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Year after year, like an old flag flying I will make the 5,000 mile journey for the Fallen 5.

To NEVER FORGET means to never forget. 5 men no longer have a voice, no way to say what they feel – so I’ll be that voice and do my best to remember them, and help others to do the same.

The importance of remembrance is the highest honor you can give to those who have sacrificed. Remember them. Their lives. Their sacrifice.

Some made it home,  some didn’t. Some in one piece, others in pieces. We veterans are never the same as we were before our service. Sacrificing changes you forever. When you make the commitment to protect and serve your fellow citizens with your life, it changes you! To value other’s lives more than your own is the greatest honor. To serve…

No one really wants to die without  purpose, or to be forgotten. When you are in service for the – armed forces, police duty, fire fighting, or EMS – you have a distinct purpose and their is honor in death. If you survive, one of the hardest things to find is that same purpose afterward. You search the world over to find that same feeling of pride and honor. The importance of your past never leaves your memory. This is what being a veteran is about: to remember and help others remember.

All veterans know without saying a word what it means to serve, and to have served. We can pick each other out in a crowd and a simple, respectful nod is all we need from one another. It keeps us going. There is a brotherhood among us – regardless of branch. Not all of us got shot or killed other people, but we served as one team with one mission! WE PRESERVED AMERICAN FREEDOMS FOR ALL TOGETHER.

I believe it is my continued duty to help people remember. I want people to care. Daniel Hopson the first Co-Pilot, once said “You have to make those who care, care more,” and we did! I can’t forget about these 5 men. I served my country so this wouldn’t happen in my homeland, but it did. All this means is my mission is not over, I cannot quit nor will I.

We are preparing earlier for the 2018 mission as we didn’t raise enough money to cover the costs of the 2017 mission. Personally I have sacrificed thousands of dollars and  time to make this mission happen. It is my goal to raise enough money to cover the cost  each year so I can continue this epic cross-country mission.

If you feel compelled to help donate via pay pal or contact me for more information on sponsorship. Thank you!

Joshua D. Kapellusch

Founder of the Fallen 5 Drive.

Fallen 5 Drive 2018

Follow along as we build support and funding for the 2018 mission to the Golden Gate Bridge for the 3rd year in a row! This year Boden Kapellusch, Joshua Kapellusch's oldest son will ride with him!

This day is about hanging the flag on the bridge. Alive and not eaten by bears, we awoke to a rather cold morning. A silent epic-ness screamed with the daylight bringing alive all of God’s creatures. The site was really just a parking lot, fairly open with campsites and campers off into the woods.

Since we weighed the options of spending the night in San Francisco vs. the Yosemite National Park – the park won, even with the bears! Day 6 was certainly the most exciting one for me. It was only a couple hour drive and we left early in the morning. The sights were beautiful and gave me a chance to reflect on the importance of our mission. So close to completing the crossing of the flag, I was eager to drive.

After negotiating the usual traffic and after a quick propane stop, we were in San Francisco! The bridge came into view and it was a proud moment. For the second year in a row we brought the flag to the bridge to remember the Fallen 5. Crossing the bridge was a proud moment especially since it was September 11^th. After parking and a few pictures we began the long walk to the center of the bridge. It’s a walk in which you think about these men that died. I also get really excited to finally fly the flag.

After getting the zip ties ready, I reached for the flag from my pocket. Michelle got the camera ready and went Facebook live to record the moment of hanging the flag. It was a wonderful feeling to see the flag flying for a second time. I spoke a little bit on the moment and then we paused to show our respect. Over a period of time we watched people stop to take pictures with the flag. Couples, selfie-takers, and photographers all stopped to take pictures. Then a police officer on a bike approached and my sixth sense told me that we were about to have our flag forced down. I allowed the police officer to explain himself, and he allowed me to explain our mission and purpose. We both understood that the flag must come down or force arrest – sadly. The cop, a former marine himself, did not agree with the order but still enforced it.

