Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

 

During the week of Sept 23, 2008, hundreds of Lake Havasu City citizens and patriots came out to welcome the arrival of the First Annual Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride through our city.  The following are some emails which were sent about the event.  Videos and many more photos will soon be available on the www.havasufreedombridge.com website. 

 

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Sept 24, 2008

TEARS IN MY SOUL

 

I glanced at the sunset as it brought darkness. The sun hid behind the lake and entered the mountains' shadows. I waited patiently for the bus to arrive carrying the Wounded Warriors. As the bus entered the parking lot I felt my heart beat faster. In the darkness I saw shadows of movement that grasp my soul. Boys who became men and fate had brought us together. I was there to honor the brave men who made the sacrifices for my freedom, escorting them to their destination. I stood proudly waving my flag and shouting, "welcome home soldier and thank you for your service."

 

The day ended, my heart glad my soul fulfilled with a portion of my mission accomplished. I still needed to hold my brothers and thanks them personally. 

 

A new day, a new memory, I went to the welcome home for our Wounded Warriors. I prayed for them. At the end of the ceremony I gathered my strength and walked toward my brothers. I began thanking them for their service. Without limbs, yet hearts full of compassion, they acknowledge my presence. I went to one soldier, extended my hand, and before I could open my mouth he spoke. "I don't want your hand, give me a hug." I turned to another soldier who stood on legs of metal, I said, Thank you…and again I was interrupted, "No, you're my hero," was spoken, my eyes filled with tears. How could I be this soldier's hero when he had given so much for my freedom? He continued to honor me by saying, "Welcome Home, you never got a true welcome home. Our country closed its doors on you and all Vietnam Veterans. You are the heroes; we have gotten our welcome home—you haven't. With that he hugged me and said "Thank you for your service."

 

I felt my face flushed, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart full of emotions that he understood me. He saw my deep inner hurt, my fears, and my solitude and opened his heart for me. He brought back the memory of my coming home to protesters who threw rotten tomatoes and raw eggs at me. My welcome home was abusive. My country's educated elite from Berkley University stood over me and broke my spirit. I hid in my solitude and loneliness, covered my face . . . until today.

 

Today a soldier saw me as his hero and gave me back my pride. Thank you Wounded Warriors, thank you for your compassion. I was there to help you heal; but you gave me the healing, and I thank you. May God bless you and heal your wounds, for your heart and soul are comforting. You have given me the perfumes of gardens once again. You have placed the colors of a rainbow in perfect order; you have entered into my tattered heart and brought forth the true spirit of being an American. Thank you. And thank you for your service; you will never be forgotten.

 

May God keep each of our Wounded Warriors ever so close to His loving heart

 

Sisto Sandoval

Vietnam Veteran (1968-69) TET Survivor

Secretary/Chaplain VVA 975

 

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Sept 25

 

I am in Vegas now, having just spent a few more hours with the soldier riders. Each has a unique, amazing, and inspiring life story.

They also felt that their injuries were simply proud reminders of their successful efforts to rid the planet of evil dictators who have attacked America, and would have done it again. Some of them are trying to get back to their units in the field.

I am more impressed and inspired by these guys every minute.

They asked how many more new crosses of American victims would have been in that Who Will Stand movie if the soldiers had not done their job.

Gary

 

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Sept 26

 

The opening reception for the WWP Soldier Riders in Las Vegas wasn't even close to the size or enthusiasm of what we did here in Lake Havasu City!  The Belagio fountains started the day with Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" with the soldiers looking on.  It was very moving.  We can't beat those fountains, no matter how much we clean the English Village!

 

Then the ride started with about 25 spectators there, clapping.  No bands, no guest speakers, no flags, no big crowd, no bricks!   I attach several more photos.

 

Here is something special.  Lt. Daniel Luckett (known as "Lieutenant Dan" by his buddies) is famous from the photo attached (LtDanUSA).  When you look at that photo, you may recognize that it was on the front page of USA Today, and has been one of the most widely distributed Army photos from the Iraqi war.  That photo was taken just shortly after his Humvee hit an IED, which blew off one of his legs.  Dan told me that he was thinking of him mom when he gave his "thumbs up" signal, thinking that she might see the photo with him on the stretcher.

