Forbes covers The Ride
At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, Kevin Mincio was a Goldman Sachs vice president in a middle of a meeting at the firm’s One Liberty Plaza offices in Lower Manhattan. A little more than two years later he was in Iraq with the Army, not far from where Saddam Hussein was captured by his fellow soldiers. And on Sunday Kevin will ride into lower Manhattan after a cross-country bike trek that is fulfilling a promise he made to a friend killed in action. Mincio is completing a 4,200-mile bike ride from California to the site of the Twin Towers on behalf of the Team Jesse Foundation, which helps families of fallen soldiers in memory of his friend, Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams and the thousands who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and the war on terror.
And so our journey comes to the end, but our cause has just begun. You will not have heard the last of us now, but the riding was set to conclude on Day Ninety-Five, and we’ve met all deadlines aong the 4,200 mile stretch. All of them. At the beginning, it was about a sense of duty, and a commitment that held the test of time. It was about a sacrifice that was very rare indeed, and about the bravery that accompanied these things. In the end, it became a legend of promise, and a bond between two soldiers. Ironically, our journey would start at a place representative of the promise, and it would end at the place it all began, where the call to duty was heard and acted upon by my friend, Kevin Mincio.
Before the day began on 9/11/11, we were hosted the day before in Norwalk CT at O’Neill’s Pub by Co-Founder Matt Corry. It was in this place that we were shown an unprecedented display of community support, as several elected officials gathered alongside Matt’s friends from the lacrosse community and family. We were given declarations and the keys to the city, but most of all we were given love and support. A few people we didn’t know and who were not part of the event recognized our faces from a news story that ran nationally, so the community grew right in front of our eyes. The event was very successful from a fundraising standpoint, and our cause gained momentum at a critical time.
Ninety-Five would be an emotional day, and it would wait for no one. In fact, to meet our day’s commitments, we needed to get an early start on the course. We’ve always had a policy that we don’t ride in the dark, but on this day there was just no getting around it. We woke at 4:45am and were on the road at 5:30. We were donning headlamps and flashlights to see as we slipped through the darkness with chilly water spraying up from the bumpy blacktop. We were on the Saw Mill River Parkway, and it was very exciting to be taking this route, and under these conditions. It was unique from any other ride and also very different from the past Ninety-Four. A passing car once ran over an already dead raccoon, and we were nearly sprayed; instead, the support vehicle driven by Messick and carrying Cathy Mabee and Heather, Kevin’s wife took the bloody exchange. We rode hard, knowing that any slip-ups would set us back and compromise the entire schedule.
As it started to get light, after riding for almost 90 minutes, we entered the outskirts of the city, seeing it in a unique way. Recent terror threats as well as the population’s memory of a terrible day ten years before had those we passed in a vulnerable-feeling position. While they were strong as New Yorkers are known for being, there was an uncertainty in the air. It felt great to be doing something about it, however small it would be. As far as the terror threats and their affect, Kevin was heard to say that he’d ride his bike right through a bomb blast if he had to do so. The guy likes to keep his promises, apparently.
I’m grateful that it was getting light out when we rode on the Major Deegan Expressway. Talk about hairy and scary! It was still not the best visibility, though, and we had to change lanes several times to avoid cars in on and off ramps while traveling at 50-60 MPH. This part of the course was further complicated by the rise and fall of the highway; it was an overpass to many intersections, and as such, was not the flat, safe stretch that other full-on highways can be. Without the SAG, I’m not sure we would have made it safely. Once, the SAG itself almost got smeared into the barrier by an accelerating, merging dump truck. It was dangerous, period. We pedaled hard and got off as soon as we could, but still had to go past 5 exits (which means on-ramps as well) in doing so.
When we spun off and made our way onto the 3rd Avenue Bridge, we were in Manhattan. It felt great to arrive, though our day was just beginning. And we had many appointments to keep. The first such appointment involved us getting to Randall’s Island. Our hearts sunk when we got to the pedestrian bridge only to see that it was closed; we knew that there would be severe measures taken by the authorities to reduce the risk of terrorist activity, but we hadn’t seen this coming. So, we had not choice to turn around and give up. Do you think that’s what we did? No, actually, we just climbed the twelve-foot fence with our bikes and kept going. We weren’t going to be stopped, and I guess that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
At last we arrived at our first of two engagements for the day. We were going to meet a large group at the 9/11 Heroes Run, a 5K race hosted by our trusted partner, The Travis Manion Foundation. We had been looking forward to this day for a long time, and we were honored by doing a lap on our bikes around the track that served as the starting and finish line of the race’s loop. Our cause was announced and I couldn’t have been any more proud to see the support from the large crowd of runners as well as to see the looks of friends and loved ones that had come out to support us. After our lap, we ditched the bikes to the side, were given race numbers 001 and 002 and ran the 5K. Looking back, I think that they wanted us to start the race by being out front, but we instead got caught in the emotion of the moment and ran with the crew that had assembled to support us, all of them wearing their Team Jesse shirts with the exception of Kevin Higman, the president and COO of Team Jesse Sponsor Wimmer Solutions, who was asked to wear a shirt bearing our logo. Without Kevin’s support and that of the rest of our fantastic team at Wimmer, there’s no way I would have been able to accompany Kevin this summer. Thanks so much, gang, for allowing me to help and also giving me the opportunity for a life-changing experience!
We finished together, and we were all teeth, the entire crew giddy with the response from the event promoters and other races. At the end, I saw a few faces in the crowd that I didn’t know had shown up, all the way from Seattle, to support the mission and surprise me. I couldn’t have been happier, and the people we’re talking about have been quite influential in my life. They really gave me a charge, not that I was short on emotion that day (or very often, for that matter). We then said our goodbyes and headed out, again scaling the fence with our bikes to exit.
After some logistical haggling, we began to set out toward Ground Zero and the cross-streets of Liberty and Church, where Kevin Mincio stood in shock ten years ago, and subsequently sprung into legendary action. As we approached, it was really dawning on us that the trip was coming to an end. I’m very grateful that the end wasn’t anti-climactic, as I feared that maybe it would be. With only a few blocks to go, we saw Matt Corry and Darren Tappen on the street. Just happened to run into the very people that would be helpful for Kevin to see as he made the final stab toward the goal. As we were ahead of schedule, we agreed to pull over and get our bearings before taking the final pedal strokes. It was touching that Kevin realized that he would be incomplete without his brother, Matt, present as well. Matt was with Kevin on 9/11/01 and together they had eventually made their way out of Manhattan, both changed forever. We chose a venue called The Irish American to stop, and we regrouped, made a quick toast, and headed down to complete the mission. By the way, I’ve always thought that Matt had a really cool name.
