Hello Sandbox Riders!

I first want to shout out to everyone that has volunteered  – I am so grateful for you.  Thank you for stepping in to serve at such a late date and pulling things together in record time!  We could not have gotten this far without the staunch support and never quit mindset of my ARC, William “COB” Brehler, and my Admin Angel, Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer, my mentor, Darin “Lurch” Koch, and the other RCs, Nick “Rich Boy” Hentges and Don “10-A-See” King, who have stood ready with wisdom, advice, and insights for every single question I had, whether panicked or frustrated or confused. I admit, my friends, it’s been a Challenge…and yes, at times I’ve lost my joy.  But…the Mission we share underlies a mountain of minutiae and it is shining through!  I am beginning to feel that familiar ache in my bones to hit the road, and make my way West to the starting point of it all.  Is it May yet?!

One thing is bedrock in my mind:  I am SO looking forward to seeing y’all in May, my RFTW Family. But we need to get through a heap of details before I can see your grinning faces.  So let’s do it! As promised in my last newsletter, we’ve made a lot of progress since then, so I am going to put out a lot of info in this newsletter. Time to take care of business:

Please Register Soon
Registration for Sandbox is now $20. Be sure to lock in your registration as soon as possible. Timely registration helps us in the planning process, as we make platoon assignments, and arrangements for fuel, food, lodging, special use permit applications, and outreaches. It also ensures that you are invited to RFTW’s Townhalls, and Sandbox Zoom meetings for platoons and our very own Townhall too! (TBA soon)

REGISTER HERE.

Pre-Paid Fuel is here!
As a Rider, I know this is an important convenience for us, and let me tell you, it sure streamlines the fueling process (which means more KSD time for YOU!).  I was so excited last year, when I learned the cross-country Routes had adopted the prepaid fuel option that I was like “TAKE MY MONEY!” during check-in! The knowledge that I wouldn’t have to fumble for dollars with one hand while managing my bike with the other, all while sweating it out in a crush of shifting, moving bikes gave me such sweet relief.  I remember the palpitation of my heart during my FNG year while trying to pay for my fuel in cash and NOT drop the money or kill my bike from inattention – every fuel stop was truly an anxious moment for me! Fast forward to today, and Prepaid Fuel is here to save the day!

There are two fast and easy ways to prepay for fuel ($60):

The fastest:  Open your Zelle app, and send $60 to Sandbox.Route@rftw.us.  Please be sure to annotate what the payment is for in the memo line such as Prepaid Fuel.  (I’ve included more details about Zelle* in the footnotes at the end of the newsletter.)

The easiest:  pay online with a card through the Sandbox dedicated payment channel.  Go to the Run For The Wall website’s Sandbox Hub and select Sandbox Route Donations from the menu. Easy peasy!

The cut-off date for Prepaid Fuel is May 10! This is to ensure that the pre-payment is properly credited to your registration. Please note that personal checks are not accepted by Sandbox Route at any time, to include check-in. So get it done via card and early to take advantage of this convenience.   You will get a window sticker at your check-in and you’ll never have to think about it again!  Just rolllllll on into your fuel stop care-free – and our hard-working Fuel Crew will thank you for one less thing to juggle!

And if you needed any more convincing…as a direct result of the prepaid fuel option, the cross-country Routes saw a significant decrease in the amount of time it took to fuel their entire Packs last year. Less time waiting in the fuel line equaled more down time off the bikes for hydration, snacks, and bathroom breaks!

Please keep in mind that the prepaid fuel option applies to the six planned and coordinated fuel stops we will be making during the day while on our Mission. ALL Riders are still required to fuel on their own filling their tanks prior to staging each morning. Whether you decide to top-off at night on the way to your hotel, or on your way to staging in the morning, you must still fill up your tank!

Luggage Carry Fundraiser!
With many thanks to my mentor, Lurch, and my Admin Support, Bonehead, for the opportunity, Sandbox Route is offering Luggage Carry Service for $15!  The funds raised from this service stay in the Sandbox Route to pay for things we never had a chance to fundraise for.

The Sandbox Route will have a dedicated enclosed trailer to transport luggage.  This will allow riders to remove bags normally strapped onto their bikes and have them securely transported for them from our morning starting location to our nightly dinner stop. This adds to the safety of all riders by removing bags that could obstruct other riders’ view of bikes in front of them; preventing a rider from focusing on a loose item on another bike around them; and removes the added weight allowing for better control of your bike while riding in formation. Riders will be required to drop off their bag(s) at the morning staging/breakfast location. Bags will not be available until our final night/dinner stop. Riders will be restricted to 2 bags per bike. A check-in/check-out procedure will be followed ensuring no-one absconds with a bag that is not their own. The cost will be $15 for the duration of our Mission.  If you wish to take advantage of this new fundraiser, you can prepay by using the payment methods outlined above:  use the Sandbox online payment channel or the Zelle app at Sandbox.Route@rftw.us.  (Please add “Luggage Carry Fundraiser” to the memo section when submitting your payment via Zelle.)

