Wreath Laying at National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

It was a somber day Wednesday in Washington DC.  Along with Executive Director B.J. Lawrence, Director of Operations Bob Jackson, and Comms & PA Director Rob Couture, I made the trek to the Pentagon for what was supposed to have been a closed ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Unfortunately, in what has become all too frequent in our society, COVID fears canceled the actual ceremony.  Nonetheless, we were still able to place our Veterans of Foreign Wars wreath and pay our respects to the fallen.  We were given a window of time to be at the Memorial without any other veteran service organizations around and we owe that to the great relationship our Washington DC staff has with members of the Pentagon staffs.  Still limited on what we could do and where we could walk, but within those confines we were given a very nice tour.

A member of the Honor Guard was assigned to us for the duration.  He did not have a name badge or rank, so I can't give him proper respect for his military bearing and dedication to his duty.  Nonetheless, a true professional.  He was so proud to be in the Army and confided when we spoke privately that he just became an American citizen this year, hailing from the country of Guyana.  This man is a true patriot!

As we walked among some of the benches, individually named for each of the casualties, my guide explained that each bench was sitting at a 43 degree angle, which was the angle of attack the airplane took.  The direction of the benches coincided with the flight path also.  As you enter the memorial, the first bench you see is that of a young woman.  She was the youngest person to die that fateful day and as you move further into the memorial the benches are arranged by the age of the person.  Seeing the large carved numbers for each year of birth as they descended into the distance was truly a sobering moment.  One moment full of life and the next, a name on a bench.  Take nothing for granted my dear readers.

We were unable to visit the bench named after William R. Ruth, of Mt. Airy, Maryland because of the restrictions.  An Army Chief Warrant Officer, Bill had just been sworn in as his VFW Post Commander the day before, on 10 September.  Likewise, we were unable to visit another VFW member's bench, Jamie Fallon of the Dale City VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, Virginia.  Two members of the VFW family died at the Pentagon these twenty years ago.  To learn more about their lives, please read the article about them in the September 2021 issue of the VFW Magazine.  You can also read the article in the Magazine's digital edition here:  http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?m=3914&i=715473&p=14&ver=html5

I am presenting the keynote 9/11 address at Bill's Mt Airy VFW Post 10076 this Saturday, twenty years to the day these shameless attackers took his and nearly 3,000 others' lives.  Afterward, we will re-dedicate and rename the Post in his honor, a fitting tribute.  

A solemn tribute and salute to our two fallen comrades

Learning the finer details of the attack and the aftermath from this outstanding Honor Guard soldier

[Photo credits to Rob Couture, VFW]

Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 at Darlington!

From my outstanding Dream Flight Saturday morning we headed over to the fabled Darlington Racetrack as guests of Gordon Logan, Founder and CEO of Sport Clips.  The partnership between the VFW and Sport Clips goes back more than a few years and they are the driving force behind the Sports Clips – VFW Help a Hero Scholarship!  Every semester we award scholarships to service members and veterans, up to $5,000 each, to continue their education.  Quickly approaching the $10 Million dollar plateau we have helped over 2,000 people in their educational pursuits.  All of this money comes from the generous donations of Mr Logan at Corporate but also from their many franchisees and owners who every year hold fund-raising efforts to help our military members.  Mr. Logan is an Air Force Vietnam veteran and his heart is clearly with the VFW as we continue our mission to ensure No One Does More For Veterans!  I’m proud to serve on the VFW Foundation Board of Directors along with Mr. Logan.  He’s full of ideas on what’s best for the organization and was the driving force to get VFW in lockstep with Darryl Fisher and Dream Flights.  It’s all about people and relationships and he is oh so good at it!  You’ve never met a more modest man who will give you anything you need if it’s going to help someone.  If you aren’t getting a famous MVP haircut at any one of the MANY Sport Clips locations across the country, I suggest you look them up for the best haircut experience you will ever have!  Even Mama Cass enjoys going to our local location and they treat her even better than they treat me!  Go to a Sport Clips, get an MVP, and while you’re there, support the Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship fund!

