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July 22, 2010

Today was the long awaited ceremony at the state capitol in Minnesota. The morning started out with a Patriot Guard escort to the statehouse, it was a bit drizzly and it was decided that we would hold the ceremony in the nearby Natl Guard Armory. Of course they wanted the RV inside the Armory itself and with a little finagling and a few spotters we managed to drive it in ad park behind the podium. It was a spectacular scene as you will see if you look at the posted gallery photos. The scope of the event was incredibly moving and the room was circled with a patriot Guard line. The Lt Governor spoke as well as Adjutant General Shellito, Gold Star dad Ron Kahler, and Vietnam Veteran Ron Mackedanz. Many Gold Star families were also in attendance as well as dignitaries and state officials. There weren’t many dry eyes as the ceremony progressed and concluded with personalized flag presentations to the daughter of SFC Lyle Mackedanz ~ 21 Apr 1968 ~ Vietnam and the mother of SFC Gregory B. Rundell ~ 26 Mar 2008 ~ Iraq.

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1664598.shtml?cat=1

The time concluded with the Lt Governor reading a proclamation from Governor Pawlenty making today Honor and Remember day in the state of Minnesota! What a humbling experience to have so many today recognize the importance of what we are trying to accomplish. Today they flew the flag over the state capitol building and what an awesome sight it was. We had overwhelming support today and I know that Minnesota will soon be embracing the cause.

In the afternoon we needed to unwind so a two hour Harley ride through some of the back-roads was indeed a wonderful diversion. I will not soon forget these few days in Minnesota. Thanks Mike, Pat and Ron for an incredibly organized visit!

Tomorrow: Drive day 8 hours to next stop North Dakota for the weekend.

Blessings, George

July 21, 2010  Wednesday

Today was a day of much needed rest and some sadness. I had the day off but had to say goodbye to Alex, my traveling assistant. He has been invaluable in filling in the gaps and I know some things will not get done at all now that he is gone.  I will most assuredly miss him and the journey will not be the same without him.

The balance of my day was spent on an amazing motorcycle ride. My host Mike Labelle, GSD Ron Kahler and myself took off on Harleys into the Minnesota countryside to visit an amazing veterans memorial out in  the middle of nowhere. Another beautiful tribute to our fallen from all wars set around a manmade lake. The ride out there was incredible as Minnesota has no helmet law and I rode a Softtail Classic for the first time.  A great day to think, enjoy and de-stress.

A great evening with the families and preparing for a fantastic day tomorrow. Minnesota is my 25th state.

Tomorrow: Ceremony at St Paul statehouse 10am with many officials and families.

Blessings, George

July 20, 2010

Madison WI state capitol this morning. I was met by WI Gold Star parents Byron and Susan Bird also my friend Richard Holsten and his friend Buffalo. We did meet up with one Senator there and received his support and also met with the chief clerk, a marine vet, who assured us we would have support come the next legislative session. We did have an appointment with the TAGs office as well and their appreciation of what we are doing was very welcoming. All total we did have a great Wisconsin visit and things did go better than we first anticipated.

We headed out next to what is called the High Ground Memorial Park, near Osseo MN. This was a 2 hour drive toward St Paul, and was an absolutely beautiful 150 acre  tribute to our fallen men and women of WI. Some of the photos should be posted in our gallery. Byron led us up there and my friend Mike Labelle and Gold Star dad Ron Kahler met us.  The place was spectacular as each conflict was memorialized in the most unique ways. They also had a huge liberty bell that I rang for Tony and all of our precious losses. I recommend that you take time to visit this beautiful designed mountaintop memorial.

Tonight we spend the night with Pat and Mike in Andover, MN.

Tomorrow: Rest and catch up day. Thursday, ceremony planned in St Paul at the capitol at 10am.

Blessings, George

July 19, 2010

Good Morning, today was scheduled for us to head to Des Moines, IA for the state capitol. However we are two hours north of the statehouse and our next leg takes us farther north to Madison. We did not have any firm appointments in the IA capitol and many good things have happened in the state already so we are forgoing heading south. My one regret is that we were not able to meet with any Gold Star families here and I know we will make that connection in the future.

