Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride, more...

 

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

 

During the week of Sept 23, 2008, hundreds of Lake Havasu City citizens and patriots came out to welcome the arrival of the First Annual Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride through our city.  The following are some emails which were sent about the event (SCROLL DOWN).  Videos and many more photos will soon be available on the www.havasufreedombridge.com website. 

 

------------------------

Sept 24, 2008

TEARS IN MY SOUL

 

I glanced at the sunset as it brought darkness. The sun hid behind the lake and entered the mountains' shadows. I waited patiently for the bus to arrive carrying the Wounded Warriors. As the bus entered the parking lot I felt my heart beat faster. In the darkness I saw shadows of movement that grasp my soul. Boys who became men and fate had brought us together. I was there to honor the brave men who made the sacrifices for my freedom, escorting them to their destination. I stood proudly waving my flag and shouting, "welcome home soldier and thank you for your service."

 

The day ended, my heart glad my soul fulfilled with a portion of my mission accomplished. I still needed to hold my brothers and thanks them personally. 

 

A new day, a new memory, I went to the welcome home for our Wounded Warriors. I prayed for them. At the end of the ceremony I gathered my strength and walked toward my brothers. I began thanking them for their service. Without limbs, yet hearts full of compassion, they acknowledge my presence. I went to one soldier, extended my hand, and before I could open my mouth he spoke. "I don't want your hand, give me a hug." I turned to another soldier who stood on legs of metal, I said, Thank you…and again I was interrupted, "No, you're my hero," was spoken, my eyes filled with tears. How could I be this soldier's hero when he had given so much for my freedom? He continued to honor me by saying, "Welcome Home, you never got a true welcome home. Our country closed its doors on you and all Vietnam Veterans. You are the heroes; we have gotten our welcome home—you haven't. With that he hugged me and said "Thank you for your service."

 

I felt my face flushed, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart full of emotions that he understood me. He saw my deep inner hurt, my fears, and my solitude and opened his heart for me. He brought back the memory of my coming home to protesters who threw rotten tomatoes and raw eggs at me. My welcome home was abusive. My country's educated elite from Berkley University stood over me and broke my spirit. I hid in my solitude and loneliness, covered my face . . . until today.

 

Today a soldier saw me as his hero and gave me back my pride. Thank you Wounded Warriors, thank you for your compassion. I was there to help you heal; but you gave me the healing, and I thank you. May God bless you and heal your wounds, for your heart and soul are comforting. You have given me the perfumes of gardens once again. You have placed the colors of a rainbow in perfect order; you have entered into my tattered heart and brought forth the true spirit of being an American. Thank you. And thank you for your service; you will never be forgotten.

 

May God keep each of our Wounded Warriors ever so close to His loving heart

 

Sisto Sandoval

Vietnam Veteran (1968-69) TET Survivor

Secretary/Chaplain VVA 975

LHC Welcomes the WWP

 

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

 

During the week of Sept 23, 2008, hundreds of Lake Havasu City citizens and patriots came out to welcome the arrival of the First Annual Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride through our city.  The following are some emails which were sent about the event (SCROLL DOWN).  Videos and many more photos will soon be available on the www.havasufreedombridge.com website. 

 

------------------------

Sept 24, 2008

TEARS IN MY SOUL

 

I glanced at the sunset as it brought darkness. The sun hid behind the lake and entered the mountains' shadows. I waited patiently for the bus to arrive carrying the Wounded Warriors. As the bus entered the parking lot I felt my heart beat faster. In the darkness I saw shadows of movement that grasp my soul. Boys who became men and fate had brought us together. I was there to honor the brave men who made the sacrifices for my freedom, escorting them to their destination. I stood proudly waving my flag and shouting, "welcome home soldier and thank you for your service."

 

The day ended, my heart glad my soul fulfilled with a portion of my mission accomplished. I still needed to hold my brothers and thanks them personally. 

