Rally Stop Salem, Oregon

Today is the honoree stop, we keep in tradition of the tour, Kerry Johnson. We chose her this year because her case has never received any press or attention to speak of and it went cold pretty fast. That is what the tour is about, a renewed hope, but more importantly to highlight those who have not been recognized by the media or have fallen from the headline at any level. I call cases like this one "the Lifer's" because they have been handed a life sentence of punishment, but have not committed a crime. I started another blog a few months ago just for that purpose and have personally written many cases to be included over the last seven years we have. It becomes so over whelming that it has been hard to start entering the many cases.

It was nice to have Michelle as a state director at this stop, she worked very hard on every detail to make the event special and it showed. Family members came in from various areas and some a great distance, it makes you think back to all the years her loved ones have gone without case movement and dangling in an unknown state of their loved ones whereabouts. Their are so many like her, it leaves you on most days wondering and shaking your head. It instills a determination to work even harder to find some truth; you see that is what these cases lack, a determined investigation commitment to find the truth.

I sat watching the public wander up for additional information, speaking with the family who sat in a line of chairs, while music from the past played in the background. I watched the family in a relaxed mode enjoying the entire day and just being together, listening at one point on how much they missed her as they share stories of her. Kerry would have never gone all this time without contacting someone.

I think to myself of how the times were back then and question myself if she was a victim of some serial killer, because she did hitch hike, she lived carefree as many young people did, and sadden by the realization of no real ground to begin to search for her. Soon speaking with the family I am renewed with hope as we develop new goals for the case and have a plan to move forward,

It truly was a good day! I left eager to begin.....

Monica Caison