Jean Gault, Author at Run For The Wall®

Posted on May 23, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 23, 2026 – in Washington DC

It is hard to believe that this is the last day. Everyone will go back home and back to the normal routines. I hope, especially for the FNGs, that this has been a mission to never be forgotten. New friends to last a life time.

First order of the day is to go to the Lincoln Memorial for group picture.

Then we walked to the Vietnam Wall.

Most of the riders are carrying bios (some were read in the morning meetings), cards, bracelets …. to be placed at the Wall. All these items are collected and placed in storage.

Dan and Jed Gilman have a brother on the Wall.

They have been on the Run for years in various roles.

They have embraced the Run and the healing power it has.

If you have never been to the Vietnam Wall, this is how you find the names.

Fredrick E Gilman

Many people on the Run have family, friends,… on the wall. And they look them up.

Judy has a brother that is MIA, and his name is there.

All kinds of items are left. I even saw a pair of soccer cleats.

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Kim plays Amazing Grace as the RFTW family walks the Wall.

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Once you have completed the Run, your FNG pin is placed upside down.

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It has been a very long journey to get here.

The RFTW Plaque is placed at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.

MISSION COMPLETE!!

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Walking to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we pass field after field of tombstones.

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Fun Fact:

Just before Memorial Day weekend, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (also known as The Old Guard) honors America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags at gravesites for service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. This tradition, known as “Flags In,” has taken place annually since the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit in 1948. Every available soldier in the Old Guard participates, along with members of other service branches. They place small American flags in front of more than 260,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows. Each flag is inserted into the ground, exactly one boot length from the headstone’s base.

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We get to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as they are ready to do changing of the guards.

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Run For The Wall also was able to lay a wreath today.

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Then Taps was played. I still cannot get thru it.

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Fun Fact:

The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.

Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” stand watch over the Tomb. The Tomb Guards, also called Sentinels, are chosen for this prestigious and highly selective post only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations (see below). The Old Guard has held this distinguished duty since 1948.

The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. (The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.) Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

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Several years ago on this incredible journey, we had a speaker that said this, and it really stuck:

Teach all to honor those that protect our country.
Always be loyal to those serving.
And never leave anyone behind.
So therefore, the Run must never stop.

POW / MIA Poem

We need to remember them every day.

They went to fight in a place so far away,

They gave their all when their country sent out a call

Not ever knowing that their name would end up on the wall,

No matter how we honor them no matter what we do

We should always remember that they paid the highest price

For the red, white and blue.

So when you look up at the flag flying in the wind on a clear blue day

Remember it’s there because of the

POW and MIA

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I hope this daily report has given you some idea of our mission. It is a grueling trip. Long day, short night, 4;30 AM wake up calls…. This starts to wear on you. Our trip was only 10 days. Think of our troops in extreme hot and cold days. They have a lack of sleep, long days……they stand to keep us safe a lot longer than 10 days.

Here are a few fun facts about our trip. Others are very similar.

– Temperature ranged 32-110

– We traveled in 14 states + Washington DC
– From Loveland, OH to Ontario, CA to DC to Loveland, OH – 6200+ miles
– Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

We did not pay for meals on our mission. Every town we stayed in welcomed us, fed us, and prayed for our safety. The support, encouragement, respect that the Americans have for the mission is incredible. There is an unbelievable amount of time hanging banners, kids making bracelets, making pocket patches, hanging flags on the overpasses, closing down streets, organizing volunteers for meals, setting up fuel stops. and the list goes on.

100s, 1000s of hours given by so many to make this happen: route coordinator, state coordinators, missing man coordinator, staging team, fuel team, hydration team, road guards, medical personnel…..and the riders themselves. The logistics to get that many people across the country has to be done by so many.

We continually asked each other: What time is it? What time zone are we in? What day is it? What state are we in? But there is one thing we knew the answer to: What was our mission?

Mission Statement of RFTW : 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

I have sent many quotes thru the last 10 days. Here are my last few:

U – Unselfish

S – Service to

A – America

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It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.

Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

General George Patton

Say their names. Tell their Stories. Never Forget.

