We bid goodbye to our hosts at Station 40 and found ourselves with some familiar faces over at the the heli-pad. Paul DeHaven and the guys were full of life and made a great meal.
There had been a planned ride, but due to a small piece of red tape, it was decided it was not a good time to land over at the Pentagon. But dang, how cool would that have been? We were given the most amazing ride last time and given the chance to see DC and Fairfax in a way that most never do. We are so grateful for that memory, and have some wonderful video to replay whenever we want to re-experience it all. And yes, I fina;y figured why there was no sound. A brilliant "duh" moment for me. lol
After breakfast we had a brief time to play with the mascots, so Ms Juana Lotta SHertz & Ms Ineeda Medic went out in the bright sunshine and checked out the whirylbird sitting on the platform. Lotta played with the tow vehicle, while Ineeda plunged head first.
Now most people know to keep there heads down under the blades, but Ineeda (Please don't tell her this) is not human, and she apparently missed the memo. Next thing we knew she was fully engaged with one of the rotor blades and the crew was doing all they could to help her out. We saw a ladder come out, and the fixer of all things broken ... duct tape. Maybe not the best solution. There was a quick rip and we think maybe a stifled Kelly Clarkson when the tragic waxing accident occurred.
All is well and we've noticed a reduction in those pesky chin hairs.
Thanks to all, we had a blast! Next time, let's go!!! ( ; I'll write you a note, k?
The tricky part now was going to be getting over to the Pentagon's Command Post for a great view of all of the motorcycles in for Rolling Thunder. There were roads closed and traffic redirections to add to the challenge. But our fearless leader, Joel, got us there with a minimum of u-turns.
A stop at the roadblock to clear us and we were off to spend the early afternoon watching it from the the rise alongside the Pentagon parking lot where thousands of bikes were staged and ready to roll.
Vendors hawked their patriotic ware, and veterans flew their colors, patches and decorations on their leathers. It would have been oool to put together a slideshow of the tattoos and patches that told the personal stories of so many in attendance.
When the vehicle with special groups aboard passed, you could hear cheers, applause and see people rise to pay their respects.
I never did hear the total estimated number of bikes so if someone can send that I'll post it. All I know is it was as always a visually stimulating thing to see.
Up on the hill at the command posts, we tried to stay out of the way while spending time with people we have come to know just a little and ike a lot. John Kinnard is a big ol' guy with an impressive past he plays down. This is a for real hero, and an even more real guy. You watch him and the others as they work, always situationally aware of their surroundings ... Which I gotta tell you, makes me feel better!
We met some new friends too, and had fun taking this year's collection of Bad Ass poses. Thanks for the e-mail Bob Medeiros ... We look forward to returning & you betcha we'll keep you in the loop! Bo is the cigar chomping BadAss by the Arlington Police Department Command Post. Big guy, big heart ... Just like we like 'em!
Thank you all for a wonderful visit. There was a lot packed in these couple days, and that's good ... It'll hold us til next time!
Our of our final stops was at Patriot Harley in Fairfax where so many of the bikes gathered and launched. There were a few hand fulls of folks around later in the afternoon. So we went in and got our ride shirts before we headed for the airport.
Something special needs to be added here. In a number of photos you'll notice a coin being presented to certain people, this is not the new director's coin. This was a very heartfelt coin commissioned by the son of a Vietnam vet who wants to make sure that EVERY veteran is welcomed home properly.
Lloyd Stading -- is gonna be mad that I even bring him up, but oh well -- is one of our ardent supporters and has one of the most patriotic non political hearts I have ever encountered. He had a coin minted in the shape of a dog tag, on the front is his father's likeness and all of his commendations and medals. On the back is a little girl getting hugged by a kneeling soldier, surrounded by all the symbols of the military services. It reads "Welcome home". This one is directly from the heart and so much that so many of us who were the children of our Vietnam Vets.
Lloyd gave us a couple dozen of these coins and asked that we give them to veterans with a handshake and a thank you. We did that for him >>
We get asked why didn't you do anything for the Vietnam vets? Mostly because we were children living with our parents in a war that people picked on us for, as well. It is probably the biggest impetus for those of us so adamant that our heroes be honored and this history never be repeated. We couldn't do anything then, we can honor ALL of our Veterans now, and there are many of us committed to do so. On behalf of Lloyd and all of us who remember ...
WELCOME HOME!
The last stop was officially at the Comm Center, or Dispatch. This was a second visit and there were faces that were recognized instantly. Faces that are rarely seen, voices that are comforting and professional.
As we walked through random calls were being handled, two different stations had small children who were not breathing, one handled a break in. It was all as you would hope a dispatch center would be. these folks are amazing, they do what I know I could not, and I admire and respect them all for this gift.
Gary Branton and Captain John Hart and all of the folks on shift made us feel welcomed and were fascinated with the new mascots. So peer into the faces of some of our unsung heroes ... Couldn't make it without you!
( ;
lj
**A message to Dan Callahan from the Arlington Sheriff's Dept. We received your package today and will most proudly add your pins to our mascot. Thank you so much! lj
Tags: Pentagon, Arlington Police Department, Arlington Fire Department, Rolling Thunder, John Kinnard, Patriot Harley
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