Just over 10 years ago, Scottsdale Police Sergeant, Thomas Hontz lost his life during a training exercise, when a piece of equipment he had been operating, exploded. I rode today to honor him and his 24 years of service to the police force.
Today the temperature in Scottsdale topped out in the mid 70s, making my all day Honor Ride a joy. I received a great response and fielded many questions from visitors to Scottsdale who knew nothing about this brave Hero. They certainly know now. My ride took me to the Training Center which was named for him, a Police Station and 2 Fire Stations. I spent a total of 10 hours on The Kindness Bicycle today.
Colin a Firefighter visiting Scottsdale from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was very interested in The Ride for Heroes and today’s Honor Ride.
Thanks to Ben, a manager from Staples office supply store, who kindly provided me with a donation of printed fliers for The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes. I handed out nearly 100 of them today.

I love visiting Veterans Hospitals. Everyone from Veterans to caregivers to administrators love to see The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes pull onto their campus.
Today, I visited the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Russ who served in the Army for five years during WWII beginning in Italy in 1941, couldn’t wait to tell me his story. He now lives at this facility getting up to the minute care when needed.
Michael and Gabriel, Army Rangers during Desert Storm thanked me several times during our conversation. They are the ones who should be thanked I said. Michelle, an administrator at the center is going to spread word throughout the hospital.
On my way back to Scottsdale, I stopped at Fire Station 61 in Phoenix. These Firefighters made sure I was stocked up on fresh fruit and water to keep hydrated on my ride. They had some great stories to share about their years on the force.
I almost forgot to mention, Arcadia High School was a stop I made yesterday to deliver an information packet on One Million Acts Of Kindness.
I lost track of time with all the great conversations I had today, causing me to spend about a half hour riding in the mid day sun. Tomorrow I will take it easy in the sun in preparation for my all day honor ride on Sunday.

A long awaited campaign addition will be added to The Kindness Bus Tour in the coming days. I have purchased the domain; www.iamtheantibully.org This campaign will begin with primarily YouTube videos of kids across the country pledging to be a part of the solution to this growing national trend.
The flyer I hand out as I travel will be similar to the one below.

I am the Anti Bully

This is my Promise!

I will comfort those hurting

You are needed and you are loved!!

www.IAmTheAntiBully.org

Today’s ride took me to the Administration offices of the Scottsdale Police and Fire Departments. I also stopped in the City Hall and Court House. I have decided that this Sunday, I will ride in honor of fallen Scottsdale Police Sergeant Thomas Hontz. Just over ten years ago he died in the line of duty when a piece of equipment exploded during a training exercise. Assistant Police Chief John Cocca met with me and discussed the upcoming ride, he was so grateful that he is forwarding all the information to all  Safety Forces throughout Scottsdale.
The weather today as well as what is predicted for tomorrow is full sunshine with temps I’m the upper 80s. I am finishing my rides by late morning and researching in the afternoon. The weather for the all day honor ride on Sunday should be perfect.

Spring Break is in full swing for students across the country. Scottsdale opens its arms to these vacationers who travel here primarily as families. The interest in my mission by parents grows stronger as time goes by. I love talking with families about Kindness and Heroes. It is so rewarding to see an entire family embrace this lifetime goal of kindness. In a couple of days I will be announcing another major interest of One Million Acts Of Kindness.
Donny, a Firefighter at Scottsdale Firehouse 2, along with other Firefighters were learning to play the bagpipes when I arrived. He is posting one of the Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes info sheets on the board at #2.
The miles on this 4,000 mile Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes are starting to add up.

David and Sharman from Aukland, New Zealand are visiting the United States for the next seven months. They became instant fans of One Million Acts Of Kindness the moment they laid their eyes on The Kindness Bus. There is a growing surge of popularity for my mission across the globe in South America, Oceana and even Africa. I love hearing this, knowing that this one man, one dog mission is spreading by word of mouth and by social networks.
In Scottsdale this afternoon the streets were filled with Spring Training fans who loved the look of The Kindness Bus. Bogart was a huge hit as well.
Today’s creative photo pose of Bogart and Crazy Horse was suggested by award winning artist Linda Budge of Arizona. Her creativity can be seen on her website; www.lindabudge.com

Ohio PTA Executive Director, Sue Owen and I talked late last week. I had called her office and all other State PTA offices across the country a couple of times each over the past year. All State PTAs have received an email with a direct link to the Kindness Certificate.
Sue and I discussed the increasing popularity of these certificates and the impact they are having in children’s lives. The recent tragedy in Chardon, Ohio should never be forgotten and anything any of us can do to make a positive change in anyone, we should do so.
I am going to tirelessly try to reach as many education departments, PTAs, administrators, educators, parents and children as humanly possible. Kindness as a goal, I am convinced, can move mountains. I only need to move those who make decisions in children’s lives.