My next objective today was to find a place to change the oil. Decided to make the 4 hour drive to Madison and find our WalMart for the night. While there was able to get our oil changed after nearly 5,000 miles. We will rest and see what transpires tomorrow. Wisconsin is another state which has been difficult to arrange, also the legislature is not in session until January.

I found out today that I will be facing one of my biggest challenges to date. Alex my traveling companion is leaving the journey and heading home Wednesday. Alex as many of you met has been an invaluable asset to all we have accomplished and been able to take the pressure off me in many many areas. I am so grateful to have had his assistance for so so long and to say he will be missed in an understatement. I do not have a plan to being able to take on his tasks as well as my own, but press on I will. I will be relying more on the people I meet to fill in some of the gaps along the way. I pray Alex Godspeed and thnak him for making the first month so much more impactful.

Tomorrow: Madison State Capitol 10am.

Blessings, George

July 18, 2010  Sunday

Today and for the weekend we rest at the home of Ron and Carolyn Sandkamp. They are the parents of an army major who was Tony’s boss when deployed in 2005 and graciously invited us to stay with them in Waterloo . We will be reorganizing the RV, give it a bath and prepare for a long week ahead. Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota.

Sometimes as miles and days string together I feel very alone. This mission is all consuming and I wonder how many can truly relate to its enormity or the depths of its importance. I have this driving passion inside me that presses me forward but each stage seems to be getting more and more difficult. I question its value continuously and I try not to look too far ahead at what is yet to come. The demands are far more than I could have anticipated. Over 8,000 miles and 23 states behind me. Everyday having to wear my emotions on my sleeve.  Hoping and praying for that big leap in awareness, that hasn’t come. Hoping and praying that the much needed resources come thru. Hoping and praying I have the physical and emotional strength to drive the miles and share the message one more day. I suspect it is like any war or campaign that must be won by fighting single battles at a time. As you have read, the endorsements have been overwhelming, however there needs to be more.

This is no longer my flag but “Ours”. I need all of the encouragement, prayers, physical and financial assistance you can give. There is so much more to be done and my small team back home are overwhelmed each day trying to keep ahead of me. If you can help with anything in the states ahead of please write to support@honorandremember.org I will be traveling thru 27 more states from Wisconsin west to California and then east across the lower half of the US ending in Arlington Cemetery on Nov 11th.

I have left great people back home and I miss them. In each city I meet and leave a growing number of additional friends. In the midst of the mission and all of the amazing people, I don’t know if you can understand, it is still a lonely mission. I thank all of you who are taking up the challenge in your areas to sustain the momentum. Please pray with me for continuous favor, strength, perseverance and resources. Sorry for the rambling and the seemingly depressing rant, wonderful and amazing things have been and are happening. Once in a while I just need to express some emotional wrestling.

Tomorrow: 3 hour drive to Des Moines, 5 hour Drive to Madison. Join us.

Blessings, George

July 17, 2010

Yesterday was a long day with nearly 10 hours of driving under our belt and the incredible ceremony.  This morning we were invited to participate in a Heritage day parade in Waverly, Iowa. This was our first parade in the wrapped motor home and it was quite a delightful and fun experience. The whole town was out for this event and lined the four mile  route in chairs and blankets. There were several thousand in attendance and we had a terrific reaction from the crowds.  Also I was able to meet two state delegates who endorsed our mission.  Before the parade I was interviewed by Danielle Wagner news channel 7.  Danielle did a wonderful story explaining the mission and purpose.

http://www.kwwl.com/Global/story.asp?S=12826456
http://www.kwwl.com/Global/category.asp?C=130142&nav=menu82_6

Following the parade we took part in the Iowa HOG rally in Waterloo. We were able to make some great connections with some great patriots. Along with the Harley motorcycle community and headquarters.

Tomorrow: R&R, RV washing, oil change.

Blessings, George

July 16, 2010

A restful night and then on to our agenda for the day, beginning with a 5 hour drive to Lincoln Nebraska. I have to say that our GPS decided we were to take a road under construction about an hour in and messed my navigational brain. It tok me about 30 minutes to reorient and then told me we would arrive about 30 minutes after the ceremony. That would not have been a good idea since the NE governor was included in our ceremony as well as 7 specific Gold Star families. Needless to say I wasn’t putting up with that nonsense and we did arrive about 45 minutes early.