 

Note Dan was also in good spirits while clowning around (holding his prosthetic leg) before the Who Will Stand movie was shown at the Palms in Vegas last night!

 

Many of the soldiers expressed many times how warm and friendly was the Lake Havasu City reception.  Everyone they met in LHC was overwhelmingly nice, especially when compared to the big cities they usually ride through.  A few guys told me that they will revisit to look for a job and a home after they are released from the service.

 

Gary

 

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Sept 26

We can be proud of ourselves on this Soldier Ride project - to have put together something this huge in such a short time. And without a glitch, no less!

 

Capt. Woody said they definitely will be back next year - perhaps for an extra day - maybe in November, when it's not so hot.  They were all so overwhelmed by the support that I wouldn't be surprised it we see them every year.  With an extra day, the Yacht clubs said they would like to take the soldiers out on the lake while they're here next time - won't the guys love that?!

 

What a great experience this has been. But I'm sleeping in tomorrow!

 

Judy

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Sept 26

I had another one share something very similar with me. In an emotional moment, he shared that he had been doing the ride since 2004, and had never seen such an outpouring of support.  It made what he went through worth it, knowing that people back home cared and didn't take for granted all they did.

I can't tell you all how amazing it was to be a part of this, and to know we really touched some very important people. Thanks to everyone who helped.

Jarrod Lyman

Vice-President

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Sept 26

FYI:  One of the gentlemen that goes along with the Warriors talked to me at the Mall.  He said that they have never had a reception like the one they got in Havasu.  He said that the guys might lower their heads and say "Aw shucks" but this would be a trip they would never forget.  He said that this was "just awesome".  This was totally unsolicited----he asked if they could have the ice in the coolers and I told him to help himself.  Then, he told me his feelings. 

I feel blessed and honored to have been part of such an event!

Kathy

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Sept 26

It was truly a wonderful day for all of us. Seeing those Warriors and their spirit made you feel very fortunate to be an American.

Richard

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Sept 27 2008

 

The Freedom Bridge Foundation created more good will, camaraderie, and patriotism this week surrounding the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride events than I have ever witnessed since the country rallied after 9/11.  We need to retain these positive feelings and continue the momentum. 

 

Citizens will focus on this wave of good will and may feel motivated to donate more bricks to the Memorial Walkway.  For those who have already donated, perhaps you can ask someone else who would like to donate.

 

Thanks to ALL VOLUNTEERS.  You all deserve an "Above and Beyond" award for creating one of the best events that Havasu has ever hosted.

 

Gary

 

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9/28/08

On behalf of Lake Havasu City, AZ and the Freedom Bridge Foundation, I would like to express our grateful appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who participated in the escorts for the Wounded Warrior Project on September 23-24, 2008.

Twenty Wounded Warriors, injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, spent two days in Lake Havasu, and the PGR showed up for not one or two, but FOUR separate escorts. It wasn't an easy mission, as we were unable to pinpoint the exact time they would be arriving from Phoenix on their High Desert Challenge Soldier Ride September 23. Because of delays in the WWP schedule, PGR had to wait at the appointed spot for almost two hours. Some of the riders were unable to wait any longer, which we completely understood, but at least 20 riders stuck it out and provided a beautiful escort to the soldiers' hotel. We apologize to those who were so inconvenienced, but the end result was gratifying. The soldiers were amazed by the reception and by the riders who mounted their tour bus to wish them a personal welcome home.

On September 24, PGR was back early to escort the soldiers to the English Village under the London Bridge for welcome ceremonies attended by hundreds of Lake Havasu residents. They formed a flag line for the soldiers to ride their bicycles through, and another for them to leave the English Village. While the soldiers were on their Soldier Ride, PGR moved on to the new mall where the soldiers would stop for a water break. They again formed a flag line to welcome them. And finally, PGR provided an escort out of Lake Havasu to I-40 and on to their next stop.

The participation of the Patriot Guard Riders was a big part of the success of the WWP's two-day visit in Lake Havasu. The people of our city were awed by PGR's professionalism and dedication, and the soldiers told us they were truly impressed.

Thank you, PGR, for another outstanding mission.

Judy Lacey,
Veterans Coordinator
Freedom Bridge Foundation