Author: Alan "Xbox" Steiner

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Merchandise March 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to March everyone! We’re 2 months, 14 days from kickstands up and thought I’d drop a few words regarding some general information and updates for merchandise. So let’s get right into it.

First, I want to welcome Angie “Den Mother” Holterman. She is helping me with all things apparel and picked up the order processing for apparel and working with our supplier. This gives me more time to focus on inventory management, Run fulfillment, new designs and ensuring that I can provide you with the best customer experience. Thank you Angie for stepping up to help in this valuable role!

I posted in the Forum an issue that has resurfaced again regarding shipments. As a reminder, all apparel ships directly from our supplier with everything else shipping from RFTW separately. This means that any shirts or head gear you order will come separately from everything else, such as patches, pins, etc. When I receive an order, it is reviewed with all apparel items extracted out and put into a special formatted spreadsheet for our supplier. This spreadsheet is then provided to the supplier twice a week for fulfillment. Everything else will usually ship the next business day so depending on the day of the week, so you may get your complete order on different days. Also, some items will ship 1st Class Mail and not express so these may take 1-2 weeks to get. Please be aware of this.

Regarding shirts there are a few things I want to mention. First, the 89’er long sleeve shirt that has the original artwork from the first 89’er t-shirt, was a one time buy. The shirt is a limited edition and will not be reordered. So, if you’re interested in the shirt, consider buying online to secure yours otherwise there is a chance that your size may not be available in Ontario or during the Run. Speaking of the Run, I am planning to increase inventory this year to hopefully offset demand and not have the shortages that were experienced last year. Finally, an update on the stock status. For the exception of the safety green shirt, all other shirts are now fully stocked. There is still a backorder on the safety green shirt and I do not have a commitment from the supplier on a delivery date yet. Once I have that I will be sure to let you know.

Something new this year is that all sales in California will now be taxed at 8.75%. This includes Ontario, Blythe and Needles. This does not affect online sales or sales in any other state. As a result, please consider using a credit card for any purchases in California. This is not a requirement but will simplify and speed up transactions, especially in Ontario. That said, cash sales are always welcome!

Last up is that I have been working with Nelson-Rigg on a special deal for everyone. For those of you that may not know, Nelson-Rigg sells luggage, tank bags, covers and rain gear for motorcycles and riders. I have used their stuff for over 20 years and stand by their products. They are great quality and most of the stuff has a lifetime warranty. So, effective immediately, if you login into their website here, and order any of their products, use RFTW as the promotion code at checkout and get a 30% discount! They also have free shipping for anything over $50.

Neson-Rigg

To close, I want to thank all of you for your continued support of Run For The Wall. This is a special year given that it’s our 35th annual Run as well as the 50th Anniversary of the end to the Vietnam War. Do you know why this year marks the 50th anniversary to the Vietnam War and what the last battle was? If not, look it up and familiarize yourself. Remember our mission, why we ride and be respectful of each other. Something that we’ve lost in recent weeks and the rhetoric is uncalled for. We’re all here to ride for those who can’t and those that never made it home. Remember that.

Respectfully,

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

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Shirt Shortages

The store is experiencing a few men’s shirt shortages as follows:

  1. Men’s Red Shirt – 2XL
  2. Men’s Safety Green Shirt – L, 2XL, 3XL

Also, I’m running low on some other sizes as well.

I continue to work with the supplier to get replacements however due to supply chain issues, we’re having difficulties backfilling inventory. I ask for your patience and will update you regularly as new stock arrives. Please check the RFTW Merchandise forum page for updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a note at merchandise@rftw.us.

Respectfully,

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

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President’s Day Weekend Special – Free Shipping!

Beginning this Saturday, February 15th through President’s Day, all orders will receive free shipping with no minimum purchase. If you haven’t already started your 2025 patch collection, shirt or any of the other items in the store, now is a great opportunity to stock up!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise, RFTW
https://rftw.us

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Merchandise Product Updates

I have a few product announcements and updates that I want to share with you. Earlier this month I talked about the new RED shirt and women’s navy-blue shirt that are coming to the store. The RED shirt is a long sleeve performance shirt like the current Run shirt with two notable changes for the women. First, it will be offered in a v-neck and second, this version of the shirt will be available in 3XL. Next, the women’s navy-blue shirt is also a v-neck but short sleeve and 100% cotton. Please be sure to check out the sizing tables in the description for each shirt to ensure you get the size that works best. With that, I’m happy to tell you that the new RED shirts and women’s navy-blue shirt are available now in the store and ready to order!

Another change is the anniversary patch and sticker. I am making an update to the patch and sticker that will add 2025 (new version below). I realize that many of you have already purchased one or both of these, so, I want to offer you the chance for a free replacement if you’d like to have the new version with the year. The way this will work is during the Run only, beginning in Ontario thru the end of Sandbox. If you come to any of the trailers and show a team member your old sticker or patch, wherever it’s applied, and would like a new one, they will provide a free replacement. You do not need to show your original online order as I trust each of you will be honest and operate in good faith. I will continue to sell the existing sticker and patch until the new ones arrive. I’ll let you know when these are in the store.

Along those lines, the men’s polo shirt is also getting an update. It will add 2025 to the sleeve for any existing inventory in addition to the shirts that will be available on the Run. If you already have purchased this shirt, I apologize but there isn’t anything I’ll be able to do to accommodate this change for you. For now, until the 2025 is added, this shirt will be removed from the store. I will let you know when it’s ready and also send out a picture!

