Author: Alan "Xbox" Steiner

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Merchandise News, Upcoming Promotion & New Products

As I’m writing this newsletter to you, the weather here in Arizona has cooled off substantially making riding a much more enjoyable  experience. From the desert foothills to the canyons and backroads, there are plenty of riding options in the area. Look me up if you ever want to hit the twisties, backroads or just cruise. I know many of you will begin the “off” season but I encourage everyone to try and do as much riding as possible between now and May. It’s hard to believe that we’re in November and before you know it, we’ll be in 2025! Keep fit, eat right, hydrate, get your sleep and ride, ride and do more riding. Most of you know what it takes to endure ten straight days on the road, plus getting to Ontario and home again, but I can’t emphasize  enough to take care of yourselves physically and mentally. As Central Routes experienced last year, the weather and conditions can be demanding and you need to be sharp at all times. So, do what works for you and take care of your physical and mental health.

Last year the Central Route received a new trailer that included a brand new wrap symbolizing what Run For the Wall is and our mission. Along with the Central Route, the Midway Route trailer also received the new wrap and this year, the Southern Route trailer will be done as well. All three trailers will be heading to the Ontario area next month where they will be staged and prepped for the upcoming 2025 Run. Many thanks to Tommy “Two Chains” Cranford, Jerry “Corp” Wilkins and Carol Olmstead for lending a helping hand with the relocation and getting the trailers stocked and ready to go!

The other day my wife bought a turkey for Thanksgiving reminding me that the holidays are upon us. Beginning November 24th and continuing through Cyber Monday, December 2nd, you’ll find the following offers available in the store:

  1. Purchases over $50 will get free shipping. This is normally at $100.
  2. Purchases over $100 get 15% off everything in the store except sale items.
  3. Purchases over $200 get one free 2025 shirt that includes one men’s or women’s safety green Run shirt, men’s gray commemorative shirt or men’s blue polo shirt.

Today, a new Run For The Wall hat is available in the store! It comes in a khaki color with a green stripe flag on the front and POW*MIA on the back. It sells for $25. In addition to the hat, for the first time I am bringing 6″ x 9″ motorcycle flags to the store. The material is polyester, so more durable than nylon with a 1″ sleeve that fits a 3/8″ diameter pole nicely. There will be three options available. A USA and POW*MIA flag that will be sold for $15 and a RFTW flag for $18. Note that these do not include the pole so you’ll need to get that separately if you don’t already have it. Finally, in the hopper are three new items coming soon but likely not in time for the holidays. These are a new women’s V-neck short sleeve shirt, new RED long sleeve performance shirt and a special edition anniversary challenge coin.

To close, I am still looking for volunteers to help with sales on all three routes. I can work with the drivers regarding space to drive anyone across the country but can’t promise anything. Participants will register and be a part of the Run just like the riders including meals. So, if you are interested, or know of anyone that might want to help, please reach out to me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Ride, practice and be safe!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

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UPDATE: Merchandise Sales Help & Driver Needed for 2025 RFTW

All,

I wanted to provide an update on my post on October 10th regarding drivers and sales help needed. All driver positions are now filled! Thank you to those of you that have stepped up to fill these critical positions.

Central Route – Julie “Jewels” Jackson
Midway Route – Brad “Bone” McGuire
Southern & Sandbox Route – Greg Noller

With the drivers all in place, I still need a few people to help in sales for each route. As a reminder, these positions will require each individual to register for the specific route they will be participating in and by doing so, will be eligible for all the same benefits as the riders including meals while on the Run. Team members ride out ahead of the pack to allow time to park and set up before the pack arrives at each stop. This gives supporters, participants and day riders a chance to buy merchandise prior to the pack arrival.

Merchandise sales will be open at each designated stop for up to 30 minutes prior to pack departure to give pack riders an opportunity to buy merchandise as well. Typically, stops that the merchandise team will be at include all lunch and dinner locations as well as designated memorials and VA hospitals.

Upon arrival in DC, your help is needed to unload merchandise from the two trailers not participating in Sandbox and stock the trailer assigned for Sandbox. Once completed, enjoy the celebrations when the pack arrives!

Sales Help for All Routes

  1. You are customer focused and will represent the face of the RFTW and the merchandise team.
  2. You will need to be able to operate the point-of-sale system and manage cash and credit card transactions. Training is provided.
  3. You will need to be capable of reconciling all transactions for each day and provide the Treasurer, or appointed person, with the cash received each day. Reporting format will be determined by the Treasurer.
  4. You will be required to be in Ontario, CA the Friday before the Run for training and to help set up and sell merchandise at the Elks and  host hotel.
  5. You will need to provide your own transportation unless other arrangements are made with the merchandise truck driver for your route to ride along. I can help with this if needed.

