Run for the Wall cross-country motorcycle run for veterans makes Tyler stop

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, bikers have hit the roads throughout the country again to raise awareness about those who have fought for our country.

Ambassadors with Run for the Wall pulled up to CampV in Tyler Sunday to meet with local veterans. Their mission is to honor veterans, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action. David Palmer, the lead ambassador for the southern route, said they are halfway through their 10-day ride.

“What really is important about this entire run is that vets who are still dealing with war get a chance to talk to people that can understand. Vets talking to vets,” Palmer said.

Travis Gladhill, CampV’s executive director, said this is the first time they’ve been a stop for those riding.

“It has been a great opportunity for education. Learning about their program as well as them learning about CampV and what we have here in East Texas solely dedicated for servicing our East Texas veterans,” Gladhill said.

Veterans and civilians got to talk, learn about each other, and get a tour of CampV’s facility. Dennis Joynt, a 12-year ambassador, said this isn’t his first time in the Tyler area,

“But it’s the first time I ever even heard of this place. And being in the military, being in the VA system, and visiting multiple hospitals either sick or on purpose, this is such an awesome endeavor,” Joynt said.

Palmer also presented plaques to CampV and Lone Star Harley-Davidson.

“What a great facility. Every town needs one of these. These guys are forgotten,” Palmer said. “Twenty-two. Twenty-two vets a day take their lives in suicide. And many of them young vets from the Afghan and Iraq wars. So we really need to start paying attention to those who have made this country what it is.”

The bikers are expected to get to Washington, D.C. ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and spend time honoring and meeting with veterans there.

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