However, the security detail had strict orders to prevent penetration into the areas that would be most relevant to Kevin as well as Matt. So, with 16 of our friends and family there to support the final thrust, we were thwarted by rules imposed by the recent threats. So, we gave up and turned around, content with the bare minimum of effort. Do you think that’s what we did? Well, no, that’s NOT what we did. With Kevin’s determination fueling Matt Corry’s (another guy with a cool name, BTW) keen resourcefulness, we were able to make someone want to help us, and we were soon guided back to the exact spot where Kevin was ten years ago. Not only that, but we were taken into the heart of the new memorial, which had been reserved for families of 9/11 victims and VIPs. Upon our entrance, we were stopped by the mother of Christopher Santora, a firefighter who bravely fought to save lives before losing his life as the towers collapsed. She asked us if she could shake our hands, and had accosted us because she’s seen the story on the news. I was very humbled that she would be asking me for this, as it was she and her husband and daughter that had suffered the loss ten years ago, and every day since. It was an iconic validation to our summer’s mission, and none will never forget it.
While The Ride is over, and finished in successful fashion, our work is just beginning. It’s comes with great promise that, in the end, Kevin Mincio was happy with the outcome and is finally calm and relaxed. He will stay that way for at least a few hours, or until the next opportunity to show commitment for the Families of the Fallen. After all, this guy takes his promises pretty seriously. I can’t be grateful enough to have been allowed to play a small part in The Ride, and I, like the others that have supported Kevin through thick and thin, are proud to have done so.
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
I met Joe Alberici in the Fall of 1989 when I was a freshman it Alfred University. We played lacrosse together there that year and came close to winning a division 3 national championship before losing in the NCAA tournament. Since then, our lives have gone different paths. Joe was an All American in a year that put the small town of Alfred, NY on the map and he stayed in the game of lacrosse as a coach. Not surprisingly, he has been very successful, and Joe is now the head coach for the Army Black Knights at West Point. After 20 years, the game of lacrosse brought us together once again two years ago when Joe allowed the Mercer Island lacrosse team, where I am the assistant coach, to play a game at Michie Stadium at West Point. BTW – we won the game!
Early in The Ride, I let Joe know we planned to come to West Point. He told me to call him the week prior and he would set something up. Fittingly, that day would be Day Ninety-Three, our last rest day. What better place to spend it than beautiful West Point. What Joe set up exceeded my expectations. After meeting him at his office and getting introduced to members of his staff, I had the opportunity to address the 74 members of the Army lacrosse team, soon to be 2 teams, including a JV squad.
Joe introduced me to the team. I have never liked being introduced, but today I was proud to have someone I admire so very much say kind words and express admiration for what we have done with Team Jesse. The men I was about to talk to are young, but already extremely accomplished in their lives. I knew there were potential great future leaders in my presence. Men that would lead men into combat. I wanted to make an impression.
I enjoyed the opportunity to introduce Matt. He has done this so selflessly and with great passion throughout The Ride. Today it was my turn to talk about what he meant to me and The Ride. I even got a chance to tell the boys about Wimmer Solutions lacrosse, the best club lacrosse team in the world – bar none, something Matt takes great pride in which is a direct result of his hard work.
I think I did an OK job making an impression on the boys. It was a tuff assignment. My focus was on what I looked for in my officers as a non commisioned officer and an enlisted man. Afterwards, Joe wasn’t done. Our tour continued over out the weight room, where the boys went for strength and conditioning training. We met some great people over there, including General Peter Palmer (RET), who I will be following up with regarding our mission.
Later in the evening, we were invited to Joe’s house, where his wife Petra and five year old daughter Isabella were cooking in the kitchen. One of the day’s highlights for me, was I trip to the basement, where Joe told stories to Matt, Adam and me about his coaching days at Duke University and Army. We spoke about players and memorable games, many of which we all recalled due to our love for the creators game of lacrosse. We were ‘all teeth’ leaving the Alberici home. It was an emotional day. One that was fitting given the magnitude of what is in front of us 60 miles to the south.
If this wasn’t enough, there was one more treat in store for us on this great day. Re-enter Coach Mike Groh, who we learned was 30 miles south on a recruiting assignment prior to the Alabama game against Penn State this weekend. Roll Tide! You all may recall Mike was with us in Telluride as a guest rider and has been with us in spirit the entire ride with his ‘got to prove to her one day at a time’ mantra that we have adopted based on his advice. I explained to Adam how much Mike meant to me, and his ‘gassed it’ down the Palisades Parkway like a man on a mission. We were able to spend about 45 minutes with Mike, which during Football season is a real treat. In typical Coach Groh fashion, he had the words of encouragement we needed to put the final two days in perspective. To have this man’s support has meant the world to me.
It’s all about the coaching – it really is!
To the limit,
/km/
For some reason, the sun ‘wanted it’ a little more than the weather report had predicted. There were no complaints from us, and we were all teeth as we crossed the border into our final state, New York. The sun came through in a filtered fashion, and we were given the gift of it making a gradual appearance. As the clouds broke apart and offered bits of clear blue, our optimism followed suit and we all had to agree that the conditions were ideal. When the sun finally showed in full fashion, it was glorious. After the previous few days, it felt like we were on a different planet. Shady patches of road had sharp contrast from those stretches that lie unobstructed. Sometimes the great thing about having harsh, unfriendly weather is that peaceful glow that follows. We took full advantage of the opportunity to enjoy it, to soak it all in, and to allow it to be part of us. Also, it was nice to not be shivering and soaking wet.
Due to our ability to keep on schedule (against the predictions of many), we have worked our way into a position to take a different angle as we enter the city on 9/11. Our path will take us to West Point, home of the United States Military Academy. We’ve got some great appearances planned there, and it’s a great highlight for both Kevin and me. Having grown up in Annapolis, though, I predict I’ll have a hard time with the “Go Army, Beat Navy’ talk. Seems backwards to even write it down!