Please reach out to me if you or someone you know is interested or has any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise, RFTW
2024 SB Road Guard
2023-2024 CR Photographer
2022 CR Plt 2 Tailgunner
2012 CR FNG

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Merchandise Sales Help & Driver Needed for 2025 RFTW

If you are looking for a way to contribute or know of anyone that would like to help Run For The Wall, there are several positions that need to be filled for the 2025 merchandise team. These positions will require each individual to register for the specific route they will be participating in and by doing so, will be eligible for all the same benefits as the riders including meals while on the Run. Team members ride out ahead of the pack to allow time to park and set up before the pack arrives at each stop. This gives supporters, participants and day riders a chance to buy merchandise prior to the pack arrival.

Merchandise sales will be open at each designated stop for up to 30 minutes prior to pack departure to give pack riders an opportunity to buy merchandise as well. Typically, stops that the merchandise team will be at include all lunch and dinner locations as well as designated memorials and VA hospitals.

Upon arrival in DC, your help is needed to unload merchandise from the two trailers not participating in Sandbox and stock the trailer assigned for Sandbox. Once completed, enjoy the celebrations when the pack arrives!

Southern Route Driver

  1. All hotel and fuel is paid for from the time you leave Ontario until the trailer is returned to Ontario.
  2. You will need a truck capable of towing a max of GVWR of 9990lbs with a minimum 2″ hitch ball, 7-pin light plug and brake controller (mounted in truck). Expect the actual trailer load to not exceed 7200lbs. It is recommended that the vehicle towing setup support stabilizer bars which are provided but is not a requirement.
  3. Your truck must in good condition and meet all DOT requirements.
  4. You must have a valid driver’s license, registration, and vehicle and towing insurance good throughout the Run from the time you hook up in Ontario until the trailer is returned.
  5. You will pick up the trailer in Ontario, CA and be responsible for taking it all the way to Washington, D.C. and then returning it to Ontario at the end of the Run.
  6. You will coordinate with the Southern Route sales lead and Route Coordinator regarding all stops and where to park each day during the Run.
  7. Having familiarity with generators is a plus.
  8. You will also be a sales member as described in the next section below.

Sales Help for All Routes

  1. You are customer focused and will represent the face of the RFTW and the merchandise team.
  2. You will need to be able to operate the point-of-sale system and manage cash and credit card transactions. Training is provided.
  3. You will need to be capable of reconciling all transactions for each day and provide the Treasurer, or appointed person, with the cash received each day. Reporting format will be determined by the Treasurer.
  4. You will be required to be in Ontario, CA the Friday before the Run for training and to help set up and sell merchandise at either the Elks, host hotel or both.
  5. You will need to provide your own transportation unless other arrangements are made with the merchandise truck driver for your route to ride along.

Please reach out to me if you or someone you know is interested or has any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise, RFTW
2024 SB Road Guard
2023-2024 CR Photographer
2022 CR Plt 2 Tailgunner
2012 CR FNG

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POW*MIA Recognition Day (Update)

Earlier this week I published a newsletter stating 10% of all merchandise sales that took place on POW*MIA Recognition Day (Friday, 9/20) will go towards The National League of POW/MIA Families. Unfortunately this organization recently lost its 501(c)(3) status and previously unforeseen issues that do not align with our mission and values. Therefore, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will now become the charitable organization that Run For The Wall will contribute to. DAV is actively involved with various efforts to ensure full accountability for all POWs and those still listed as MIA. To learn more about what they are doing in this area, you can go here.

Also, as a reminder, many of the BOD will be matching all or a certain percentage of the 10% contribution. Even if you don’t buy anything, Friday is a day to remember those that are still unaccounted for and, our mission on why we ride.

Ride, practice and be safe out there!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

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POW*MIA Recognition Day 9/20/2024

This Friday, 9/20, is POW*MIA Recognition Day which is observed every year on the third Friday in September. In honor of this day, 10% of all merchandise sales for the day will be donated to the National League of POW MIA Families. In addition, several members of the Board of Directors will match the 10% in full or in part.

The National League of POW/MIA Families was founded on May 28, 1970. It was formed to obtain the release of all prisoners and drive to the fullest possible accounting for the missing and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving. Also, for those that didn’t know, the black and white POW*MIA Flag came from Mary Hoff who belonged to this organization in 1972. In 2019, the National POW/MIA Flag Act was signed into law, requiring the POW/MIA flag to be flown on certain federal properties, including the U.S. Capitol Building, on all days the U.S. flag is flown.