Speaking Of…Donations
Hey, I won’t get mad if y’all want to donate a little extra to Sandbox Route. You don’t even have to be riding with us this year.  Perhaps you just want to support the Mission. We haven’t had a chance to fundraise, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to just outright ASK!

You can send any amount via Zelle to Sandbox.Route@rftw.us and just annotate “Donation” in the memo. Or use our handy-dandy dedicated Sandbox Route Donation link in the Sandbox Hub!

Honor Guard Participation
Our Honor Guard Coordinator is Roger “Bullseye” Ford, and he is overseeing the escort of several American flags that have been flown over Washington D.C. in an F-35 jet.  He is inviting anyone interested in carrying a flag for a leg of the Sandbox Route or participating in the ceremonial presentation of some of these special flags at our stops to please contact him at roger.ford1234@gmail.com.  We will also have a Gold Star/Fallen Soldier tribute flag for ALL Riders to sign at Sandbox check-in in D.C. and at lunch/dinner stops.

Missing Man Formation
Riding in the Missing Man Formation is a very special and moving moment for our Riders, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity.  Our Missing Man Coordinator has multiple openings to ride in the Missing Man Formation (MMF). If you are interested, please send an email to Missing Man Coordinator Ray “Cornman” Cornmesser at cornman88@hotmail.com. Ray will explain the process, requirements, and expectations of riding in the MMF during the Run.

Volunteers Needed!
I am still looking to fill vacant volunteer spots in Leadership Support. Please send through a Volunteer Form if any of these positions interest you, and I will reach out to you:

50/50 Rouser
Asst 50/50 Rouser
Friends of Bill Coordinator

And we need a few more Ambassadors too! Please reach out to our Ambassador Team Lead Jed “SquirtGun” Gilman at jed.gilman@rftw.us.

Route Lodging Update: Ottawa
I want you to know about some special accommodations that have been made for ALL RFTW Riders in Ottawa, IL.  The link for the Holiday Inn Express in Ottawa was added to our Sandbox Hub in February, long after the publication of the Hotels List on January 1st.  However, what’s unusual about this listing is that you can take advantage of these special rates and local discounts after our End of Mission, or anytime YEAR-ROUND that you may visit the MECMW! This is due to the passionate support of our Mission by Justine Larabee, Director of Sales:

Greetings Heidi (and all RFTW  Riders),

I am so excited to announce to you that my team and I have been working on getting a booking link set up for your future stays at our hotel and for any travel that comes through our area for the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall. Your message and mission mean the world to me and our team at the hotel looks forward to your arrival every year.

The link below will lead to a discounted rate of 15% off of stays at our hotel. Talking with you was truly so special. I have no way to express how much what you do for our veterans truly means to me. I am so thankful for your organization and the healing that you bring to our veterans and their families. Thank you for everything that you do to better the tomorrows of so many lives.

Here is the link to our hotel for 15% off your stay, no matter what time of year you visit the MECMW.

Here are the details about our restaurant discounts that are available to our guests;

–Lone Buffalo – 20% OFF bill – 1.9 miles from the hotel – 808 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL

–Rosati’s Pizza & Sports Pub – $5 OFF bill – 1 mile from the hotel – 375 W. Stevenson Rd., Ottawa, IL

–Tapatio’s Mexican Restaurant – 15% OFF bill -.4 mile from the hotel – 3005 Columbus St., Ottawa, IL

Our team is so excited to see this come to life and we can’t wait to see you. Thank you, so very much, for everything Heidi. I hope that you have a wonderful evening.

That may be just enough to slow your roll out of Marseilles and enjoy a mellow evening in Ottawa after our End of Mission.

Oh Wait! There’s More…

If you’ve read this far, well done!  Just a few more things to let percolate:  I have scheduled a Platoon Leadership Zoom Meeting for next Monday, March 11th. I will disseminate a lot of info in that meeting that your PL’s will likely pass on to you in Platoon meetings that will be scheduled during the week of March 25-29. You will get an invitation link to that meeting ONLY IF you are already registered. SO GIT-R-DONE! I know that was a lot of info to throw at you in one long newsletter, so I will sign off for now.