 

A new day, a new memory, I went to the welcome home for our Wounded Warriors. I prayed for them. At the end of the ceremony I gathered my strength and walked toward my brothers. I began thanking them for their service. Without limbs, yet hearts full of compassion, they acknowledge my presence. I went to one soldier, extended my hand, and before I could open my mouth he spoke. "I don't want your hand, give me a hug." I turned to another soldier who stood on legs of metal, I said, Thank you…and again I was interrupted, "No, you're my hero," was spoken, my eyes filled with tears. How could I be this soldier's hero when he had given so much for my freedom? He continued to honor me by saying, "Welcome Home, you never got a true welcome home. Our country closed its doors on you and all Vietnam Veterans. You are the heroes; we have gotten our welcome home—you haven't. With that he hugged me and said "Thank you for your service."

 

I felt my face flushed, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart full of emotions that he understood me. He saw my deep inner hurt, my fears, and my solitude and opened his heart for me. He brought back the memory of my coming home to protesters who threw rotten tomatoes and raw eggs at me. My welcome home was abusive. My country's educated elite from Berkley University stood over me and broke my spirit. I hid in my solitude and loneliness, covered my face . . . until today.

 

Today a soldier saw me as his hero and gave me back my pride. Thank you Wounded Warriors, thank you for your compassion. I was there to help you heal; but you gave me the healing, and I thank you. May God bless you and heal your wounds, for your heart and soul are comforting. You have given me the perfumes of gardens once again. You have placed the colors of a rainbow in perfect order; you have entered into my tattered heart and brought forth the true spirit of being an American. Thank you. And thank you for your service; you will never be forgotten.

 

May God keep each of our Wounded Warriors ever so close to His loving heart

 

Sisto Sandoval

Vietnam Veteran (1968-69) TET Survivor

Secretary/Chaplain VVA 975

 

------------------------------

 

Sept 25

 

I am in Vegas now, having just spent a few more hours with the soldier riders. Each has a unique, amazing, and inspiring life story.

They also felt that their injuries were simply proud reminders of their successful efforts to rid the planet of evil dictators who have attacked America, and would have done it again. Some of them are trying to get back to their units in the field.

I am more impressed and inspired by these guys every minute.

They asked how many more new crosses of American victims would have been in that Who Will Stand movie if the soldiers had not done their job.

Gary

 

--------------------------

 

Sept 26

 

The opening reception for the WWP Soldier Riders in Las Vegas wasn't even close to the size or enthusiasm of what we did here in Lake Havasu City!  The Belagio fountains started the day with Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" with the soldiers looking on.  It was very moving.  We can't beat those fountains, no matter how much we clean the English Village!

 

Then the ride started with about 25 spectators there, clapping.  No bands, no guest speakers, no flags, no big crowd, no bricks!   I attach several more photos.

 

Here is something special.  Lt. Daniel Luckett (known as "Lieutenant Dan" by his buddies) is famous from the photo attached (LtDanUSA).  When you look at that photo, you may recognize that it was on the front page of USA Today, and has been one of the most widely distributed Army photos from the Iraqi war.  That photo was taken just shortly after his Humvee hit an IED, which blew off one of his legs.  Dan told me that he was thinking of him mom when he gave his "thumbs up" signal, thinking that she might see the photo with him on the stretcher.

 

Note Dan was also in good spirits while clowning around (holding his prosthetic leg) before the Who Will Stand movie was shown at the Palms in Vegas last night!

 

Many of the soldiers expressed many times how warm and friendly was the Lake Havasu City reception.  Everyone they met in LHC was overwhelmingly nice, especially when compared to the big cities they usually ride through.  A few guys told me that they will revisit to look for a job and a home after they are released from the service.

 

Gary

 

--------------------------

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride - Lake Havasu City Honors our Freedom Fighters

 

During the week of Sept 23, 2008, hundreds of Lake Havasu City citizens and patriots came out to welcome the arrival of the First Annual Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride through our city.  The following are some emails which were sent about the event.  Videos and many more photos will soon be available on the www.havasufreedombridge.com website. 