Another upside of the opportunity to see West Point is the terrain. It was a gorgeous ride, as the roads leading into the area were hilly and, in some places, almost mountainous. Kevin and I really enjoyed the opportunity to climb some steep hills and we went at it with no reserve or hesitation. We pedaled up and around Bear Mountain on our approach, and the first signs of fall were everywhere. Coming back to the East Coast reminds me of why the season referred to as autumn. The smell of the air is probably one of my favorite parts, as it carries a crispness that is pretty far removed from the mugginess that comes just before it. While we still had some humidity in the air, it was on the way out and will soon be replaced by the ironically fresh smell of dying leaves and season’s change.
Both Kevin and Mark Larson had spent significant time here as youngsters, and I kept quiet and tried to allow them the opportunity to ingest their surroundings and take the trip down memory lane, nearly literally. Most of the conversations that took place were about their childhood memories, and both of them separately told me about skiing there (long ago there had been a small resort on Bear Mountain) Both of them were sentimental about seeing the Henry Hudson River, it’s banks softened by Irene and the heavy rains that followed her. She was very muddy and almost red from the past few days. But, there she was, iconic and strong.
Day Ninety Two was the last day that we’d enjoy the company of a guest rider; going forward for the last two days it’ll just be Mince and me. I can’t think of anyone who would be more stable and valuable than Mark for this part of the journey. He’s in tune with the mission and understands the big picture with things, and he’s a class act all the way around. Having Mark and his lovely wife Virginia along for this stage has been a blessing. Mainly, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to share the experience with him. I’ve always looked at The Ride as an opportunity to create opportunity for others; if that’s true, then it’s also true that opportunity can be better propagated when in the hands of the capable. Deputize the capable, I always say, and who better to deputize than the Chief Deputy Prosecutor? Mark is a man of action, so giving him a bird’s eye view of what we’re up to as well as the experience to have lived the struggle, even for a few days, will prove helpful to our cause and to the Families of the Fallen. In Mark Larson, I’ve got a new person to admire and appreciate, and that just doesn’t happen every day. As we pulled toward a final SAG stop and a chance to reunite with some special people, I was shown five birds of prey circling. It was almost like I was gifted these and allowed to show them to Mark. It just felt right.
We turned the corner, and there he was, poised in his iconic photographic action stance. Papa Bear was there, standing tall (well, not that tall because he’s not so tall, plus he sorta squats when he shoots the camera, but he was doing it proudly, which is sorta like standing tall). It was beyond surreal to see him as well as Mama Bear, who had come down to see us into the area. It was a joy to see them, and it was as if no time had passed at all. They met Messick and thanked him for his driving style, and unreported incidents have occurred that lead many of us to believe he’s saved our lives a few times. Adam replied that he’d never be able to prepare the food the way that they had, and I imagined what it would be like to have both crews. We’d be soooo spoiled!
Our next few days will be the culmination of nearly a year of work and preparation. It’s all happening so fast and we’ve been through a lot. As the excitement of all of it comes in like a tremendous and fearful force of nature, we pause and realize that we’ve been there before. We’ve gotten thought the storms, hills and heat, and for that reason we’ll remain poised and execute with intention during this last measure. For opportunity and with commitment.
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
Back in Annapolis, we had made the decision to put aside our feelings about Hurricane Irene. Specifically, there was a tendency for the Team to, in dealing with our frustration around the tremendous inconvenience she had caused, make fun of her. We would call her a ‘non-event’ and other less-flattering things that would help us cope with the frustration of her timing. I’m glad that we put a gag order on making light of her publicly. Because here in New Jersey, she’s not a joke. Not at all.
Ninety-One began with no precipitation, but it would find us eventually. A few team members were rocking sore throats and the onset of cold symptoms, with our leader being among the affected, and actually in the worst condition of all. We pressed on. It would take much worse to sideline this crew, so with commitment we rode. The population density was really becoming more and more evident at this point. Here in New Jersey, one town begins where the other one ends; there is no rural break to separate them. Each has their own personality as well, so traveling though these areas on bicycles really gave us the opportunity to understand them each for what made them unique. Summit became Millburn which them became West Orange and so on and so on. The connectedness of communities was evident, and I thought this was true only in their geographical orientation. I would later be proven wrong about this.
As we rode and the rains picked up again, we began to see more and more damage from Irene – flooded homes, felled trees, debris in the street, homes with no power, sandbags, etc. It clearly hadn’t helped any of these communities that we’re again in the middle of a heavy storm front. It’s sort of like kicking a man when he’s down, I think, to see the reeling communities getting pummeled again by rain and water coursing cruelly through their streets. It might be a little bit until its completely back to normal here in New Jersey.
We checked into our hotel and found that the first floor was closed due to flooding. They still were putting guests into the upper floors, but it was still telling to see, up close and personal, the effects of flooding. Irene and her mutant sister wrecked the first floor of the hotel.
It was all business and all hands on deck once we were checked in. We divided and conquered following a meeting that we had to discuss the mountain of logistics, both on and off the bikes, that stands between us and a strong finish.
We broke for dinner, and prior to our separation as a group, Mark Larson commented that it was cool that most of the other guests in the hotel were relief workers. Leave it to Larson to notice that. I wish it had been me saying it (or even thinking it) but maybe I’ll have the opportunity to beat him to the punch another day. Hmmm…not sure on that one…
Neither the AC nor the heat worked in my room, so I ventured to the overwhelmed froint desk attendant to ask for a fan. In waiting, I struck conversation with some of the relief workers and learned about Omar Helms. Omar is a soldier in the US Army and he is about to deploy to Afghanistan. His brother, Saleem, upon finding out about Team Jesse, told me about him and with enthusiasm, dug into his pockets to donate to our cause. Saleem is a Disaster Recovery guy that’s here from Durham, NC. He and his crew will be onsite for two months dealing with the devastation.
After hearing each other’s stories, we decided that a pic would be appropriate. After some discussion, we agreed that a solemn, ‘no-teeth’ picture would be in order. I handed my camera to one of his friends, and as we posed and he was snapping the pic, he asked ‘Have either of you ever [had a relationship with] a mermaid?’ Teeth were impossible to hide, and his lighthearted friend had brought a little humor into the our lives and also those of the crowd around us. We laughed harder than it had rained the day before.