Gordon was the consummate host and we were located with him and the Sport Clips team in a prime location on the infield, near turn 2.  When I say near, well, it was just a simple chain link fence and a few feet separating me from the track!  There were tents and tables, as well as a wonderful spread of food and beverages in the massive trailer the entire weekend.  Golf carts shuttled us to Pit Row whenever we wanted to get really near the action.  They also took us out to the Midway outside the track where the VFW had a joint North Carolina and South Carolina recruiting team set up.  In a day and a half these great workers recruited almost 100 new members and raised awareness of what the VFW does on a daily basis.  Strong work team and I’m so glad I was able to work out there with you on both days!

And, of course, there was work for me at this event.  I did radio interviews, met a lot of people, and in general did my thing as the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world.  It was a “be seen” weekend and I could not have done it without the great assistance of Lynn Rolf and Corey Hunt from our National Headquarters.  They ensured I was where I needed to be at the right time with the right information.  Everything I do is a team effort friends; I could not do this without the yeoman work of our professional staff.  We also got to spend a lot of time together talking about how to make the VFW a better place for veterans, service members, and their families.  It’s this one on one time that pays great dividends because everyone has an idea or two that just might lead to great things.

A lot of photos and videos are already floating around the internet about this great Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 weekend, but I do have to add some here.  Yes, I did get to say those famous words:  Drivers, Start Your Engines!  And, yes, I was a bit nervous standing, by myself, in front of all those many thousands of great Americans in the stands.  The Track Announcer gave me some great advice to make this memorable and after all of the driver introductions, etc, I said to myself, “The Time Is Now!” and did my thing.  Here’s a clip, courtesy of Matt Claussen, who recorded it from the television.  Judging from the final words of the broadcaster, I’m going to say Mission Accomplished!

Tv announcement  https://www.facebook.com/100012978438785/videos/3059570127660351/

For a different perspective, Lynn captured the same action with me facing the announcer and the stands: 

Track side announcement   https://www.facebook.com/1437604953/videos/3112927072284659/

While the Sport Clips car didn’t win the Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 race Saturday because of an unfortunate incident [after leading almost the entire time], it was still a thrilling day to be part of this. We came back for two races on Sunday and the Sport Clips hospitality seemed to double!  And, again, I got to do things on behalf of all the members of the VFW, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me the honor to represent you.  Mr Logan believes in the VFW.  He and his entire team ensured we had the best time and we certainly cemented our relationship for many years to come simply by deepening our friendships.  We’re in the people business!

Once again, thank you Mr Logan and the entire Sport Clips team!  Check them out, get an MVP haircut, and donate to the Help A Hero Scholarship at www.SportClips.com #SportClips @SportClips

Lynn Rolf, VFW Director of Programs, and yours truly in the Pit Booth on the edge of the track.

Gordon giving me the finer points of the Pit Booth...no hearing protection as the race had not yet started!

Absolutely loved the patriotic outfit of the Track Announcer...and his advice was perfect!  He was so excited for me.

Sunday evening at the Sport Clips infield location.  It was high end and so were all of the races!

A view from the top of the Sport Clips trailer.  We really were close to the track.

The first of several radio interviews with Gordon

In the track announcer's booth waiting to go on the air

Yeah, it was a cool moment to be on that track....

Assisting with the presentation of the Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 Trophy!  Too bad we didn't win it, but in life, things happen.

In the winner's circle...Mr Logan sure did make me feel like a winner out there!

Sitting in the Pit Booth...you cannot imagine the speed of things happening on this track!  There's no way I could even get my seat belt off in the time they change four tires and fill the gas tank.

"The Fallen 13" memorial and seating area put together by North and South Carolina at the Membership booth on the Midway outside the track.  To the right are several pop up tents where information was handed out and memberships were taken!  This was an inviting and inspiring impromptu set up and the crowd loved it.

A nicer view of the memorial

Gordon Logan, CEO and Founder of Sport Clips and his favorite VFW dog...Mama Cass!

A Dream Flight at Darlington!

The Time and Place:  Last weekend, September 4^th on a pretty Saturday morning, at Branhams airport, a grass strip outside of Darlington Speedway.  We drove out to meet Darryl Fisher, CEO of Dream Flights and driving force behind Operation September Freedom, a joint venture with VFW and several other sponsors, including our great friends at Sport Clips!  It was a beautiful crisp morning, no clouds, no wind…as Darryl noted, “This is a 9.9 out of 10 day to be flying in a Stearman Bi-Plane!”  And he was so right.  Also at the field were Sport Clips representatives and a lot of VFW members from both North and South Carolina, to include Department Commanders Russ from NC and Dwight from SC.  It was so nice they turned out to watch me take the ride of a lifetime!