I am looking forward to May, and riding together for those who can’t.  Let’s ride with gratitude, unity, and a shared commitment to our Mission. See you down the road, Family!

WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T
WALL 2 WALL
54

In gratitude and joy,

Heidi BLUE Hansing

 

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* About Zelle: Nearly all major US banks provide Zelle to their customers. Zelle is primarily designed to work with traditional bank accounts, but there are some workarounds and alternative options available for those who do not have a bank account.  One workaround is to use a prepaid debit card. While not all prepaid cards are compatible with Zelle, some do work with this service*.  Another option is to utilize a friend or family member’s bank account. Using a prepaid debit card or relying on a friend or family member’s account can provide a way to utilize Zelle’s services.

*Prepaid Cards Supported by Zelle

• American Express Serve: American Express Serve® Card is an all-in-one prepaid debit account that comes with a virtual card and physical card.
• Green Dot Prepaid Visa: Green Dot Prepaid Visa® is a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
• Netspend Prepaid Visa: A prepaid card with a Visa® logo and chip that can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
• Vanilla Gift Cards: The Vanilla® Gift Card is a prepaid card with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express logo that can be used anywhere cards are accepted.

Run for the Wall Mission Statement

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.

 Introduction – Happy 2024 to all Riders

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

Welcome to the new year, RFTW Riders! As we embark on the journey that 2024 brings, let’s reflect on the power of gratitude. The ability to express thankfulness has a remarkable impact, not just on ourselves but on those around us. Our mission serves as a daily reminder to give thanks and give back, with positivity and gratitude. WE get to do this because of the sacrifice of others!

FNGs (Friendly New Guys & Gals) – A Warm Welcome

A special welcome to all our Friendly New Guys & Gals (FNGs). Your presence enriches our community, and we’re thrilled to have you on board. As of now, we have 213 registered Participants, 62 of which are FNGs, and the Sandbox family keeps growing.

Introducing Heidi “Blue” Hansing, Sandbox Route Coordinator
At this point, I should introduce myself, because as of December 2023, I am your Sandbox Route Coordinator (RC). I’d like to give you a little background on my military experience and also my Run For The Wall experience.

Military Experience

I enlisted in the US Army as a 17-year old freshman in college and served simultaneously in the US Reserves and ROTC until my college graduation and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. I graduated with a BA degree in International Affairs, a Specialty in Soviet Politics, and a Minor in Military Science. After the Officer Basic Course (OBC) as an Adjutant General officer, I earned my  jump wings at Airborne School, Fort Benning, GA. I then served the remainder of my active duty service as the Assistant S-1 with the 7^th Signal Brigade in Karlsruhe, Germany.

RFTW Experience

I began my RFTW story in 2018, as an FNG riding ATW in 4^th PLT on Southern Route.  In 2019, I rode in 1^st PLT, and also rode the first Recon of Sandbox, as a Plankholder of the fledging Route.  I then served as APL for the “unofficial” core group of ATW riders in the first year of Covid, 2020.  In 2021, I rode the entire length of James “Gunny” Gregory’s very first RFTW route (the “Legacy” route), stopping where he stopped along what is today known as Central Route. In 2022, I was the APL for 1^st PLT on Southern Route, and Road Guard on Sandbox’s Inaugural Run, where I found my true calling as Road Guard. In 2023, I was RG on Midway and again on Sandbox. I believe deeply in the mission of RFTW, the ‘Magic of the Run”, and feel fiercely protective of my RFTW family.  I am deeply humbled to serve as the RC of Sandbox in 2024, and I hope I can convey the commitment and passion and I feel for the RFTW mission and the future of RFTW.  My heart is to lead by serving with gratitude in my heart, as we ride for those who can’t. I am so grateful I get to do this with YOU.

 

Introducing William “COB” Brehler, Sandbox Route ARC

I am also very honored to Introduce you to Bill “COB” Brehler, my Assistant Route Coordinator (ARC) as of January 2024. He brings 28 years of military service and leadership to the table that will greatly benefit Sandbox.

Military Experience

Bill Brehler joined the Navy in July of 1973 and served a total of 28 years. His sea tours include five Submarines, one surface ship and a helicopter squadron. He was selected as Chief of the Boat (COB) on USS Swordfish as a Senior Chief from 1987 – 1988. The sub was decommissioned early and he was sent to be the COB on the USS Helena from 1988- 1991. He achieved the rank of Master Chief during his tour on Helena.