Michelle and I folded the flag after cutting it down. It will remain folded until it flies again next year off the bridge. The flag again sought its place in the dash of the Blazer of Glory until next year. The last part of the mission was to put ocean water on the flag and Blazer to connect the bodies of water. After loading back up we headed over the bridge for a final pass. Our mission was complete! We did it! Now the flag will return to Chattanooga, TN with us. We will NEVER FORGET the Fallen 5.

Joshua Kapellusch

Day 5. Salina, UT to Yosimite National Park. CA

The sun warmed the day as it rose over the canyon walls. Parking at night always leaves a bit of question in your mind as to where you really are. Sometimes it can be a good spot, others not so much. However, this spot paid off greatly! It was so beautiful! We planned on sleeping outside a few nights of the trip to enjoy nature and save money. We packed warm clothes, rain gear, and sleeping bags. Also added was rolls of garbage bags, zip lock bags, and a new tote. Keeping things dry in an open top truck is a must!

In the good practice of keeping expenses down, our goal was to have plenty of snacks and food packed with us. At the store we picked up food to make sandwiches, but also sausage and bacon to cook from the Blazer of Glory! The grill can attach to the truck’s propane for cooking. Somewhere in the desert we pulled off and drove up a large hill to cook our bacon and sausage for breakfast.

After our little off-grid experience we were back on the road to California. We arrived at Yosemite National Park after dark and decided to pull off into a cove. Michelle would say ”Slept outside in cove with the bear sniff’n my meaty breath…”

We decided to sleep outside in the truck at Yosemite…with the bears! We hadn’t realized we packed so much food with us including the day’s trash. The signs were everywhere warning about bears and food! So we sat there in the absolute dark making ham sandwiches and thinking about the pan with bacon grease on it and how bears would love to check us out.

Joshua Kapellusch

Day 4. Breckenridge, CO to Salina, UT

On day 4 we awoke and departed the hotel on our way to Salina, UT. The Blazer of Glory needed some oil due to the leak the day before – our roadside repair was working! On our way out of town we noticed the Oktoberfest and our hunger so we ate some delicious traditional German food. As we left a sleet / snow / rain fell on us to leave a reminder we were in the mountains and in a convertible truck!

The terrrain and the day rolled along. The mountains have a quiet wonder about them, it gives you time to think. I wondered about what it was like to cross this terrain by wagon long ago. The early settlers of this land sure had a difficult road ahead with no guarantee they would make it to where they intended. This is similar to life’s road in many ways… This trip to honor the Fallen 5 takes us to places we never expected. On nearly every stop we are asked about the truck, the ‘writing’ on the side of it – and so we tell them and they remember the Fallen 5.

During the day we filled up with propane and natural gas later that night. A resupply stop was also needed. Somewhere outside of Salina, UT we pulled off and camped out in the Blazer of Glory for the first time on the trip. The temperature was perfect!

Josh Kapellusch

Day 3. September 8th, Salina, KS to Breckenridge, CO

Starting this day we turned on the TV and watch the news to see the Governor of Florida issuing an evacuation notice. Later that day we would see many people with Texas and Florida license places often loaded with personal items.

In our process of acclimating to the journey, we first get a plan going of where we are headed and how far it is in miles and hours. We then t

ry to look up fuel stops for propane and natural gas based on how much fuel we have on board. I try not to run with full tanks of all the fuel due primarily to the weight. I like to see about ½ a tank of gasoline which equals 20 gallons. They we try to keep one alternative fuel tank full as a reserve and one at least at ¼ tank. This way if there are any problems we can simply switch fuels.

After tuning up the truck with a gasoline fuel filter change and a fluid check we ate breakfast and got coffee. Next stop was the parts store for a tee fitting for my propane and natural gas regulators. It uses engine vacuum to help regulate the fuel flow so this was an important part to fix! Then the best part of the trip thus far occurred, Propane Central filled our propane tank for free – 35 Gallons! It’s always a great reminder of the kindness in Americans hearts! Visit their location for your propane needs in Salina, KS!!!

