RFTW XX, Day 7 – May 20, 2008
Meridian to Chattanooga,

Good morning RFTW XX, Day 7. After the riders morning meeting it is time to depart the Ag Pavilion for Tuscaloosa, AL (VAMC) for lunch and visitation with the residents. After presentations and a healthy lunch, many riders visited with the residents and staff of the VA Medical Center. This is always an impressive facility to visit with it s well manicured lawns, fantastic architecture, and the cheerful welcome we receive from everyone.

On the road after lunch, it is off to Ashville, AL (noted as Gadsden on the itinerary) for fuel and munchies provided by the following people of Ashville: Kirt and Donna Teegardin, Stan and Donna Romine, Bill Kiser, Charles Gamblin, Dan Carter, David Waters, Gary Standridge, Larry Ford, Ronald Cameron, Patti and Mike Britt, Jeff Bell, David Santos, Jack Moreson, Brenda Wright, and for the portable restroom facilities, paid for by the Gadsden Fraternal order of Police. This stop was almost a second lunch stop for us, the wonderful people of Ashville provided hot dogs; ice cream; beverages and a donated fuel stop at the Piggly Wiggly. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers that made our stop so wonderful.

After “snacks” it was off to Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson in Chattanooga, TN. This year the riders had anything but a leisurely ride into Chattanooga. High winds, pelting rain, [bigger than] golf-ball sized hail and flying debris were among the many challenges presented to the riders as they traversed Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Many thanks to Cowboy and his leadership team for suspending the ride so that riders could regroup and don more protective gear for the final hour’s ride into Thunder Creek. The riders did a magnificent job of getting safely into Chattanooga.

Arriving at Thunder Creek H-D, we were treated to dinner and ceremonies provide by Rolling Thunder #2 of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Patriots. Many thanks to the VFW and their supporters for providing a great ending to a rather memorable day on the road.

People in the Spotlight, Day 7

Holly and I spent the early morning playing catch up with the Southern Route and were traveling alone from Hattiesburg to Meridian. Stopping for fuel, we met Jeff Holloway and Tim Sanders of Meridian MS. Tim was kind enough to let Holly go ahead in line to pay for fuel, seeing she was in a hurry, which allowed us minimal delays in catching up with the Southern Route. Jeff talked with Steve about how American values and patriotism amongst the civilians seems to get stronger as you head into the Southeast. He also thanked Steve for his service and hoped that we were enjoying everything Mississippi had to offer. As Jeff was talking with Steve, Tim came by and offered a prayer for us (to include Jeff) and RFTW. It was a wonderfully bonding experience amongst absolute strangers. We found and strengthened that common bond. Tim and Jeff, thank you for your small acts of kindness and the support you both show the Veterans of RFTW.

Respectfully submitted by MSgt Steve Hill, USMC (Ret) “Hawgwash”

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As always, it is impossible to know and thank all of the kind folks who help us as we cross the United States. However, here is a list of special people and organizations who helped us in Alabama:

Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
U.S.C.A.V.
Rolling Thunder, Chapter #2, Chattanooga, Tennessee
RFTW Alabama State Coordinator Richard "Dixie" Atkinson
RFTW Tennessee State Coordinator Clyde "Rock" Luttrell
RFTW Tennessee (Chattanooga) Coordinator Gerri "Sassy" Tramel

Return to Run For The Wall - Southern Route - 2008

See Sit Reps and special thanks below.

The following photos were taken by Frank or Anne Perry. Lunch today was furnished by the Tuscaloosa VAMC. Some of the patients and staff were on hand outside to greet us! How wonderful it is to drive into Tuscaloosa!

Rain clouds coming too close! The merchandise team pulled over, stopped and waited while the RGs suited up. The pack encounted near-baseball-sized hail, water torrents, and strong wind as it neared Chattanooga.

On 6/14/08, Gary Baird submitted the following two photos of David Hampton and Donnie "Hoss Cat" with Ted "Oscar Bear" Reidel in the Advance Team as they prepare to face to on-coming bad weather/hail on the way into Chattanooga.