Old Glory returns to Chester
<span>The second annual Old Glory Coast-to-Coast Relay, put on by Team Red, White, and Blue, made an overnight stop in Chester on Saturday.</span>
<span>Team RWB is a nonprofit organization that strives to connect veterans to their communities through physical and social activity.</span>
<span>"Team Red White and Blue is very much about teaching the lesson of having a community of communities," said Zack Armstrong, the Midwest Regional director. "What we mean by that is finding a way to connect communities everywhere in a way that we can all relate."</span>
<span>"It was founded by Mike Erwin, who really wanted to find a way to show the community of communities concept, and I think he would be very proud of how strong of a presence this relay has and that we are bringing everyone together," Armstrong added.</span>
<span>Not only does the organization and relay bring the veterans to the community, but also allows them to have connections with each other.</span>
<span>"The people in the chapters become family, the people of the community become family, and the two come together and become family," said Kim Dunman, Chapter captain.</span>
<span>"Being a part of this makes you really proud to be an American," said Tish Pratt, member and spouse of an injured veteran.</span>
<span>The team members all come from different areas of the military, whether it be a veteran, a veteran's spouse, or other - but all relate in a way that makes them closer.</span>
<span>"Being a part of Team Red, White, and Blue is an honor and a blessing because each and every one of the members becomes your family, your heart, and your everything," said Dunman.</span>
<span>The St. Louis Chapter reached Chester after crossing the Chester Bridge, where the flag was passed over to Chester High School's cross country team - who carried it up to the Randolph County Courthouse.</span>
<span>Chester Mayor Tom Page, the Chester Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and local veterans helped give the RWB team a warm welcome at the bridge and ceremony after the group traveled 75 miles on foot from St. Louis.</span>
<span>"Giving back to the people who have already given so much is a great feeling," said Tony Uhlik, Scott Air Force Base leader. "To have Chester's citizens give us such a warm welcome to appreciate it makes us feel like we're really making a difference." </span>
<span>Chapter Captain Ryen McKennedy pushed to make sure the route continued to go through Chester after receiving a tremendously warm welcome the first time through.</span>
<span>"Being welcomed into Chester was absolutely phenomenal last year and I would say they even went above and beyond this year," said McKennedy.</span>
<span>Team RWB appreciated Chester's hospitality almost as much as Chester appreciated being granted the presence of the relay members.</span>
<span>"This experience has been absolutely fantastic," Page said. "This is a wonderful group of people doing wonderful things for a great cause.</span>
<span>"I hope they stop by again next year, if they would be kind enough to grace us with their presence."</span>