Welcome to September!
As we welcome September, we’re looking forward to cooler temperatures and some great riding weather. We hope everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer.
Leadership Update
The Southern Route Leadership Team continues to meet regularly as we work together to make the 2027 Southern Route our best year. We’ve had many productive discussions and have meetings scheduled from now through Kickstands Up in May to ensure every aspect of the route is well planned and organized.
Mark Your Calendar
Southern Route 2027 Registration Opens September 11!
Registration for the 2027 Southern Route officially opens on September 11. Please use the registration link provided below to sign up.
We encourage everyone to register as early as possible. Early registration plays a vital role in helping the leadership team accurately plan for riders, support vehicles, supplies, lodging, and all of the logistics that go into making the Southern Route a success.
Your early registration allows us to better prepare for an outstanding 2027 ride, and we sincerely appreciate your support.
Prepaid Fuel Program
One of the biggest initiatives we’re developing for 2027 is a mandatory prepaid fuel program.
This program is designed to:
- Speed up fuel stops.
- Eliminate cash handling and money exchanges at the pumps.
- Improve safety and efficiency.
- Give riders more time at each stop to use the restroom, hydrate, and prepare for the next leg of the ride.
We’re still finalizing the numbers and will provide each rider’s individual prepaid fuel cost closer to Kickstands Up, as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. A Day Rider prepaid fuel option will also be available.
Please remember that the prepaid fuel program also helps cover fuel for our Chase and Hydration vehicles. These support vehicles are an essential part of the ride, providing assistance when you need it most. Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve the experience for everyone.
Hello Southern Route. I am Tom “Dizzy Devil” Bingham. I am proud to have accepted the role of Medical Team Lead for the 2027 RFTW. I am a 25-year veteran as an EMT, working on an ambulance for both municipalities and private companies. I currently serve as a volunteer firefighter in Kendelia TX. I have served as a First Aid/CPR instructor and taught First Aid to scouts in Scouting America. On September 11th, 2001, I made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps where I served as a radio operator, adding to my enjoyment of the Amateur Radio hobby. 2027 will serve as my 3rd “all the way” trip with RFTW and 2nd as Medical Team Lead. Those that remember me from last year, will remember my three favorite words “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
I am seeking two riders, with a medical background, to join the medical team. Even if you are only certified in First Aid/CPR, you can still be a member. As part of the medical team, you will be tasked with treating minor injuries (up to the basic first aid level) and encouraging riders to stay hydrated. As part of the team, you get to interact with everyone on the Run, allowing you to build even stronger friendships. The medical team works side by side with the Chase Team, helping riders that fall out during each leg. Being part of the Run for the Wall has given to each of us. Here is your chance to give back. If you are interested in being part of this rewarding experience, email me at KC9KOA@gmail.com and start the conversation.
Hello, Platoon Leaders. Registration starts in eleven days, which means, as the Platoon Coordinator, I will begin assigning riders to each platoon. There will be extra focus on the FNGs next year, as our ridership is dwindling and, as recruiters, we need to help increase it. Most of this recruitment begins with you, the Platoon Leaders, because many riders are not on any team. They are in a platoon, and you are the person who makes the first impression. After reading all of the AARs, I found that Platoon Leaders were not exempt from those discussions. Some were good; more were BAD. We must stop this! As I assigned people to platoons last year, I asked each Platoon Leader to contact your assigned riders, especially the FNGs, and introduce yourselves. This did not happen. I know because I spoke with 90% of the FNGs and some returning riders. They stated that they had not heard from their assigned Platoon Leaders. This poor communication cannot continue. If you have a problem talking with people you don’t know, then maybe this position is not for you. We must change this. Please talk with your leadership team and have a plan to communicate with your riders. Several AARs from FNGs stated that no hand signals were passed back. Please make this better. We are all part of a team. As team members, let’s make 2027 a very good year!
Some Communication Key Points:
- Mandatory Rider’s (including passengers) Meeting every morning for Schedule/Route updates, weather and daily Mission Information
- Mandatory Platoon Meeting every morning immediately following Rider’s Meeting (prior to 15-minute warning)
- No talking during meetings, silence cell phones
- Bad attitudes are unacceptable and will not be tolerated
- Follow the directions of all Staging, Fuel Teams, and Road Guards
- Primary communication on the road is by HAND SIGNALS – Observe & Pass them back
- No Side-by Side riding in staggered platoons regardless of your riding skills
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. “ September 18”
How will you recognize our POW/MIAs on September 18th?
“National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. A national-level ceremony is held on every National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Traditionally held at the Pentagon, it features members from each branch of military service and participation from high-ranking officials. In addition to the national-level ceremony, observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools, and veterans’ facilities. No matter where they are held, these National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies share the common purpose of honoring those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing.
Since 1999, the POW/MIA Accounting community has created a poster commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The 2022 edition of the poster continues to honor this tradition.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are still in need of Volunteers (non-FNG’s) for a few positions. We are currently looking Platoon Leadership positions Please remember, the Platoon Leadership positions require GMRS- communications. If you are interested in any of these positions, please fill out a Volunteer form. Even if you have previously served on any given team, if you plan to do so again, please complete the volunteer form.
Leave no one behind does not end on the battlefield!
If you, or someone you know, finds themselves struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or text 838255 and speak or chat with a qualified responder.
Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never forget! Live a Life worthy of their Sacrifice!
RFTW Southern Route Coordinator 2027
Kevin “Short” Short
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 