From Helena Brehler was ordered to Submarine Development Group One as the squadron Command Master Chief from 1992 – 1995. His next sea tour was Command Master Chief on an Amphibious ship, the  USS Deluth from 1995 – 1998 where he worked with both Sailors and Marines on deployments. He completed my career as the Command Master Chief of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 in 2001.

“My leadership style changed over the years as I grew and learned. On my first COB tour, I was an authoritarian, barking orders, chewing A@@, and taking names because this was the way my previous COBs got things done. It seemed effective, but didn’t really feel right. As my career progressed, I  was fortunate to have some outstanding Commanding Officers who taught me a great deal about leadership.  I learned that people will follow you anywhere if you treat them right and show them respect. This is one of the things I love about RFTW. Everyone respects one another and treats one another with kindness and understanding.”

RFTW Experience

“I signed up for the run in 2020 and again in 2021. I got really good at making and then canceling hotel reservations. My FNG year was 2022 on Midway where I was the Tail Gunner for 1^st Platoon. My good friend, Doc Vaughan, called me several weeks before the run and asked me to be his Tail Gunner on 1^st Platoon. The person that was supposed to be his TG had a bike wreck and couldn’t make the run. I told him I didn’t think FNGs could be in leadership, but he said they would make an exception due to the time crunch to find someone else. I rode Sandbox as a participant in 1^st Platoon in 2022. I rode Midway as Platoon Leader for 6^th Platoon and filled in as the Platoon Coordinator at the last minute in 2023. I road on the Fuel Team for Sandbox in 2023.I am the Platoon Coordinator and 1^st Platoon Leader on Midway for 2024.” And now ARC for Sandbox Route 2024.

 

Please Register Soon

Early bird registration prices are available until January 31st at $15 per person. After that, prices will go up to $20. Be sure to lock in your registration before the prices change on February 1^st. Early registration helps us in the planning process, as we make platoon assignments, and arrangements for fuel, food, lodging, special use permit applications, and outreaches.

Route Planning Update

Many thanks to our State Coordinators, Gail Dippel , Brandon “Five-O” McCray, and Ed “F-N-Nuts” Samuels for rapidly securing hotel accommodations  for our Riders – the entire hotel list was published on January 1.

We’ve entered the home stretch of route planning. We’ve had some location and timing changes that we are still working through.  Once we lock in those details, we will publish the official 2024 itinerary on the website in the Sandbox Route Hub. You can still reference the 2023 itinerary for the general idea of the Route, and stay tuned for the finalized itinerary on our website.

Important Links

For any questions you may have, check out our FAQs first.  Then your next level of inquiry can be directed to your platoon leadership. We’ve got a strong cadre of leadership in the Pack Platoons and they are a great source of information, as is our FNG Liaison, Bernadette “Flat Tire” Staples, for our first-timers. All contact information is available in the Sandbox Route Hub on the RFTW website.  Additionally, familiarize yourself with our Rider Code of Conduct.

Discover the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial (MECMW)

Did you know that the MECMW is a living wall and was built by patriotic bikers to honor the fallen heroes of conflicts in the ME and support veteran organizations and Gold Star families?  Please take the time to visit the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial page and become more familiar with the history of this memorial and the names included on this Wall.  You can search names ahead of our visit to ascertain their location on the Wall.

Celebration of Life for Capt. Ronald Forrester, formerly MIA

As an integral Participant in Run For The Wall, Karoni Forrester has faithfully advocated for MIA families on the Run, while still pursuing answers about her father who has been missing in action since Dec 27, 1972.  Just last month, on December 4, 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) finally identified the remains of Captain Ronald W. Forrester.   You can watch a wonderful news interview with Karoni HERE. Karoni and her family invite you to a decades-awaited Celebration of Life for her father, Capt. Ronald Forrester, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 2 pm at the Lake Travis United Methodist Church in Austin, TX.

Run For The Wall® Valentine’s Day Fundraiser

Gear up for Valentine’s Day 2024 with our fundraiser in collaboration with See’s Candies. Purchase sweet treats and support the RFTW Mission simultaneously – it’s a win-win! A window will pop up as soon as you visit the RFTW website.

Looking Ahead…

I just want to give you a heads up that we’ve got some new services to offer to our Sandbox Riders and all the details will be forthcoming in the next newsletter:  Pre-Paid Fuel option and Luggage Transport Fundraiser.  So stay tuned for those details as they are meant to streamline our Route Operations and make your Run smoother in the process.

Let’s ride into 2024 with gratitude, unity, and a shared commitment to our Mission. See you on the road, Family!

Ride Safe,

Blue