On Wednesday I had a hard ride. It wasn’t a big mountain climb, crazy hard intervals, or even 100 miles in 95 degree heat.
It was a send off ride with Lt. Colonel Thomas Heyden. Five Team Little Guys met at noon and rode 20 miles with Tom. Like most of our rides we started easy, chatting and horsing around. At the first stoplight BadRad took a little tumble. Those darn clip-in pedals strike again. No blood, bike still works, away we go.
After our legs get warmed up guys start getting frisky, sprinting up hills, pushing the pace and talking smack…a normal ride. But, it wasn’t normal for me. I kept thinking about Thomas and how he will spend his next 400 days. He is being deployed to Iraq this Sunday.
During the next 400 days I will be with my family, working with credit unions and training with my friends…normal things.
The next 400 days will be much different for Thomas. He is sacrificing his normal life to serve his country…To protect our freedom.
I watched Tom on the road today. He was different in the saddle. He soaked it all in. As we headed into the last few miles of the ride we all knew the pace would quicken… One more hard effort…The sprint to the finish. I jumped to the front to set the pace. Heyden quickly flew passed us. Riding strong and proud. We all watched as Tom accelerated away from us. This was his ride to win and we all knew it.
Tom…Team Little Guy is proud of you! We will miss you and look forward to your safe return.
September 25, 2009 at 1:54 am |
Tom, thanks for fighting for our country and defending the rights of people who deserve to live life free. I’m not taking my wrist band with your name on it until you get back home safe and sound. We’re all incredibly proud of you.
September 25, 2009 at 12:56 pm |
Tom, know that while you are over in Iraq fighting for each and every one of us, we’ll have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers every single day until you return. You’re one of the best teammates anyone could ask for, and I’m glad you’re on our side! YOU ROCK!
September 25, 2009 at 2:08 pm |
Tom,
We are so proud of you and appreciate your service so much. Take care of you and know that every single day we will look at that wrist band – think of you and pray for you and your family. Every single day!
We couldn’t possibly say thank you enough but we will keep trying!
September 25, 2009 at 2:38 pm |
Words are definitely not enough to express our gratitude for what you are doing, and what thousands of other dedicated men and women and their families have done and will continue to do for this great nation and it’s fight for freedom – for all people. You are, however, our personal mark for that fight and I am proud to call you friend and grateful to call you protector. My husband and I will wear your bracelet until we can cut it off next November as we watch you return to home soil. GOD BLESS YOU!
September 25, 2009 at 11:27 pm |
To Everyone,
Thank you so much for all the comments, and support. The Heyden Family is truly blessed to have all of you in our lives.
TLG and others: Ride hard tomorrow in the rain. Eric must be on the ride. Be safe and have a lot of fun. This is a real strange feeling being on the sidelines. I want to thank you personal for the thousands of Service Men and Women that you are helping.
LTC Heyden
September 26, 2009 at 12:11 am |
Tom: we’re gonna give it our best shot tomorrow and Sunday. It will not be the same without you, buddy!
Please know that you are not on the sidelines – but you will be with us every step along this journey.
Until we ride together again – thank you for all that you do in service of our great nation!
September 28, 2009 at 4:33 pm |
Tom,
Thank you for your service to our country. My prayers are with you, your family, and all of the brave men and women you are serving alongside. Be safe and know that we will be thinking about you.