It’s all about the people. Omar, come home safe!
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
Ninety days?? Really? In some ways it seems like we’ve been on The Ride for two years; when I think back about Fallon, Nevada or even Dodge City, Kansas, it seems like a lifetime ago; it’s almost like it was a different experience altogether. A lot has happened, and the spaces in between have been experiences that defy reason, and many of them are hard for even me to believe, and I’ve actually been there. In other ways, though, The Ride ticks away at a rapid pace that can’t be stopped and feels like we’re moving at light speed. Seems like Cedar City, Utah was just last week, when it was actually a mid -June experience. The consistent things for us though are the challenges that we can expect to see on a daily basis as well as the greatness of the people along the way.
When telling a story, it’s not the best idea to backtrack or to repeat a story that’s already been told. In this case, we’ll make an exception because I’ve got to piggyback on Kevin’s comments about the Manion family. In meeting these courageous people, all of our lives were enriched. This is a family that’s made of Teflon, and together they’ve grown even stronger than ever. The humility with which they approach their story is amazing; when the people of Doylestown offered to create a monument in honor of their son, Travis, they got an answer that they didn’t expect: they were told that the Manion family, Travis included, would be happier if it were not called the Travis Manion Wall, but instead it should be called the Freedom Wall so that others could also be honored and the bigger picture of what Travis fought for would take center stage. Colonel Manion showed grace and strength at dinner when he, in a subtle way, drew in the attention of the table and then asked for Kevin to tell everyone about his friend, fallen hero Jesse Williams. Great people and I couldn’t be any more proud to have them as friends as well as partners.
Day Ninety was, in keeping with the rule that each Day on The Ride has its own challenge, tricky. We’ve been through heat waves, a hurricane, earthquake and three mountain ranges. Why shouldn’t we also experience extreme rains? From the time we woke up on Ninety to the time we went to bed, it rained. Hard. As in, it was a torrential downpour. During the day, we saw every imaginable form of rain, from sideways mist to drops that must have weighed three ounces each. It was heavy the whole time, though, and if often seemed to similar to a Biblical type of wrath. On top of the rain, there were multiple roads closed due to Irene (yeah, she just won’t let go!) and the routes we wound up taking were ad-hoc at best. Several times we had no choice but pedal around the Road Closed signs because there would be no way to get around, otherwise.
The black roads were slick and often completely submerged; when we found hills, they seemed to be alive, with water cascading down in thick waves. Often times the rain was coming down so hard upon the already pooled water that a ten-inch tall carpet of water covered the road and all that surrounded it. Leaves took abuse for hours on end as it poured and poured some more. It was loud, too. When it was really coming down, it was tough to hear the person right next to you, which isn’t always the best for safety. Speaking of safety…turns out that this kind of torrential storm doesn’t do the best for natural lighting and subsequent visibility. It was flat out dangerous out there, as the rain cloaked our surroundings (and to drivers, us) much like the fog we experienced on the way into Charlottesville weeks before.
The hardest part about the day was the temperatures. It had gotten much colder, and while temperatures in the high-fifties may not seem like it would make for a chilly day, I’d challenge you to try it while being soaking wet and riding a bike in it for six or seven hours. Into the biting wind. We were all shivering, and riders took showers at the end of the day while fully clothed, as we couldn’t get any wetter and getting warm was more important than anything else. I would be surprised if this doesn’t take a toll eventually, as we’re supposed to have the same weather for a few more days.
Even with what they day threw at us, we were not stopped from finishing strong. We crossed the New Jersey State line and got our 13th victory. It rained more, but we know that it’s not Jersey’s fault and we’re not going to hold it against her.
Ninety was Kevin Collins’ last day on the trail with us. He’s shipping out to handle some prior commitments but we’ll see him again in a few days for his moral support and participation in the finale event in NYC. He’ll be missed, and I think he was meant to be here in the wake of Irene, as our primary challenge was navigation. The Chief Route Master in Charge was a big part of Act III.
The final leg will feature only one guest rider, and I also suspect divine intervention when I consider the person that’s filling the role. Mark Larson is joining us for the final stage before the ‘blackout days’ (the final two days of The Ride in which only Kevin and I will be pedaling). Both Mince and I have a tremendous respect and appreciation for Mark. I believe him to be one of the very best, if not THE best, community leaders that I’ve ever met. He is respected by all who know him, and he has a knack for finding solutions and thinking issues through from all sides. He is fair and non-judgmental, and has a realistic approach to human nature. I’m grateful that he’s here during this stage, as I’m sure that it will be an emotional time for Kevin, and getting flanked by a guy like Mark would help just about anybody. I just can’t say enough about the strength of this guy, and what’s really amazing is the sense of humor that accompanies these leadership characteristics. Mark has been heavily involved in the Seattle-area lacrosse community since I’ve known him, and his real job is putting bad guys away, as he is the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for King County, which puts him in service of about 4 million people. Mark will add a sense of level-headed calm to the team, and he’ll do it with a sense of righteousness, if that makes sense. He’s a Golf Charlie (Game-Changer) as we head into the final days.
As we go about these last days, we’ll be prepared for more rain, aggressive drivers and also, the unseen challenges that enjoy cropping up to try and thwart our mission. These things drive us, though, and give us purpose. They drive commitment and allow us the opportunity to succeed. Without them, we would simply be riding bikes during the summertime in our beautiful country. But that’s not what this is about; it’s about enduring hardship and committing, willingly, to the sacrifices that need to be made in order to tell the story. The story, by the way, makes even the most difficult of days seem easy and enjoyable.
As miserable as Ninety was (or for that matter, any of her Eighty-Nine sisters have been), it doesn’t hold a sliver of light from a candle’s glow to the pain that’s been felt by so many we’ve me, visited and honored along this journey. For them, we ride in the rain.
For the Families of the Fallen….To the Limit,
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
Rick Hampson includes Kevin Mincio’s story and the Team Jesse mission in USA Today
Sept 11, 2001, the day that defined a decade, was followed by many red letter dates. On Oct. 7, 2001, U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan. Baghdad fell April 9, 2003. We remember when Saddam Hussein was caught (12/13/03) and Osama bin Laden was killed (5/2/11). (Terrorists hit Madrid 3/11/04, and London 7/7/05.)
