My travels in The Kindness Bus, took me to New London, CT which is the home to the US Coast Guard Academy. The Coast Guard’s important work often goes unnoticed or is understated.
Earlier this week, after my Kindness Bicycle ride, I was on the ferry, on my way from Staten Island to Manhattan. I took today’s photo and was reminded how important their work is to all of us.
While the United States Coast Guard is notable as the oldest life saving service in the world, roles include more than just Maritime Safety and Security. The Coast Guard is also called upon for critical service in protection of natural resources, maritime mobility and national defense. I have stopped on occasion on the west coast, north coast and east coast during The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes to visit these unsung Coast Guard Heroes.

Any time a road sign leads you in the direction of “lobsters,” you know you can’t be in a bad place. These past two days of making my way up the Atlantic coast in Connecticut have been relaxing to say the least.
The Kindness Bus has been getting a great deal of exposure on its inaugural venture along this beautiful rocky shoreline. I made it as far north as Groton, CT where I met with a Police Officer who must have thanked me three times for The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. Kindness and honoring Heroes are universal core values that seem to strike a positive chord with nearly everyone.
A big thank you to Piergiorgio, owner of The Goose Restaurant in Darien, CT, for making me a take away lunch that could have fed a small army. Piergiorgio has two young children and sees the need for more kindness in their world.

I love a good road trip, I’ve been on one for over three years. For the past 12 weeks I have been making my way, slowly through the 5 boroughs of New York City. I decided to get away from the hustle and bustle of this city for a few days, with a trip up the coast of Connecticut.
My first stop along the way was to the town of Darien. This Police department lost one of their own in the line of duty. Hero Patrolman Kenneth Bateman Jr., a US Navy Veteran, was killed in a robbery attempt at a local restaurant over 30 years ago. The memory of his heroism is still very strong throughout this small town.
I talked with a very enthused Sergeant Hudyma at this Police department. She was very excited to hear about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes and honoring men and women like Patrolman Bateman. Their department takes part in the Tough Mudder every year to raise money for worthy causes. I could tell from talking with her that she is a fierce competitor with a big heart.

My visit to Staten Island today was all Firehouses, seven of them to be exact. They were spread out throughout the northwestern part of this Island.
Ronny and Danny from the 79 Ladder on Castleton Avenue couldn’t get enough stories about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. Bob and Rob from two other Firehouses are both promoting my ride to the other crews in their respective Firehouses.
Steve, a counselor with the FDNY was making his rounds when I met up with him. He told that he learned of The Kindness Bicycle Rise for Heroes while at the Friends of Firefighters
My final stop was at the FDNY’s Counseling services building, Gary from the Great Kills, Staten Island Ladder 82 Firehouse, met with me and thought it was a great idea to let those who stop in learn about this ride for Heroes.

Today’s downpour at the beginning of my ride, set the tone for the rest of the day. Donning my rainwear, I set out for the heart of Queens. My ride took me to five Firehouses and one Precinct.
The ride began near the Flushing Meadows area where loads of tennis fans were traveling to view an early round of the US Open.
Everywhere I stopped I received great interest in my ride through the five boroughs.
The Firefighters at the E325 L163 were just finishing dinner when I arrived. These guys were so enthused about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. I must have fielded 20 questions from them, mainly about the cross country portion of my ride.
In about a month’s time, Bogart will be rejoining me on The Kindness Bus Tour, where every day is a good day to be a dog.

The Precincts throughout all of Queens, are very busy places. This is actually the case throughout all five of the boroughs of New York City.
Showing up to a Precinct unannounced, gets me the greatest reaction from everyone. It’s not to often the officers see a Kindness Bicycle pull up to their front door, I’m guessing it’s a first.
I love getting an audience with the Community Affairs officer when I visit all the Precincts. Having an officer reach the local community, offers me a wider audience than I can on my own. Word is spreading throughout all of New York City, about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. The Community Affairs Officers are helping in a big way to make that happen.

I met with Lisa Cummings, Director of volunteer Services at the VA Primary and Extended Care Center in Queens. With 16 years of VA experience, she heads a staff and 150 volunteers, who look after the needs of Veterans needing outpatient care and those here for a longer time period. Lisa is posting word of The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes at the Center for all to see.
The Veterans, in and in front of this facility, were quick to engage me in conversation about The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. I always look forward to coming to these Care Centers and talking with the men and women who are Heroes to all of us.
Thank you to the VA Police at these facilities who always show their support for what I am doing.