Elsewhere in the region, another group of veterans is putting their money where their mouths are, by undertaking a fundraising ride to benefit the wounded.
A relatively small group of riders arrived in town from Arizona to support the wounded at the Navy Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). Operation Wounded Veterans is an all volunteer organization focusing on supporting the wounded. Recognizing that sometimes a wounded Marine, sailor, or soldier may spend 2 or 3 years at NMCSD, this group of patriots also knows our wounded will not wake up tomorrow and be "unwounded." Legs and arms taken by the violence of combat will not grow back overnight. The patriots know the country must be all in supporting our wounded for the long haul.
Staging at El Cajon Harley Davidson, Operation Wounded Veterans were welcomed by the dealership and the El Cajon Harley Davidson Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter.
After registrations were completed, money donated, coffee and "fat pills" (military slang for doughnuts) consumed, and head calls (naval jargon for hitting the rest room) made, the bikers lined up behind the El Cajon HOG road guards for the pleasant trip to the Rosecrans National Cemetery. At times the main pack was split into smaller groups, as the traffic lights in downtown San Diego, along Harbor Drive, and up in Point Loma worked against keeping all the bikes together. Not a problem, as the El Cajon HOG folks ensured everyone eventually arrive at Rosecrans safely.
For our brother and sister veterans from Arizona, this first trip to Rosecrans was inspiring.
Somberly looking over the grave markers and then across the bay to Naval Air Station North Island, even the Navy vets, like former submariner Jimbo (see above) were awe struck. As they walked through the cemetery, one commented that he'd seen a marker of a veteran of the Spanish - American War, adding that most Americans probably do not even know about that war.
As inevitably occurs, small group discussions took place in the spectacular panoramas surrounding the bikers. Veterans, both men and women, vets from all four services, proud parents of serving members of our Armed Forces, old and older, shared thoughts and feelings about what it means to be a veteran. Almost universally, statements regarding the ever increasing gap between the nation's military and the average citizen were made. Many such statements were tinged with a bit of disgust, because too many civilians are believed to disparage the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and their families. Shortly, though, the comments returned to the purpose for which they had gathered, supporting our wounded.
In the end, these men and women stand out by helping our wounded.
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