It is great to be able to travel through my hometown on The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. Every year, the Sunday before Memorial Day, the Jaycees of Chagrin Falls, Ohio have the Blossom Parade. Tens of thousands watch this parade every year, it is an incredible way to have The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes viewed by people from all over the Chagrin Valley area.
The Kindness Bicycle was applauded the entire length of the parade route with many standing ovations. My son Peter followed closely behind driving The Kindness Bus and was a huge hit with every one of his friends in the crowd.
The connection with Memorial Day and this ride for Wounded Warriors was was apparent to everyone, especially to the Veterans in the crowd. Once again it is such a thrill to see so many smiling faces of these Heroes.

The Kindness Bus made its way into western Ohio this morning, keeping up with the schedule needed to make it in time for the Blossom parade in Chagrin Falls, Ohio tomorrow. Shannon, a local resident, requested The Kindness Bus Tour stop in this town if we were ever in the area. It happened that we were passing by and were able to make this short visit possible.
Early this afternoon, I made it to Lakewood, Ohio with a kind offer by my niece and nephews, Collin, Lauren and Mason, to wash The Kindness Bus, it was great to have six extra hands available to wash off the travels of these past few months. Thanks to my sister MJ for all of her much needed help as well.
I will spend the better part of this upcoming week having The Kindness Bus serviced while visiting as many Heroes as possible.

Chicago has been on the radar of The Kindness Bus Tour since this mission started. Finding myself 40 miles to the south, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity  to make the trip to have this huge audience get a look at The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. What a great move it was. Chicago attracts people from all parts of the globe and I made it a point to have conversations with as many as possible. I found a great parking spot for the day near Michigan Avenue, where tens of thousands walked the Magnificent Mile in this perfect weather. The Kindness Bicycle was applauded and praised all day long. I will, without a doubt, be back to this fascinating city for at least a week’s stay in my coming travels.

This friendly town opened its arms to me today. I was engaged in conversation by so many people today.
Amanda, Allison and Bill were a few of the people who made their way to find out what this mission was all about. Bill comes from a long line of military Heroes on both sides of his parent’s lineage. He was thrilled to see the Wounded Warrior signs on The Kindness Bicycle.
Today’s main objective was to ride throughout the city as I made my way to the VA Medical Center. I was able to have so many great conversations with Veterans who use this facility for treatment. Many of the administrators and staff came by to offer their kind thoughts. I left with the memory of many smiling faces.
I also was able to squeeze in visits to City Hall and the State Capitol to inform the Mayor and Governor of the Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes.
Thank you to the two friendly parking officers who looked after The Kindness Bus today.

Today, I visited the VA Health Care Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. I talked with and thanked dozens of Veterans in and around this facility. I love the look on their faces when they lay their eyes on The Kindness Bicycle. The combination of these two factors always seems to bring a smile to their faces.
Marty and Patricia who work at the reception desk, gave me quite a reception when they saw me arrive on The Kindness Bicycle. They thought it the perfect way to gain attention for Wounded Warriors. Both women have husbands who are Veterans.
I spent quite a bit of time with Will Ackerman the Public Affairs Officer at this VA Center. Will was thrilled that I stopped by his facility. He was hoping I was going to be in town longer so he could “show me around the place a bit more.”
Albert, a Sergeant at Douglas County Department of Corrections said he couldn’t remember the last time someone thanked him for the work he does.
Chris, the Engineer at Firehouse 33 in Omaha, met with me at the end of the day. He shared with me some great conversation about this town and his department. He sent me and Bogart on our way with a very nice Omaha FD teeshirt.

With the engine on The Kindness Bus still hot from the 200 mile drive from western Nebraska, I unloaded The Kindness Bicycle in front of the state Capitol and hit the ground pedaling.
Lynette and Shane, 2 Honor Guards of the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department were very complimentary about The Kindness Bus tour for Heroes.
Brett a Marine and Wounded Warrior supporter now works for the Lincoln Police Department and is going to post the Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes flyer in the Police department offices.
Shauna, a Department of Education IT expert, whose offices I was visiting, showed me the photos of The Kindness Bus she had already taken earlier in the day, unbelievable! Shauna directed me to the Governor’s office to promote the Kindness Certificates to the State of Nebraska Department of Education.
Today was a very big day in the great city of Lincoln, Nebraska.

My daughter graduated from Colorado College today. I am one very proud papa. Congratulations to the class of 2012 at all universities, colleges and schools.