Pat Mracek from NE Gold Star mothers was hosting our visit and put together an amazing ceremony of about 100 inside the rotunda of the state capitol. PGR, full dress marines, the Adjutant General and other military dignitaries as well as over 20 Gold Star families and the governor himself. Also there was music by Little Sis a strong supporter of our military and the GSFs.

The ceremony was both moving and powerful. I did make a slight error when I thanked the Kansas audience, after all I was in Nebraska. The governor declared the day as Honor and Remember day with a special proclamation and gave some extremely emotional comments. The most important moment of the event was the presentation of seven personalized flags. It was the largest presentation we had made since our trip began and I enlisted the volunteer help of the American Legion Riders and the marines. There were definitely a few touching moments.

http://www.klkntv.com

The capitol and rotunda were exquisite, the building the tallest I have seen so far. It was truly a magnificent venue. I have to say one of the most important moments of the day was when I met Sargent Major Sackett. The SM was with my son Tony the moment he was shot and was instrumental in evacuating him to medical. It was an emotional moment for me to spend time with this marine. Tony had been assigned to the 2/6 marines and they had been on a mission when they stopped to assess a situation. Tony was on the heavy gun standing watch when he was shot by a lone sniper. As a Gold Star parent it is so important to hear these stories of our loved ones and all of the who, what, when and wheres. If you served and lost a buddy or just someone in your unit, please remember that it is important to connect with the families. Regardless of what may go thru your mind, it is very important that they hear whatever glimmer of memory you can share. They never forget their loss and you will only be adding to the healing process so desperately needed.

Following the ceremony we all headed to a local pub to share stories, take pictures and get closer as a family.  I passed the guestbook around and then we began the second leg of our day, another 5 hour ride to Waterloo, Iowa. We passed 8,000 miles today and 22 states.

Tomorrow: Waverly parade and HOG Rally.

Blessings, George



July 15, 2010

It was an early morning for us as we left the beautiful home of the Deraps, a filling breakfast a full gas tank and a fixed rear end. Dale and his crew had helped us tremendously and his business Advanced Chimney was amazing.

On our way at 6am headed 4 hours to our next destination state Kansas. Our trip was arranged by Dianna and the Gold Star mothers of KS. We were headed toward an unknown  location in  Ft Leavenworth because the mothers had found out that Westboro Baptist was planning on openly protesting our visit in Topeka and at the base.  We ended up arranging the ceremony at a local VFW to over 200 PGR, VFW members, Gold Star families and invited legislators and active duty military. The ceremony was extremely touching and ended with three personalized flag presentations,  to Vietnam mother Betty Puliam,  Gold Star Parents Bill & Virginia Harris and Cindy and Jim Butler. The support at this event was amazing.
http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/features/x1005403162/Man-campaigning-for-flag-visits-Leavenworth
Afterwords we were taken on base to the Training center and given a personal tour of the officer training facility which is one of the most modern and technologically advanced as I have ever seen. The integration of teaching and electronics and communication capability was unsurpassed. the tour was conducted by Col Lynn Rolf who was one of the original designers and project manager.  Our visit was followed by a spectacular lunch with many of the mothers and friends. This is my heart, to be able to share with families, add new friends to my family and hear stories f their incredible loved ones. These are the heroes that make this country strong and free. Resting tonight at the home of a wonderful Gold Star family.

Tomorrow: Five hour trip to Lincoln, NE. Ceremony at statehouse 2pm.

Blessings, George

July 14, 2010

We started with a great breakfast made by Gold Star mom and world renown chef Terrie Hobson. Our days plan is to head to Jefferson City and a special presentation at the state capitol. Sandy Deraps and Katie Melies had arranged for an amazing opportunity to speak to legislators, patriots and Gold Star families.We had two personalized flags to present but unfortunately the flags were shipped to TN and not in our possession. This was a bit distressing as they were the most important part of our ceremony. I had to arrange an overnight shipment to Jefferson City in the hopes they would arrive in time. In the nick of time the package arrived, about 30 minutes before start time.

Backing up to our early morning departure I have to tell you that in pulling out of my parallel parking space I had a minor incident with an immovable tree. It of course won and I ended up tearing off the rear compartment panel of the RV. This was not a pleasant sight and with little time to make it the 2 hours to Jeff City we threw the crushed door into the beast and headed out.

