This trip is going to require more discipline than I am used to exercising...food intake, economical driving habits, taking careful inventory of my "stuff" as I travel from temporary shelter to the next one, but I am motivated to make it all work.
Mornings appear to be leisurely so far (but it is early yet), giving me a chance to relax, reflect and write after a decent night's sleep on the previous day's activity. Right now I am reflecting on my awesomely unexpected evening...but I digress. Leaving Lincoln, I headed due south through some secondary roads all the way into Kansas ending up in Junction City, home of Fort Riley and the Big Red One, or First infantry Division, famous for it's work in Vietnam and other campaigns. I had a chance meeting at the memorial with one of the caretakers of the memorial in J.C., a civilian, former Desert Stormer who ha taken on the job privately, along with some of his friends to do what the city doesn't.
My stay in Junction City was supported greatly by the local VFW Post 8773 and it's Commander Anthony Gibson. This mostly black post was incredibly gracious and welcoming to me...their history includes honoring the memory of the Buffalo Soldiers. If you've never heard of them it would be worth looking up. Turns out they were preparing to take a supply of food to Kansas State U. to feed the cast and crew of the Soldier Show, a traveling group of active duty men and women with particular talents (theatrical). I was invited to go with them, enjoy the show and assist in serving dinner to them after the show. It was a huge treat to me to be able to give back just a little in the face of their hospitality, and enjoy some great performances.
I wonder what other little adventures are in store for me in the days to come. Off to south-central Kansas today, Wichita and Winfield before heading Monday and Tuesday into Oklahoma. Unlike recent weeks Oklahoma looks calm for the immediate future.
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