 

------------------------

Sept 24, 2008

TEARS IN MY SOUL

 

I glanced at the sunset as it brought darkness. The sun hid behind the lake and entered the mountains' shadows. I waited patiently for the bus to arrive carrying the Wounded Warriors. As the bus entered the parking lot I felt my heart beat faster. In the darkness I saw shadows of movement that grasp my soul. Boys who became men and fate had brought us together. I was there to honor the brave men who made the sacrifices for my freedom, escorting them to their destination. I stood proudly waving my flag and shouting, "welcome home soldier and thank you for your service."

 

The day ended, my heart glad my soul fulfilled with a portion of my mission accomplished. I still needed to hold my brothers and thanks them personally. 

 

A new day, a new memory, I went to the welcome home for our Wounded Warriors. I prayed for them. At the end of the ceremony I gathered my strength and walked toward my brothers. I began thanking them for their service. Without limbs, yet hearts full of compassion, they acknowledge my presence. I went to one soldier, extended my hand, and before I could open my mouth he spoke. "I don't want your hand, give me a hug." I turned to another soldier who stood on legs of metal, I said, Thank you…and again I was interrupted, "No, you're my hero," was spoken, my eyes filled with tears. How could I be this soldier's hero when he had given so much for my freedom? He continued to honor me by saying, "Welcome Home, you never got a true welcome home. Our country closed its doors on you and all Vietnam Veterans. You are the heroes; we have gotten our welcome home—you haven't. With that he hugged me and said "Thank you for your service."

 

I felt my face flushed, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart full of emotions that he understood me. He saw my deep inner hurt, my fears, and my solitude and opened his heart for me. He brought back the memory of my coming home to protesters who threw rotten tomatoes and raw eggs at me. My welcome home was abusive. My country's educated elite from Berkley University stood over me and broke my spirit. I hid in my solitude and loneliness, covered my face . . . until today.

 

Today a soldier saw me as his hero and gave me back my pride. Thank you Wounded Warriors, thank you for your compassion. I was there to help you heal; but you gave me the healing, and I thank you. May God bless you and heal your wounds, for your heart and soul are comforting. You have given me the perfumes of gardens once again. You have placed the colors of a rainbow in perfect order; you have entered into my tattered heart and brought forth the true spirit of being an American. Thank you. And thank you for your service; you will never be forgotten.

 

May God keep each of our Wounded Warriors ever so close to His loving heart

 

Sisto Sandoval

Vietnam Veteran (1968-69) TET Survivor

Secretary/Chaplain VVA 975

 

------------------------------

 

Sept 25

 

I am in Vegas now, having just spent a few more hours with the soldier riders. Each has a unique, amazing, and inspiring life story.

They also felt that their injuries were simply proud reminders of their successful efforts to rid the planet of evil dictators who have attacked America, and would have done it again. Some of them are trying to get back to their units in the field.

I am more impressed and inspired by these guys every minute.

They asked how many more new crosses of American victims would have been in that Who Will Stand movie if the soldiers had not done their job.

Gary

 

--------------------------

 

Sept 26

 

The opening reception for the WWP Soldier Riders in Las Vegas wasn't even close to the size or enthusiasm of what we did here in Lake Havasu City!  The Belagio fountains started the day with Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" with the soldiers looking on.  It was very moving.  We can't beat those fountains, no matter how much we clean the English Village!

 

Then the ride started with about 25 spectators there, clapping.  No bands, no guest speakers, no flags, no big crowd, no bricks!   I attach several more photos.

 

Here is something special.  Lt. Daniel Luckett (known as "Lieutenant Dan" by his buddies) is famous from the photo attached (LtDanUSA).  When you look at that photo, you may recognize that it was on the front page of USA Today, and has been one of the most widely distributed Army photos from the Iraqi war.  That photo was taken just shortly after his Humvee hit an IED, which blew off one of his legs.  Dan told me that he was thinking of him mom when he gave his "thumbs up" signal, thinking that she might see the photo with him on the stretcher.

 

Note Dan was also in good spirits while clowning around (holding his prosthetic leg) before the Who Will Stand movie was shown at the Palms in Vegas last night!

