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Last month the PGR here in SC had a "happy mission" to a local V.A. Rest Home to visit some of the Vets there and say thanks. I was not able to attend this mission, however it struck a chord in me to do something. So I organized our base riders association along with the SC PGR to do a ride to Dorn V.A. Hospital in nearby Columbia, SC.

Well today was the ride and visit. We had 17 riders and one cager (car). We raised over $300.00 in cash for patient "Welcome Kits" and donated another $100.00 -$125.00 in comfort item merchandise,ie soap, deoderant, razors, socks and toothbrushes. I have been on poker runs with twice the number of bikers and not raised that much money. The PGR and Shaw Military Riders are true patriots and gave from the heart.

When we arrived we were escorted to 3 south, which is basically a nursing home enviroment for veterans. There was a birthday party in progress and we joined right in. I had the pleasure of talking to several of Americas Heros there. One was a Vietnam vet, 68-69 Army infantry, another did two tours, 67-68 and again 72-73. Another was a WWII submariner, I forgot the name of his boat however he told of how they operated mostly at night and during his time on that boat they sank 3 Japanese warships. There were many others and they all enjoyed talking to us about their experiences and we enjoyed listening. Our time elapsed way to quickly and it was time to leave. I will be back and soon. Have you thanked a Vet today?

Goose, Dice, OC, Snipe, Ice Pirate, Coach, Jackb 30MM, M&M and all the rest of you Vets on this board I say thanks for your service.

Fender

"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it."
George Bernard Shaw

Fender,

Thanks for your service too Bro!
I know that going to a VA hospital aint the most "Wonderful" place to spend time ,but visiting with other Vets while waiting for some
"Stupid, ReDunit exams" is worth it just to listen to them talk.
Most of them are Old and Gray but there's alot more younger ones showing-up.
I'll go by once an awhile to do some visiting if I'm down that way its worth it.
Also if anyone does have to go to a VA hospital go into the "Mini BX" and in the back area or at the counter you can buy "Cards" for VETS" who live there or are being treated on the wards.
Their not allowed money in those areas so in order to get a Soda or snack or something to read they have to either,have family get it or use a card bought for them.
Sadly though alot of them dont have either any family or any one who can visit or really cares enough too.

Those Cards are punch cards and can really make some Vets pretty happy too.

Fender you Folks did a great thing and I'll
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YOU ALL FOR IT.

Goose

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin,
(1706 - 1790)

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\"Live Free Or Die\"

Great work Fender! PGR just had a ride out here over Memorial day, but I was out of town and missed it.

My best wishes and thanks to you, the Shaw Riders and the SC PGR.

"Slow is Fast - Fast is Slow"

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

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Goose, Dice, OC, Snipe, Ice Pirate, Coach, Jackb 30MM, M&M and all the rest of you Vets on this board I say thanks for your service.

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I'm touched, thanks Fender. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle> I need to get more involved with the local vets in my area.

Visit my A-10 website at
http://www.warthogpen.com

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I need to get more involved with the local vets in my area.
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I can guarantee you it is good for the soul.

Fender

"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it."
George Bernard Shaw