On the Run, we said the Pledge every day. I see our flag and have taken pictures of it all week. Every time I see it waving in the air, it is telling me I am free. And that right is protected by our men and women. Let’s continue to try and bring them all home.

HOW FAR ARE WE GOING??? —— ALL THE WAY

WHY DO WE RIDE?????—– FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

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One more set of prayers please, and that is to get everyone home safely from DC and continue to pray for all service men and women, past and present.

A few days ago Jim read this in our morning meeting.
There needed to be a box of tissues on every table:

Come Visit My Grave by Jim Rolfes

I am a veteran under the sod
I’m in good company, I’m up here with God
Come to my grave and visit me
Today is Memorial Day throughout this great land.
There’s Avenues of flags, Parades and Bands.
I can hear the music, the firing squad and taps.
Here come my comrades, the Legionnaires, the blue caps.
One of the just put a flag on my stone.
Some day he will have one of his own.

Some think of this day as just a free of toll.
While others are busy working the soil.
They say they have plans, other things to do.
Don’t put us aside as you would an old shoe.
Come visit my grave in this cemetery so clean.
That is what Memorial Day means.
There are many of us lying in wakeless sleep
In cemeteries of green and oceans of deep.

It’s sad that for many who fought so brave
No one comes to visit their grave.
They die so you could have one whole year free
Now can’t you save that one Day for me?
There are soldiers, sailors, airmen up here
Who went into battle despite of the fears
I’ve been talking up here to all those men
If they had to do it over, they’d do it again.

Look someone is coming to visit my grave
It’s my family, for them my life I gave.
My wife, I remember our last embrace,
As I left the tears streamed down your face.
I think you knew that day I shipped out
I won’t return, your life would be turned about.
There’s my daughter I used to hold
Can it be that you’re nearly twenty years old?

Next month is to be your wedding day.
I wish I could be there to give you away.
My son’s here too, Dad’s little man.
Always love you Country, do for it what you can
There is one thing that really did bother
Is seeing you grow up without the aid of your Father.
I wish you could all hear me from up above
That’s’ a father’s best gift to his children is love.

And what better way to prove my love to the end
Is that man lay down his life for his friend.
I see it’s time for you to go home
Your visit made it easier to remain here alone
Don’t cry honey, you look too sad
Our children are free, you should be glad

Daughter, thanks for the bouquet so cute
Thank you son for that salute
Come again, I forgot, you can’t hear from up here
But I know you’ll come visit me again next year
I hope all veterans are treated this way
On this day to remember, Memorial Day.

I leave you with this song:

Arlington (by Trace Adkins)

I never thought that this is where I’d settle down
I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown
They gave me this plot of land
Me and some other men, for a job well-done
There’s a big white house
Sits on a hill just up the road
The man inside
He cried the day they brought me home
They folded up a flag and told my mom and dad
We’re proud of your son

And I’m proud to be
On this peaceful piece of property
I’m on sacred ground
And I’m in the best of company
I’m thankful for those thankful
For the things I’ve done
I can rest in peace
I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight
We searched all day
To find out where my grand-dad lay
When we finally found that cross
He said, “Son this is what it costs
To keep us free”

Now here I am, a thousand stones away from him
He recognized me on the first day I came in
And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels
And saluted me

And every time I hear twenty-one guns
I know they brought another hero home to us

We’re thankful for those thankful
For the things we’ve done
We can rest in peace
‘Cause we are the chosen ones
We made it to Arlington

Yeah, dust to dust
Don’t cry for us
We made it to Arlington

God bless the USA.

NEVER FORGET !!!!!

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Posted on May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 22, 2026 – Day 10 to DC – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

Quick Question: How many flags did you count/notice yesterday?

Well the day was good but we had rain all day. UGH!!

The day actually started last night when Boots sent me as email. You just never know who you are going to touch. Declan sent me an update on the MIA nurse that Shirley is carrying. Thanks so much Declan

From Declan Hughes (IRELAND)

In todays May 20 sitreps posted by Jean Gault mention was made of Shirley carrying Nurse Pamela Donovan to The Wall. Pam was Irish citizen, reared & educated in Dublin, studied Nursing in Boston, relinquished her Irish citizenship to volunteer to help the boys in Vietnam. 25 Irish on the Wall, thousands Irish-Americans.

