I have just returned from Arlington National Cemetery, attending the funeral and memorial service for a true American Hero, Col. Bernard L. Talley, Jr.. “Bunny” (as his friends called him) was a survivor of the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton Prison Camp’ during the Vietnam War. He was a “guest” there for over six years. He and his fellow prisoners returned with grace, dignity, and honor. It was a privilege for me to be asked to attend his final service.
For two days after saying Fair Well to Col. Talley, I roamed the streets of Washington DC, reflecting on all of the thousands of Men and Women that have sacrificed everything for our Country. From the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial, to the Korean War monument, The Women’s Museum (in Arlington National Cemetery), to the Vietnam Memorial Wall itself, I was struck with such a remorse for the lives lost, but as 
well a profound joy to know that there ARE brave Men and Women who are willing to protect our Nation. I wept as I read the names of those soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians, and read the heroic deeds that gained them immortality.
I read their names … out loud.
I remembered them.
My heart and mind are ready for our Run For The Wall Mission.
My name is Jim McCrain, better known to you as “Hoofer.” I have been asked to write the daily Midway Route SITREPs (Situation Reports) for 2024. I accept this honor with as much humility and respect as I can. As in past years, I will do my best to relate to you the stories and experiences that I hear during our Mission. These will not be MY stories, as they will be provided by our Riders. I will try to faithfully report on what THEY are seeing, doing, and experiencing each day. I appreciate their trust in me to chronicle their ride. I hope that you will join us each day!
Before we can get those motorcycles rolling down the road, we all need to prepare ourselves. It should go without saying that our bikes should be in perfect working order. Our tires should be fresh, the oil should be changed, and our bags should be packed (lightly). We need to be physically ready, as well. I hope that all of the Riders have been putting some miles on their iron steeds, practicing riding in both the left- and right-track of the road. We should have been sharpening up our slow speed riding maneuvers, which are critical for getting through the mazes found at our staging areas. Doing some formation riding, whether it be with the Patriot Guard Riders, an American Legion escort ride, or even a “HOG” Chapter ride, has always been a part of my own prep. (Just kidding. I don’t ride a HOG!)
But we also need to be getting our minds set for this Mission. I won’t call it a “ride” anymore, because it it so much more than that. Yes, we will be ON a motorcycle, but our minds will be IN a Mission. RFTW is all about paying honor and tribute to our Veterans, their Families, their Friends, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. Our motto is “We Ride For Those That Can’t.” This includes our Prisoner of War and Missing in Action. The “POW-MIA” issue has been at the forefront of our Mission since it began. Indeed, this is why our Mission began, 34 years ago. It is only by supporting our military, Veterans, and their Families that we can truly show to our country that we want, no … we DEMAND a full accounting for each and every member of our armed forces. It is a daunting task, but we hold firm in our resolve.
And sometimes it pays off. In December of 2023, Capt. Ronald W. Forrester was positively identified and repatriated home. We got one of our MIA back! THIS is why we Ride! Capt. Forrester is the Father of one of our Southern Route Riders, Karoni Forrester. The celebration of the Captains life and service was one that I will never forget, and RFTW was well represented there. I know that Karoni appreciates our continued support.
But one success story isn’t enough. We all know that there are still thousands of MIA from each of America’s wars that are not accounted for. Run For The Wall has many Riders among our ranks that are still waiting for their Fathers to return. These aren’t anonymous or faceless names. They just might be the person riding next to you as we roll on down the road. We need to reach out to each of our MIA Family members, our Fellow Riders, and assure them that we haven’t forgotten them OR their Fathers. I will say it again, THIS IS WHY WE RIDE!
So please, before our Mission gets underway, take a moment or two to visit a local Veterans Memorial. Yes, your town has one! And if you can’t find it, just go to your local Post Office and look at the flag pole. I guarantee that there is a POW-MIA flag flying every day. Gaze at it, and think about WHY it is there. Ask yourself WHY do we even need that flag. The answer is because we still need answers! We need our countrymen back HOME!
In just a few short weeks, thousands of Riders will be converging in Ontario California with these thoughts at the top of our minds. Honor. Courage. Duty. Sacrifice.
Say their names, and Remember Them.
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author
