SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1                  MEMORIES:  KENTUCKY TO LZ RAINELLE 2006

By Kathy Ford

 

We started out Wednesday morning in Frankfort.  Mike and I got there early and waited for everyone.  We saw hundreds of motorcycles come and go, but no Greasy.   When he finally arrived, it seems he made a wrong turn so now we have dubbed him GLA (Got Lost Again).  Someone needs to make him a patch!

 

The ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial was a very solemn event.  If you haven’t been to the Memorial, you should plan to visit.  The explanation of how the Memorial is laid is really amazing.

 

Mike dropped me off to pick up the truck and we headed to Owingsville where everyone had a good time as well as good food.  Thanks SAG.  Also, thanks need to go out to the Bopsters for their contributions to TFO.  Without the support of the various organizations trips such as these would not be as successful as it is.  We had  entertainment, speakers and then came the big surprise: Greasy and Tiny got married.   I have pictures that I am sure will be forwarded far and wide.

 

We left Owingsville on Thursday morning.  On the way to Cannonsburg, I called WBUL, 98.1 the Bull and asked them to remind people to watch out for the motorcycles making the trip to Rainelle and DC.  They played the clip and also gave a history of the Run to the Wall.  They did a wonderful job and I think everyone should listen to them and call them when we have events. 

 

Then on to Rainelle.  What a drive.  US 60 is a beautiful drive.  On the way, we stopped at the Nuttle School.  The children in the band were playing upon our arrival.  They had Veterans there to greet us.  The ladies from the local church prepared food for the Veterans.  What an event.  The children remembered last year and were so glad to see us again. They had drawings to pass out to some of the fortunate ones.   Mike was approached by a young boy who gave him a drawing he made.  The children were wearing last year’s bandanas.  It was just a wonderful stop. 

 

Bob Norton, aka Rocketman, was approached by a gentlemen who said Bob had given his daughter a coozy with his name on it last year and the little girl had completely come out of her shell and wants her dad to buy a motorcycle now.  She was terrified of motorcycles prior to Bob giving her the coozy.  I am sure there are hundreds of other stories similar to this one, but I love to see that tear in Bob’s eye when he tells this one.

 

Once we arrived in the town of Rainelle, you would have thought we were a celebrity coming to town and maybe some of you are.  I know Greasy is.  Everyone remembered Greasy. 

 

Friday Greasy spoke to the school children.  Some went to the Moving Wall first and others stopped to visit with Greasy first.  Mike and some of the other guys were out on the Memorial Ride, but I decided to stay and watch the children.  I am so glad I did.  This was one of the highlights of my trip.  The children were awestruck by Greasy.  One of the best moments for me was when Greasy was telling the children about his Purple Heart.  All of the children, at once, decided they needed to touch Greasy’s Purple Heart.  It looked like a swarm of bees.  Of course, then there were hugs.  Greasy must have received a thousand hugs that day.  Tiny was always there by his side to help with some of the questions the children asked.  Questions from how many names were on the wall to how many women’s names were on the wall.  Greasy answered every question and gave every child a hug.  The teacher’s and their assistants participated as well.  Later in the day we had the privilege of going to the local nursing home and visiting the residents.  We had a wonderful time and Joe Jo actually had a hot date with one of the residents.  I think she decided she didn’t really want to ride his motorcycle for the date though.   Sorry Joe Jo.  The residents were so excited and appreciative of our visit.  Their eyes lit up and they chatted with us like we were their family.  For some of the residents we very well could have been.  I got the impression that some of them did not have family locally and did not get visitors very often.  Each resident and staff member received one of the red arm bands as a memento of our visit.  Some of the residents said they were in town when the motorcycles arrived and their eyes were like huge spot lights when talking about it.

 

Once we returned to the event center we got ready for the candlelight service at the Moving Wall.  I have had the privilege of attending 3 or 4 other services, but this one seemed to be the best one.  Maybe it was because of the people of Rainelle.  They opened their hearts, their homes and their town to everyone. 

 

Saturday was the parade.  The organizers arranged it so the motorcycles would go first.  Everyone riding got to stop and watch the parade before going back to the staging area.   Whoever came up with that idea should be thanked because we got to enjoy the parade instead of just being in it.  The cheerleaders won first place for their float.  I have pictures of that as well which I am sure will be passed far and wide.

 

Sunday was the return trip home.  Although Mike and I missed Greasy when he left Rainelle, eventually caught up with them and finished riding to Cannonsburg with them.  I had to leave and go get my grandsons, but the farewells were just as nice as the hellos. 

 

What a trip.  This trip will be one of my fondest memories in life. There were laughter, tears, hugs and all around good fun.  The Moose Lodge, VFW and the local churches provided food for anyone who wanted to eat. 

 

I called WBUL on Wednesday morning and told them about the trip and the people of Rainelle.  I actually sang on the radio too.  Of course, I hope no one heard that.  We were talking about Rainelle being down in the valley and the morning crew at the Bull starting singing Down in the Valley and I sang the last line. (You may not want to hear that one.)  I told them about the Dieruf’s Flag Raising on Saturday and asked them to join us.  They said they would like to come out and see what we are all about, as long as we didn’t sing.   I assured them I wouldn’t.   I gave them Greasy’s website address so hopefully they will visit and maybe give us some press.  Just call them, and they will listen.

 

I know I have missed some of the events on the trip, but these are my memories.  We talked to so many people from all over the United States as well as our Brothers and Sisters in TFO, the Bopsters, Christian Motorcycle Associate and others.  I may forget the name of the organizations, but I will never forget the conversations or the wonderful people we had the privilege of meeting.

 

May God Bless you all and we will see you at future events or meetings.

 

Love to all,

 

Kathy Ford

Mike Ford