Thursday, April 9, 2009

Ending The Austin,TX. to Nashville Challenge

The first thing I want to say is, " there's no place like home". I love AZ. and my friends and family there, but I found myself yearning to get back to Texas; my new home! I missed my friends at the Hawthorn; Mike, Samantha, Brandon, Patty, Maria, Phil, and the rest; you guys rock and I have been made to feel at home here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I missed my friends at Texas Pride BBQ. I missed my friends at Live Oak Fire Dept. I missed my friends at South-Paw Tattoo, and Wes at the Outback Steakhouse; I'm glad to be home.
If you have following my blog you'll know that this was a difficult ride. The weather was tough on this old bird, yet I can't wait to ride again, soon! It is what I can do; if I had my choice I would be next to my son in a fox hole in Iraq. Maybe it's my ADHD (smile)!
The road was rugged but I like to believe My work had an impact on a few Americans along the way; I noticed I'm not getting any less grey hair, what's up with that?
I got a call from Darryl Woreley this week, We met him in Nashville, it was awesome for him to call me; I believe it is good news but I can't spill the beans just yet. Darryl is one of those guys who looks you in the eye, says what he means, and means what he says; some folks appreciate that, some don't; I do! Thanks Darryl, I look foward to seeing you again real soon.
To the guys at the Sportsmens Legacy Foundation, It was my honor to put forth such an effort for your cause, our cause, our wounded, killed, and their children. What's next; I'm ready to go, yesterday!, quit fooling around! (smile)! I also got to briefly meet Forrest Griffin, UFC, at the fights in Nashville, TN.
Next Mission, Average Frank's Texas Bike Challenge. 800 miles of Texas; ready, set, go!
Billy Ray Cyrus in May, Kenny Chesney soon, and more to come. Welcome all, to the dream that is "Average Frank", it is not me, but all of us-- hence the name, "Average Frank Rides"!

I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag Of The United States Of America; To The Republic For Which It Stands, One Nation Under God; Indivisable, With Liberty And Justice For All


PWWE=Pray It--Will It--Want It--Earn It=PWWE

Refresh, Reflect To Tucson. Friends & Family

Just real quick, I want to salute my friends and family in Tucson, AZ. From the very conception of the idea of "averagefrank", they have been my rock! None of this would have been possible without these patriots; they believe in what I believe and I am honored!

Sean & the Furriers, John Ranney, Judy Foutz, Joe & gang @ AZ. Glass. Frank & Tracy, Dan & Angela, Eric & Jonath, Craig @ Holiday, Mo @ Undisputed, and John @ Ft. lowell auto.
Tyler, Alysia, Ben, Stephen, Jonathan, Courtney, Cameryn, Mom, Sisters, Brothers, And Pop. Nieces and nephews too!
Thanks for believing in me!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Wed. April 1st 2009, Still in Nashville, TN

Started the day visiting some friends at Audio Productions. Lindsay guided me in and Christian and friends welcomed me once again. I first met them with Aaron Tippin in Sept. 08. I really enjoy their company and they are such good people; they got me the Tim McGraw autographed childrens book for my last auction, very cool, thank you guys for being so good to me; it means so much!
While there ABC news came through again. Al did the interview and it went well. Bart set that up and Heather did the follow up on the story and went out of her way to foward me the links. ABC news has been johnny on the spot with getting the word out and I am greatful to them, all of them, for helping with that. Thanks ABC!
Then it was off to Bass Pro Shop in Nashville where I did a little photo opp with Galina Dearmin (apperal manager) realy nice person; fun to talk to for sure and look foward to talking with her again someday; maybe with a group of our SLF kids!
Then it was off to the UFC fights at the Sommet in downtown Nashville. I met Forrest Griffin and was able to get a photo of him and hand him some info for Joe Rogan or Dana White. It would be really neat to get them familiar with the SLF or get them to sponser me a bit; I am a huge fan. Thanks Forrest!
I also met Marty Stuawart at the waffle house. I took a picture with him and passed on a ittle info of my mission. He was eating and I didn't want to be rude while he ate but he was very gracious.

Daryl Woreley,Becky, and The Grand Ole Opry

Tues. evening we got over to the Opry House; I was trying to get a meeting with Mr. Daryl Worley. He is a big supporter of our troops from the country music world. I met Mr. Robbie and Gordon there. Robbie does security there and Gordon is the Opry House manager. It turns out that Gordon is from a long line of military service; Grandpa, Pop, and Brothers all served America during war time. It was quite an honor to meet him; he, without hesitation, did what he could to get that meeting for me. Thanks Gordon & Robbie!
While at the show I met veteran Mark Raley (U.S. Navy, Vietnam Era). We talked and shared a moment; I welcomed him home with open arms and it was a beautiful thing. It seems our Vienam Vets are some of our most patriotic vets and I'd like to welcome all of them home. To this day they still don't get the props they deserve; they too have served our nation and have my un-dying gratitude. Thanks Mark and thanks to your wife as well; it meant alot to me to meet you and to recieve an email from you!
Leo at the Fairfield Marriott gave me a great deal on a room in Nashville; he got a call from my friend Chris at the Marriott in Springfield, MO. and the good deed was done. Thank you guys for looking after old average frank!
Which brings me to Daryl Worley and Becky Pine. Daryl is one of the most amazing little fellers(smile) I've met. He welcomed Diane and I and spent a copious amount of time with us back-stage. I really like Daryl as a person; he is very genuine. I certainly look foward to hangin with him again Becky was awesome too; I hope to talk to her soon. Thanks for your time Mr. Daryl and Becky. I wish your man well also Becky; you know what I mean!