Author: Lennie "Big Red" Hodson

Well, for those who’ve been asking if it’s May yet? The answer is YES! As you are reading this newsletter, we have less than 2 weeks until KSU from Ontario. Your registrations for the run should be complete (if you haven’t, it’s not too late), and hotel reservations should be made. The  Prepaid fuel option online is now closed, but you can still pay at check-in by cash or check only. The same applies to paying to have up to 2 bags carried in the luggage trailer.  Not only can this be a safety and convenience factor, but it’s also a fundraiser for the run.

A few things to remember as you prepare for the mission: Hydrate. Make sure your bike is ready to get you there and back home. If you’re taking meds, be sure you have more than just enough to make the trip in case it takes longer to return home than planned. Don’t overpack, lay everything out, and then put half of it away, it’s a motorcycle trip, there’s always a Walmart nearby. Hydrate, Hydrate!. Make sure you have your license with M/C endorsement, current registration, and insurance card.  Make sure all three are valid until the completion of the RUN; you CANNOT complete registration/check-in without them. The Elks Lodge is providing bus service between the Holiday Inn (Host Hotel) and the Elks, Sunday, May 11, 12 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, May 12 – &:00 am to 9:00 pm, Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you’re starting from Ontario, be sure to read the Ontario Itinerary for meeting times and locations.

I want to Thank All who have volunteered to help make this mission a success and I want to especially Thank our state Coordinators because without you this mission would not be possible, so riders when you see these folks with Brown RFTW caps give them a Big Thank You. Last but not least all the Towns, Cities, churches, Fraternal Organizations that come to support us and feed us a Big Thank You as well, see you all soon.

“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.”
TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson
Southern Route Coordinator 2025

All Riders:  Please be aware that the cutoff for Prepaid Payments through Zelle or Check is April 30, 2025.  That gives you some time to make payments, but not a lot.  There are many good reasons to pay early as it helps the people who are coordinating all the activities and details of putting this run together and less work for the registration team.  After April 30^th. You will need to pay your Route directly in Ontario.  Please assist.  One month to KSU!!

“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.”

 

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE
Lennie “Big Red” Hodson
Southern Route Coordinator 2025

Spring is here. As I write this newsletter, there are only 42 days until KSU. If you live in the Southwest, this means warmer riding days; we’ve been riding all winter. For the rest, depending on where you live, it’s time to start dusting off those riding skills. Everyone needs to ensure that their motorcycle is ready for a 6,000+ mile trip. Perform a complete safety check: look for cracks on hangers and the frame, check for loose nuts and bolts, make sure your tires are good for another 6,000+ miles, and change the oil and filter for the engine. Don’t forget about the transmission and drivetrain fluids.

Why do we ride? RFTW Mission Statement 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 all over the world”.

On Sunday March 23 I along with David “Buzz” Mullen, Joseph “Gump” Hudson and Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer attended the 22nd Annual Piestewa Sunrise Service at Piestewa Peak Park in  Phoenix Arizona. This event is to Honor Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa  the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military, and the first female soldier to be killed in the 2003 Iraq War. (Lori is the featured image at top of post) This event also honors other Native Americans Killed in Action.

This is why I RIDE.

The preparation for 2025 RUN continues; I am looking for someone to fill the Honor Guard Coordinator position, if interested, you can contact me directly; my contact information can be found on the contact tab on the Southern Route Hub,  there are also a few places open on the fuel and staging teams.  We are also still looking for help with fundraising and 50/50 ticket sales if you’re not a FNG (Fine New Guy or Gal) and would like to volunteer you can do so HERE.

Registration

If you still haven’t registered, please do so now, you can Register Here.  Registration fees go up again 1 May but more than that, it helps us plan for the number of people that will be coming. Remember, when you check in, wherever that is, bring your Driver’s License (with motorcycle endorsement, if your state requires it) and a valid  Registration and Insurance card; you can not complete registration without them. Registration and check-in will begin Monday at the Elks Lodge, 1150 W 4th Street, Ontario, Ca 91762. The Elks Lodge will also have Breakfast, Lunch and dinner for purchase, so please take advantage of these meals and support the Elks Lodge who are supporting us.