As we traveled westward, elevation ever increased and Denver was our next major stop along the route. Nearing the city we noticed a haze from dust or smog, perhaps from wind or congestion. The truck needed natural gas so we stopped and paid $1.99 per gallon and filled a record of over 27 gallons in the tank! The 125 octane rating is good for high altitude and for air pollution. I noticed that there was 85 octane gasoline for $2.59 or so and 87 octane for $2.89 per gallon.

The city was pretty and leaving Denver, you will see the majestic Rocky Mountains. Traffic was heavy for us around 5-7 pm. Departing we encountered a major issue with the Blazer of Glory! The oil gauge pressure line ruptured and

was spraying oil on the motor and exhaust causing a lot of white smoke going up the hill so we pulled over. After quickly crawling under the truck I spotted the source, but not without first getting burnt with hot oil!  Michelle and I worked for about 30 – 45 minutes fixing it the problem and were back on the road.

This part of the trip is perhaps the most beautiful! Crossing through the mountains and old mining towns… One of the most special moments for me was the chance of cruising with another ’72 Chevy Blazer in the tunnels in Colorado! It was awesome! We reached Breckenridge, CO that night at approximately 10:00 pm. I got altitude sickness and almost passed out, but was relieved after drinking some Dr. Peppers and eating. We found a wonderful hotel with an amazing view and finally went to bed.

Josh

Day 2. Clarksville, TN to Salina, KS

In Clarksville we awoke in our comfortable Red Roof Inn room and ate a delicious little breakfast. The night before was a bit long in time and short in distance. Traffic was largely to blame as we were caught in some road construction…

Day 2 was all about making up for the lack of distance we didn’t make on the first day of travel due to a late start. The destination was for Salina, KS. Last year on the trip we stopped there on the way back because we were out of propane and decided to try and get some in the morning. It seemed fitting to stop there – also because it was 688 miles away to make up for lost mileage the day before.

On this “Northern Route” we drive through Saint Louis, MO which is quite beautiful. As we drive the challenge for us is to use as much alternative fuel as possible! That means planning fuel stops for propane and natural gas. We confront availability on the route and prices compared to gasoline. Natural gas ranges in price from $.79 to $2.49 per gallon. Propane ranges in price from $.1.68 to $4.99 – so you really have to pay attention to where you fill up. It is important we use these fuels because they are American!  and Clean!

Since we have so much fuel on board we are not limited much to our needs to stop. We drove across Missouri on Highway 70 and would continue on this highway for many more miles to come in the trip. We did make a stop along a detour to check out the awesome corn nearly ready for harvest! We drove through Kansas City to near Topeaka, KS and ate at the Texas Roadhouse! They have the best meals and steaks! Thank you Texas Roadhouse!

After eating we resupplied at the local Walmart and chatted with some intrigued local people. We also picked up an awesome pumpkin as a side kick! One of our messages is to never let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams. We arrived late in Salina, KS as our final stop for the day.

The day had finally come – the beginning of the journey! We were about to leave after all the months of waiting and anticipating! 5,000 miles and almost 2 weeks of sacrifice lay ahead – all for the Fallen 5!

In keeping with last year’s tradition – we were off to a late start! I always seem to be running a bit behind when it comes to getting the truck prepared and all our things packed! Since we did not raise the full $5,000 we personally saved the money. Michelle Cantrell contributed money and time to make the trip possible, and I am so thankful! We just installed new natural gas and propane computers, replaced the front wheel bearing, a u-joint, a steering joint, rewired the truck, and other updates. Also, the day we left we also made a new top!

We arrived at the Armed Forces Recruiting Center off Lee Hwy where the shooting began on July 16th, 2015. This is where our journey begins. After paying our respects we began our journey by taking the path of the shooter. We recorded our short drive by going on Facebook live. Check our our Facebook page – Fallen 5 Drive. We arrived at the Naval Reserve Training Center and dipped our tires in the Tennessee River and put water on the flag. In this way we will connect the bodies of water – the Tennessee River and the Pacific Ocean by putting water on the flag and water on the tires.

