Viajero...blogging Ricks Journey: September 2021

There are certain events in our history (both individually and nationally) which will not be forgotten. Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the moon in July of 1969 is certainly one. And his words, “That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind”. Another are the events from September 11, 2001 ~ aka 9/11. Those old enough to remember that event twenty years ago this week, know exactly what they were doing. Myself, I was concluding my shift at PAF&R Station 80. We watched with numb unbelief as the events unfolded.

~ 10th Anniversary Badge ~

On the tenth anniversary we had a remembrance at Station 80, which included retirees, family, guest speakers and a ‘10^th Anniversary Badge’ that our department wore for the next year. Also included a beautiful reconditioned bell. Thanks to Rob Bigelow and Alan Lashbrook for your contributions!

So, the twentieth anniversary was approaching, and I knew that I would like to do something in order to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Having been a member of the ‘Patriot Guard’ for a few years now, I received an email which supplied several possible events in my area. I chose to honor and attend the dedication of the ‘Tyrone S. Woods’ Park in Oregon City, Oregon.

A beautiful 70’s degree day with wonderful clear blue skies and even a few new roads led me and the Yamaha FJR to the dedication event. To my knowledge, the name ‘Tyrone Woods’, meant nothing to me. That said, while aboard a flight a couple years ago, I do recall watching the movie ‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’. I will watch it again with a greater sense of honor.

After parking the FJR, and before approaching the pavilion where the dedication was being held, I walked over to the monument which was created in honor of ‘Tyrone’. Looking down and reading the inscription, I had chills as I come to realize that Tyrone was one of the ‘Secret Soldiers’. I had not even remembered that Benghazi began September 11^th as well. The year ~ 2012. Tyrone, a twenty year Navy Seal veteran, had become a CIA contractor after his military service and was one of the hero’s who sacrificed his life. The bottom of the plaque reads, “More than 25 American lives were saved by their exceptional courage and heroic actions.”

Tyrone S Woods

So on September 11, 2021 I rode my motorcycle in order to honor a fallen soldier. In retrospect, the honor became mine. Listening to the speakers, and reading how this man, ‘Tyrone S. Woods’ sacrificed his life for others ~ I was honored to be in attendance.

Now when the next anniversary comes, and the one after that ~ on 9/11, ‘Tyrone Woods’ shall be a name that I’ll remember with honor. And for those of you who would likewise wish to honor Tyrone or the thousands of our fallen, visit ‘Tyrone S Woods’ Park in Oregon City, or one of the hundreds of memorials erected for our veterans throughout our beautiful country.