H2H and HOTH
"Heroes To Hometowns" and "Help On The Homefront"
Greetings All,
About time we had some positive news around here and I have just the right thing. Recently, August, 01, 2007, I was invited to the heroes to Hometowns Community Support meeting at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California. I represented the Patriot Guard Riders, as a representative of the HOTH (Help On The Homefront) program.
In attendance on that day were approximately 120 organizations participating in support of wounded soldiers and veteran support. The program was by invitation only and sponsored by the Heroes to Hometowns (H2H), San Diego, where we have been participating in various efforts at the response of Military Onesource and the American Legion. This program is a joint effort of the American Legion and the Department of Defense to support our wounded heroes and veterans as they reintegrate back into their communities or struggle through their recoveries.
I was amazed at the number of organizations out there attempting to deliver for these service persons. In typical PGR fashion it was adapt and overcome. I had asked about attire and told to come as a PGR member on a mission, as it was casual. Well folks, when I walked into a room full of suits, dresses, and slacks as casual attire, I learned that biker casual is much less casual than I was advised. I was well dressed, as I did include a new button down plaid shirt, but the jeans and leather vest were a bit less casual than my colleagues!! I know exactly how the Babe Ruth in a punch bowl feels now! That said, I was well received and found that most folks I met were aware of our group and supportive. I even met a few who had ridden with us.
Of special mention is a speech by Col. Matthew Redfern, USMC, Chief of Staff, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. During his speech, he thanked the organizations in the room and stated he was not aware of just how many organizations were participating in veteran and wounded troop support. He next asked, “Are there any Patriot Guard Riders in the room?” I proudly raised my hand, as well as Ann Kaland, our new HOTH Regional Coordinator for NMCSD. At that moment he pointed at us and said “Thank You!” When he had arrived back stateside with his troops after his last deployment he had walked into a PGR Welcome Home. He stated he was grateful to step off the plane to an America who cared and showed their support!!! Out of all the organizations that were in the room, we were exclusively singled out. I was extremely proud to be a Patriot Guard Rider that day. Knowing that our reputation is growing in the various command structures is great.
Later, I received an award, 1 of 5, handed out that day for never having failed the H2H program when called upon. I accepted this award graciously on behalf of all of you!! It was you who never failed my friends. I am only a “people broker”, connecting the right people together. The mission always gets carried out in the communities of this Great Nation, not behind the scenes at the National level. I accepted that award for each of you manning the flag line, welcoming home troops, looking after wounded troops while they heal, or any of the other various means we use to carry out support for our service personnel. I only acted as your agent.
The trip was quite successful. We gained access to serving at the hospital, and we were able to network with other organizations as a peer. Most importantly, we were able to firmly establish ourselves in the eyes of the “powers that be”, as a vital and dependable member in troop support, which next to our primary mission of Fallen Hero support, is an important aspect of our dedication to American Service Persons.
Glad to be a member amongst you,
Ronny “BEAR” Awtry
Director, Help On The Homefront
National Treasurer
Guy on the Flag Line
http://www.heroestohometowns.org/