Ride Report posted for Rick

 Leaving the Corpus Christi area at zero dark thirty, two of us headed for the secondary staging area in McAllen, TX. 180 miles and three hours later, we were greeted by our hosts at Rio Grande Harley-Davidson. When I say ‘hosts’ I mean that they had prepared tacos, doughnuts and coffee for the WWR arriving for the Mission! Talk about a support!

As KSU approached we were joined by local MC and HOG, and a visitor from Quebec, Canada asked if he could ride with!

We rode the four blocks (long Texas blocks) to arrive at the McAllen Convention Center at noon. Huge flags suspended from Fire Trucks bracketed the grounds while we passed through the Center. Our procession passed by the mobile Healing Wall, threading past hundreds of Vets already taking in the awe inspiring Monument.

In a ‘turn around’ of sorts, as we were bringing our display and information into the Center, Vets and families slowed us down, thanking US for what we do! Setting up near the entrance (thank you, Debbie) Vets began gathering inside. The hall was filled to capacity with Support Organizations and displays. Hourly recollections of the years of the Viet Nam Conflict were presented in the conference rooms, including displays of Memorabilia attended by the Vets that brought the items home.

As the afternoon progressed we met hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Some with tales, some with thanks, some just quietly reflecting as we thanked them for their service and welcomed them home. It truly was an awesome event put on by the City of McAllen and all the Military organizations.

Welcome Home, my brothers and sisters.

—
It’s all about the Mission, Honor and Respect, and the Ride!
Riding in memory for my Dad,USAA WWII/Stepdad USMC WWII-Iwo Survivor
txbiker
Rick Lyon
ricklyon@cableone.net
USAF Veteran

Warrior’s Watch Rider-
State Coordinator/South Texas

Fire and Iron MC Station 18