Arlington

The Ride into Arlington National Cemetery has been limited to 75 Motorcycles  for all 4 Routes. The Southern Route will have 21 FNG motorcycle spots and those selected will be required to ride 2 up, that’s 21 Riders and 21 passengers, if you are selected and do not want to ride with a passenger you will be dropped. We are still working on how the selections will be made. I know everyone is excited about this opportunity but please be patient until we announce the details.

Remember, you can use the Pre-Paid Fuel option and/or the Luggage Fundraiser  now by using the Zelle app and sending $150.00 for fuel and $50.00 for luggage to Southern.Route@rftw.us. Be sure to add “ SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2025 ” and/or “ Luggage Fundraiser ” in the memo line. Alternatively, you can send a check to Run For The Wall Inc. at RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403. Please remember to note “ SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2025 “ and/or “ Luggage Fundraiser “ on the check memo line. You can also pay for pre-paid fuel at registration in Ontario with cash or check.  If paying for both, please note both items.

As a reminder all riders are still required to arrive at staging with a full fuel tank, Platoon Leaders will be making morning spot checks, Don’t be that guy or gal.

“SAY THEIR NAMES, TELL THEIR STORIES, NEVER FORGET”

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025

As I write this newsletter, we are 70 Days until KSU. March has two significant dates this month, National Medal of Honor Day on the 25th and Vietnam Veterans Day on the 29th.  Let’s remember to take a moment of your day to Remember their Sacrifice.

Preparation and planning continues, some minor details are still being worked on by our State Coordinators.

If you haven’t already started to get yourself and your bike in shape, now is the time to get started. You should be doing some kind of exercise, be it walking, running, or going to the gym. Make sure you’ll have enough meds on hand to last until you return home.  Start hydrating 3 to 4 weeks prior to the RUN, Check your bike, make sure the tires are good for another 6 to7 thousand miles, change the fluids and make sure everything is tight.  Check all your riding gear, gloves, boots, helmet, you don’t want to be braking in new gear on the Run.

If you still haven’t registered now is the time: Register Here. Remember registration fees go up again in early April.  If you’re starting in Ontario you should be making your hotel reservations now, the hotel room rates listed on the HOTEL LIST may be lifted after April 5th.

The Southern Route Itinerary is scheduled to be published on the RFTW web site March 31,2025. There are no Changes to to our nightly stops with exception of Day 10, our end of day stop is now Springfield, VA.. You can view the Southern Route map and stops from the Southern Route Hub page to see minor changes to a couple of lunch and fuel stops.

We are still looking for Leadership support for Fundraising—50/50 Rousers. If you are interested in one of these positions, fill out a volunteer form Here. If you haven’t listened to or watched an RFTW Podcast, you’re missing out. Boots and Hitch’s hosts are very informative about all things RFTW. To listen/watch, go to the RFTW website and look for Podcast under the Scuttlebutt. For questions and commitments, send them to pod@rftw.us.

The Pre-Paid fuel option is now open. Payments may be made using Zelle and sending $150.00 payment to Southern.Route@rftw.us. Remember to add “SR Pre-paid fuel 2025″ in the memo line. We will receive notification of the payment and will have a list of those who pre-paid for fuel at Registration in Ontario.  You can also send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc.  Put “Southern Route prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403.  A third option is to pay cash at check-in at Ontario. There are no credit card options. Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas

Remember we are also offering to haul all that luggage and camping gear hanging all over your bike, up to 2 bags. The cost for taking advantage of this Fundraiser is $7.00 a day or $50.00 for all 10 days. You can also use Zelle to Pre pay. Please send a payment to Southern.Route@rftw.us, remember to add “Luggage Fundraiser” in the memo line.  You can also send a check to our treasurer at the address mentioned in the pre-paid fuel above.  Also, add the purpose, “Southern Route pre-paid luggage” to the memo line on the check.

Again, we are looking for donated gift cards to raffle at morning meetings. Please consider bringing gift cards to donate to our morning raffle fundraising ( I know you’ve got some just sitting in a drawer you received at Christmas 🙂 ).