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I was able to get with Marius today for the lyrics of the song he sang. If you get a change, look it up and see how passionate Marius is about the Run. He has a great voice

Run For The Wall

By Marius Calugaru

[Verse 1]

Engines in the morning, California sky

Kickstands up together, hear the freedom cry

Across this land of memories, we ride to heal the scars

For the ones still missing… we carry who they are

[Chorus]

Run for the Wall, across this land we ride

For the ones who never made it home, for the ones who fought and died

Miles of hope and brotherhood, hearts forever true

Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue

[Verse 2]

Through the desert silence, through the plains of green

Every town that greets us knows what this ride means

Names carved in the granite, stories never fade

We ride for every sacrifice our heroes made

Chorus]

Run for the Wall, across this land we ride

For the ones who never made it home, for the ones who fought and died

Miles of hope and brotherhood, hearts forever true

Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue

[Bridge]

We ride for those who can’t ride anymore

We carry every name to the Wall once more

[Verse 3]

Washington before us, quiet tears will fall

Reflections in the black stone — we remember all

From coast to coast united, one mission standing tall

We ride together… Run for the Wall

[Chorus]

Run for the Wall, let the engines cry

Freedom isn’t free — their memory never dies

Four routes, one mission, riders strong and true

Run for the Wall — red, white, and blue

[Outro]

When the ride is over, the brotherhood remains

We carry home the healing… we carry home the names

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In 2023, there was an FNG that wrote a poem to summarize the run for him. Ed read it before we left Ontario but I thought since we have now finished the 10 days, and many people now understand the logistics of the Run, it is a good place to read it again.

Read to the Central Route riders on May 26, 2023 at Lewisburg, WV

By Lane “Boss” Post USMC Vietnam Vet

on the morning of Lane’s 10th day on the Run as an FNG

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Final day we gather to ride to DC, to the Wall. We have spent every day with a prayer..

…and the Pledge of Allegiance

Gunny joined us today with a surprise guest. Toby Harris was the principal of Rainelle the first year that they came thru. Talking to Gunny, they started with about 100 bikes. As the days went, several had to drop, but about 25 continued to DC. In 1989, the police got word that these veterans would be coming thru Rainelle. He contacted Toby to let him know. Toby thought it would be great to greet these Vietnam veterans with flags. He talked to the teachers and they went a step further. They had flags but also made signs to say Thank You for your service. The school back then was K-12 and a very run down building. Someone probably used a pay phone (no cell phone back then) to let then know the veterans were coming. When they rode thru ,the kids were out front screaming and cheering. The vets soon realize this welcome was for them. They turned around, went back to the school and talked with the kids and teachers. They even gave some of them teachers rides. This relationship has continued ever since.

Jim told us he was spent time in Japan as a kid. There was this kid that was always in trouble and he never understood why. Today Jim read the bio of this boy’s father.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE.

Last day to stage in the morning. It is bittersweet.

Everyone is exhausted but the friendships will last a lifetime.

Since we have had rain for the last 2 day,

Stewart is ready and has his rain gear still on.

So he is geared up and ready to g.

Most of the morning is foggy which is a shame. The landscape of this ride is beautiful.

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Gas stops are a piece of cake now. The riders and the fuelteam work like a well oiled machine. The guy in the middle is like the traffic cop. Moving the bikes as quickly to fuel and stage. 15 minutes total.. this is great.

The staging team had to work around semis today. No worries, they are getting really good at fitting the platoons around in all kinds of parking lots.

There is a big puddle right in front. Problem… nope.

Looks like Turkey is telling the road guards, “See I told you it was not the deep.”

The platoons followed and we were on our way.

With all the rain today, the camera stayed tucked away for most of the day.

I tried to take several pics but most blurry or water spots.

I never get tired of seeing this.

Next gas stop was another huge truck stop.

We got stopped on the street today.

