As many of you know by now, I had 100 personalized Farewell to the Trail Commemorative Challenge Coins made to be presented to select volunteers, sponsors, and VIPs of the Trail of Honor. One of these was to be presented to Melvin Wade. Melvin worked for JR Restaurant Group and Outback Steakhouse. For many years I have had the pleasure to know Melivin and to work with him on several events.

I would repeatedly try to get Melvin on a helicopter to simply say thank you for all that he did and had done for the Trail of Honor as well as many other organizations. Every year the offer of a helicopter ride was declined, no matter whether it was for a short lift from LZ Gator, or a longer flight in conjunction with one of our promotions or escorts, he simply was not having any part of it. As soon as I would mention helicopters, his head would start shaking and his smile would grow. He was always so grateful and gracious, but also unmistakably adamant that he was not flying!

Following the 2024 Trail of Honor, I received word that Melvin had been hospitalized. When I returned from a Memorial Day week Mission, I called the hospital to get his room number so I could take him his coin, however, he had been released a couple days earlier. I ‘thought’ that I would simply be able to present Melvin his coin at a later date, but as we all should know and remember, tomorrow is not promised.

I recently asked Steve if he had somebody in the family he could present Melvin’s coin to on behalf of myself and the Trail of Honor and he responded absolutely. Thank you.

Melvin Wade’s Homegoing Celebration will take place today in Jackson Mississippi.

I am currently on the road in Michigan with Flags of Honor Escorts supporting the ALR Hell to Paradise PTSD Ride, but I will keep Melvin’s family and friends in my heart and on my mind as they celebrate him today. Upon arrival in Paradise Michigan this afternoon, I will raise a glass and simple say ‘To Melvin, Never Forget’…

It is my sincerest hope that Farewell to the Trail Commemorative Challenge Coin #77 will be a reminder to Melvin’s family just how much he meant to so many people.

Melvin Wade

17 July 2024

We are not promised tomorrow, live life to the fullest, each and every day…

Never Forget

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