“SAY THEIR NAMES, TELL THEIR STORIES, NEVER FORGET”

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025

 

It’s already February, and we are now two-digit midgets. For civilians, that means we are under 100 days until kicks stand up (KSU).

 

 

My 2 Cents Worth

There has been a lot of chatter on social media platforms since the BOD announced route changes starting in 2027 (now tabled for further review), with some positive and many negative. If you want to discuss RFTW business, it should be done on the RFTW Forum; airing negative comments about the run or board members in a public format does nothing positive for our Run For The Wall organization. Remember the Mission and Why We Ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing Man Formation

Our Missing Man Coordinator still has open slots to ride in the Missing Man Formation (MMF). If you are interested in riding in the MMF (FNGs are given preference), please send an email to Mission Nan Coordinator Bill “Maverick” Leonard at bill.leonard@rftw.us. Bill will explain the process, requirements, and expectations of riding in the MMF during the run.

Outreach Missions and Honor Guard

During our 10-day Mission across our great nation, there will be Outreach Missions to memorials, VA care centers, Gold Star families, and Honor Guard Wreath Laying ceremonies. These will be listed when the Itinerary is published. If you are interested in participating in these activities, please contact the Family Outreach Lead, Karoni “Hoops” Forrester, at karoni@mac.com or the Honor Guard Coordinator, Brian Turner, at brian.turner@rftw.us.

Pre-Paid Fuel

We will again offer Pre-Paid fuel on the Southern Route. We encourage all riders to take advantage of the Pre-Paid fuel option. As a direct result of this option, we see a significant decrease in fueling times, which leads to shorter waiting times in the fuel line. This means more time for hydration, snacks, and bathroom breaks. Remember, the Pre-Paid fuel option applies to the scheduled fuel stops we make during the day. All riders are still required to fuel on their own, filling their tanks prior to staging each morning.

The Pre-Paid fuel option will again be $150 ATW (CA-DC). We will pro-rate the cost starting on Day 5, Grand Prairie, to $120, Day 6, Monroe, $90, Day 7, Meridian, $70, Day 8, Chattanooga, $50, Day 9, Wytheville, $30, and Day 10, Lynchburg, $20.

You can take advantage of the Pre-Paid fuel option Starting March 1st by using the Zelle payment app.; send your payment to Southern.Route@rftw.us, and please add SR Pre-Paid fuel 2025 on the memo line. The Zell app is incorporated in many online banking apps; if not, you can download it from your app store. Zelle is the only mobile payment app that RFTW currently uses. You can also send your payment to Bob Nelson, RFTW Treasurer, at 50 Fourth Ave, Unit # 1445, Dayton, NV 89403. Make checks payable to Run For The Wall INC in the memo line, state Southern Route Pre-Paid fuel 2025.

Luggage  Fundraiser

For the second year in a row, Southern Route will offer luggage transport (up to 2 bags) in an enclosed trailer. Riders may pay to have their bags that have been strapped to their bikes, instead, transported to our nightly stops. This adds to the safety of all riders by removing bags that can obstruct the view of other riders, reducing the weight of their bike, making it easier to handle, and eliminating loose items that can fall off their bike.

Riders must drop off their bags at the morning staging/breakfast locations before the morning safety briefings and will not have access to them until after that night’s dinner and programs. Please try to pick up your bags within 20 minutes of being released so the luggage driver/handler can reach his or her hotel on time.

The cost will remain at $7 per day or $50 for all 10 days. If you wish to take advantage of this fundraiser, you can also prepay starting March 1st  using the Zelle app Southern.Route@rftw.us. When submitting your payment, please add “Luggage Fundraiser” to the memo line.

If you plan to purchase both Pre-Paid fuel and the Luggage Fundraiser in one transaction, please include both SR Pre-Paid fuel and Luggage Fundraiser on the memo line. If you’re purchasing for more than one bike or person, please also note the name.

Southern Route is looking for a Fundraising 50/50 Raffle Rosser. This is a Leadership Support position. Please submit a volunteer application on the Southern Route web page Hub.  Volunteer Here

Lennie

“To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, T

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.”

