I love to visit the Veterans Hospitals. Everyone who visits is welcomed with open arms because the need is so great. Heroes who come to have their bodies and in many cases, minds mended, love to have visitors to come and talk with them. The heroes who are here for an extended stay are usually the loneliest, often forgotten by the general public.
I was greeted by Denise Cunningham, Volunteer Service Assistant Chief as I made my way to the volunteer section of the hospital. Nearly a week ago, Ray and Diana at Tokan Designs printed me a few shirts which announce my ride in the spring, for Wounded Warriors and Fallen Officers. Ray and Diana help the Veterans in the Topeka region and when they realized what my ride was all about, they provided me with my shirts free he VA. These heroes will never be forgotten by Ray and Diana.
Larry McCoy, a volunteer and Veteran took today’s picture and got 2 big smiles by saying, “say rutabaga.”
Today I had a much needed break, with no scheduled ride, although the hour-long Kindness Bus ride to Manhattan, Kansas in 103 degree temperatures with no air conditioning was a workout in itself.