Operation September Freedom is Darryl’s baby and we have worked almost a year to bring it to fruition.  Over the months of August and September, the goal was to fly as many World War II veterans in all 50 states in these historic WWII bi-plane training aircraft.  Lots of logistics of course but worth every minute of planning over the many months.  The first flights started at the beginning of August and will go through the end of September.  To date, we’ve flown almost 500 WWII veterans in 46 states…our goal is to fly 1,000 veterans from World War II.   Many of these veterans at near or over the age of 100!!  For many it was the thrill of a lifetime and they opened up about their wartime experiences for the first time since the 1940s.  We are fortunate to have had so many family members and VFW members turning up at local airports all over the country to cheer these heroes from yesteryear on to their planes and into the skies.  It’s an awesome tribute to the greatest generation!

The plane Darryl chose for my flight had special meaning for him!  It was built in the 1940s as a training craft and his grandfather purchased it as war surplus in 1946.  It had been in the family for years and then was sold.  Later, the person who bought it from his grandfather wanted to sell it and Darryl said YES before the conversation went any further.  What a great back story about this particular plane and how special it is to Darryl.  After getting instructions on how to get my rather large frame into the front seat [I have no idea how centenarians managed to do this with the grace they have shown!], I climbed up the side of the open cockpit aircraft and got belted in.  Donning the obligatory leather hat, I was ready to go!

As we taxied down the small grass airstrip I once again realized how fortunate I am to do the things I do as the VFW Commander in Chief.  Thank you everyone for your faith in me to do this!  Darryl and I talked over the intercom and the fun soon began.  As we zoomed down the grass I looked left and saw the VFW and Sport Clips folks waiving and cheering and we were up in the air!  “Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth….!”  Flying at just over 1000 feet and an average speed of 100 mph, with an open cockpit, it truly was flying.  And yet, not a bump, no wind, beautiful temperature and blue skies all around.  It felt like being in a glider as we flew all around the local area.  We flew over the Darlington Speedway several times and it was pretty neat thinking that later in the afternoon I’d be in the middle of that infield doing my thing with the Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 race!

Thirty minutes later, much later than anticipated because it was just so darn wonderful up there, we came back for a landing.  Circling the airstrip we came in for the smoothest landing on the softest grass you can imagine.  My cheeks still hurt from smiling so much!  Marcus the flight engineer and youngest pilot in the Dream Flights team at 24, hopped up and unstrapped me.  It really was just a web belt harness keeping me in that thing.  I was concerned we would need a small crane to pull me out of the front seat but I managed to climb out without losing too much of my dignity.  Then again, who cares how you look when you’ve just had the thrill of a lifetime, right?  Lots of pics and videos have already been around social media, but I was just happy to savor the moment and think how wonderful this must be for the great World War II veterans who are experiencing Dream Flights as part of Operation September Freedom all over the country.

After climbing out, Darryl and I stood by the plane and made some remarks to the nice crowd that stayed the whole time, sharing thanks and stories.  Darryl said he had something for me and presented me a really cool Operation September Freedom/Dream Flights ball cap, complete with a nice message and autograph on the bill.  In turn, I had a little something for him:  A $10,000 donation from the VFW to Dream Flights so they can continue the awesome work they do.  Darryl immediately asked if anyone had another hat! You can see the check presentation [I'm already wearing my hat!] at 

  https://www.facebook.com/1437604953/videos/pcb.10227922516275102/2657682957872902

 What a thrilling start to a great day!  Check out Dream Flights and Operation September Freedom on the many platforms they have.  If you see a flight coming near you, I encourage you to take the time to see our Greatest Generation having the time of their lives!  You can also make a donation to keep these planes in the skies with our World War II veterans!  https://dreamflights.org/ and FB @DreamFlightsOrg

Flying and Smiling!

