113TH SEND OFF LAPORTE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

The 113th send off was totally awesome. Thanks for allowing me to go. I wish more of you could have gone bikes or not. I had a chance to meet old friends and meet dozens more. Handed out cards to Michigan City CMA members. Best of all I had a chance to meet some of our finest before their training (40 days) at Camp Atterbury and shipping out. Some were veterans, been there before, and some looked like deer in the head lights. I (bcoth) went to tables and personally thanked and shook every hand firmly. (So Cool) Those guys and families were so thankful that the Patriot Guard and all of us threw this event for them. Rubbed elbows with several groups Patriot Guard Riders, Legion Riders out of Buchanan Michigan, The wall Gang, and Patriot Riders. I had an opportunity to talk to a representative from Joe Donely's office. I ended up standing with a flag right next to the stage during the whole ceremony. Because I had a big flag on the bike I was second from the front escorting the Buses to Camp Atterbury. Over 50 bikes and a lot of other vehicles. Oh yeah! Give me 70 degree weather sunny skies, a big flag on my bike, State Police led Ride going 60 to 70 miles an hour, roads blocked off, some times taking both lanes, going through small towns with people cheering, signs, fire trucks and sirens, for over 3 hours all for our troops. Oh Yeah, God is good! The Legion treated us to a buffet meal when we got down there. Then I had a chance for a cool 3 hour wide open ride home very relaxing. God is Truly Good! Big Al