 

Many of the soldiers expressed many times how warm and friendly was the Lake Havasu City reception.  Everyone they met in LHC was overwhelmingly nice, especially when compared to the big cities they usually ride through.  A few guys told me that they will revisit to look for a job and a home after they are released from the service.

 

Gary

 

--------------------------

Sept 26

We can be proud of ourselves on this Soldier Ride project - to have put together something this huge in such a short time. And without a glitch, no less!

 

Capt. Woody said they definitely will be back next year - perhaps for an extra day - maybe in November, when it's not so hot.  They were all so overwhelmed by the support that I wouldn't be surprised it we see them every year.  With an extra day, the Yacht clubs said they would like to take the soldiers out on the lake while they're here next time - won't the guys love that?!

 

What a great experience this has been. But I'm sleeping in tomorrow!

 

Judy

---------------------

Sept 26

I had another one share something very similar with me. In an emotional moment, he shared that he had been doing the ride since 2004, and had never seen such an outpouring of support.  It made what he went through worth it, knowing that people back home cared and didn't take for granted all they did.

I can't tell you all how amazing it was to be a part of this, and to know we really touched some very important people. Thanks to everyone who helped.

Jarrod Lyman

Vice-President

---------------------------

Sept 26

FYI:  One of the gentlemen that goes along with the Warriors talked to me at the Mall.  He said that they have never had a reception like the one they got in Havasu.  He said that the guys might lower their heads and say "Aw shucks" but this would be a trip they would never forget.  He said that this was "just awesome".  This was totally unsolicited----he asked if they could have the ice in the coolers and I told him to help himself.  Then, he told me his feelings. 

I feel blessed and honored to have been part of such an event!

Kathy

----------------------------

Sept 26

It was truly a wonderful day for all of us. Seeing those Warriors and their spirit made you feel very fortunate to be an American.

Richard

----------------------------

 

Sept 27 2008

 

The Freedom Bridge Foundation created more good will, camaraderie, and patriotism this week surrounding the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride events than I have ever witnessed since the country rallied after 9/11.  We need to retain these positive feelings and continue the momentum. 

 

Citizens will focus on this wave of good will and may feel motivated to donate more bricks to the Memorial Walkway.  For those who have already donated, perhaps you can ask someone else who would like to donate.

 

Thanks to ALL VOLUNTEERS.  You all deserve an "Above and Beyond" award for creating one of the best events that Havasu has ever hosted.

 

Gary

 

------------------------------

9/28/08

On behalf of Lake Havasu City, AZ and the Freedom Bridge Foundation, I would like to express our grateful appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who participated in the escorts for the Wounded Warrior Project on September 23-24, 2008.

Twenty Wounded Warriors, injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, spent two days in Lake Havasu, and the PGR showed up for not one or two, but FOUR separate escorts. It wasn't an easy mission, as we were unable to pinpoint the exact time they would be arriving from Phoenix on their High Desert Challenge Soldier Ride September 23. Because of delays in the WWP schedule, PGR had to wait at the appointed spot for almost two hours. Some of the riders were unable to wait any longer, which we completely understood, but at least 20 riders stuck it out and provided a beautiful escort to the soldiers' hotel. We apologize to those who were so inconvenienced, but the end result was gratifying. The soldiers were amazed by the reception and by the riders who mounted their tour bus to wish them a personal welcome home.

On September 24, PGR was back early to escort the soldiers to the English Village under the London Bridge for welcome ceremonies attended by hundreds of Lake Havasu residents. They formed a flag line for the soldiers to ride their bicycles through, and another for them to leave the English Village. While the soldiers were on their Soldier Ride, PGR moved on to the new mall where the soldiers would stop for a water break. They again formed a flag line to welcome them. And finally, PGR provided an escort out of Lake Havasu to I-40 and on to their next stop.

The participation of the Patriot Guard Riders was a big part of the success of the WWP's two-day visit in Lake Havasu. The people of our city were awed by PGR's professionalism and dedication, and the soldiers told us they were truly impressed.

Thank you, PGR, for another outstanding mission.