The ceremony itself was preceded by a beautiful tour of the capitol building and then into the event itself. Several state senators and delegates attended as well as the Gold Star mothers of MO. Many of who I have grown to know. It was a very moving time as we were able to honor Mrs Turley who lost her son in Vietnam and Mr and Mrs Moore whose son was killed in Germany in 1986.

http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2010/07/15/news_local/nt169local11flag10.txt

I was able to meet so many wonderful patriots, including representatives from SOS and Marineparents.com. Following we all had a great lunch and then headed for a restful night with the Deraps.

Oh yes, and back to the busted RV. If this isn’t the blessing of God, Mr Deraps happens to have a metal shop and overnight two of his men took the task of beating out the destruction and getting our compartment door working again. This was incredible and once again proved that the many prayers surrounding us continue to prevail.

Tomorrow: Headed to Ft Leavenworth, KS for our next state ceremony.

Blessings, George

July 13, 2010

After the night at Walmart we made our way to the IL state capitol. The legislature is out of session and the governor was in Chicago so I did not have any arranged meetings. However I was able to meet with the governors staff and from there able to reach out to a few legislative officers. I did have the privilege of being accompanied by Gold Star mom Melinda Aston and Vietnam Veteran and supporter Richard Holstein. Richard is also a Native American Indian and has been displaying the flag at tribe meetings around the state. He has been working with Marshall Tall Eagle in presenting medallions to veterans and in honor of Tony presented me today with a special medallion from the Indian community recognizing my sons service and sacrifice. It was quite an honor to have received this gift in such prestigious a place as this beautiful statehouse.  Gold Star dad Craig Belk also was helping open doors from a distance and all in all we did have some minor success. These families will be checking back once I leave and I believe all indications are that Illinois will soon follow in embracing the flag.

After we said our goodbyes we headed to St Louis, MO. Gold Star mom Terrie Hobson had arranged a short presentation at the Soldiers War memorial in downtown St Louis. It was a small intimate group but another opportunity to share the mission. Amongst the participants was a group from Mission Continues. A solid organization that is working to place vets into the workplace by giving back through volunteer service. I hope we will see more of what they are doing around the country.

The rest of the evening will be restful and quiet.

Tomorrow: State capitol visit in Jefferson City and 2 special flag presentations.

Blessings, George

July 11, 2010  Sunday

Spent the night on the houseboat of my old friend. Woke up and headed to Crossroads Community church which meets in a nearby movie theater in Antioch.  Pastors jack and Sheila Harper were gracious and kind to allow me to share my vision with the congregation.  The mission was well received and I was able to spend some one on one time after the service.  Pastor Jack will be meeting me at the capitol in the morning.

The rest if the day was spent with my friend relaxing and then back to Annie and Jimmy’s place for dinner and a good nights sleep.

Tomorrow: Flag presentation at 10am Nashville statehouse.

Blessings, George

July 10, 2010  Saturday

Last night I mentioned that I was to receive an overnight package with a personalized flag for a Vietnam mother. The package never arrived and we drove early to the UPS hub in White Creek TN to try and locate it. Unfortunately the supervisor was unable to track it down amidst the hundreds of trailers and thousands of packages, and said it would be delivered Monday. With one hour now before the presentation I had to move to plan B.

We all met at a Red Robin in Mt Juliet for presentation. Mary Byers had arranged the presentation for Glen Riker, who lost her son PFC Richard J. Riker, February 21, 1969.  Several Gold Star mothers were there including about 20 of Mrs Rikers family. Without the actual personalized flag and certificate, I decided to make the presentation with a general flag and temporary certificate. All went well I think and she greatly appreciated the gift. Her actual flag will be presented at a future meeting of the American Gold Star Mothers.  It was a great to get to know all of the other moms and hear the incredible stories of their sons. I am only recently finding out how dangerous the first three years of OIF was, 2003-06.  many many precious lives lost, everyday I wish we could bring them back to the families that loved them.

Later in the day I connected with two dear friends from 30 years ago, who both live in the Nashville area.  I will have a relaxing evening hanging out and catching up on old times. Also spending the night on a houseboat on Percy Priest lake.

Tomorrow: Speaking at Crossroads Church in Antioch, 9am hour.