But the decade since 9/11 also has a less obvious calendar of dates when history pivoted while we weren’t looking.
This calendar is made up of hidden, overlooked, misunderstood, private or secret events, each related directly or indirectly to the attacks. Its dates, momentous and trivial, have shaped the nation in ways large and small.
2/21 Wall Street to Army
Enlistment day for Kevin Mincio, who at 31 is trading a Wall Street office and a beachfront house for a private’s billet in the Army. Five months ago, Mincio stood at Liberty and Church streets in Lower Manhattan and watched a Boeing 767 hit the Trade Center. Now he wants to get out from behind a desk and do something about the crime he saw. He’s an anomaly: Military enlistment doesn’t increase much as a result of 9/11. Mincio serves until May 2005, including a tour in Iraq, then moves to Seattle and starts a new job. On the summer of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, in memory of a buddy killed in Iraq in 2007, he cycles coast-to-coast to raise money for families of fallen vets.
NBC Philadelphia News features Team Jesse by Rosemary Connors, Bruce Ryan
View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.
A coast-to-coast journey will end at ground zero in New York on Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. A soldier and his friend are riding in memory of a fallen comrade. They call themselves “Team Jesse.”
One of the first times I spoke to Ryan Manion, sister to fallen hero Marine 1LT Travis Manion, she told me her father always said, “There are those who get it and those who don’t.” The words of Marine Colonel Tom Manion have been referred to many times throughout The Ride, and the past 2 days have been spent joyfully with those that “get it.” It comes at a time when we need it most: Five days from the finish with a lot of work ahead of us.
Adam Messick “get’s it.” Since his arrival back in Annapolis, I have felt great support from a man who is selflessly committed 100% to what we are doing. Initially, that translated to SAG responsibilities and ensuring that we were prepared and able to successfully execute our rides. Recently, I have had an opportunity to witness his contributions exceed far beyond that. We visited his hometown of Media for a fundraising event at a place called The Boathouse. Adam’s entire family “showed up”, including his grandmother, as well as his friends. We spent the evening getting to know these wonderful people and learning more about Adam’s time in Media, PA before heading west for college and life thereafter. However, we did not see Adam all that much. He owned this event and was out working the crowd for donations and selling raffle tickets. I walked away from The Boathouse feeling very grateful that I have solid people like Adam on the team.
Val and Patsy Sauri “get it” too. Matt’s dad and stepmother put us up in Philadelphia in their home. We were all on the 3rd floor in what we expected to be barracks-style living, which was hardly the case given their incredible home. Our rest day turned out to be Val’s birthday and they invited a large group of friends over for a dinner to celebrate. Turns out, they were mostly celebrating for us. Val insisted the spotlight be on our mission and we spent most the evening reliving The Ride amongst great people. It was very humbling for me to witness such an act of selflessness. Nowadays, it’s all to uncommon. Our organization is rooted in placing the highest value on family in our lives and our trip to Philadelphia will be remembered for this reason. Thank you Val and Patsy for being part of The Ride in such a meaningful way. Your efforts are already going beyond the trip to your home.
Day Eighty-Nine has been anticipated for quiet some time. We would be riding to Doylestown and straight to the offices of the Travis Manion Foundation, our partner on The Ride. We started in Santa Rosa in Jesse’s hometown, and Janet Manion, Travis’ mother was there. We would be riding to Travis’ hometown and Janet and the rest of her family and team would be there. I would also be meeting Ryan Manion, Travis’ sister, who I worked with extensively over the past few months, for the first time. Even with all the anticipation, the trip would exceed expectations. Doylestown is a town that honors its heroes outwardly. After a warm reception at their office, Ryan walked us through town and we visited parks and memorials that pay tribute to the service men and women of Buck’s County that gave their lives for our freedom, unfortunately all too many for this relatively small community.
Afterwards our teams got together for dinner and we got to meet Colonel Tom Manion for the first time. It’s no wonder Travis’ was such a tremendous Marine officer. Colonel Manion is a man who served his country for over twenty five years. I spent much of the dinner listening to his views on service and learning how communicating his views can help further our joint mission. Janet Manion gave the toast and her words of support and appreciation for what we are doing will be with me for the rest of The Ride and beyond. The Manion family has believed in me and our team since day one. I owe it to them to finish as strong as I possibly can. And that is exactly what we are going to do.
To the limit,
/km/
Continued coverage of Team Jesse by Guy Kovner in The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, CA
Kevin Mincio, a 40-year-old Iraq war veteran, mingled with other tourists on Friday at Valley Forge, where Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army endured the cold, wet winter of 1777-78.
En route to the historic site near Philadelphia, Mincio and his traveling teammate, Matt Sauri, passed the 4,000-mile mark of their cross-county bicycle journey that began 86 days earlier in Santa Rosa.
Specifically, the two cyclists departed on June 9 from the Santa Rosa Memorial Park gravesite of Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Williams, a Bronze Medal recipient who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
They are now within days and less than 200 miles of their goal, Ground Zero in Manhattan, where Mincio and Sauri, 41, intend to arrive on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.
“We are exactly where we said we’d be,” Mincio said Friday in a telephone interview.
Wearing red, white and blue cycling uniforms, Mincio and Sauri are riding under the banner of the Team Jesse Foundation, a nonprofit formed last year to raise money for the families of fallen soldiers.
She felt as if she’d missed something; she searched her mind and young memory for a way to understand, a way to solve the mystery. What was happening? Who were those men in uniform? One of them looked like her daddy with the way he was dressed. But, neither one of them was him. Why was mommy crying? Her brother was of no help; he had bolted through the door right after the men had left and mommy had pulled him aside. He had slammed the door on his way out and he was also crying, and he wasn’t even trying to hide it. When would mommy come out of her room? Had she done something wrong?
And so it must begin for the families of the fallen. Initial shock and confusion followed by the grim duty of helping kids getting their heads around the unfolding tragedy before they can even be angry or grieve. Where does one put her/his own emotion during this time? The shock and spiraling horror of a newfound reality that would exist without the centerpiece, the rock, the breadwinner, the hero. He would never return, and no one expected this to actually happen. What now? How does the story continue, and when will the pain go away?
There are no easy answers, and many who have been through this unspeakable pain would say that the hard part is yet to come. The initial shock is a defense mechanism, and it protects them. They’re surrounded by sympathetic friends and families and even the military programs that attempt to help are in full swing at that point. Years later, though, when everyone goes back to their lives and support slips away, the tough road becomes a lonely one as well.
