Day 5, May 18, 2014 – We are blessed with the best weather of the ride! Beautiful sunshine, even though the morning was very cool, as the day progressed, the lower 70’s was the norm. At the rider’s meeting, Jerry relayed an interesting story. Last night the Doniphan American Legion Post 300 raffled an amazing American Flag crocheted afghan. The winner was Colleen Leitschieck. Colleen has a brother, Terry Dubberly, who is a Vietnam Vet, and who is currently dying of cancer. His last wish is to be wrapped in something patriotic when he is laid to his final rest. Another little miracle happened when she was provided with the perfect answer to her brother’s wish. May God Bless, Colleen, Terry and their families. After breakfast at Grandma Max’s, 29 bikes, 4 trikes and the chase vehicle left Grand Island, NE. Riding Missing Man Formation were Dave Wilkins, Mike Rinowski, and James Kearney. We traveled 155 miles to Council Bluffs, IA for a visit to very old friends at the Bayless Memorial Park. Mayor Matt Walsh gave us a warm welcome. Norma Faris did a wonderful job, as always, with organizing the ceremony at the Phillip H. Greco Memorial. His father, from an original photo taken in Nam, commissioned this lifelike statue. The Abraham Lincoln High School JROTC reverently posted the colors to a trumpet accompaniment by James Kearney. Top lead the wreath laying by John Trefren, Ray Adams, Butch Schrader and Rick (Spook) Harlin. Taps, played by James Kearney, gave an eerie poignancy to this solemn tradition. Norma introduced Kate Bosiljevac Snyder, whose husband died in captivity. Kate gave an emotional account of how Major Michael J. Bosiljevac, USAF died in captivity. This brave prisoner of war died a year after he was declared dead. It’s believed he died at the hands of the Soviets. Riders offered her many hugs and condolences. It’s amazing how, after all these years, the wounds left by war are still raw. We walked through the lovely park, across the street to the Masonic Lodge 259. Again, Wayne Schuler’s pulled pork was the highlight of the meal. Everyone received certificates of appreciation. Jerry thanked Ben Wiese, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Phillip H. Greco Chapter 798, for a generous donation to our ride. A raffle was held for our ride. Prizes were a handsome leather vest and hat. One of our FNG’s, Don, won! Heartfelt thanks, Council Bluffs! One surprise speaker, Father Tran, a Vietnamese American, relayed how his father was killed when he was a child in Vietnam. He managed, through lots of trials and tribulation, to make it to America in 1989. His love of American Freedoms and his grateful thanks to all Vets brought home the important contribution our Vietnam Vets made in that terrible and unpopular war. Six to eight more riders were registered to go with us before we said good-bye to a really great and patriotic town. Until next year… At exit 40, at Wings Truck Stop, we stumbled on more young veterans from The War on Terror. Three medals were awarded and gratefully accepted. One recipient joined the ride. We are gratified to see how well this award is received. It gives us hope that the young returning soldiers will take responsibility for our returning Vets. Never again will disrespect be part of a returning Vet’s life. We continue to be amazed at how many riders and strangers donate money to our ride. Another way that our message gets out is when Top combs the parking lots and “gently” coerces folks to buy our merchandise. He first asks their names while leading them to the trailer, all the while explaining our mission. Several his “customers were bikers and joined the ride for a while. We love it! 49 more miles brought us to the Freedom Rock. Gold Star James Kearney rode Missing Man Formation to the Freedom Rock. This magnificent memorial has become more of a shrine to patriotic Americans from across the country. Last year we left some of my Dad’s ashes here. We Please google Freedom Rock to learn more about the young artist of this memorial and how his talent and passion is changing lives. We said good-bye to Baby Face here. Hope he’ll be able to make the full ride soon. Our last stop of the day was 30 miles further to the magnificent Iowa Veterans Memorial. Under brilliant sunny skies, we honored Jeffrey Lee Thomsen, Machinist Mate 2nd class, United States Navy. He enlisted in December 1968 and was discharged in April 1973. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, with bronze star, times three; Combat Republic of Vietnam campaign medal with device, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy unit commendation. As a result of Jeff’s Vietnam service, he suffered the effects of Agent Orange exposure and PTSD. Members of his family included his brother Tommy Thomsen, who rode Missing Man Formation from the Rock to the cemetery, brother Scott Thomsen and mother Grace Thomsen. Blessings to his family and may he rest in peace. Other Missing Man Riders today were: Tony Ivins, Janet Lenox, Joe Sokolik and Jay Cole. Another bike count was taken by Jackwagon at 5:00. We arrived in DesMoines with 42 bikes, 4 trikes, 2 cars and the chase vehicle. Our numbers have been fluctuating throughout the ride. We ended this perfect riding day with a delicious pork chop dinner at VFW Post 9662. Wonderful food, excellent company, making more memories; one of the additional perks of the ride. Thanks, Des Moines!
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 03:10:16 +0000
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