Judy Lacey,
Veterans Coordinator
Freedom Bridge Foundation

 

UniSource Contributes to the Freedom Bridge!

The attached photo shows Bill DeJulio (left) and Miles Willard (right) donating $2500 to The Freedom Bridge Foundation.  UniSource Energy Services chose The Freedom Bridge Foundation as a worthwhile recipient for their current donation as a result of all the positive efforts of the FB Foundation toward improving our local economy and supporting our Veterans.

 

Thanks, UniSource!

 

Gary Meyers
www.HavasuFreedomBridge.com
Click for Bricks!

Community Investment

Community Investment

 

There is no doubt that times are tough, and probably not getting better any time soon.  As an Investment and Economic Advisor, few know this fact better than I. 

 

However, there is one definite strategy that can make matters worse, and further delay any recovery.  That strategy would be for businesses to cease making investments in  our community.  As painful as it might be financially, the worst thing would be to stop investing for the future.  You are well aware of this as your fingers are in lots of pies!

 

Congress has truly helped to screw up our economy.  But even those politicians understood that they had no choice but to invest in a financial bailout, regardless of the cause.

 

Lake Havasu City is also facing some serious decisions.  The greatest visitor attraction, and the core of our city's growth for the last 38 years, is also the most famous antique ever sold.  Unfortunately, the Bridgewater Channel area has stagnated, and the local economy has followed suit. 

 

As we look to the future, one of the best possible investments to restore economic vitality to the whole city would be to support the new visitor attractions of the Freedom Memorial Walkway, Freedom Park, and the eventual Freedom Bridge.  These will eventually be world class attractions.  Now is the opportunity to plant the seeds of growth, and be a part of our city's positive future. 

 

The funds needed to pay for Lake Havasu City's future growth must come from citizens and businesses.  One vehicle for contribution is through the donation of Memorial Bricks.  In return for the tax deductible contribution, the donor will receive permanent recognition and notoriety.  This is a fantastic opportunity for all companies to permanently expand the awareness of their business, as well as to honor deserving friends, loved ones, or employees.

 

In years to come, our city's visitors and residents will be regularly reminded of those companies who contributed to our economic recovery from tough economic times.  Surely, this could become the best investment you may ever make.

 

Please log on to www.havasufreedombridge.com today to make your tax deductible brick donation.  Put it on your calendar to tell others every day.  Citizens can prove that higher taxes are not always needed to help build our future.

 

Thanks,

 

Gary Meyers
www.HavasuFreedomBridge.com
Click for Bricks!

 

Freedom Memorial Walkway adds ASU

Sept 2008

Freedom Bridge Foundation

teams up with ASU program

By Staff Reports

The Freedom Bridge Foundation announced Wednesday that they have teamed with Arizona State

University's nationally acclaimed Public History Program to develop the "76 Moments of Freedom" historical

markers for the Freedom Memorial Walkway, which is an element of the Freedom Bridge project,

according to a news release.

"The Public History Program at Arizona State University is extremely excited to be part of a project,

which we hope will allow both residents of Lake Havasu City and visitors to explore and discuss

the various dimensions of freedom in such an ideal location," said Professor Brooks Simpson, ASU's

principal investigator for the project. "We believe the result will leave a lasting impression on anyone who

comes to Lake Havasu City."  

When completed, The Memorial Walkway will connect the London Bridge with the planned Freedom Bridge.

The completion of the project is scheduled as early as 2012.  In addition to thousands of engraved bricks,

the 24-inch-by-24-inch "76 Moments of Freedom" bricks will tell the story of America's ongoing pursuit

of freedom.

"Selecting and interpreting these very important events in American history is no easy task," said

Brian Wedemeyer, Foundation President. "We really wanted an established authority on history to help

us with this very important assignment." ASU's Public History Program has worked with several state institutions

over the past decade, including State Archives, Arizona Historical Society, Arizona Humanities Council,

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, Tempe Historical Museum and Pueblo Grande Museum. It is currently

involved with three National Park Service projects.

