Alvin Mays, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, living in Augusta, GA runs a landscaping nursery. Thieves have hit his place 4 times in the last few months, stealing equipment and costly plants. See the video here.
We have just about everything together to join The Honor Run in Mesquite, NV on Thursday, September 3rd.
Metal of Honor will be on display under the big tent at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, NV on September 3rd. Stop by and see how much you know about Pearl Harbor as you look over the engravings on the bike.
We'll trailer the bike and chase the Run from Mesquite to San Marcos, CA on September 4th.
I'll ride Metal of Honor the last 50 miles from San Marcos, CA to Oakley Sunglasses Headquarters on September 5th. The bike will then be on stage with Medal of Honor recipient John Finn (if his health allows.)
I'm really excited to hear that a portion of the monies raised will go to a Fischer House here in Las Vegas at the new VA Hospital. I encourage all my fellow vets and riders to join us for the NV leg from Mesquite to Baker, CA and make a donation for our hometown vets.
The cross country leg of the Honor Run is leaving Missouri this morning, on the way to Kansas. You can follow the progress of the run at their blog.
More information about the Honor Run
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The Honor Run, on the other hand, has become just that. Being denied the opportunity to go to Afghanistan or Iraq and still wanting to give back to our military, Barr joined forces with the president of the 1st Marine Division Association, Oceanside, Colonel Len Hays, USMC, ret., Harry Steelman and Major Bill Mimiaga, USMC, ret., who in December of 2008 decided to expand on a state-wide riding concept developed in Texas. "Initially we were thinking of doing a one-day run in California but then we thought 'why not do a nationwide ride?' and it took off from there." Barr said. When the 1st Marine Division Association came on board the only looking back was in the side-view mirrors.
The first of three scheduled runs, Barr envisions this annual event to run indefinitely. "Each year I believe it will get bigger and better." Barr said as he begins to mention the seemingly endless list of supporters which are highlighted on the web page, www.thehonorrun.org.
Regardless if for three years or for thirty, the thousands of supporters and riders for The Honor Run are proud to join forces with Dave Barr in making this ride all about The Fisher House and the heroes therein. READ MORE
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Heroes and History on John Finn's 100th Birthday
Filed under:
John Finn,
Medal of Honor,
United States Navy,
Veterans
by:
At the end of last month, Dana had the incredible honor of being invited to another one of John Finn's many 100th birthday parties. This one was held at Naval Air Station, North Island Coronado, CA on the 25th of July. Over 400 people were in attendance. Dignitaries, military brass from every branch and elected officials gathered with long time friends and several of John's old Navy shipmates. Of course, such a gathering is filled with historic import.
Robert J. Modrzejewski (Marine Corp, MOH, Vietnam) signs John's 100th birthday image.
Dana wrestled with what to present John on his big day. He finally settled on a gift that would be made more memorable by the other "special guests" we heard were invited — 12 of the other living Medal of Honor recipients. With the help of our friend Mark at Color Reflections, we created this mounted, archival image of John holding the sign from the highway near his home that has been renamed in his honor. In the background is the unfurled Medal of Honor society flag from the parade at Coronado on July 4th.
The party also afforded the opportunity to take this once-in-a-lifetme picture of the gathering of these American Heroes.
Left to Right standing: Leonard B. Keller, Richard A. Pittman, Drew Dix, Michael E. Thornton, Jay R. Vargas, Thomas R. Norris, Robert J. Modrzejewski, Walter J. Marm, Walter D. Ehlers, Jon R. Cavaiani
Seated: James A. Taylor, the widow of Admiral James B. Stockdale, and John F. Finn
Perhaps the most well traveled "guest" was this United States flag presented to John by the U.S. Navy. It was flown aboard every active duty aircraft carrier in preparation for John's big day. We've noted before the immense esteem John is held in by our serving sailors. He was quite touched by this gesture of respect.
Since Dana is a Navy man himself, he couldn't resist asking Lil Larkin (John's long time friend) to take this picture of him with a model of the Lockheed S3 Viking, presented to John by the VS-29 ordnancemen. It's the very same plane Dana served aboard during his tours of duty during the Gulf War. Next to it, is a picture of the sailors aboard the U.S.S. Stennis spelling out John's name out on the flight deck.
Here's the link to the Navy Compass newspaper's story.
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