There is a little bit more chaos after you fuel at this stop.

We need to watch out for all the semis coming and going.

All good though, we all played nice.

John, Turkey, always has a smile on his face as he sends the platoon out in order. Except for the time he kind of forgot to put Missing Man out first.

John has many hats. As you see he is a road guard. Did I forget to mention he is also the President of RFTW?

Keep that smile going John.

Our lunch stop was at Northern Fauquier Community Park.

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This was really nice as all the picnic tables were under cover.

We could get out of the rain.

Catfish, I think you need a new pair of gloves. Looks like these left their mark.

This lady is from the RFTW Outreach team and with the Willing Warrior Retreat Center. She is a daughter of a veteran killed in Vietnam. She spoke of the Center as a healing place for families. They do not pay for stay and meals are supplied. RFTW is a supporter.

Remember the brick we have been carrying cross country, they will lay the brick at the Survivors Tree. RFTW has also made a donation to them.

Bill Chester was one of the speakers. He works at the retreat center.

He gave many interesting facts of the Vietnam wall at the time it was built.

In 1982, the wall had 57,901 names
Starting at the Apex, the names are listed by death
69 names were misspelled and those names were added again, spelled correctly
there are 13 duplicates.
32 on the wall did not die
after changes above and others, this gives 58,281 on the wall
there were 271 Medal of Honor recipients, 160 on the wall. One was a WWII vet that also fought in Vietnam
oldest was 62, youngest was 15 (he lied about his age)

Back on the bike with rain gear. Not only rain gear but warm gear like heated jackets if you have one (which I do). Temps never got above 58 today. Cold and rain, never a good combination on a bike.

Heading into DC, I always get nervous. We hooked up with the Southern route today and I was told we will have an escort to get thru DC. There is lots of traffic, lots of lanes to cross, exchanges to make. I hope the escort makes it a little easier

OH MY GOSH!!!!

They shut down the whole highway….. seriously.

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YEAH!!! we are here!!!

The American Legion has a garage for us.

This is really nice so we are parking out of the rain.

They have a great spaghetti dinner and the place is rocking.

Gunny and his wife Patty are on hand to congratulate all the participants.

A little colonial music.

HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

WHO ARE WE RIDING FOR??

THOSE WHO CAN’T!!!

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BUT the mission is not complete until we get to the Wall tomorrow.

Temps:54-58

Route: I-64 E, I-81N, I-66E

Miles:257

Quote for the day:

A veteran is someone who at one point in their life wrote a bank check

made payable to their country for an amount up to, and including their life.

THANK YOU!!!

Here is a flag on the back of a helmet. It reminds me that I am able to ride on this mission because I am free and those that serve have preserved it for me.

REMEMBER: Please thank our men and women in the service as well as our police and firemen. A simple hand shake goes a long way and it only takes a minute.

Last post will be tomorrow.

Posted on May 21, 2026May 25, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 21, 2026 – Day 9 to DC – Nitro, WV to Lewisburg, WV

here is a team I have not mentions. Kathryn, Ed, Laura and Careen (she is not a morning person) make up the registration team. They work to make sure all the riders are registered. Careen (aka Squirrel) go get some coffee….it will make you feel better.

Also there is the last man vehicle. He lets the leader know when the pack is all on the highway, or made a turn. Keeping the pack together.

Here are a few shots from our ambassadors. Sonia talked about them at the beginning of the ride. They stop and thank so many people for all the bridge, go to schools and visit nursing homes.

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-WWII veteran, 101 years young.

I get a lot of stories to post and I wish I could get them all but this one is a good on. It shows we are touching the younger generation.

From Sif the TG from 5th Platoon. We talked the other day about one of my riders and his grandkids donating to Rainelle. My rider’s names is Jeffrey Alan Crawley. He has been sharing with them our ride and one of his grandkids lines up his cars like we ride. When he shared the story of Rainelle with his family his grandkids wanted to help. They each gave me an envelope as did his wife. He told me that they were donating from their vacation money and it may only be a couple dollars. I told him it did not matter how much they gave. It was the fact that they were giving that was incredible. When I opened the envelopes, his wife had donated $100 and each of the grandkids donated a $50 bill.

