Day 45
We made it to Ft. Rucker last night where we were meeting my wife Diana, who was joining us for a strech through Florida, and my son Joel. It was a quick stop, but an opportunity to spend some time with my son and get another home-cooked meal.
The plan for today was a meeting with Mike Lozon, members of AMVETS Post 2298 and riders from some other organizations/clubs in the area. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, all we knew was that we were going to be met by “some” riders at the Florida Welcome Center just south of Dothan, Alabama on US Highway 231.
When we arrived at the Welcome Center there was no mistaking the welcoming party—48 bikes were there waiting for our arrival. It was incredible! After spending some time there waiting for one of our riders who got lost in Dothan, we took a group photo at the welcome center, and were escorted down to Panama City, Florida and Post 2298. This included being met on the road by a sheriff’s escort which was stopping traffic for us the entire way.
Meeting the riders
Getting ready to head out
Leaving the Florida Welcom Center
On the road
If you haven’t yet seen some of the videos Chris has been making, go to our links section, follow the Video clips of our Ride link and check out the two clips posted by Chris on October 31st.
We had a great time at the Post. I got to do some public speaking—I know, I know, don’t give up the day job—had lunch and an opportunity to meet a lot of great people. God bless Post 2298 and everyone that came out to support us!
At AMVETS Post 2298
Receiving donations for Camp Hope
It wasn’t over yet though. After lunch, some of the riders escorted us out of Panama City and all the way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Apalachicola, Florida. It was a great way to end our day with our new friends from Florida, and a great way to start our ride into this wonderful state.
For additional information on this Florida landmark—the Veterans Memorial Plaza—check out the following link: http://www.threeservicemenstatuesouth.org
Next stop… Tampa.
It was our Honor to meet and ride with you all! We will continue to raise money for Camp Hope. We had riders that represented AMVET Riders Post 2298. Vietnam/Legacy Vets M/C, Veterans Task Force of Northwest Florida and the Patriot Guard Riders. Thanks for all you do for our Warriors. Doantions were made by the AMVET Riders, Veterans Task Force and the 48 individual riders. You can view more photos at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Shaman.VNVMC/CampHopeRiders2009?feat=directlink
Dan Marvin-the Shaman
Vietnam Vets M/C
President-Veterans Task Force of NW Florida
http://WWW.VTNWF.Com
Thank you for the wonderful welcome you gave the Camp Hope Riders and your continued support to Camp Hope. Also thank you for the great pictures. I am hopping we can get a photo album put together of their trip. I wish I had the time to have done this trip myself I know they had a trip they will never forget.
William White
President/Founder
Camp Hope
http://www.chrisnealfarm.com
HAPPY VETERANS DAY!! TO ALL VETERANS..PAST, PRESENT , AND FUTURE!!! SALUTE~ TO CAMP HOPE..THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO TO HONOR OUR VETS..WHOM HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR ALL AMERICANS FREEDOMS!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR ADVENTURES AND JOURNEYS OF SPREADING THE WORD OF CAMP HOPE… I HAVE TO SAY I AM PROUD TO BE AMERICAN..AND VERY NONORED TO HAVE MET YOU GUYS ON YOUR JOURNEY. I LOVE “ALL” THE PICTURES YOU ARE SHARING! GOD BE WITH YOU ALL…’MO”