VFWMG Unit 4-4149 Activity Report

May, 2007

Local Military Assistance:

We recently supported a Marine just back from duty in Iraq to relocate to Hobbs, NM.  The Group aided him in expenses, as well as assisted him with his resume and filing insurance forms.   Transportation was provided for a trip to the VA hospital.   Food was also provided.  

Well, we were wishing for Spring and here it is.   That means lots of riding going on.   Some of us ride together every chance we get.   Of course, the big event each year is our Ride to Remember.

Memorial Day Ride to Remember:

This is our annual ride from the Permian Basin Vietnam Memorial here in Midland to the Big Springs Vietnam Memorial.  Final count was 708 motorcycle riders participated. 

During the event funds were raised to cover the air-fare and other expenses of a returning Marine.   We handed out literature promoting the VFW and it’s programs and recruited for new members.  Members of our groups were interviewed by the Media and promoted the VFWMG and the Programs of the VFW. 

Memorial Cemetary Wreath Lying:

The Group participated in the distribution of 1,500 flags on graves of Veterans and the Ceremonial Wreath lying at Resthaven Cemetary.

Hwy 83 Memorial Ride:

Ride from Perrington, TX to Brownsville, TX.  Ronnie Tucker made the long ride and presented our Group.

Permian BasinVietnam Memorial:

This is, of course, one of our most beloved projects.   Our Group is very active in the events held at the memorial as well as the daily upkeep.   We spend countless hours in manpower with maintenance.  Four of our members are on the governing board of the memorial, so we are kept up-to-date of the needs.   The Group donates money and time to this beautiful and sacred memorial, that is the Pride of West Texas.

Patriot Guard Riders:

It is with regret that we had announce, yet another mission this month.   A young man from Odessa has lost his life in the Iraq war.   The VFWMG rider were present to escort his body and attend the funeral.   We provide this humble service as a token of our appreciation.   It is however, a mission we would rather not be needed to provide.  May God continue to keep our Troops safe and bring them home soon. 

Welcome Home:

We greeted and escort a returning Marine to Odessa.  It was a ride we all enjoyed.   Once again, we were seen on local television stations - presenting a positive image for the V.F.W. 

 Run for the Wall - 2007: 

The Group was very active and supported of the ride this year.   We provided water and snacks (1200) and served as coordinators for the Midessa stop.    Dinner and breakfast was served.   Our Group had several riders participate.   Three of our Group’s members went “ALL THE WAY”.  Literature of the VFW and it’s programs were handed out. 

VFWMG Unit 4-4149 riders that participated in the run this year included, Darrell Thornton, Ronnie Tucker, Bill McNeil, Kevin Davis, David Seago and Dal Davis.   Diane Perkins of Unit 4 not only participated but also served as Southern Route Coordinator. 

In consideration of our webmaster we will limit the number of pictures on this report.   However, please visit the Run for the Wall website at http://www.rftw.org/Southern/ to enjoy the pictures taken by the production crew for the event. 

Below are a few we just couldn't resist sharing with you.

Notice the Vest?   Stands out in the crowd, Huh?

Ronnie Tucker-looks like "Easy Rider". Please keep Ronnie and his wife Rosa in your prayers.  A return trip to Iraq is in his future.

The children at a school in Mississippi put the riders from previous years on the "Wall of Honor".

Even "Wild Bill" found his name.   Would you look at that grin on his face !!

Kevin and Dal Davis, (father and son) and "Wild Bill" McNeill in front of the White House.

Bill pays tribute to a lost brother.

A pictures says more than words can.    The reason for the mission.

We would like to offer our congratulations to Bill McNeill, Kevin Davis and Dal Davis for going "ALL THE WAY"   We road with them in our hearts.