And so we are committed to finding a way to help, if even just a little. For now, we do it with a Ride. We honor a promise that was made from one soldier to another; we push ourselves and are committed to sacrifice. We are serving a purpose more important than ourselves, and we will not stop until we’ve done what we set out to do. We are doing the one thing that those fallen heroes would ask in return for their own sacrifice; we’re going to create opportunities for their families as best we can, and we’ll tell their stories until we’re blue in the face. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s what we will do.
Day Eighty-Seven began with a lighthearted exit from the Valley Forge area. I’m always grateful when we’re able to have a cheerful approach at the outset of any given course, as it will lead to a more productive day, both on and off the bikes. A miscue around some proactive bike maintenance allowed for some joking around and got us all laughing a bit. So, it was a great start to a day that would be rewarding. We headed over to the Schuylkill River Trail, a worn yet well-kept exercise path that runs parallel to the river. It was crowded but enjoyable; the day was a pleasant one, once again, and the lack of humidity, holiday weekend and slow breeze had the trail surging with all types of people doing even more types of wellness. It’s a very bike-friendly city, Philadelphia, and the city’s commitment to the sport shows clear.
The trail wound though industrial areas, parks and found itself fast approaching the city. Once again, memories flooded back as we spun into the urban sprawl. I spent a large part of my youth in The City of Brotherly Love, as Philadelphia is known, and I was excited to show the city to Mince and the team. There were some very significant happenings in Philly over the years, to say the least, so our historical bent continued. We paid a quick visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as its legendary grand form is not to be missed. We took the opportunity to pay tribute to the Rocky theme that has come up, often in jest, on The Ride. Running up those stairs was surreal, and I almost twisted an ankle doing it. Yeah, bikes shoes aren’t the best for jogging. Mostly just glad to have avoided the sting to my pride; I would have never lived that one down, even if the cameras weren’t rolling!
After stopping for some of Philly’s finest cheesesteaks at Jim’s on South Street, we headed to our lodging for the two-day stay. It was a place I’d been excited to see, and also to share with the Team. My dad opened the door with a huge smile on his face. He and my stepmom, Patsy, have been very excited to host us, and they have met Kevin several times in the past. They were also glad to see Messick and meet the rest of the crew. They’re phenomenal hosts, and the stay in Philly will be much more meaningful because of them. Their home is in the Rittenhouse Square area, so it’s central to the city and we’ll have no problem in finding the pulse while we’re here.
Eighty-Seven will end just outside of Philadelphia; we’ll be travelling to a small town called Media. It’s Adam Messick’s hometown, and he has arranged for some of his friends and family to greet us and also allow us the opportunity to be included in their lives. It’s great to have that opportunity; for myself, seeing family on this leg of the journey has been irreplaceable. I’m sure that Adam will feel the same way when he sees his own. Kevin is only days away from seeing his entire crew, including Mama Bear, Papa bear and all three of his siblings.
The little girl that I attempted to describe at the beginning of this post will have no such opportunity. And so we ride…
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
Gettysburg Times Staff Writer Jess Haines covers Team Jesse.
Two bicyclists pedaling across the country to raise money to benefit families of fallen soldiers took time to tour the Gettysburg National Military Park Wednesday before continuing north to New York City in time for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Kevin Mincio and Matt Sauri are two friends from the West Coast who started riding from Santa Rosa, Calif. on June 9. The ride, supported by the Team Jesse Foundation, is a continuation of a promise Mincio made to his friend, SSG Jesse L. Williams, before he left on his second tour of duty in Iraq in 2006.
Williams had recently become a father to Amaya, and asked Mincio to look after his daughter financially if he were to die in combat. Unfortunately, that day came on April 8, 2007, and Mincio is making good on his promise, both for Amaya, and for other families.
“We’re raising money and awareness,” said Mincio of the cross country ride. The mission of the Team Jesse Foundation is “to provide education and support to families of fallen soldiers.”
Inside Lacrosse Magazine covers Team Jesse.
Kevin Mincio and Matt Sauri of The Team Jesse Foundation will be present at Major League Lacrose Championship Weekend in Annapolis, Md., and hosting a fundraiser for their foundation.
Championship Weekend is a stop on their 95-day, 4,200-mile bike ride across the country to honor the sacrifices of SGG Jesse L. Williams, who died on April 8, 2007 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting combat operation, and raise funds for families of fallen soliders and first responders. The Ride’s finale will be on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The Team Jesse Foundation will be participating in the Major League Lacrosse Fan Zone exhibitor area throughout the weekdend and will be introduced to the fans during the first semi-final game Saturday. Team Jesse will also host a fundraising meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. Armadillo’s Bar & Grill, 132 Dock Street Annapolis, Md.
We’re all only human after all. Each of us built with our flaws and reasons for being a little behind, being unable to meet deadlines and being a little slow, in general. Still, I’m worried about him. Never seen Kevin act this way. He’s sleeping in late; often unfocused, and what really caught my attention is his stopping throughout the day, during the ride, asking if anyone wants to catch a matinee. He’s second-guessing a lot of his decisions and is often paused in a state of paralysis, worried about whether or not he’d hurt someone’s feelings. I will continue to watch the situation, and of course let the right people know if it continues.
Day Eighty-Six began as a rain-threatened day that was cool and cloudy, a few shades darker than overcast. Good to get on the road, as usual. We were agile, and we knew that there were a few milestones the day held for us. Also, and not to be a broken record, the intensity of our rapidly approaching moment of truth is making for a fever-pitched swell of action, both on and off the bikes. Seems like every single moment is taken, and it’s only our commitment as a team, and for the team, that keeps us positive and moving (quickly) in the same direction. Eighty-Six allowed us to get together and have some renewed focus on safety and purpose, as we all challenged each other throughout the day’s course to get better at everything we were doing. There’s a great team dynamic here, and it’s moving in the right direction.
