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!

Sturgis Special: A day with EagleRider Rentals and Tours!

Wednesday evening I was sitting around talking [of course!] to people and I met Ben Young, Vice President of Operations for EagleRider Rentals and Tours.  He's been here longer than I have this week and it was nice taking a breather together.  Oh yes, he's also #stillserving because he is in the Navy Reserve!

Ben asked if I had done any riding this week.  I told him it had been a while since I'd ridden in general as I donated my bike some years ago for a veteran who needed it more than I did.  That was all it took and he said meet me in the morning at 0800.  I got there early and was shooting the breeze with Jesse James, sitting on a bench outside the General Store.  Ben came up and Jesse suggested a few places to ride.  Well, when JJD of Pappy Hoel makes a suggestion.....HA!

Sean Sappington, the EagleRider Club Subscription Manager [more on that later], hooked me up with a brand new Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, with just a few miles on it.  Of course we had to do the paperwork, but guess what?  There is NO PAPER!  EagleRider is firmly in the 21st century when it comes to customer service.  Everything was in the cloud and by using my smartphone I got signed in quickly, easily, and efficiently.  After a thorough safety and equipment briefing, Ben and I took to the road out here in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

As we rode and took breaks during the day, Ben and I talked less and less about work and more and more about life, family, and the things that really matter.  The freedom of riding broke down the corporate barriers and it was just two guys on EagleRider Harley Davidson bikes enjoying the peace and serenity riding brings to the soul.  Several hundred miles [yup, SEVERAL hundred!] and many hours will do that for you!

Our adventure took us to the Stone House, recommended by JJD.  It's closed about 50 weeks of the year and opens for the two weeks of the Rally.  It's really an old stone house.  Feel free to write your name on the walls, floors, whatever you want.  At ten in the morning a band was already playing under the huge cammo net and a nice gathering of fellow bikers were enjoying their favorite libations.  Being responsible riders, Ben and I both enjoyed a Coke and fellowship.  Next stop Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon.  What a beautiful ride with sweeping turns, elevation changes, waterfalls, rivers and of course lots of bikes.  Off to Deadwood for lunch and then a ride to visit Mount Rushmore.  By then it was time to get back as we both had things to do and I had the Harley Davidson pool party to attend.  I made it with a few hours to spare!  Not a lot of pics of the ride, because I was enjoying the ride!

If you are thinking of renting a motorcycle I highly recommend EagleRider Rentals and Tours.  They are in all the states and many foreign countries.  Check out the Club Subscription program at https://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-club .  For a low monthly subscription you gain credits to rent a bike at a ridiculously low price...any bike...any time...any place! How cool is that?

EagleRider Rentals and Tours:  Thanks for a great day.  Please visit this veteran friendly outfit that's on board with the VFW Mission!

VP of Operations Ben walking me through the electrons

Club Subscription Manager Sean giving me a THOROUGH briefing.  Great customer service

Off we go!

Ben in the Stone House.  Exactly as described by JJD

Relaxing under the net at Stone House

This sweet ride may need to be in my garage...

America Baby!

Sturgis: Meeting Great People

I spent a few days around the Pappy Hoel Campground this week and met quite a few people while hanging around the VFW booth at the entrance of the General Store.  I also got to hang out with a great group of Harley Davidson executives at the HD pool party one afternoon.  It's all about relationships! It was wonderful to see Dave Cavalier from HD again!! And, of course, a radio interview or two while I was enjoying the sweet sounds of Chapel Heart, an amazing trio of country music vocalists.  Sisters Danica and Devynn, along with their cousin Trea,  sing like angels!  Well, country angels!  I met them in Kansas City once and they loved Mama Cass, so of course that means they are great people!  Check them out at chapelheart.com!

Tim and Steve at the VFW booth at the entrance of the General Store are recruiting and informational phenoms!  They made sure I talked to the people they were talking to while I was there.  I guess I've got a certain cachet being the Commander in Chief.  Here's a random sampling of great people enjoying the Motorcycle Rally.  They joined or re-joined the VFW because they love what we do!

On the air with Johnny and Dee, station 94.1 WJJO out of Madison Wisconsin.  Strong Navy ties, but I won't hold that against them!

Dave Cavalier, Harley Davidson General Manager of Business Development

Larry, a Vietnam veteran, REJOINING the VFW!  Disappointed in the VFW in the past, he's now fully on board with the new direction of SERVICE!

