VFWMG Unit 4-4149 Activity Report

April, 2007

This month has been all about the TROOPS.  The ones living and the ones dieing for our Country.

1ST ANNUAL WEST TEXAS TROOP SALUTE:  It was both a privilege and an honor to participate in the 1st Annual West Texas Troop Salute. 

For more information about the Salute you can log on to http://www.westtexastroopsalute.com/

We were ask to participate by the event coordinators.  We met at our Post and all rode together, making a rather grand entrance.   Estimates were that there were close to 300 motorcycles that made the ride.  The line form on the East side of our Post and wrapped all the way around and down the road.   Quiet a sight to behold.   We were given police and sheriff department escort.   Way to go Midland !!

This was the 1st Annual event in Midland - 5,000 attending.  The VFWMG provided assistance to coordinators by manning the Walk of Honor, Front Gate, distribution of event T-Shirts. 

Walk of Honor - participates pictures, Jerry Wall,  Bill McNeil, Dal Davis

Dick and Teresa Galloway

Ronnie Tucker, Sandy & Cecil Davis, CA Threet

Our Group provided advertising with flyers passed out to area business prior to the event.  Assisted at the registration table for Gold Star and Blue Star Families.  Assisted at VFW recruiting table which passed out Literature covering the VFW Programs.  Assisted the ladies in handing out patriotic ribbons to each person attending the event. 

Pictured above are members of Charlie Company, our Adopt-a-Unit group, serving as escorts of the Military Brass and other guest speakers.

The event was a live web-cast to the Troops serving in the Middle East campaign.  Another opportunity we took to give positive exposure to our Group and to the VFW and it's many worthwhile programs.

Patriot Guard Riders:    When we find ourselves getting caught up in all the fanfare of celebration, we are quickly brought back to reality of the seriousness of the challenges and losses brought about by the war our Nation currently faces.  We received word that another local soldier had lost his life in service of his country while in Iraq.  A young man from Andrews was yet another fatality.   The VFWMG was up for the call to escort his body from the Midland Air Terminal to his home town of Andrews.   It was a most sacred event and there will be no pictures posted out of reverence to him and his family.   Suffice it to say, the parade was one we will not soon forget.   The City of Andrews closed for the day and every citizen lined the streets.  The same was true the day we returned for his funeral.  We served as escorts and security for the services.  Afterwards, it was the City of Andrews and the soldier's family that honored us.   Yes, they honored us.   The city, yes, even the entire PermianBasin, set out food enough for all 200+ motorcycle riders.   Just when you think you are the giver . . . . someone else extends their hand.   We made the final ride with this brave young man to his final resting place in Odessa, TX.   God Bless and Protect our Troops.

M.A.P:  Each of us carry VFWMG cards that we distribute which include information regarding the aspects of this program.   We have opportunity on a regular basis to direct various Veterans and their families to the services offered by the VFW.   We emphasize the availability of help with phone cards and job placement.  And, of course, we go all out to recruit new members.     Honestly, during times like these, it seems like little to offer, but we do our part to promote our organization.