Much of the day was spent on Route 30, which is a traffic-light rich stretch of two and four lane highway that would take us straight into Valley Forge. The cool air had combined with the wet road to make the day one of the chilliest we’d seen on The Ride. It’s still summer on the East Coast, though, so it’s not like we were freezing. Even though a big part of stretch took us past strip malls and older areas, there were still scenic parts that showed, proudly, the sweeping countryside. Proud Pennsylvania Dutch heritage was abundant, and the acreages of farm land that we’d occasionally see showed a melding between old and new, as technology and the Amish way shared a characterization of the area. Horse and buggy shared the parking lot with the mini-van, and I wondered how that works, exactly. It’s great to imagine a world in which the mutual tolerance allows for this coexistence to happen without so much as an afterthought, at least from those that live in the community.
I’ve been thinking a lot about commitment lately; it’s not a new concept, but it’s one that I’ve recently come to understand in a different way. Varying levels of commitment directly correlate to varying levels of success, I believe. What someone is willing to do to achieve a goal has a pretty big impact on the chances of reaching said goal. The more goals a person tries to achieve will surely dilute that same person’s efficiency in executing the tasks required for success. Being committed means being focused and determined to do what must be done, yes. Also, though, I believe that it’s about being resolved on what NOT to do and allowing for the greatness that comes from being focused and ‘in a zone’. It’s a beautiful thing to see this in action. As a team, it has been a certain level of commitment that’s gotten us this far, and it’s that same commitment that will see us through to the end.
It was fitting to have these thoughts racing through my head on Eighty-Six. While they had generated from a backdrop of ponderence on my own opportunities in the future, they were applicable to our mission and also influenced by some thoughts about my teammates on The Ride. So, as we pulled in for yet another history lesson upon arriving at our destination, it was an easy transition for me. Pulling into Valley Forge was not unlike many courses of The Ride; in fact, I’m pretty sure someone said it out loud, ‘it’s crazy how the landscape can change so fast; we were just among the strip malls, now look where we are!’. He was right; we were now in a forest, climbing and dropping while riding alongside a brook on one side and a thickly-forested hill on the other. There were trails criss-crossing on both sides, and the first signs of fall allowed for some colorful scenery. The fallen leaves were wet, and it would be weeks at minimum before they became the crunchy kind.
To live in Valley Forge in February, 1777, would have required a certain level of commitment. It’s where the original commander-in-chief bunkered up for the winter, and the accommodations and provisions were not ideal. Basically, it was a critical strategic stronghold in the early parts of the ‘rebellion’ that would allow for our independence to be possible. Barefoot soldiers worked 18-hour shifts in the snow to make it work, and the hardship they endured is legendary. I know, I know, all the sudden I’ve become ‘history guy’. You would too, maybe, if you’d been along for this trip!
At the day’s end, we had the opportunity to catch up with Blake Mitchell, a friend that we’d met in Seattle. Blake has recently moved back to the West Chester area of PA, where he grew up. He’s getting married in July, and he and his fiancé are a great example of the American Dream. They set some goals and together are moving toward them, and doing it as a team. They’re committed to each other’s success, and it’s great to hear him talk about their new home, dog and plans for the future. Great to have the support of the lacrosse community once again, as that’s exactly how we know Blake.
Philadelphia is just a day away, and the opportunity to do great things is in front of us yet again. Glad that we’re feeling the way we’re feeling as a team.
Oh…by the way…I was just kidding about that first paragraph about Kevin. It couldn’t be more opposite than the situation I described, and I’m just hoping that he doesn’t explode. The guy is intense, and he’s executing the plan beautifully and with unspeakable passion. In fact, I think that you might even be able to describe him as being committed.
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
As great as it is to see some of the places that we get to see along the way, it’s just as difficult to leave, at times. To know that it’s over and the experience is behind you, never to be repeated, is tough. We had been looking forward to Gettysburg since the inception of The Ride. And, it delivered. All of us took a turn for the better by being allowed to see it, walk it, ponder it and think about what our world might look like if it hadn’t happened. The entire experience was made all the more special because of the team’s realization of The Ride’s trajectory, and the way that the trip is gaining momentum every day, and things are quickly coming to a head. So, with our thoughts solemn, we rode out.
The team was back to four riders, and Kari Pettibone was back with us for a few days, as Katie had cycled out, so to speak. Great to have Katie join us, as early on she had been very helpful in getting me ready for this task, and she had some real breakthroughs ‘way back when’, as I had never done anything like this before. Collins was still in the mix, and the timing couldn’t be any better since we’re seeing lots of closed roads, detour signs and such. Seems like Irene just won’t let it go sometimes, but with Collins, she can’t get us lost! Chief Route Master (In Charge) doesn’t get outsmarted by silly weather. Messick was the sole support person, and I’m not sure anyone is better suited for urban driving than Mr. Messick. He has quickly developed the reputation as using the SAG vehicle to block in a more aggressive fashion that we’ve seen. For example, on Eighty-Five, we were going to take a left-hand turn. Mess sped ahead of us, took the turn first, but slammed on his brakes halfway through, all the while honking his horn; his ‘whoopie’ light was on, of course, and we all took the turn safely and without slowing down. The red SUV that had to stop for us held a driver that didn’t seem too miffed about it. As riders, we all smile and wave as Messick blocks for us; this is to make up for the fact that Messick isn’t smiling. At all. He’s all business with this stuff, and I think that he enjoys the challenge of putting himself in the way so that we’re safer. Again with the great timing! Kari brings an unparalleled energy with her, and she has been part of the team since well before Day One, as she was part of the training crew that approached our task with dedication. Great to see her return, and she will help us through this stretch. I’m not sure of exactly how yet, but based on how things have gone and due to our commitment level, I’m certain that her attendance will be a blessing. This is the makeup of our team until Philadelphia.
The road took us through York, PA, which was a town I’d seen often, but not in over twenty-five years, and maybe closer to thirty. My stepfather, David, whom I love dearly, would take my brother and I there to see his parents, who lived in York. He had a lot to do with the hands-on, day to day task of raising my brother and me, and the drive through York brought back memories and made me realize that I was probably a colossal pain in the arse growing up. That’s a different story, though. Back to York. Seems that it had changed quite a bit since I’d last been there; it had grown up, just as I had (sort-of). It still had the same feel, but newer buildings replaced older ones and there were signs of the times everywhere, both good and bad. I didn’t speak much during the stretch, as I was deep in thought.
