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August 23, 2010

I failed to mention yesterday that I was having some electrical RV issues and was concerned about leaving them for too long.  The first is the fact that my front blinkers were sporadically working and the second was that whenever I plug directly into a GFC outlet it blows the circuit. I wanted to figure out the problems sooner than later and found out Gordon is an electrician. So I asked if he would try and trouble shoot for me and this morning he spent some time checking the systems. After some considerable trouble shooting we found out the tripping was not a dangerous issue but something typical to RVs so we moved on to the blinkers which we did gt working. Thanks Gordon! I might add that Gordon is an accomplished singer with an amazing voice and has been featured at the national Rolling Thunder Memorial weekend events for the last 7 years. It was honor to meet him and his family and be included in their thoughts of my mission.

Headed to Salem for tomorrows ceremony, Paul Tremblay has been working diligently on the presentations and we will be spending the night there to get ready. On the way we stopped in Olympia for a photo opportunity, the capitol was gorgeous and I had tweeted a picture.

Tomorrow: Flag presentations and ceremony at Iraq/Afgh Memorial, Salem.

Blessings, George

August 22, 2010  Sunday

Woke up in Bellingham getting ready the days travels. had a wonderful morning with Chris and Doris before heading out. A few days ago I received an email from Mary, Ashley and Gordon Painter inviting me to come through Longview on my way to Salem. It worked out great in my timetable to be able to make the stop and when I arrived it was an amazing welcome. Mary had arranged for a VFW picnic and many of the post members and their families were there for a wonderful cookout and time of fellowship. I was sincerely humbled by the years of service represented in the room with veterans spanning world war II, Korea and Vietnam. They all warmly embraced the Honor and Remember program and began flying the flag almost immediately. I hope to get pictures posted soon. After a long evening of sharing and getting to know the folks there we parked for the night in the post parking lot and rested for tomorrow. Thanks to Ashley for believing in the mission and to Mary and Gordon for their amazing hospitality.

Tomorrow: Headed 5 hours to Salem for Flag presentations Tuesday

Blessings, George

August 21, 2010  Saturday

Today we headed back to the North West Washington Fair.  It was a very good crowd today and we were able to get the message to many of the folks walking by. The petitions filled up and I had many great conversations with former veterans and patriots. There was nothing extra significant today but the two sows who both gave birth to14 piglets simultaneously in the barn across the way.

Today was also a special treat for me as I was invited to the Seahawks/Green Bay pre-season football game. So about 430pm Chris and I drove the two hours to Seattle for the game. It was a terrific break from the stress and emotion of the week and the game was great fun with lots of offense, so very enjoyable.

Another great day on the journey. The weather here by the way has been in the 60s and I have had lots of Salmon!

Tomorrow: Headed to Longview, WA for the VFW

Blessings, George

August 20, 2010

This morning was a planned meeting with the chief of staff for the WA National Guard. It was about a 3 hour drive back from Belingham to Camp Murray in Tacoma. despite the drive and the Seattle traffic, the meeting went wonderfully and we were warmly received by Col Kapal. He pledged his support in moving our mission through the channels in Washington state and vowed to help in whatever way necessary to achieve success.  I am continually blessed by each individual and opportunity to share the message and especially to those that “get it”.

On our way back to Bellingham, we stopped to visit some cousins who we found out lived nearby. Actually their house overlooked Puget Sound with the most spectacular view I have seen from a residence. Open water with islands in the distance, just an amazing and beautiful spot to build a home.  And I understand wales pass thru quite frequently. This is truly an incredible country.

Tomorrow:  Back to the NW Washington fair and then I have been invited to a Seahawks pre-season game.

Needs: Church to speak in Bellingham/Seattle area for Sunday.

Blessings, George

August 19, 2010

hard to believe that the Alaska trip was at its end, what had been planned for months had now come and gone as this became my 34th state. Today actually began at 330am as I had to be wide awake for my regular east coast radio interview with Tony Macrini, WNIS. son after I was called by channel 13, also east coast for an updated interview.  Needless to say I stayed tired.

