The Honor Run—August 30
by Carol Diaz
Kerr, Monsoon, Kirby, Allen, & Tish, all or- Mike would speak. Dave spoke of persistence,
ganizers from California. Dave Barr, a dou- courage, & determination. Mike told a personal
ble amputee, Guinness Book World record story that deeply touched him and all those that
holder, motivational speaker, and the most heard it. It was a story of a Zippo lighter that had
driven man I have ever met. Also, there been given to him in 2006 by a widow. It was the
were John & Rick from New Zealand, Tom only personal affect found on this fallen soldier’s
from Fort Riley, Ks, Master Gunnery Ser- body, her husband. She told Mike she wanted him
geant Darrell Clark & Corporal Don Kellam to have it to carry on her husband's flame so that
from Kearney & Gower, Mo respectively, others would know he didn't die in vain. So that
who quickly became my friends and riding they would know what he gave his life for.
buddies. I'd like to thank The Honor Run organizers,
As we wheeled our way across the Mike Kerr, Kirby, Allen, Tish, Monsoon, and all the
western US we stopped and visited sev- others from each state. The American Legion
eral Veteran Memorials, each with its own posts, Combat Vets, Police & Sheriffs Departments,
story. We met many kind people who Firefighters Wind & Fire MC, the road captains &
greeted us with open arms in show of guards, the 1st Marine Division Assoc., and all oth-
The Honor Run came thru Kearney, Mo on Sun-
support for our cause. ers that were involved in orchestrating this enor-
day, August 30th. It is a coast to coast ride that
Some of the towns had Police & Firefighter mous task of pulling this together for each state
started in Washington, DC and ended in Southern
(Wind & Fire MC) escort us thru town in a parade and the whole nation. This was the most organ-
California to raise funds to help build a Fisher
like fashion. As we came into one town, the chil- ized, well put together event I've ever been a part
House for the families of injured service men &
dren were out in full force waving flags. I felt such of. THANK YOU!!!
women. A Fisher House provides free or low cost
a sense of patriotism. We stopped to talk to these We plan to do this again next year, but we will
housing for veterans and military families receiving
little ones, and big ones. We were also greeted need all the support we can get. There are no pol-
treatment at military medical centers.
with doors wide open by many Harley-Davidson itics in these efforts. No Republicans. No Democ-
I was fortunate enough to be able to join this re-
dealers along the route, often with lunch and a rats. Only Americans. We need all of America to
markable group of motorcyclists on this fantastic
band. There were many veterans that did this ride, help get the message out and it starts with you.
journey all the way to California. For me, this was not
several of which were also amputees. Some These are our heroes. They fought for all of us.
just another ride to raise funds for a good cause. It
places we passed by had their local American Le- Some gave some. Some gave all. Let's fight for
was an emotional journey as well. I met wonderful
gion post waving flags on the highway overpasses them and help in this small way to build more
people from all across the US: Bill from W. Va, Tigger
as we went under. What a welcome! Fisher Houses for them.
from Maryland, Deb & Jerry from Minnesota, Mike
As we stopped in towns along the way, Dave & For more information go to
TheHonorRun.org.
64 Wide Open
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