The 1st Special Service Force was an elite American–Canadian commando unit in World War II, under the command of the United States Fifth Army. The unit was organized in 1942 and was memorialized in the movie The Devil's Brigade, a 1968 film starring William Holden, Cliff Robertson, and Vince Edwards, focusing on the force's training and deployment to Italy.  There are only 36 living members of this Unit remaining.  Three have flown in this very bi-plane and signed by their unit logo!!  Thank you Earl, Walt, and Bert for all of your service and sacrifice!

Flying over the Darlington Racetrack

Signing this very special aircraft

Thank you VFW and Dream Flights for giving me this great honor!

Some of the VFW gang mugging for a picture after the flight.  Special thanks to State Commanders Russ [NC] and Dwight [SC] for helping to make this morning special

A beautiful ending to a wonderful Dream Flight!

Downtime in Tennessee

 I had a few days without assignment this week so I took a new friend up on his offer to go diving in the middle of Tennessee.  VFW State Chaplain Andrew Farrer and I became FB friends a while back and I learned he is in training to become a SCUBA Divemaster.  One thing lead to another and I planned a trip to Murfreesboro to dive at Martha's Quarry, near Mount Juliet, TN.

After a long drive down, I had dinner with Andrew, State Commander Brian Walker, and a few other people.  It was a nice evening and I learned that Brian has been working hard on the devastating flooding that has hit Tennessee over the past few days.  He is an outstanding leader and coordinator and has all of his state's resources in motion to help those in need.

The next day Andrew and I headed to the quarry where we met his instructor, Dan McIntyre, who also owns Scuba Shack in Nashville.  Dan's a Life Member of the VFW too!  If you're in the Nashville area and want to learn to dive, check out Scuba Shack at Scubashacknashville.com  You won't be disappointed.  Martha's Quarry is a diamond in the rough but there was a lot to see.  The three of us clocked in two separate hour long dives and this quarry has a lot to show for itself.  The visibility was 15-20 feet, lots of fish, old mining equipment and boats!  Lots and lots of sunken boats.  It was a welcome break from the hectic pace I've had since being elected and I needed it.  

We had to leave without getting in more bubble time as VFW Post 1970 in West Nashville was waiting for us to visit.  Post 1970 is the Home Post of Past National Commander in Chief John Furgess. He told the story how he joined the Post when he returned home from Vietnam....in 1970!  The Post is also featured in Teddy Robb's hit single "Heaven on Dirt".  Trust me, this post exudes Veteran, family, and camaraderie.  It's a fitting tribute to Teddy's song!  Post Commander John Lambert is rightfully proud of this Post and they do great things for their community.

We had a nice dinner and I enjoyed just talking to the members and having an easy night without any pomp and circumstance.  It's good to get off the "celebrity" track now and then and be a member of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world.  I did meet one very motivated and interesting person, Jason Johnson, founder and CEO of Project K9 Hero.  He saves Military Working Dogs at the end of their careers and provides medical care, comfort and even homes for these dogs who have given so much in defense of our country.  I URGE you all to check him out at www.projectk9hero.org  You will not be disappointed.  I look forward to speaking more with him.  I met several other interesting entrepreneurs but sadly did not get their information to write about them in this installment.  State Commander Brian is getting that for me.

I didn't get many pics this time either as I was more interested in relaxing than documenting.  Mea culpa friends!

State Chaplain Andrew [and Divemaster Candidate] taking a selfie before we hit the water.  Thank goodness for the Scuba Shack sunshade.  The heat was brutal!

A very serene Martha's Quarry.  With water temps in the mid 80s we had to go deep more than a few times to cool off!

One of the nice halls at Post 1970.  The Eagle painting on the back wall was made by an auxiliary member

The outside of Post 1970 SCREAMS America!  I love it!

Warren and his service dog Warrior at Post 1970

Illinois Council of Administration and Homecoming

A seven hour drive from KC after the Teddy Robb concert found me in northern Illinois for their Council of Administration meeting and Homecoming.  Things were done differently this weekend and I have to say the changes will definitely push the Department forward!

The meetings were streamlined with a "Book of Reports" being given to the council members.  This held off very long committee reports as they were available to be read at any time.  Presenters merely had to add or modify things that may have happened since the Book had been published.  Also, Committee meetings were scaled back to actually be committee meetings.  The consensus of the crowd was very positive!  We were given about four hours of training from National Program Director Lynn Rolf on all of the program requirements as well as in-depth hands on discussion on the dashboard and Knowledge Management Tools.  Everyone agreed using computers to crunch the numbers and provide visual display is a big step into getting us all into the 21st Century!