Dave and I headed back to the big city as there was a planned tour of the new VA facility in Anchorage. We were met by the PR Director and were given an exclusive look at the state of the art operations. Excellent facility as they work to improve their state wide care for the high population of veterans that reside in the area.

With little time to spare before my flight we managed a quick shopping break before the airport. unfortunately the break and the subsequent stop at the post office made me 1 minute late for my flight. The check in desk was not issuing boarding passes and not any of my distress managed to make an impact. Therefore I had to wait for the next flight which would get me into Seattle about 2 minutes before my scheduled bus shuttle to Bellingham. Tisk tisk, all worked out in the end as I rushed off the plane, bags in tow, and got on the shuttle bus just minutes before it left. Nothing like a little anxiety to keep that old blood pumping.

Tomorrow: meeting with WA Army Nat’l Guard  Chief of Staff.

Blessings, George

August 18, 2010

Last night after arriving in Anchorage, met with the Alaska chapter director Dave Caswell. We planned strategy for the next day and stayed the night at Elmendorf AFB. It was great to wake up to revelie an the view of our fighting Air force in morning PT.  Our first meeting of the day was with the LT Governor Craig Campbell, the Adjutant General and the Director of Veteran Affairs. It was an intimate meeting along with the aunt of fallen Alaskan Adare Cleveland.  After an explanation of the mission and the presentation of the personalized flag we were warmly endorsed and promised that Alaska will be flying Honor and Remember! It was truly a very emotionally powerful moment. Added to that was the view from the 17th floor overlooking the spectacular Alaskan horizon.

Dave and I moved on to the Heroes memorial wall to visit the director there and view the wonderful tribute to Alaskas fallen. We then headed to the Matsu Veterans council meeting where we again shared the vision of our mission and were very warmly endorsed.  On the move again we quicky headed back to Anchorage where the funeral of former Senator Ted Stevens was being held. The Church was filled to capacity as many dignitaries were in attendance, including Vice President Joe Biden, Sarah Palin and many others. It was a very moving ceremony as this great giant of a man representing Alaska was killed in a plane crash August 9th. It was an historic moment for us that I was honored to have attended.

The day was not yet over as again we headed out, now to Palmer, AK for another flag ceremony honoring Angela Anderson, mother of fallen hero Sgt Kurtis Acala, killed 11 Sept 2005. It was a wonderful moment to be able to touch her family in this special way as the church was filled with family and friends remembering together.

Dave had set up a packed full day as we were non stop from morning til night when we were finally able to rest. The journey to Alaska and the beautiful spectacular views would come to an end as tomorrow I continue my journey back to Washington.

Tomorrow: Short visit to VA hospital and flight back to Seattle.

Blessings, George

August 17, 2010

Travel day on Alaska airlines to Anchorage. Arrived and met with Honor and Remember of Alaska director, Dave Caswell. Prepared for busy day tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Meeting with Lt governor, funeral of Sen. Ted Stevens and two flag presentations.

Blessings, George

August 16, 2010

Today was the first day of the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden WA. We have a perfect spot right outside the animal show barn taking up the whole corner of the intersection.  Setting up a couple of small tables we were able to fill several pages of petitions and share the flag with many patriotic citizens. It was a long day going for about 12 hours. While there I was also able to reach out to two state representatives in the area, getting their pledge of support.

Additionally I  was able to conduct two radio interviews during the day, one with the “Specialist” back home in Hampton Roads and the other with Army Wives Radio. Hopefully I will be able to get a link posted to one of these shortly.

Tomorrow: Headed to Anchorage, Alaska.

Blessings, George

August 15, 2010  Sunday

Had a wonderful stay at the home of Jim and Karen Allen. Their house is built on the top of a mountain overlooking the city of Spokane and the view is amazing. You can literally see for a hundred miles and when the sun sets the city lights awakens in a blaze.  This morning I was invited to share a few minutes at Mt Spokane church, it is always my desire to be able to share a spiritual side to this journey, and I welcome every opportunity to speak to a congregation that understands the power of healing.  The pastor was extremely gracious and warmly welcomed me. After wards we spent quite a bit of time one on one as he had many ideas for getting the word out to others in his sphere of influence.

