Author: Alan "Xbox" Steiner

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Riverside National Cemetery Ride

For those of you that are interested in riding to Riverside National Cemetery (RNC), I want to provide you with a few details of what you can expect.

We are honored this year to have a special guest speaker, Mr. Tom Crosby who was a WWII POW. Tom was born in the Philippines to American parents who were working in Manila before WWII started. Tom and his family were taken by the Japanese military to a detention facility at the University of Santo Tomas where he would spend the next 37 months in captivity. On February 3, 1945, General MacArthur’s 1st Cavalry Division rescued Tom and his family, along with 3800 other prisoners. Tom came to the United States where he later joined the Navy during the Korean War and currently resides in San Diego, CA.

The ride to RNC will depart from the Elks on Tuesday, May 13th. 4-wheel vehicles, Slingshots and bikes or trikes with trailers will not ride with the group and are to proceed directly to RNC and park at the RNC Staging Area near the Medal of Honor (MOH) memorial. Do not park in Nimitz Circle. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, May 13th

07:00 – Breakfast is available at the Elks.
07:30 – Staging in the Elks back parking lot.
07:45 – Mandatory riders safety briefing.
08:00 – Depart Elks to RNC by escort of RFTW Road Guards.
09:00 – Arrive at RNC Nimitz Circle in front of the MOH memorial.
09:10 – 09:30ish – RNC Presentation and Tom Crosby to speak to the riders.
09:30ish – 11:00 – Jim Frost will lead the group within RNC to visit the POW/MIA memorial, Veterans memorial, Gold Star memorial and others as time permits.
11:00 – Depart on your own back to Ontario.

Please ensure you arrive at the Elks in plenty of time. The ride will depart promptly at 08:00 from the Elks and you must be there no later than 07:30 to stage and be able to attend the safety briefing.

Enjoy the ride and RNC!

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

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Merchandise April 2025 Newsletter

This newsletter is a somewhat lengthy but contains a lot of important information regarding merchandise operations in Ontario, while on the Run and in Springfield. Please take a few minutes to read the entire newsletter so that you’ll have an understanding of what to expect.

To kick this off, almost all of the merchandise is now in transit to Ontario. What this means is that while the online store remains open, it has limited inventory and there is a chance that supply may run out on certain items. So far this hasn’t been an issue but there is risk depending on the volume of orders between now and when the store shuts down for the Run on May 1st. If an item is not available online there is a very good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for in Ontario, or while the trailers are on the move during the Run. The exception will be any prior year pins, patches and apparel that has a year associated with it. These items are not stocked in the trailers and are not resupplied once inventory runs out.

As we get close the end of April, this is a good time to remind you that the online store closes from May 1st thru mid-June. The reopening is based on when the trailers return to Ontario and merchandise is unloaded and shipped back to the suppliers to restock. A notice will go out when the online store is open again.

While in Ontario, there are several important things that you should be aware of. Some old news, some new. To begin, there will be two trailers open for sales again this year, one at the Holiday Inn and the other at the Elks. Days and hours vary based on the schedule below:

DayHoliday InnElks
Saturday10-5Closed
Sunday10-412-5
Monday9-59-5
Tuesday9-29-2

Regarding Springfield, the merchandise trailer will be open from 9 – 5 on Friday and 9 – 2 on Saturday at the American Legion Post 176. Please keep in mind whether you’re just hanging around the trailers or shopping, there is no smoking anywhere nearby as a courtesy to the merchandise team as well as our products, especially apparel. Also, all sales are final therefore no exchanges or refunds. You’re welcome to try on a shirt while you’re at the trailer but once it’s paid for and you leave, it’s yours.

We are now required to charge sales tax on all products sold in California. This will include Ontario and Blythe at 8.75% and Needles at 7.75%. There will be no tax anywhere else on the Run and does not apply to donations.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we are not a bank so anything larger than a $20 bill will not be accepted. We’ve had issues in past years where someone comes to buy a pin for $2 then gives a $100 bill. We can’t support change like that as we have limited cash resources. Thank you for your understanding.

For the first time we’ll be offering a selection of Amsoil products in the trailers for $10. There is a very limited supply of different V-Twin and Metric oils, V-Twin primary and transmission fluids and we’ll carry their Mudslinger.

Finally, don’t forget about Nelson-Rigg for your upcoming luggage needs. They are offering a whopping 30% discount on all of their products and will also be at the Elks this year to assist you with any luggage and cover needs. Also, they will be raffling away some of their products so be sure to check them out! The online link is here. Be sure to use the promo code RFTW.

Well, that’s it for now. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Ontario. May is almost here!

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

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day Sale – This Saturday Only!

This Saturday, March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. In recognition of this day, the store will be having a one-day sale with 20% off all anniversary and Vietnam based products. Here is the list:

  1. 35/50 Anniversary Patch
  2. 2025 RFTW Anniversary Poker Chip
  3. 2025 Run For The Wall® Anniversary Pin
  4. 35/50 Anniversary Sticker
  5. RFTW Vietnam Ribbon Cling (Large)
  6. RFTW Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Stickers
  7. 2025 Navy Blue Performance Men’s Polo Shirt
  8. 2025 RFTW Safety Green Performance Women’s Shirt
  9. 2025 RFTW Safety Green Performance Men’s Shirt

The 35th Run For The Wall is just around the corner so take advantage of the savings while you can!  Ride safe and don’t forget to begin doing motorcycle drills and rides, start hydrating and get mentally and physically ready. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Ontario!

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

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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