Last Saturday Patriot Guard Riders had the privilege of escorting the Veterans for Freedom Heroes Tour bus around town. This event was something I had wanted to participate in as soon as I read the tour was going to stop in Nashville. It was a fabulous day with the tour starting at VFW Post 1970 on Charlotte Pike. The VFW invited us to join them for breakfast….yum.

One of the Soldier’s biggest fans was David (he’s the 4 yr old grandson of our PGR members Mary Ann and Larry from Etheridge, TN). One of the first things we did was to arrange for him to have a tour of the bus. While on the tour he was given a challenge coin from VFF (waaaa…I wanted one but they were only for the kids). I took a couple pics of him “driving the bus”. He is just the cutest boy and he definitely charmed everyone with his Pledge of Allegiance that he said on the stage after the program.

You might notice who’s standing in front of the bus, yes that would be “Uncle Jimbo” of Blackfive.net).

From VFW Post 1970 we traveled across town to VFW Post 1291 on Lebanon Pike. The escort took us through downtown Nashville which got us lots of greats stares, some horns and thumbs up. Once at the VFW there was a more extended program.

The Heroes on the Nashville stop were (left to right) Lt. Col. Steve Russell (ret), Spc Kate Norley, Pete Hegseth, Bill “Doc” Dockery (VFF Tn Captain), CWO Tom Parks and Sgt Jeremiah Workman. SSG David Bellavia had to leave the tour to return home to file papers to run for Congress I was told. YES! If by chance you have not read his book “House to House” it is an absolute page turner and will give you a sense of awe for what these Soldier’s do.

Lt Col Russell (Vets for Victory) talked some about the capture of Saddam. If you ever have the chance to hear Lt Col Russell speak, don’t miss it. He’s a compelling speaker. He was asked whether there was a book in the works and he is at about page 180. This will definitely be a do not miss book.

Spc Kate Norley spoke about how she joined the military as a Combat Medic. Spc Norley comes from a non-military family so her experiences could touch a number of lives. Spc Norley had the opportunity to speak before a class of female Baghdad University students one of whom she ran into at the White House recently.

CWO Tom Parks has a chapter in the book “Heroes Among Us” (chapter 11). He served 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan along with 2 other combat tours. He’s recently retired after 21 years in the USMC.

Sgt Jeremiah Workman is an active duty Marine whose boss is a Sgt Major so he has been to Iraq a number of times. Sgt. Workman fought in the battle of Fallujah and was wounded. Oh and he’s also received the Navy Cross. Yeah, he’s a hero!

One of the unexpected guests to this program was WWII Veteran SFC James Adams who flew with the Army Air Corps. He had some great stories and said that he frequently speaks at schools about his WWII experience. This man still fit into his uniform. Amazing. After his speech we were talking with him and he explained all his awards. Just a very cool man.

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Pete Hegseth is one of the founders of Vets for Freedom who served in Iraq with the 101st ABN. I spoke with Pete a bit about the Forest Lake High School stupidity. He had just gotten off the phone with the principal who re-invited Vets for Freedom back to Pete’s alma mater. I have to say, Pete has more patience than me. He told the school they would come back even after the shoddy and shameful treatment they had received.

Tn. Rep. Marsha Blackburn joined the group at VFW Post 1291 (she said a few words) and then traveled with the bus to the Brentwood stop at Clearview Baptist Church.

I was able to arrange for David to ride the bus along with his Grandma from Post 1291 to Brentwood. I heard he once again regaled the bus with his Pledge of Allegiance. He’s a cutie for sure. Marsha took quite a shine to him so I got a pic of them at the church.

The drive from Post 1291 was described by one of the bikers as the “Hillbilly Escort”. The Brentwood Police met us off the exit ramp at Old Hickory and there was some confusion at the stoplight so the bikers (in front of the bus) and the bus went through the light. So, here we are following this huge bus going through this retail area to get back to Franklin Road. Then, when we were supposed to turn into the church the police car kept going so we all followed the leader right past the church. What was funny was that the bus did a U-turn on Franklin Road. I didn’t think he’d make it but he did. I think the traffic must have been thinking what the hey?? But it all added to the fun of the day and memories. That and the rain!

Technorati Tags: Vets for Freedom, Heroes Tour, Nashville TN, Patriot Guard, Vets 4 Victory, David Bellavia, Spc Kate Norley, Pete Hegseth, Jeremiah Workman, Lt Col Steve Russell, Heroes Among Us, SPC James Adams, Bill “Doc” Dockery, CWO Tom Parks, Rep Marsha Blackburn