Blessings, George

July 9, 2010

we rose earl this morning in Indianapolis at the OMS facility. We had a 4 hour ride ahead of us and appointments scheduled in Frankfort KY beginning at 11am. I don’t like cutting so close our arrangements but in order to make this trip physically possible sometimes we have to push ourselves and our timetable. Making decisions to stay where we will be most comfortable and rested sometimes allow us to stay in a city and leave early or arrive in a city ahead of schedule and be closer. We have done both.

Upon arrival in Frankfort about 930am we met with Gold Star mom Lynn Romans, she was to accompany us on our visits. Our first stop war MG Tonini, The Adjutint General of KY. He is the highest ranking officer in charge of the KY National Guard. We had a very productive meeting with him as we shared our mission and purpose. He was also friends with many of the TAGs I had met previously and was extremely supportive. He did help to schedule us with some upcoming appts including one later today with the veterans affairs council.

After leaving his office we drove back to the capitol where we met the Lt Governor Daniel Mongiardo and his senior advisor. We had a great meeting there and then moved to the third floor to meet the current Speaker of the House. We received overwhelming endorsement from each of these men and was certainly encouraged that KY will be coming onboard in the next session. Thanks to Lynn for all her help and support today!

We had a 1:30 meeting with the Veterans Affairs Council of KY and I was able to make a 5 minute presentation to the group of 20. After which I was told that their governor had received a letter from ours and that they had already given their endorsement by way of letter to key legislators. Once again I was preaching to the choir and organizations are learning about us and reacting. This is tremendous validation and encouragement to me.

Alex and I were starving and found nearby sonic for some coney dogs and shakes. Then off on another 4 hour leg of the trip to Ft Campbell. I believe we crossed 6,000 along the way. I was hoping to visit with a few Gold Star families but was not able to make a connection. I did speak with Gregg Garvey, founder of “Lest they be Forgotten”. and he was able to direct me to a monument on base and also a local American legion.

We will be staying with Shane tonight, a soldier stationed at Ft Campbell, a friend of Karen and a great supporter! Thanks Shane.

One sad note, I was to have a personalized flag sipped to me for a special Vietnam mother ceremony Saturday and it has not arrived. please pray.

It was a tiring day as you can see. So much more to say, no time or energy to say it.

Tomorrow: Flag presentation to Gold Star mother in Nashville.

Blessings, George

July 8, 2010

This morning we arrived at the state capitol and spoke with the police in regard to parking the RV. We found one sympathetic officer who arranged our stay and we were able to park right in front. We then met several Gold Star families at the entrance, these were families I had been in contact with from previous meeting or conversations. Jim and Marilyn Frantz who I met a taps, Norma Whiticare who had previously received a flag and Melanie Smith along with Mike More and a friend of Normas.

We decided with no appointments we would visit the governors office, He was on vacation but did get a tour. We then found two state senators who were very receptive to our mission and will be adding a resolution next session. After 15 states we have 100% commitment so far from state legislators.

We had a wonderful lunch for several hours sharing stories of our kids and just getting to know new friends. I love this part of the journey as I am able to meet more and more terrific families. This is a tremendous help in my healing process as I hope it is for them as well.

Later in the evening a few of us held a small intimate ceremony for Loren and Deb Meyer in tribute to their son Michael. We presented them with a personalized flag at Crown Hill Memorial cemetery at their Field of Valor. It was an emotional moment for all and wonderful to share and hug on these precious parents. Tonight we are back in the apartment for a early rise tomorrow.

Tomorrow: 6am leave for Frankfort, KY where we have scheduled meetings at the capitol at 10am. 3 hour drive.

Needs: Accommodations in Nashville, TN over the weekend

Blessings, George

July 7, 2010

Travel day, 7 hour trip from Grand rapids to Indianapolis. Arrived late this evening and met with Melanie Smith for dinner. Afterwards we were invited to stay at the International Mens Ministries campus, we thought we were going to stay in the RV but were offered the use of a guest apartment for two nights. This was a tremendous blessing as the RV is a bit cramped with all our stuff packed into it.

The trip is going well and the RV driving pretty smoothly, the only wrinkle is that gas is costing us us about $180 every fillup and that is approx every 350 miles.

Tomorrow: State capitol of Indiana.

Blessings, George