Since we left so late we made it to Clarksville, TN to spend the night. So on day 2 we’ll be making up for the lack of mileage on the first day. Our next stop will be in Salina, KS. Stay tuned as we put on more miles for the Fallen 5!

Josh

The mission is set! September 6th is the day of departure! We will be on the bridge on September 11th as that seemed to be the most fitting date since we were delayed. So much work has gone into remembering the Fallen 5. The support of the community was felt and so much love was shown!

Over the past month or so we have been working hard to save the needed funds for our mission! We raised money from our sponsors and some threw in a few goodies to show their support.

The strong passion I feel to remember these men has driven me to sacrifice in the best way I know how to – which is to drive 5,000 miles to the Golden Gate Bridge where the flag will fly as it did one year ago. This flag is a symbol of solidarity and sacrifice. It stays folded until it fly’s on the bridge. This bridge to me is a symbol of where we are supposed to fight our battles. So many Marines and Sailors passed under that bridge and never came home after fighting for their country. The Fallen 5 never got a chance to fight back. So I will carry on their fight, year after year.

It seems now days, Americans are so divided. This is not how I want my country to be portrayed. This is not how I want to live. The Chattanoogan community came together on July 16th, and in the days following. I want the rest of the country to be like  we were on that day – UNITED! And we will stand –  for the flag, for each other, and for the Fallen 5. I fly a flag on the back of the Blazer of Glory for a reason, its because I’m proud of my country and love to celebrate my freedom!

Wish us luck as we depart on September 6th and stay tuned for the flag flying off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Josh

Leading up to July 16th, we were so wonderfully embraced by the Chattanooga community! Driving the truck is helping so many to remember the Fallen 5 – and the drive is about helping those outside our community to remember the sacrifices these men made, the ultimate sacrifice.

We were on Channel 3 and 9 news locally – also in the Times Free Press: Read more here.

The love we were shown has reaffirmed my mission to complete the journey. Every day I drive the truck people wave, give a thumbs up, and sometimes cry. The mission is very important. The folded flag sits in my dash as a daily reminder of why it is important.

I can’t thank our contributing sponsors enough: Mountian View Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge in Ringgold, GA, Mountain View Chevrolet in Chattanooga, TN, Hudlow Axle in Rossville, GA. Visit these businesses for any automotive need you may have – they care and invest in their community. They love Chattanooga and Chattanoogans! I also want to personally thank individual sponsors who willingly gave money for the trip! You are my heroes! To give is to love, and to heal. Thank you!

We unfortunately are delayed in our departure due to not raising the full $5,000.00. So far we’ve raised $1,764.00 to complete the trip! I feel disappointed in myself for not raising the full amount to leave on July 16th as planned. However, we will leave before September 11th as a firm deadline. I will be personally working and saving every penny until then – in addition to getting more sponsors!

Until we leave I’ll be updating this website and Facebook. I’ve used Facebook more than this website to keep people updated as there were some technical issues with this site – but they are fixed now and I’ll be updating this site at least weekly! Stay tuned for updates… and help us to NEVER FORGET the Fallen 5. Contact me with any support or events we can participate in! Thank you so much!

Josh

Hello Everyone! We have been very busy generating support for our mission! Riverbend Music Festival was an amazing and somewhat exhausting event! So many people saw the truck and remembered the Fallen 5. Again, a huge thanks to US 101 for allowing us to be there.

This very website was down for almost a week due to some behind the scenes hosting problems… but after a week of hard work we are back up and running! So stay tuned for updates on the  and mission sponsors! We apologize for any problems – we were surely stressed out!!!

We were on the local Chattanooga news! On 7/11/17 we were interviewed by News Channel 3 and News Channel 9! We aired in the evening and it was amazing to see how supported we are. On Sunday, July 16th we will be in the Times Free Press so get that paper!

Here is a link to the New Channel 3 interview:

http://www.wrcbtv.com/clip/13482765/local-veteran-prepares-for-fallen-5-drive