Brian Stutzman, was a a wounded warrior from Iraq War (03-04), riding to Ground Zero, Washington (for the new Disabled Vet Memorial) and Arlington, to bring awareness to Disabled Veterans everywhere. His original plan was to return via I-40 to California, but someone invited him to stop by VFW 1674, in Siloam Springs Arkansas. He agreed and on Tuesday we met at the post to prepare for his arrival. Frank "Sparkplug" Lee had been drafted to communicate with Brian, and arrange for his arrival.
After a call from Brian, Frank, Larry, Roger, and Bob left for Tontitown to intercept him and escort him in. Belva, Lana, and Bill and his wife waited with the other members of the post to welcome him with a flagline. The post had arranged for a feast when he arrived, and the cook arrived with smoked pork, brisket, and chicken to go with the potato salad and baked beans.
We had hoped for a larger turnout, but as I have been told "Those that needed to be there were there."
At a pre-set time, Belva, Lana, Bill, and his wife formed a flag line along the sidewalk, spacing themselves to look like a larger crowd lol. It was a beautiful sight. When the escort arrived, there were a total of 8 bikes, 7 escorting and Brian. It was a beautiful sight to see them coming down the street. As they arrived, handshakes were passed around and Introductions made, many pictures were taken. After all this was a historic moment in our lives. Brian was given a Hero's Welcome, and deservedly so. We went into the Post and hade a good meal, Visitedwith Brian and each other. Brian had intedeed to stay the night but because of impending weather, decided to go on to New mexico that evening. I said my good-bye's and headed back to Westville . Content that we had given him a small but appreciatged look into the folks of the Ozarks. True American Patriots one and all.
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