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Welcome to Run For The Wall
Southern Route - 2008
Day Three, May 16, 2008
Las Cruces, NM, to Odessa, TX
"We ride for those who can't"
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The riders rode safely through driving wind and heavy rain in New Mexico this morning. The following photos were taken by Greg "Pied Piper" Smith:
Above, the memorial service at the Las Cruces Veterans' Memorial. Below, thanks to the gas station owner in Clint.
Below, Cowboy's wife, Karen, is the West Texas State Coordinator for Run For The Wall. Below, right, Ray "Too Tall" McDowell joined the pack at the Flying J where he and Kay bought gas for all of the riders...THANKS, Ray and Kay!
Below, when Tail Gunner Holly Thomas's communication system went out, Steve "Hawgwash" Hill went to work with a new rigging which now has her system working again.
Ray's Equipment in Odessa treated us to a fantastic fish dinner with cake and ice cream (the real stuff). It was "finger-lickin good!"
The following photos were taken by Lynne Fouraker:
Most of the Honor Guard at Las Cruces (to the right) are members of Doug "Blinky" Beckman's family. We are grateful to have younger veterans and active military participating with us. For those looking in...WE RIDE FOR YOU!!!
The New Mexico National Guard is always in Las Cruces with us. Thank you for your service, and may God Bless YOU!
What a greeting awaited the riders at Ray and Kay McDowell's Ray's Equipment! Patriot Guard Riders were out in force. At right, Ray and Edwin Craft, long-time First Platoon leaders, rode together in formation the next two days.
The following photos were taken by Anne Perry:
When the heavy rain was pouring and the wind was roaring in New Mexico, this was what the three road guards riding in front of the merchandise trailer looked like. The riders were blessed...no accidents!
Above is the Border Patrol stop; we left some RFTW pins with the guards. To the right, Gary Scott displays the top to his Stearns (manufactured in China) rainsuit. He had already thrown away the trousers...they were in shreds!
Mesilla Valley Transit trailers display the POW/MIA sign on the back of their trailers. We will never forget!
Covered back packs were evidence of the rainy riding conditions!
Above, Diann "Mojo" Perkins (left) and Cowboy arrive at Ray's Equipment in Odessa. Right, Ray "Too Tall" McDowell and Edwin "Wookie" Craft, leaders of First Platoon, ride into through the Patriot Guard Riders' welcome.
The poster below was designed by Carol Condit. She had help with the photographs from Bob Sorg who was with the D-101 Hawks in Viet Nam.
At Ray's Equipment, we had fish and chicken with beans, salad, hushpuppies and seasoned fries. The photo above shows the ice cream and strawberries line. WOW!!
RFTW XX, Day 3, May 16, 2008
Las Cruces to Odessa
Good morning RFTW XX Day 3. After a good night’s sleep, it was off to VFW Post 10124 for breakfast provided by VFW Posts 10124, 6917 and 3242. Upon completion of breakfast and the riders meeting, it was off to the Las Cruces Veterans Memorial Park for a Wreath Laying Ceremony, where we were escorted by the New Mexico National Guard (NMNG). It was great to see Captain Stewart, NMNG, as Master of Ceremonies (…we are still waiting to see your Harley…). The presentation of Colors were by the Marine Corps League Color Guard, Detachment 478. The Beckman family participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony.
From the Las Cruces Veterans Memorial Park it was off to our first fuel stop in Clint, TX After a brief stop for fuel and hydration, we are off and running to Van Horn, TX for lunch. Weather was iffy throughout the day with some heavy rain at times, a lot of drizzle and some wind. The riders all did a stellar job throughout the day despite the inclement weather. From Van Horn, we arrived at the Flying J Travel Center in Pecos, TX where we received an extraordinary fuel donation by Ray and Kay McDowell, “Too Tall” and “Too Small”, owners of Ray’s Equipment of Odessa, TX. From the Flying J we departed for Odessa TX to …guess where…? Ray’s Equipment, where “Too Tall” and “Too Small” this time fed Run for the Wall. We would like to also note that “Too Tall” and “Too Small” generously donated the RFTW dog tags to all the participants on the Southern Route. After a great dinner of catfish and all the trimmings, the riders disbursed to the various hotels for the evening.
A fair-sized group of riders departed at 9 pm for an informal memorial at the Permian Basin Vietnam Memorial. Arriving at the Memorial, “Wild Bill” gave us a brief overview of the development of this inspiring Memorial. Our very own “Preacher” then offered an evening prayer and “opened the floor” for comments from the riders about what Run for the Wall has meant thus far for them. Many FNG’s expressed their heartfelt gratitude for being able to participate on RFTW and we are so proud that they joined us. Thanks “Preacher” for this impromptu session where many thoughts and expressions were made (along with a few tears).
From the Memorial we went back to the hotel for a god night’s sleep in preparation for an early departure to Legacy Harley-Davidson for breakfast.
People in the Spotlight, Day 3
The citizens of West Texas who came out to show their support for RFTW XX, many lining the interstate from as far out as 40 miles. We thank you so very much.
Ray and Kay McDowell – you hear a lot of bragging about Texans, big state, big hats, big ranches, and we can now add another “Big” to Texas, that is a Big Heart. Many thanks to “Too Tall” and “Too Small” for your generous gifts to RFTW XX. It has often been said when you give that you receive ten-fold back. That is what we wish for you and your business.
Respectfully submitted by MSgt Steve Hill, USMC (Ret) “Hawgwash”
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 Texas:
Sarabia's in El Paso, TX
Ray and Kay McDowell in Odessa
Staff of Ray's Equipment, LLD
RFTW West Texas State Coordinator, Diann "Mojo" Perkins
Kay McDowell sent the following photos, and they were posted on 6/10. Kay and Ray are in the photo below, left. We appreciate so much what they have done for our riders and RFTW this year (and in years past)!
Above, Lynne Fouraker and Edwin Craft entering Ray's Equipment in Odessa.
