THE JOURNEY HOME: A CHRONICLE
THE FIRST RIDE: 2002
The 9th Memorial CavalryAt 9:00 am on September 1st, 2002, the 9th Memorial Cavalry gathered at Wesley Bolin Plaza (at the State Capitol Building in Phoenix Arizona) to start "The Journey Home."
A crowd of well-wishers were there, and a cameraman from Ch. 3 KTVK-News. After a short ceremony, the HQ Company of the 9th Memorial Cavalry formed up, and marched out on the first leg of a three and a half month ride.
Formed up for the first steps to New OrleansBookmark this page for updates on our progress!
Ninth Cavalry News 3 September, 2002
The Ride has begun! The send-off ceremony at the State Capital was at 9:00 AM Sunday, September 1, 2002, was brief and to the point. There wasn't a mob there, but there were a number of supporters to help get the guys out of town. Sgt. Major Bill McCurtis was interviewed, First Sgt Jimmy Foster spoke, then Sheryl McCurtis read the poem she wrote for and dedicated to Bill, the men doing the Ride, and the men we are honoring, called "The Journey Home". It was a very nice send-off. From there the troops were called to attention and marched to the parking lot where they were dismissed, to get into their vehicles to attend the next leg of this incredible journey.
The 2nd leg of the beginning of the journey started at Queen Creek and I-10 where many of the supporters came to see and take pictures of the men putting boot to stirrup, sit straight in the saddle and head towards Tucson and the many cities to the east that are awaiting their arrival.
It was a beautiful sight to see 7 Buffalo Soldiers, one woman, Mr. Fox from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Posse, and three officers from the Scottsdale Mounted Police set out. Peggy Dyer, from the Sonoran News gave a prayer to send them off, which was followed by First Sgt. Jimmy Foster giving the order to head out!
It was slow and dusty and very, very hot that day, about 111 degrees with 30% humidity, which is a lot for Phoenix. The female riding with them, a member of the 9th Memorial Cavalry, was able to complete the first 3.5 miles, then became overheated. The horses were also having a hard time, so they camped for the day.
September 2 found them south of Tucson, as it was still too hot for the horses.
They trailered the horses to Benson on September 3, and there have found some wonderful people who are very supportive. Tombstone people are also being very supportive. People are beginning to learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, and this organization's goal to "take the 9th home", and are becoming very enthusiastic.
There have been a few little glitches along the way, but that will not stop these men on their mission. They will be in Benson for probably 2 more days, so if you are near there, stop by and say Hi! They would enjoy your company. If you can't make it, but are reading this, please pass the word about their progress. Any help you can provide in getting this information out is greatly appreciated. Any kind of help is greatly appreciated. And thanks for being interested in the guys, our mission, and our history.
- Bev Charman
Secretary
The 9th Memorial Cavalry "Journey Home" riders will be in Ft. Bayard, (Silver City), New Mexico, the week of September 17th to the 21st, for their Buffalo Soldier Days.
Photos at Ft Bayard
The riders will be at Ft. Hood, Texas on November 12th, they are going to have a big hoop de doo there for them, and arrangments are being made for them to visit George W Bush's ranch while they are there.
Nov. 22, 2002: Look for the riders in Louisiana! They are on the home stretch !!!!!!!
For more information and details you may contact us
Web Site: www.9thcavalry.com
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF THE RIDE
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