As always, you can email me directly at merchandise@rftw.us or send a message using our contact form at https://rftw.us/contact/.

Be safe out there,

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

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Merchandise Director Assistance Request

The merchandise director is looking for someone to assist with the merchandise work.  The assistant would NOT be a board member but instead would work behind the scenes assisting in the daily management of merchandise activities.  This position requires an agreement that includes non-disclosure of merchandise processes and activities.  The position description includes:

Title

Merchandise Assistant

Description

This position reports to the Director of Merchandise and will manage sales orders and inventory for our apparel. Orders will be sent to your official rftw.us email address and must be reviewed to verify which ones include apparel. These will then be extracted and put into a spreadsheet sent to our supplier twice weekly. Once the supplier receives the tracking information, the number is then added to the order in our e-commerce system, and the order is marked completed. Additionally, inventory is tracked, and when it gets to a low stock level, you will work with the Director of Merchandise to place new orders for the supplier and update the merchandise budget and inventory levels accordingly.

Essential Functions

  • Review all orders looking for apparel items
  • Generate spreadsheets to submit orders to suppliers twice weekly
  • Manage inventory and spending using our e-commerce platform
  • Place orders with supplier at low stock levels

Required Knowledge & Skills

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to use a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
  • Experience with cloud drives such as Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive.
  • Good computer skills

This position requires an internet connection to access the e-commerce portal, cloud services, and email. A reasonable amount of computer knowledge is desired.

Please email merchandise@rftw.us if you are interested or have any questions.

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Merchandise News

Well folks, we’re four months out from the 35th annual Run For The Wall! I know for me the time will go very quickly. A few things that I’d like to bring up on the Merchandise front.

First, as you’ve seen in multiple RC newsletters, I still need volunteers to help with sales on the Midway and Southern routes. This is really important as our merchandise sales are a big part of how we fund our operations and without being able to support a route, well the result would have a significant impact, not only on the route but on our operations in general. So please, if you are interested, or know of anyone that is, please contact me at merchandise@rftw.us.

Next is over the next couple of months I’ll be working with my team on establishing operating hours for merchandise in Ontario, DC and while on the Run. For Ontario, one merchandise trailer will be open on Saturday, May 10th at the host hotel which is the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport. On Sunday, a second trailer will open in the back parking lot of the Elks Lodge #1419. Both locations are the same as last year and the trailers will remain open until Wednesday, when the Central and Souther routes depart Ontario.

The next thing is a reminder on a couple of policies. First, there is no smoking within 50′ of the trailers. This is a courtesy for those standing in line, my team and protecting the merchandise we sell.  Second, we have a no return policy because Run For The Wall is not able to manage returns and goods that have been damaged. You are happy to look at shirts at the trailers, even try them on while you’re there, but once you pay and leave, the item is yours. I appreciate your cooperation and support for both of these long standing policies. Any questions, please contact me.

So onward to some good stuff. The new RED shirt is coming and should be available within the next week! It will be in the performance material and offered as a long sleeve shirt. The women’s version will be a v-neck. Also, when I conducted the poll on Facebook, the women were close to 50/50 on a long sleeve vs. short sleeve. As a result of that, I am in works of a new navy blue women’s short sleeve shirt. See below for the RED and new women’s shirts. Look for posts by me in the forum and on Facebook when these products are available.

Finally, I’m not sure if you saw my posts in the forum and Facebook, but the store now has a limited edition 35th Annual challenge coin for sale. This will be available thru the end of this year’s Run so be sure to get one while you can.

In closing, I hope everyone had a great holiday season and happy new year. 2025 is a special year for Run For The Wall. Not only because it’s our 35th Run but because it is 50 years since the last battle of Vietnam ended. Rarely do we get two significant years that align with each other. Let’s remember our mission on why we ride and be kind to each other. I encourage all of you to refresh your memory on our mission and history as well as the Rider Code of Conduct.

Ride, practice and be safe out there!

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

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Merchandise News & After Christmas Sale

I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. To start things off, I want to let everyone know that I will be out of the country from Dec 18th thru Dec 31st. The store will remain open however all non-apparel items won’t ship until Jan 2nd. Shirts and headgear will ship as normal since these are managed by our supplier.

Starting the day after Christmas on 12/26 thru New Year’s day, 1/1, you can save on shirts and 2025 items. Purchase any regularly priced shirt and get a second one for 20% off! This offer does not apply to shirts that are currently marked down for clearance. In addition, buy your 2025 patches now so you don’t have to worry about sewing them on in Ontario. All 2025 items are 15% off! Here is the list:

  1. 2025 Patches – FNG 2025, All The Way 2025, Participant 2025, Wall to Wall 2025
  2. 2025 Anniversary items – Poker chip, patch, sticker
  3. 2025 Wristband
  4. 2025 Pin – single, 25-pin and 100-pin bundles.

Finally, I still need sales help for Southern and Midway routes. If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering for this position for either route, please reach out to me.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season and I wish all of you a very happy New Year 2025!

Ride safe everyone. Is it May yet?

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

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Drivers Needed To Move Merchandise Trailers from AZ to CA

I am looking for three drivers, with trucks, that can help move the merchandise trailers from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA. The trailers are roughly 4000 lbs so I’d recommend a truck or SUV that has a 8000 lb towing capacity as the minimum. Each trailer as a weight distribution hitch that fits a standard receiver so you don’t need to supply a hitch. Roundtrip fuel is paid for by Run For The Wall. The timeframe is December 15th or 16th.

Please email me at alan.steiner@rftw.us if you are willing to help out.

Thank you!

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

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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