August is now upon us and planning and preparations for the 2026 Run are underway. The inventory of our route equipment has been completed and a huge “Thank you” goes out to Tommy “Two Chains” Cranford for taking care of this mundane but necessary task.
The annual face to face meeting was held between the Route Coordinators and the rest of the Board of Directors. Be sure to read the President’s Message, which highlights some of the changes that were made to our operating procedures that affect the Central Route.
The Angel Fire Reunion will be held August 29-31, 2025. My message early in July described the work party and registration for this event can be found below. If you plan on attending, please register sooner than later.
ARC, Todd “Horton” Taylor, Road Guard Captain, Ted “Boots” Kapner and I are putting together our Central Route Team for 2026 and volunteer forms have been slowly coming in for the Run. As they come in, they will be forwarded to the appropriate team leaders. If you are interested in a position on the Central Route, don’t be shy and please fill out a volunteer form. This ride takes a lot of people to be successful and anything you can do to help the Run will be much appreciated.
Platoon Leaders are still being vetted and when selected, we be working with the Platoon Coordinator for the selection of Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners. Road Guards, Staging, Fuel, Ambassadors, Outreach, and Chaplain volunteers will be selected by those team leads, with RC approval.
Don’t be discouraged if a team is full as things always change between now and May.
There are many unfilled openings, specifically Platoon Coordinator, Raffle Rouser, 50/50 Rouser, as well as a Videographer. If you’re interested in any position on the Central Route fill out the volunteer form or give me a call.
Registration for the 36th Annual Run for the Wall opens on September 11, 2025. Registration fee for the Run will be $100 until January 31, 2026 and then $120 after that. Insurance is a large factor for the increase in the registration fee.
The focus for the RFTW XXXVI will be commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the End of the Gulf War.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Be safe out there and remember to hydrate!
See you at Angel Fire, New Mexico in a couple of weeks!
“…Bring ’em on home from ‘Nam
They’ve been a long time gone but still not forgotten
We’ll man this watch until they’re accounted for…”
From the song, “Bring ’em on Home from ‘Nam” by Reggie Gates & Tim Nowland
Remember their Names. Honor Them All.
Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 