The Department had a nice meet and greet event for me on Friday evening in Cantigny Post 367.  After their first building burned, veterans from the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II came to together and built this monument to veterans in 1946.  It's awe inspiring to see it in person.  Our corporate partners from Humana were present and they made a lot of good connections.  I was really amazed when I met Donna Allen-Sebok of AllenForce, a local veterans outreach company.  After talking more, I introduced her to Lynn and by the end of the evening Donna had pledged THREE disabled veteran Track Chairs!  She calls them Vetanks.  But they do get the job done.  Can't wait to start working with Donna to get veterans the assistance they need.  Even Humana is going to start working with her!  Meet and greeting, people business...do you all sense a theme here?

Saturday evening was the Homecoming at the New Lennox Post 9545.  Another great location sitting beside a river.  So peaceful.  They had a nice music, a great hall, and a fantastic dinner for everyone to enjoy.  It was a good evening all around.  Sunday came early, so Mama and I hit the road back home and are ready for our next adventure!

Vetank from AllenForce!  Thank you!!

Donna from Allenforce.  Check them out at AllenForce.org

Cantigny Post!  Like I said, pretty impressive!

New Lennox was kind enough to put my name in lights

Presenting State Commander Bobby his Warrant of Office.  At least its not a Bench Warrant

Mama's new pal, George the Irish Wolfhound

I received a very large bust of Lincoln!  Thank you!  Mama is in the picture for scale....

Teddy Robb: Live in Concert!

 You may recall I wrote about this up and coming Country Music star back in April.  He reached out to VFW and wanted to work with us and help veterans.  We've been moving toward that goal since.

As I was returning from Sturgis, I learned he was going to play a small venue in Kansas City on Thursday and he asked if I could attend.  We're in the people business  so of course I said yes.  Mama and I drove out to KC and enjoyed a nice outdoor concert with Teddy.  I'd say about a hundred people were in attendance, moving in and out of the forum.  He played a mix of original music as well as some very nice covers of other country music.  It was a great evening and I'm glad I was able to show the VFW colors and help promote our relationship.

I grabbed a few hours' sleep and then off to Illinois for their Council meeting.  Thank goodness for coffee!  I suggest you give Teddy Robb's music a try.  It's easy to listen to and I really do like his big single, "Heaven on Dirt".  Here's some contact info:

Teddy Robb website: https://www.teddyrobb.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teddyrobbmusic/

Instagram: www.intagram.com/teddyrobb/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzh2OZ18d3e5NFeZSOoQu6Q/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/teddyrobb

 

A pre-concert chat with Teddy.  He enjoyed seeing Mama again.

Knucklehead's outdoor concert venue in KC

ZOOM-Mania!

 I thought I'd be able to catch some sleep and re-group after this past week, but, there is no rest for the weary!

With the increased use of platforms like zoom, meetings can be called at any time pulling in participants from all over the globe.  Monday I had several zooms with staff and some VFW Departments.  Then, I started a three day zoom-fest with the Department Commanders, Class 122, for the 2021-2022 year.

Mindful of the various time zones, Monday's zoom was from 1700-1900 Central.  Tuesday started at 1900 and went to 2100.  Tonight, Wednesday, I'm hosting the final iteration of this three part meeting.  It starts at 2100 and goes to 2300. I'm passing along the same information at each meeting, but the discussion afterward is where we all really get to learn from each other.

Truly, technology is making us a better Class.  We are sharing what works, what doesn't work, and everything in between.  It can only make us all better.  Never before has this type of information sharing been done between Department Commanders on a continuous, scheduled basis.  So proud of the Commanders of Class 122!

I still owe you all a final Sturgis close out. I think you will really like it.  I'll get to that soon!  Stay tuned!

A visit to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

I didn't spend all of my time in South Dakota at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!  I was able to tour and meet the great folks at Ellsworth for an entire day.  It was hot and dusty, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

Being a former AF Security Policeman, I wanted to visit the 28th Security Forces Squadron, assigned to the Global Strike Command.  There is an affinity that never leaves you once you have worn the Blue Beret.  I also visited with some of the aircrew that fly the vaunted B-1 Bomber and others.