Today was also a drive day as we had over 300 miles across the state to Bellingham, WA. There we are scheduled to participate in the Northwest Washington Fair for the week. Gold Star mom Doris Kent is our POC in the western part of the state and she had arranged for the RV to be parked in a conspicuous place and to set out literature. The vehicle needed to be parked tonight before the Fair begins.  Arrived about 9pm after a grueling, traffic laden 8 hour trip.

Exhausted after setting up and hoping to get refreshed for the morning events.

Tomorrow: Northwest Washington Fair, Lynden, WA set up all week.

Blessings, George

PS: My back is very much improving, functioning much better. RV seems to be operating normally as well!

August 14, 2010

Today Stan had scheduled a meet and greet at the local VFW hall at 9am. This was also planned to be a surprise personalized flag presentation to a local Gold Star family, Kim and Mick Cole. The PGR and American Legion Riders formed a flag line for the families and several dignitaries were in attendance including local media. It was an extremely emotional time as I was able to present the message to this patriotic group and to make this special presentation. I may have said this before but it is my goal to be sure that every immediate family regardless of generation receive a personalized flag. That is why I continue to present to family members from eras as far back as Vietnam and beyond. It grieves me to meet so many families that I do not have flags for. And everywhere I go I challenge the state to begin to honor all their Gold Star families in this way. I hope that I am at least leaving a small flame that will soon burn into a publicly recognized fire of remembrance everywhere.

This afternoon I was able to get the tires rotated and the oil changed, so I am freshly lubricated and ready to move on to Seattle. Spending the night in a host home on the mountain side of Spokane where we will be having a restful picnic this evening.

Tomorrow: Speaking at a church service in Spokane then on to the Northwest Washington Fair.

Blessings, George

August 13, 2010

Up early and over to Montana Harley Davidson Dealership to set up a literature table and meet and greet the customers. Chris the general manager there is a strong supporter of HR and had driven a flag on his bike from Florida to Alaska last year. A good time was had by all as we made new connections with many of the bikers coming thru town. Several pages of signatures were taken on the petition and we bid farewell to the dealership, Andrea and its crew.

Our next stop was Coeur d’Alene, ID in the pan handle and the Lone Wolf Harley dealership there. Owner Beth welcomed us in and soon the WA patriot guard were surrounding the beast. This is Stan’s home turf and as a member of the PGR his entire group were there to meet and support the mission. They put together a beautiful flag line, and we were able to set up a literature table and receive more signatures. By the way the Lone Wolf is the only HD dealership west of the Rockies to be flying the Honor and Remember Flag! Check out the pictures in the gallery.

After the dealership we were escorted by about two dozen PGR over to Spokane Washington for an evening of fellowship at Perkins.

Stayed the night tonight in the RV parked outside of new friend Angela and her 4 service dogs. It had been a long day and sleep was much needed. Covered three beautiful states today.

Tomorrow: Surprise personalized flag presentation at local VFW hall.

Blessings, George

August 12, 2010

It was another herculean effort by Karen and the team back home to have sewn a personalized flag and shipped it in time for this mornings presentation. At 9am I walked into FedX at 143 Bozeman St and was handed the precious package. The ceremony was held at Fort Harrison in Helena in the medal of Honor Gardens there near the front gate. A number of participants were on hand for the event including the base chaplain, Gold Star families, Honor Guard, PGR and the media. The setting was very inspiring surrounded by the Rocky Mts around Helena.

I was able to speak for a while explaining the mission and then present to Ron and Donna Koontz the personalized flag that arrived that morning. The presentation was a complete surprise and when I called the family’s name to come forward there was utter shock. Actually I had forgotten myself it was a surprise and realized it when the overwhelming emotions of the moment spilled out.

My heart aches for each family as I am able to touch lives in this most special and unique way. I do not think that the general public quite understands the enormity of what this flag and its symbolism means to so many. It is only when one experiences the event and speaks to the families that the importance and significance unfolds.

My sincere thanks to Lisa and Jeff for arranging today’s tribute of Sgt Scott Dykman, 20 Dec 2006, Iraq.

After the ceremony we all headed to Buffalo wild wings to break bread and fellowship.

