Day 16: We have accomplished our INITIAL mission
Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 10:13 PM
by BlogMasters
God is Good. Another day with rain forecast, but just a little drizzle in the first hour, followed by a beautiful sunny Spring day.
We had a nice group rallying at American Legion Post 177, hope you saw our video message. "We support America's Resolve to Win." A wonderful breakfast at Post 177 was the prelude to our stepoff time of 0800hrs this morning. We had an energetic and excited group marching this morning and I was honored to be accompanied by family members: brothers Ken McCool, Larry and Jean McCool and my daughter Tina Meadows (sister-in-law Patti drove the mini van since someone had to get drive).
We were joined for the entire day by friends, Ted Worley and Don Blosser for Post 320 (Spotsylvania), Eric Cooper, Mark, Holly and Chad Huling, Louise and John Dodd, Carrie McLeny from Soldier Magazine/Army News, and Ron Kirby. We also had a long caravan of cars with folks who were not able to make the trek on foot. Thank you to all of you.
Larry Bailey and Chris Hill from Gathering of Eagles was with us all day as well, and the Operation Troop Aid vehicle convoyed with the marchers, thanks to Mark Wood. David "Doc" Shaw and Randy Shrader joined us along with several other members of the Legion Riders.
We were escorted by Fairfax City and County Police who handed us off to Arlington Police. Thank you to our Brothers in Law Enforcement. They are among to most Patriotic souls in our great nation. I salute all of you.
We had a nice box lunch compliments of Post 177 (Bob Sussan and Dean Strong come through yet again). HOOAH. We were joined on the last leg by Michelle from Post 177 who has been helping to take care of us over the last several days, she also walked the last leg with us.
The last leg of the day, after lunch was a manageable 4.5 miles and with good police escort, we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial at exactly 1500hrs. I do not believe I have EVER been so relieved, in my life. We had a brief series of remarks by myself, Carl and Marc before some ceremonial picture taking. I will say honestly, that we had hoped for more people at the Lincoln Memorial, but in truth, we were not prepared for more then the hundred or two people who were there. We have walked these miles to show our support for the Troops, the mission of the Troops and because we believe that our Nation needs to re-establish our National Will and Resolve to Win. We have touched the lives of thousands of people and done what we believe God wanted us to do. The result and consequence of our effort are His measure. We are content that we have fulfilled this INITIAL mission in our quest to foster our Nations Resolve to Win and need to Support our Troops properly. Our next step will be guided as our first steps have been.
I will be preparing a detailed "After Action Report" in coming days. Please continue to check the website, but realize that I will be taking several days off recuperating and a couple day to DRIVE back home to Florida.
More To Follow.
God Bless You, God Bless Our Troops, and God Bless America,
Dennis McCool
4 Comments | Post Comment | Email This
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Congratulations on finishing!
Congratulations to all of you, have a safe journey home. :)Posted by nita
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Wow. Congratulations and thank you. You have shown resolve, when some think Americans have none. God bless you all!!DonnaLos Osos, CAPosted by Anonymous
Monday, March 17, 2008 - Thank you
Thank YOU!Posted by Anonymous
Monday, March 17, 2008 - THANK YOU!!
StarCMCThank you guys!
Posted by StarCMC