I have to say, and may be a bit biased, but the SF troops I encountered were sharp, eager and ready to serve.  SrA Lamere was our guide and he was top notch.  He volunteers for many assignments and is constantly pushing himself to know more about the career field.  Impressive young man!  The SF facility that was most touching was a new gym they installed.  All along the walls were pictures of their fallen comrades from Iraq and Afghanistan.  They serve as motivators to give that one last push, that one last weight lift, that extra mile.  These Defenders know what their comrades sacrificed and they are dedicated to being the best they can be when they are sent off to fight.

I received the obligatory weapons inspection.  I realized how old I was when it once again dawned on me that I fought my war in the last century with weapons that couldn't hold a candle to what I was seeing in front of me.  They graciously allowed me to use their electronic firearms system.  WOW! The technology puts you right into things with the surround sound and surround screens.  I asked for something simple like moving plates, shoot the bad guy etc and DID NOT HIT A THING!  Then we realized the weapon was not electronically sighted in for me.  After doing that, I ran the course and scored better than anyone in the room expected.  Some skills you don't lose.

Next, off to the Military Working Dog facility where SSgt Wong did a tremendous job of explaining the daily regimen of the dogs and handlers.  He took MWD Lazer out and ran the course off leash as well as placed an Airman in the jacket.  Lazer really enjoys running down and putting the bite on the bad guys.  They had to play "Rock, Paper, Rank" to determine who was going to put that suit on in the extremely hot day to get eaten by Lazer!  The Paul Harvey?  When SSgt Wong was deployed Lazer was his dog.  They had to part ways when SSgt Wong came back and now a year or so later, they have been reunited.  He really loves that dog!  On a solemn note, in the working area they have a walkway with granite stones memorializing all of the Military Working Dogs the Squadron has lost in the recent wars.  They are also America's finest and they gave their all for freedom too.

Off to the flightline where JAMM and STAG gave me an outside tour of the B-1 Bomber.  We were going to go inside, but apparently it was Friday afternoon and there were no stairs to be seen.  It must have been tee time.  Still, we got to see the underside, stand in the shade, and talk about how awesome this airframe is.  These two have many hundreds of hours in the B-1 Lancer and would fly more if they could.  They talked about leadership, taking care of the team, and their love of the Air Force.  They proudly trace their heritage back to the Doolittle Raiders and they want to do their namesakes proud.

Second Lieutenant Berry joined us on the flightline.  She's been in the Air Force one year, since her graduation from the Air Force Academy.  She leads the maintainers and is so proud of her crews. Not once did she say anything about herself!  It was all about the people.  Her leadership style is commendable .  She ensures her maintainers know that without the job they do, the pilots can't do their job of bombs on target to project America's Air Power across the globe.

Being with the members of the 28th all day has reinforced my belief that we truly have the best and brightest in America's Armed Forces!

The Memorial Path of Fallen Military Working Dogs of the 28th SFS

The modern tools of the trade

Sighting in [finally] the M18 Sig Sauer.  Beautiful workmanship!  Far exceeds the Colt 1911A1, Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece, and Beretta I carried a LONG time ago.

Lazer, SSgt Wong, South Dakota State Commander.  Photo ops are good!

Jamm and Stag showing off their Heritage Room.  Every new pilot who comes in here has to take off their name badge and replace it with a name badge of an original Doolittle Raider.  They are expected to know everything about that person!!

Welcome Switzerland and Dominican Republic!

Taking a break from the great events at Sturgis, so I thought I'd welcome two new countries to the blog!  Yes, yesterday Switzerland and Dominican Republic joined us, making them the 47th and 48th to join!

Thank you so much and I do hope you will continue reading my adventures around the world.  I've still got a few more Sturgis entries plus some words on my visit to Ellsworth Air Force Base while I was at Sturgis!  But, today was a travel day and I'm finally home.  Time to rest for a day and get back to it tomorrow.

Dominican Republic

Switzerland

Sturgis: Jesse James Dupree Live at the Full Throttle Saloon!

