Hello, Everyone following us! Today was my first day on the ride, riding from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. I cannot even describe what a rush it is to ride along side our Wounded Warriors; it is an absolute Honor! They all have been so incredible towards me, making sure I know what I am doing and don’t get hurt.

Actress Kristy Swanson

I admit, I did have one spill at a rest stop today. LOL!  It was my own fault not getting out of my clips properly. So, of course, I fell in front of everyone! They picked me up, dusted me off, and patted me on the back.  Several guys said, “Oh, we’ve all done that several times!” They made me feel at home. (more…)

The warrior cried, but not for himself.

His tears flowed from the blessing of the little girl — the one with the angel-voice. And, as we stood in ovation in the American Legion Hall her lyric, “… I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind, but now I see” reminded him why his military service and the forty-odd years since had all been worthwhile: her Freedom, our Freedom.

As our tearful eyes locked, he restrained in a whisper, “See that? That’s why I lost my legs in Vietnam.” But then he smiled, “losing my legs is the best thing that ever happened to me… it’s why I am here right now, and it’s given me a great life.” 

Of course, I can never truly know the depth of my new friend Duane Wagner’s struggles in meeting his post Vietnam war challenges, but I was privileged to share with him a true moment of ‘amazing grace’ in the knowledge that his sacrifices – and all those of his compatriots — were not in vain. (more…)