Having been consumed with launching Serve. Ride. Support (SRS), the upcoming Operation 362 project and organizing my personal life to accommodate both I haven’t been able to get out as much and connect with our vets; today that changed.
The Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve, LA held a public meet and greet at nearby PJ’s Coffee in LaPlace, LA from 0800-1100. The idea was to bring a couple of veterans from the home out to sit down with the members of the community and just have a good time. I linked up with Sully, Cringe, JJ and a few other members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) and had a great time getting to know two individuals by the names of Rudy and George. Both serving in Vietnam, Rudy a corpsmen with the Navy and George a mechanic with the Air Force, we were given an inside look at the same conflict from two very different perspectives.
Nearing lunch we decided to swing by the War Veterans Home and sit down for a bite to eat with some of the veterans that were unable to attend the morning meet and greet. Here we found ourselves sitting with veterans from all branches, conflicts and walks of life. Having a past here I was able to make my rounds and meet up with some of the guys that I have sat down with prior, Jack (Vietnam – Navy) and Norbert (WWII – Navy). It’s always a pleasure to visit this home and catch up with the residents and staff alike.
At this point I dint think my day could get any better but I was about to be surprised once more. Back on the bike I was throttled down headed east to New Orleans, LA to link up with a friend (Eric) who is currently serving with eh US Navy. It was clear what our plans were as the WWII Museum was hosting a Air, Land and Sea Festival this weekend at the Lakefront Airport. Upon arriving we witnessed simulated air combat from highly trained pilots in WWII era machines which stopped us before we even made it to the gates. Picking up our lower jaws from the pavement we made our way into the festival full of hundreds of pieces of period correct equipment and historical facts. A short time later I spotted “Box” a friend from the CVMA who happened to be standing with one of the most interesting individuals at the festival, 94-year-old Ed Hall a WWII Veteran and a Pearl Harbor survivor. Mr Hall’s face covered in lipstick from all the attention the ladies were showing him and a smile from ear to ear. We were able to talk with him for a bit and I suspect you could talk to this man for a month of Sunday’s and not hear all the amazing stories he has to tell.
Today could go down in the books as one of the most interesting days in recent years and it has me itching to start this project and document theses days for all to enjoy.
Thank you all for sharing your stories with us and for your service to this great country.