16th Annual Veterans Run to Yountville
Saturday November 12, 2005
"Vet’s visiting Vet’s"
You could smell the wine on the vines as you rolled through the Napa Valley to the Yountville Veterans Home for the 16th Annual Veterans Run. It was a cool clear morning, which was good news for the "Iron Warriors" who host this event and have seen rain for 10 of their 16 years.

Hats off to the "Iron Warriors" organization of this event for getting the residents of the Veterans Home onto buses, out to the picnic grounds, and into the food line before the hundreds of bikes rolled in. I was one of the first bikes to arrive and already the residents of the Veteran’s Home were in line for the BBQ Steak Sandwich, Beans and Salad lunch being served up by Post Fun Entertainment (PFE).

The band "Beer Dawgs" from Sacramento was already playing great tunes in the picnic area. When they played the "Star Bangled Banner" the crowd stood and cheered.
The dozens of Veterans that were wheel chair bound always had someone walking up and shaking their hand and at times I had to wait to get to meet them all.

Being a Veteran of the Navy Seabee’s, I enjoyed talking to the Vet’s who were pleased to see us come out and give them a party. They were humble when we thanked them for their service and sacrifices, didn’t want to be treated as heroes. They had to laugh at how different my peacetime service was in comparison, and I came away realizing how much more their sacrifices were than mine. One vet that drew my attention was Bob, a Navy vet with a beautiful full beard. He was so frustrated because of his speech impairment, but his eyes lit up when I showed him a picture of me when I had a full beard. He gave me a big thumbs up, and a broad smile.

As I walked through the many groups of Club riders I saw that there were a good turnout from The Marine Corps M/C and the American Legion Riders. Many riders were proudly displaying the Vietnam Veterans Ribbon, and these men were enjoying the comradery that servicemen enjoy. Many bikes were displaying the American Flags along with the POW/MIA flag, lest we never forget.
While in line for chow a member of the "Veterans of Foreign Wars" (VFW) was walking the line selling their "Buddy Poppy’s" and I couldn’t get my donation out fast enough. I had a great aunt who years ago used to sit in her wheelchair in front of stores around Veterans Day selling these. It brought back good memories, and is for a good cause.

I want to congratulate the "Iron Warriors" and their president Mike "Rhino" Rinelli for raising a new record donation of $9,300 for the residents at the Yountville Veterans Home, and thanks to all who attended this event.

By, Nick Jonopulos