill. He was the head computer guy for the lunar missions of the 1960's. Still sharp and proud of his country and supportive of those who fought for it. God Bless you Frank. After the visit we headed to the host hotel and a free steak and chicken meal from Outback Steak House. Saw a bumper sticker today that I just loved, it said Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of those who threaten it, USMC. Hooray for the Green Machine. I know it sounds trite, but FREEDOM ISN"T FREE.

Never forget Barry A. Olson and all MIAs and their families.