Following lunch a beautiful 2 hour drive from Helena thru the mountains, (thanks to Stan), we arrived in Missoula MT early evening and into a Walmart parking lot. Here with about 34 other RVs we weathered in for the night. I managed to convert the RV old VHS player to a DVD and was proud of myself for getting all the wiring correct. I love movies and at least now when I am at a Walmart I can occasionally rent a redbox. and maybe think about chineese.

Tomorrow: Missoula, MT Harley Davidson, meet and greet 9am.

Blessings, George

PS: The back is coming along better, still a bit restricted and sore.

August 10-11, 2010

Waiting day for the transmission to be fixed. We should be on the road by 9pm headed for Helena, Montana……..

With the transmission fixed and $3700 lighter we headed on a potentially 10 hour drive to Helena, MT around 9pm. I have to thank all of those supporters who sacrificed out of their own budgets to send in a donation to help defray the expense. Nearly $2500 was raised and I am so grateful for the show if support. Stan my friend and relief driver took the reins and actually drove the lions share of the trip. We drove all night and ended up at a Helena Walmart around 6am. After a few hours of shuteye we met Lisa and Jeff Bohrnsen, Gold Star Parents, who had arranged our MT visit. They had scheduled a meeting today with the Governor, Lt Governor and Adjutant General. It was a very emotional and most successful meeting as all were supportive of my mission.

Tomorrow: Flag presentation ceremony at Ft. Harrison.

Blessings, George

August 9, 2010

The transmission I found out today was burnt, there is metal in the pan and my options are patch or rebuild. I do not think that patching this under my current driving schedule would be the most intelligent idea so I am looking to rebuild. There is a shop in town that has expertise in rebuilding and I am putting this in their hands. I understand that they will increase the specs a bit and add an additional cooler to the oil. The price is somewhere short of $4000. I have put out a plea for financial assistance and many supporters have been contributing.

We headed to the statehouse this morning for a ceremony in the governors office. I met two Gold Star families there for personalized flag presentations. There were many others invited and present including representatives from the Adjutant General’s and Governor’s office as well as all of the local media.  The venue and the ceremony was very moving and to be able to touch the lives of these families in this tangible way, most important.

Today we honored the Phelps and the Hall families. Mrs Phelps lost her husband, CW2 Jesse Phelps,  in 1965 when his helicopter was shot down over Vietnam.  He left 4 children, and his son Jeff was there today. Mr and Mrs Hall lost their son, EOD2 Curtis Hall in Kirkuk, Iraq April 6, 2007. It was honor to meet them and share this emotionally charged special moment of remembrance.

http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12951883
http://www.fox12idaho.com/Global/story.asp?S=12952126

Thanks to Paula and Doug for arranging and preparing for my visit and for taking us in while our vehicle is disabled.

Tomorrow: Down day as we wait for repairs and hopefully head to Montana.

Needs: Finances for transmission repair.

Blessings, George

August 8, 2010 Sunday

It is with a little trepidation that we leave Pocatello still unsure as to our transmission problem. We had a 4 hour drive ahead of us to Caldwell where a Grange organization picnic was scheduled for later this evening. The drive was as beautiful as any other however the terrain was more desert and occasional farmland than mountains. We did stop briefly in Burley where my father-in-law built his first church, First Presbyterian, back in the 60s. There were still congregation members there who remembered him.

When we reached Caldwell and the home of Paula and Doug Hylinski, the leaking of the transmission was more evident and we had lost alot of fluid. After a few phone calls Doug found someone to look over the vehicle. Unfortunately it looks as if the transmission is damaged and needs to be rebuilt. We will know more in the morning.

We headed over to the Grange picnic. Grange is an organization in a about 39 states that began as a legislative agricultural group aiding the farm community. It has since grown to encompass so much more. The Grange here in Caldwell has written a resolution supporting Honor and Remember and will be following it thru the state of Idaho as well as the national Grange organization. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship. Also my friend Stan Handley arrived from Spokane area by bus to take over the driving for a while thus allowing me to rest and strengthen my back.

Tomorrow: Transmission concerns and Statehouse flag presentations.

Blessings, George