One of the program's top graduate students has been assigned to the Lake Havasu City project. The

graduate will be under the close guidance of Simpson, who is an internationally known scholar

and expert on presidential administrations and the Civil War. Simpson has consulted for Civil War battlefields

and the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Ill.  Professor Noel Stowe, who received the 2008 Governor's Heritage

Preservation Award for outstanding achievement in preserving Arizona's historic resources, is also involved.

The "76 Moments of Freedom" will be determined in a collective effort by ASU's team and other

renowned historians involved before the topics will be subject to an essay competition for Arizona

students.

The historical markers for the walkway will each include the brief description of an event or chosen

historical moment and will be accompanied by a student essay about they think the event advanced

America's pursuit of freedom. The student essays will be substantiated with an official textbook explanation

of the event provided by the ASU team.

So far, three Lake Havasu City students will be writing the essays for the first historical markers. The

Public History Program will also help with the initial planning of the statewide essay contest that is anticipated

to begin in a few months.

Proceeds from the sale of engraved bricks will benefit the Freedom Bridge enhancement project that

includes an upgraded bridge design and a Veterans park.

The engraved bricks are available online for purchase at  www.havasufreedombridge.com.

Wounded Warrior Project / Freedom Memorial Walkway

 

                        From:                 Jarrod Lyman-Vice President, CVB                                  (928) 453-3444 x134

                                                              

For Immediate Release

Events added to Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride

 

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Lake Havasu City has a number of patriotically themed events planned for the latter half of this month.

 

The Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride will be in Lake Havasu City September 24. The group is composed of men and women who have returned from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq with serious, life altering injuries. "Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, 'I can still do this.' Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers," said Woody Groton with the Wounded Warrior Project who is organizing the ride, which takes place in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and then Las Vegas.

 

A dedication ceremony is taking place the morning the soldiers are in town. Part of that ceremony will include the dedication of a segment of the Memorial Walkway under construction as part of the Freedom Bridge Foundation. "What more of a lasting impression can we make on these men and women who gave so much of themselves for our country, than by immortalizing them in this memorial walkway to those who serve in our armed forces," said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee. ""These are the very people who motivated this entire (Freedom Memorial Walkway) project," he said.  Donors from around the community and beyond purchased bricks for each of the soldiers taking part in the ride.

 

The public is asked to attend the ceremony, which starts promptly at 8:30 the morning of September 24. "We all talk about supporting the troops. This is a great opportunity to really show that support," said Jarrod Lyman, who is part of the organizing committee for the event. "I want everyone in the community to show their support."

 

The school district has offered their support as well. "The school district supports our wounded veterans and is very happy to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Any parent that takes their children to that event will not be counted as tardy that day," said Lake Havasu Unified School District Superintendent Gail Malay. "Attending this ceremony will be part of our students' education on citizenship."

 

Supporters can also gather along the ride route, which can be found at www.woundedwarriorproject.org then click on Soldier Ride.  The ride will stop at the new Mall at 11 am for a half-time water break, then finish at the Hampton Inn where crowds are also asked to gather to welcome the riders back in. "The Rotary Clubs have changed their meeting schedule to coincide with their return so we can welcome them back," Meyers said. "We'd love to have even more people from the community there to show their support."

 

A new addition to the schedule of events is the National Premier screening of the independent film Who Will Stand, a movie documenting the Soldier Ride and the issues facing returning veterans. "This is a powerful film showing the continuing sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have to make," said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee and one of the organizers of the event. "It's impossible to see this film and not be moved by it."

 

There will be two special showings of the movie. One, Monday, September 22, will be a special, VIP, invitation only screening. There will be numerous invited guests, including those who have already donated a brick. The showing starts at 7 pm.

 

Following the screening is a celebration at Barley Brother's Brewery, featuring the new Freedom Brick Ale brewed especially for the Freedom Bridge Foundation. "This is a great partnership between us and Barley Brother's," Meyers said. "It will raise both awareness and funds for the goals of the Foundation.

 

A second screening on Tuesday will be open to the general public. Entrance will cost $7, with most proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

 

For more information, contact the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (928) 453-3444.