Round ock 4th

Event:

Date:

Location:

Round Rock 4th of July Parade

4 July, 2014

Round Rock, Texas

Members: Scott S, Clint D and his friend Sherry
Vehicle(s): M35A2 “Duece”

Round Rock, TX hosted their annual July 4th Celebration parade and Lonestar MVPA was represented yet again by Clint D. and one of his M35 “deuce” trucks. This is the second year for Clint and Scott S. to help Team Red White and Blue (TeamRWB) get the word out about their organization. Staging was 0800hrs, and upon arrival, several TeamRWB members were already in place. Clint arrived with his friend Sherry in the mighty deuce and he managed to weasel the big truck into a little allocated space they gave us. The day was warming up nicely, and additional TeamRWB members arrived. The parade kicked off promptly at 1000hrs. With staging number 80, we were able to see much of the parade participants go by our location.

The Round Rock parade is unique in that the parade route generally does not have barriers to prevent the spectators from getting close to the parade participants. Thus, we had a point person, and a spotter at the front right and front left of the big truck, as well as one on each side walking by the tandem wheels to get folks to stand clear of the vehicle. We also had two spotters walking behind the truck to provide room in the event a reverse maneuver was required. The parade wandered down Main Street about a mile with quite large crowds. With approximately 15 TeamRWB members wearing the same shirts, many spectators were asking participants along the way what TeamRWB was about. Members handed out wrist bands with the website, and gave a brief overview to everyone who asked.

At the end of the parade route, we all drove back the mile or so and parked the big truck. A quick rendezvous was organized, and we all headed to the Salt Lick for lunch. Clint and Sherry left the big truck at the parade location and we hopped in my truck to the Salt Lick. After a wonderful BBQ lunch, everyone returned home and I dropped Clint and Sherry at the big truck for their return home. TeamRWB is a veterans outreach program dedicated to returning service men and women with physical injuries or PTSD. The reintegration process focuses on social and athletic events and everyone is part of the same team in the recovery process. For more information on TeamRWB, visit www.teamrwb.org.

Pictures by Sam R.