Our mission at Run For The Wall is to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world. Friday marks the day to remember those that never made it home and are still unaccounted for. It is a day to reflect on our mission and why we ride.

Ride, practice and be safe out there!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

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New Merchandise Coming September 11th

RFTW Store

I am happy to announce that more 2025 merchandise will be available on opening day of registration, September 11th. In addition to the some of the new items already available here, many new shirts, pins and patches are coming with the theme around the year of the Vietnam veteran as well as next year being the 35th annual Run For The Wall.

The new Run shirt this year has a special theme that shows Vietnam era veteran, with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall as a backdrop, shaking hands with a new era veteran, with the Middle East Conflicts Memorial as a backdrop,  in a handoff to move the mission forward. This, while in the background is the silhouette of soldiers who are no longer with us. The color will be in safety green and will be available in both men’s (S – 4XL) and women’s shirts (S – 2XL).

In addition to the new Run shirt there is a new men’s polo shirt in navy blue that has the anniversary badge on the front. This will be available in a moisture wicking material and come in short sleeve.

I am still wrapping up the final details on both shirts with the supplier however you will be able to order these on 9/11 with an expected ship date around the week of 9/23.

The new patches that will be available are the All The Way 2025, Participant 2025 and Wall To Wall 2025, a new 22 patch remembering the 22 lives lost every day due to suicide, 35/50 anniversary patch and the 2025 FNG patch. The FNG patch this year features the Vietnam Ribbon as the backdrop in recognition of the year of the Vietnam veteran.

There are two new pins that you are probably already aware of as well as a new poker chip. The two pins are the new anniversary Run pin and founders pin that is based on the original pin from 1989. Finally, the poker chip has been updated to include the 50 year Vietnam anniversary and 35th annual Run.

Throughout the year you can expect to see more stuff coming and released on a quarterly basis. A new RFTW hat is in the works as well as new short sleeve shirts for men and women. I have some ideas on new patches that I’ll be rolling out as well so stay tuned! Finally, don’t forget about the bundle offerings to save on multiple items. These will be available again on 9/11.

Ride, practice and be safe out there!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

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Store Opening 8/1 For All Merchandise

Beginning August 1st, the online store will be open again offering all merchandise. The new 2025 merchandise will be available when registration opens September 11th with some cool anniversary items. Next year will be the 35th annual Run For The Wall and we are also remembering the 50th anniversary to the end of the Vietnam war. More details to follow on both of these milestones in future newsletters from the Board of Directors as well as your Route Coordinators.

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and getting some riding in. Remember to practice, try to fit in some training and always ride your own ride. 2025 is just around the corner! Is it May yet?

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
http://rftw.us

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New Commemorative Founders Shirt Now Available!

I am happy to announce the first of many new products for 2025 is now available for purchase through the online store. This new shirt commemorates the original 89’ers that started Run For The Wall in 1989. The back of the shirt replicates their original shirt showing the Lincon Memorial, The Three Servicemen Statue, US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Washington Monument and the pack arriving at the Vietnam Veterans Wall. The shirt will be offered in men’s sizes S – 4XL and priced at $40 – $45 depending on size.

Throughout the coming weeks, I will be announcing new products for the upcoming 35th annual Run For The Wall in 2025. Many of the new products will also recognize the 50th anniversary end of the Vietnam War and that we’re designating 2025 as the year of the Vietnam veteran. A couple teasers, shown below, are the newly designed Run pin as well as the FNG patch. These will be available for purchase when the store fully opens on September 1st.

Finally, I have read every After Action Report (AAR) and taken all of your feedback for consideration in future products. Please keep the AARs coming as I’m always looking to expand or refresh our products throughout the year!

Ride safe everyone! Is it May yet?

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

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Merchandise Store Reopening June 15th

Just a reminder that the store will be open again beginning June 15th for shirts and head gear only. All remaining items, including the new 2025 products, will begin selling September 1st. Keep an eye out for some new exciting products that will coming in September!

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the shortages that occurred this year during the Run as well as the feedback given in the After Action Reports. I truly value all of your inputs and take every one seriously. Without going into the reasons, measures will be taken to make changes for next year. In the meantime, while not a fix, I do want to offer everyone a 20% discount (excluding sale items) on all available shirts and headgear, as well as free shipping through the end of the month in June.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime as I value your feedback on our products and operations of the Store.

Respectfully,

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
Email: merchandise@rftw.us
https://rftw.us