We found ourselves pulling into Lancaster, PA, on what we realized was the first calendar day of our fourth month of being on the road. September is a month that means so very much to this trip, this cause and our leader’s legacy. It seemed like it was a lifetime away back in June. Today, it’s here, smiling at us, challenging us and inviting us to make our mark in her legacy. We have the opportunity to do great things and see some change in the world through our efforts and sacrifice, as well as our drive to do so. We will see it all the way to the end, and it’s about to get interesting.
For the Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
Day Eighty-Three
It was tough to believe we were seeing what we were seeing; after all, we were only around eight or ten miles from our first pedal strokes of the day. Suddenly, though, everything changed and it was as if we were back in Kentucky again. In fact, the horse farms, plush green grass and boldly rising hills easily could have been Kentucky or even the western part of Virginia, given their tranquil and beauteous qualities, all of them displayed in a sweeping, grand scale. There was no way this was Maryland, the place where I’d grown up. Especially not so close to downtown Baltimore! I mean, I have a lot of love for the state, its history and all that it offers, but I just don’t think of it in the way that we were seeing it. But, alas, there it was.
We were riding through beautiful countryside, and savoring every moment of what seemed like a return trip to much earlier days of The Ride. Hills and valleys punctuated the lush vegetation, and all of it was even more striking because of the recent hurricane that had exposed roots and ripped trees. There was not a cloud in the sky, literally, and we moved though it with respect and awe. I was glad that Katie and Kevin Collins got to enjoy it; the contrast from the past few days’ ride was nothing short of total. We were on a 57-mile stretch from Baltimore to Gettysburg, and we knew we were in for a treat. We had the opportunity to climb some hills; we rose almost 3,000 feet in these foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Corn, soybeans and wheat fields would open up pastures for our imaginations to run wild before the road would curve to drop us into shadowy, wooded tunnels out of which we’d rise and see the next vast area.
We crossed the Pennsylvania border sometime around noon, and with it we were glad to announce our 12th state. Somewhere shortly thereafter, we stopped in a small town that had been there for ages. Homes lined the street on the approach into town, and then continued to boast community as we left it, each getting further and further apart. Many of them had shady, lived-in lots that were loved and cared for. Nearly all of them had porches, some screened, some without. All of them looked like families gathered there in the best and worst of times, rocking chairs rocking, stories being told. It could have been an iced team commercial. Or lemonade. Maybe apple pie. But it was in no way shape or form a Coors Light commercial.
Kevin and I had read earlier in the day that August had been the deadliest month, ever, for our troops in Afghanistan. With heavy hearts and a timely reminder of our purpose, we headed into the historic town of Gettysburg. The following day would remind us all, and teach some for the first time, how important the history of this place is to our way of life.
Once settled in and after arranging some opportunities with local media groups, we met up with a beloved member of my family, Sharon Moul. Sharon and her husband David have a place in Gettysburg as well as in Annapolis. I was reminded of why it is that all children adore her and can’t wait to see her. You can always tell about people by what the kids think. And, Sharon’s kindness was abounding as she took us, giddily, through the battlefield at sunset. We didn’t get out of the car too much, and this was mainly because of our desire to tour the battlefields on our bikes the following day. She gave us a terrific overview and showed us some amazing sights, though, before taking us to dinner at great place called The Pub in downtown Gettysburg. We were tired from the ride, but it was tough to go to sleep.
Day Eighty-Four
From the very beginning, there was a singular stop that had the distinction of being a all-time attraction for Kevin Mincio. That place was Gettysburg. He always talked about his fascination for the Civil War, and he is very knowledable about what happened and why. Kevin is a big believer in the principles that we stand for in this country, and it shows on a daily basis. I’m not at liberty to describe an incident that showed his active disdain for oppression, but I can tell you that it happened and I was not surprised.
For Kevin, the events of the Gettysburg Battlefields were transformative for our country, and it was an opportunity for all of us to have a rebirth of the freedoms offered by our country.
We set out on the tour with a licensed guide who agreed to do it by bike. He was quite a trooper to do so, and he was thorough in describing the tales and passionate about what he showed us. He was also a Vietnam Veteran and he has a son named Matt who was recently deployed in Iraq. Our guide’s name was John.
John understood that one of our main goals was to see Little Round Top, the battle that many believe saved the battle and, quite possibly, the war. It was the place where Kevin’s military idol, Joshua Chamberlain, was told to hold his ground at all costs. During the war he was injured six times and his 20th Maine Regiment was forced to fix bayonets and go on a ‘swinging door’ offensive since they had run out of ammunition. If they had not held their ground, against all odds, the Confederate Army could have flanked the rest of the Union troops and marched right into Washington.
All of us were in awe as we climbed the rocky hill, imagining the scales of mass death and mutilation that had taken place here. Mainly, the wooded, jagged land told a tale of bravery and fortitude, as monuments of all shapes and sizes decorated the hillside. Legends were born here, and their stories will continue to be told due to their success. There has been no larger display of bloodshed on North American soil that that which took place at Gettysburg, and hopefully the hallowed grounds can keep the title.
It was very cool to see Mince have the opportunity to see this first hand; to appreciate it and walk the grounds. He was quiet in imagination, often pausing to look to one side or another, tracing his hand quietly as if imagining a troop movement or lingering cannon smoke. It was definitely deep in thought, and I’m happy for him to have had it be peaceful in nature and not bound in the story of his own legend and suffering. He definitely knew enough about it, and our guide commented many times on his knowledge about the grounds and what went down here.
We got to ride as a group, and even Messick had the opportunity to ditch the SAG and rent a bike to tour with us. He looked like a big kid out there and when I told him that, he just replied, ‘that’s because I AM a big kid’. I’m just glad that no one mistook his big noggin for a monument.
Afterwards, we ate lunch in the downtown area, and watched the people mingle and go about their way. It was then that Katie said, ‘…just imagine how different things would be if things had turned out differently back there…’. She had a great point. Even if we would have long since departed from the ignorant ways that would have continued to take place, we would not have developed to that place wee are today, and more importantly, the places we’ll go.
With spinning heads and a heightened appreciation for history, a few of us decided to take a quick tour of the scenic campus of Gettysburg College. It’s a quaint place and it looked like a great school. We of course toured the athletic facilities, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to witness a very familiar game, and one that was great to watch anonymously.
For Families of the Fallen…To the Limit!
Care Creates Community,
Matt Sauri