 

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

 

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025

Happy New Year everyone !! May 14th is just 128 days away, as of 1/5/25.

As you know, the hotel list, which is normally released on January 1^st, will be released on January 10^th. I want to thank all our State Coordinators for working through the Holiday Season to finalize the hotel contracts.  It’s a big job coordinating all the stops and hotels.  These state coordinators are some of our unsung heroes working all year long for the mission.  Also, don’t forget to listen to the podcasts from Boots and Hitch, along with the interesting guests they always have.  Lots to learn from these sessions.

Southern Route leadership teams continue to finalize our itinerary, and state coordinators are busy working with our community partners for our arrivals.  The background work never ceases to put all the details together to make sure we have a safe, successful, and productive mission.

REGISTER FOR THE RUN NOW!! Southern Route now has over 170 registered riders and participants.  Remember, early registration ends January 31. Beginning February 1, the registration cost increases from $60.00 to $75.00. Early registration helps us plan our gas stops and meals.  You can Register HERE.

A prepaid fuel option will again be available on the Southern Route. Please consider taking advantage of this program.  As a reminder, all riders are still required to fuel on their own after the end of the day’s activities so we all start the next day with a full tank. Prepaid fueling gets us through the fuel lines much quicker and provides more time at rest stops.  Pre-paid fuel eliminates the fumbling for cash when at the pump and is one of the reasons the lines move so much faster.  Details for this option are coming soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Luggage Transport Fundraiser will again be offered this year. Riders who normally have bags strapped on their bikes can lighten their load and have the luggage transported to our night stop. This will reduce the overall weight of the bike, allowing for better control and reducing the chance of items coming loose and falling off. Details for check-in/check-out and the cost will be in next month’s letter.

 

MISSING MAN FORMATION

If you are an FNG and would like to ride in the Missing Man Formation (MMF), please email MMF Bill “Maverick” Leonard at bill.leonard@rftw.us. Bill will explain the process, requirements, and expectations of riding in the MMF during the run. It is a moving experience that expresses respect and love for those who have been lost or affected while defending our great country.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Merchandise Team is still seeking sales help; no experience is required. If you are not an FNG and can contribute, please get in touch with Alan “XBox” Steiner at  merchandise@rftw.us  or submit a volunteer form. We are also still looking for qualified medical personnel (MA, CNA, RN, NP, PA, MD) to join the Southern Route Medical Team. If interested, please fill out a volunteer form. The link for the volunteer form is here.

 

 

“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.”  This is why we ride.

“SAY THEIR NAMES, TELL THEIR STORIES, NEVER FORGET”

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE 

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025

 

 

 

To the RFTW family, here is another sad announcement.  Two more family members of the RFTW passed over this last weekend.  Bob “HD” Conway and Arizona Assistant State Coordinator Tony “Apeman” Testa died.  Prayers and warm thoughts go out to these heroes and their families.  They will be missed.  God Bless all of us.

Lennie Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator

Where has the year gone? It’s December, and Christmas and Hanukka are right around the corner. Happy Holidays to all!

Our state coordinators are busy with last-minute details to secure our hotels. There’s also good news to report: where we have a new lunch stop on day 6 in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Harley Davidson Dealership we used to stop at had been sold, and the new owner is still organizing the store.  Our state coordinators have lined up the Shriners (Wasabi Center), and they have graciously stepped up to host us.

We still need trained medical personnel for our medical team. If you’re interested or know someone who is, please fill out a volunteer application or contact me directly. The Merchandise teams on all routes also need help. No experience is necessary, and training will be provided. If interested, contact the Merchandise Director, Alan “Xbox” Steiner, at merchandise@rftw.us or fill out a volunteer application.

Remember that registration prices go up in February, so if you haven’t registered, do so today. Not only will it save you a little money, but it will also help all the RFTW volunteers and our community partners plan and prepare meals.

In closing, remember to check on family and friends you haven’t spoken with for a while.  We’re a community and checking on each other is important.

“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.”  This is why we ride.

“Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never Forget”

To Honor and Remember Their Sacrifice

Merry Christmas,

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025