Martin Duarte, Program Outreach Coordinator of Wounded Warriors Family Support.  They had a solemn and moving tribute to the fallen soldiers of the current wars.

Steve, a NEW life member of the VFW.  He wasn't aware that his service in Korea made him eligible.  He was so proud to become a member.

Peter and John, North Dartmouth Massachusetts VFW Post 9059!

Chad from Iowa!  He was really having a great time!

Holy Cow so much going on in Sturgis!

 Hi Fans!  The last few days have been a blur!!  I've got so much to write and go through but I can't get it right now because I'm TIRED!

Look forward in a day or two and you'll hear all about my motorcycle ride through the Black Hills, meeting a ton of veterans, doing interviews, and of course, the HUGE Jesse James Dupree and Jackyl concert at the Full Throttle Saloon!

See you soon!

A Country Update

 Just a quick shout out to the following folks in countries around the world that have tuned into the blog in just the last 24 hours!  Give the people what they want, and will find you!  Thanks for reading about my adventures!  

Sweden

Bulgaria

Brazil

Germany

France

Guam

Ireland

Iceland

Netherlands

Russia

Turkey

Sturgis Bike Rally - Day 4! The Full Throttle Saloon!

 I spent the whole day [0730- 2300] at Pappy Hoel Campground and the Full Throttle Saloon, run by our good friend Jesse James Dupree!  It was media day so I had a great time talking up the VFW and our Unmet Needs program.

Big shout out to Tom Kief of WIIL Rock Radio who is really pushing the donations to Unmet Needs with his listeners.   Jeff at 94.1 The Point in Little Rock Arkansas kept things moving and even had a listener back in Arkansas contact him to say he loved the interview!  Humbled and happy to spread the word my friends!  I spent a lot of time talking to great people enjoying the day but I also got to visit the vendors and sponsors.  Everyone is so excited to help veterans.  It was such a positive day!  It's late right now but I'm still smiling!

I spent a good deal of time at the VFW tent, along with two outstanding national recruiters.  They are doing a bang up job and I am so impressed with their people skills.  Yes, we are in the people business and they get it!  I wasn't getting in the way of recruiting, but I enjoyed talking to all of the veterans that came up and talked to us.  Several related a bad experience or two with the VFW in past, but after spending time with them and letting them know about the GREAT things we do for veterans, service members, and their families, they could not wait to re-join the ranks of the members of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!  I love this!

And, since this is Harley Davidson Mecca, I can't forget about the renewal of friendships with the great folks of many Harley Davidson Dealerships around the country.  I've met them at different venues and seeing them again is like old home week.  I didn't get pics of all the Harley folks yet, but I'll get them to you soon.  It's great to meet people so high up and yet so down to earth. 

I finished up the night by watching Jesse and his band Dixie Inc on the big stage at the Full Throttle Saloon.  Being backstage and watching is a bit different, but still so much fun.  Coming off the stage, I got a big hug from Jesse.  Friendship is an amazing thing!

And now, some pics of folks I met and other things I did today.  It's late and I'll get you more tomorrow.  Time for bed now because Day 5 is going to be the Best Day Ever!  Enjoy!

EVERYONE coming to the Full Throttle Saloon goes into the General Store of the Pappy Hoel Campground.  And the VFW is proudly on display and our booth is right at the door.

Discussing the VFW Unmet Needs program with Tom Kief of WIIL Rock Radio!  They raise so much money and awareness of this great program

Jeff at 94.1 The Point talking about what it means to be a veteran and how to help veterans.  Terrific Guy!

Two stellar recruiters at Pappy Hoel:  Tim Woods of NC and Steve Franklin of AZ

The Chief of Security of this whole event!  "Senior" also happens to be a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the Air Force in my old career field, Security Forces.  It was fun swapping challenge coins with him!

It was a beautiful day at the pool so we held an impromptu raffle for a genuine KA-Bar fighting knife.  We raised a ton of money for Unmet Needs because folks here love veterans.  The really happy winners were Rich and Mary from Wisconsin!

A pleasure meeting John, who has been around a while!  He served with the 101st Airborne Division "a while back".  All The Way!

Sunset over the Full Throttle Saloon.  Wildfires are bad, but you can't deny it's a beautiful view....