OK fans, this is the moment you've been waiting for:  JJD, Jackyl, and the VFW rocking it hard at the big show Thursday night at the Full Throttle Saloon.  I already had a big day with my new friend Ben from EagleRider around the Black Hills and then Harley Davidson pool party.  Then came the Big Show and man was it packed.  Upwards of 5,000 fans enjoying America baby!

Let's set the stage here, so to speak.  Jesse James Dupree has been working with the VFW and the VFW Foundation for a few years and does amazing things for us not only in donations but introducing us to the people he knows.  Access is everything and he gladly does it.  Trust me, we value that part of our relationship.  I'm bragging on Jesse now, but in the middle of COVID-19, when America was shut down, this man raised almost $120,000 dollars for the VFW Unmet Needs program.  He's that awesome!

The show started and Jackyl was kicking it my friends.  There was electricity in the air and I have to say I was never more stoked at one of JJD's concerts than this night.  I had a great seat on stage right and across the stage on the other side I saw a line up of the Who's Who in the Harley Davidson world having the time of their lives.

After a few songs, Jesse slowed it down and asked the VFW to come on the stage where he bragged on us for all the things we do.  He's got it wrong, it's what you all do for us that makes us successful and I made sure the crowd knew it!  Jesse thought I was going to give him my Commander in Chief coin, as he had seen me do to several folks this week. He couldn't have been more wrong!  I believe that if you get an award you should Pin it where you Win it!  And in front of 5,000 screaming fans I presented Jesse James Dupree the VFW Commander in Chief Gold Medal of Merit [it's real gold too!].  I've never seen Jesse so emotionally charged as that moment.  As I placed that medal around his neck he gave me the biggest hug and the crowd was going wild.  I whispered that we would take it off so he could go on with the concert and, well I won't print what he said.  Suffice to say he wore that thing for the rest of the show and well into the night.  The icing on the cake was a really big certificate to go along with the medal and a bigger picture of me and Mama Cass.  I think he might have liked that more.

We went back to our seats and the show went on.  The take away is that a massive crowd of veteran supporters and also Harley Davidson partners got to see what the VFW is all about and how we feel about our sponsors and friends.  This was truly a night I will always remember.

Jesse, along with Jackyl band members Roman, Jeff, and Chris are behind us one hundred percent.  We, the VFW, salute you for all you do to help veterans! 

Jesse James Dupree:  VFW Commander in Chief Gold Medal of Merit!

The look on Jesse's face when I held up that Gold Medal!  This man is so humble and positive about life.  We really surprised him in front of his fans and supporters.

The even BETTER look when he saw that Mama Cass picture on his official citation!

Probably the first time EVER that a VFW Gold Medal of Merit was presented and worn at a rock concert, in front of 5,000 people, while the award winner was singing his own song "The Lumberjack" and carving up a wooden chair with a chainsaw!

After the concert, Jackyl drummer Chris was excited but I think Dixie Inc guitarist Kenny Kilgore was thinking about running that medal out to a pawn shop!

My friend, Jesse James Dupree.  That sums it up folks....

 

Welcome Iceland and Finland!

In the past few days we found new readers from Iceland and Finland.  This increases the country count to 46.  Very Exciting!  Must be the Sturgis reporting!!

The flag of Iceland was officially described in Law No. 34 when it became a country on 17 June 1944.  The description is pretty, well, precise!  "The civil national flag of Icelanders is blue as the sky with a snow-white cross, and a fiery-red cross inside a white cross.  The arms of the cross extend to the edge of the flag, and their combined width is 2/9, but the red cross 1/9 of the combined width of the flag.  The blue areas are right angled rectangles, the rectilinear surfaces are parallel and the outer rectilinear surfaces as wide as them, but twice the length.  The dimensions between the width and length are 18:25."  Wow!  I have visited there and actually dived the frigid waters and of course, Silfra!

The flag of Finland has several variants with an interesting history.  For the blog, according to Finnish law the ratio of the flag is 11:18 [height:width].  The cusp width of the blue cross is three units of measure, giving a ratio of 4:3:4 [vertical] and 5:3:10 [horizontal].  Interestingly, when flown from a flagpole, the flag is recommened to have a width equaling one sixth the height of the pole.

Be all that as it may, welcome dear readers from Iceland and Finland!!  

ICELAND!

FINLAND!