VFWMG
UNIT 4-4149
Activity
Report - November 2007 - Part 2
SHOW OF SUPPORT/HUNT FOR HEROES: www.showofsupport.org
We
are compelled to dedicate a single report to this activity as it, much like our
Thunder for a Brother, is one that we have much pride in and are dedicated
to. This is the 4th year of the SHOW OF SUPPORT - HUNT FOR
HEROES. It is a city wide celebration to honor wounded heroes for
their dedicated service. We were invited by the organizers to, not
only attend, but to participate in the honor of escorts to lead the heroes.
Our participation started with a staging ride in conjunction with the mounted
horseback riders of the Midland County Sheriff's Department. The
horses didn't seem to mind at all.
We
met at the Horseshoe Arena and mounted our bikes and rode in and among the
horses.
The
horses weren't spooked and neither were we.
Once
again the VFWMG Unit 4 made friends with law enforcers and their
horses. The plandecision that both could get along just fine.
The
wounded heroes, 26 of them, would be welcomed at the air termial upon their
arrival. The Group assembled at the Permain Basin Vietnam Memorial http://www.veteransmemorial.us/honorcou.php and
prepared to meet the visitors.
The
Group rode to the terminal and formed the flag line.
The
heroes received a warm welcome and were then escorted to the Memorial and on to
their motels.
The
days that followed offered time for members of the Unit to meet and visit with
the heroes. Several of the Unit members attended a luncheon held at the
Commerative Air Force in their honor. As the heroes attended
various functions, the Unit was there to lead the way for them as
escorts. We were honored to lead them through the streets of our city.
On
the day of the Banquet held at Horseshoe Arena we staged in downtown Midland to
serve as the lead riders of the parade out to the event.
The
event was real covered by the media and VFWMG Unit 4-4149 made the front page
of the Midland Reporter Telegram.
Proud
to represent the VFW we ride as brothers to honor our heroes.
Entering
the arena.
Standing
to honor those who are serving our Country.
The
Midland County Sheriff's Department mounted riders.
Limo
ride to the arena entrance.
The
heroes delivered - let the celebration begin !
Each
of the 26 heroes were escorted into the arena to be honored.
Inside
the arena were 4000+ supporters who shared a meal with the heroes.
There were dignataries and entertainers such as John Conley, who sang the
National Anthem, and plenty of brass. Each of the wounded soldiers
were presented with a new personally engraved hunting rifle, Stetson cowboy
hat, Texas shirt, hunting knives and treated to a deer hunt. (Each
of the 26 snagged a deer, by the way.)
The
Unit had a table up close and personal to enjoy all the action. One of
the honorees dad and his pilot were given a seat at the table.
Pictured
on the right is a very proud and thankful dad.
After
the program a reception line was offered in the foyer of the arena and the
heroes made themselves available for a personal greeting.
One
of the heroes, a Viet Nam veteran, still serving his country, was impressed
with the vest Ron Tucker was wearing.
A
handshake not soon forgotten.
Space
on this website is limited so we are limited to the number of pictures to
share. Perhaps you will visit the Show of Support website www.showofsupport.org and make a point
to come next year and be a part of the event. You will be honored
to be in the presence of such greatness.
In
the foyer of the arena, during the reception, what do you think was on
display? Check it out below.
The
motorcycle of one of the members of VFWMG Unit 4.
By
the way . . . . ever heard of "hob knobbing with the big
boys"? Well, they aren't boys, but they just might have a lot
of pull in the White House. Check out the following
pictures. Unit 4 may just have a future. Our members have
friends in high places . . . . . .
Unit
4 member, Mel Bullock with First Lady, Laura Bush.
If
the wife can't help us out . . . . maybe the mother-in-law can . . . . . .
Unit
Auxiliary member Felice Davis with Mrs. Welch . . . the President's
mother-in-law.
Thank
you for viewing our special report and our very best to you and
yours. May you always ride to ride another day.
Start the year off right. Easy
ways to stay in shape in the new year.