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Let’s get the day started.

The Outreach team is a very behind the scenes team. They visit gold star families and they will express their condolences for their loss and thank them for service and sacrifice to their country. There is also a Gold Star coin and a certificate of appreciation from RFTW. They will pray with them and many times cry with them. They have found that these families want to talk about the ones the have lost. Outreach helps with this healing. Last year the met with over 50 families.

Thanks, Outreach, for your time with our Gold Star families.

Patrick, (on the left) the person carrying the signature book for the Kentucky MIA, thanked everyone that signed it and said how amazing it was to do as an FNG. He has collected items on the way to give to the family. He also found out the MIA had a 1/2 brother that was on the USS Arizona. The outreach team is giving Patrick a coin to add to the items in the bag.

Josh is also an FNG. His dad rode about 20 years ago. His dad has talked about the Run for year. This year Josh’s employer gave him 3 weeks of PTO. Coincidence? He was shocked and knew exactly what to do with it. Ok Dad, we are going to do this ride. He had heard about it for year but was blown away what he experience. It was more than he could image.

Chaplain Marius blew us away as he sang a song he wrote. I am going to try and get the lyric. If I do not, please go to “Run for the Wall by Marius Calugaru”. There were a lot with allergies kicking with this one and we were inside. What a great tribute to the Run.

Leaving Nitro, there were kids from the school shouting “USA,USA,..”. Then they all stopped and said the Pledge of Allegiance to us. What a send off.

Heading to the capital in Charleston. MORE KIDS!!! Loving it.

For years, Jared McCormick, stood saluting as the pack passes.

He has done this since he was one year old. He is now 23 and never missed a year until this year. He did not want to miss it so his mom facetimes him. This is the impact the Run has on a young man. Many of the Run participants look for him to be there. We stopped and chatted with him. He said he will NOT miss next year. We are a huge part of his life.

2017

His grandmother worked in one of the buildings in the capital. The grandmother’s husband is a Vietnam vet. He served from 1966-1969. One year actually in Vietnam as a radio operator.

They have been married for 53 years. I admire all the women who have stayed with their husbands from the Vietnam War (or any war). They too have suffered. Many of our soldiers have changed and have problems with coping yet the spouses have stayed with them. Thanks ladies. This goes also for any women that served. Thanks, guys, for sticking with your wives.

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Gold Star wall in Charleston.

It is the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. It is beautiful.

There are 4 panels:

The Homeland panel features images representing the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia. It is home to many Gold Star Families. It is our people, it is our home. It is our Freedom.

The Family panel represents the uniquely brave spirit of our military families who provide support to their Loved Ones serving in our Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The Patriot panel shows the raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jima, which symbolizes those who vigorously support and defend our great Nation through selfless service in our Armed Forces.

The Sacrifice panel represents the sacrifices made by our Gold Star Families by the loss of their Loved One while in service to our country.

At the center of the tribute is a silhouette of a saluting service member, which represents the void created by the loss of the loved ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

There is a second monument:

West Virginia Veterans Memorial

It is a two-story oval shaped monument honoring more than 10,000 West Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the nation in twentieth century conflicts. Composed of four limestone monoliths surrounded by a reflecting pool, the interior walls are faced in polished black granite etched with the names of these men and women. The 4 wars are WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. On the inside are the names of those from WV that died. Incredible.

On the outside is a statue like this for all 4 wars. Beautiful and sad.

Sad to see so many names of those that gave their ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Todd, the ARC for this year, is also the West “By God” Virginia state coordinator. Like the others, he organizes the event, speakers, and lots of other things.

This year he had someone reach out to him and asked to come and thank us for what we do.

Jessica Lynch

Jessica Lynch is a former U.S. Army Private First Class who became known for being one of the first American women captured during the Iraq War in 2003.

RFTW has a POW that was with her: Joseph Hudson, AKA Gump. He rides with southern route.

Goodle:

Prisoner of war

The mission was simple, at least on paper: Follow a convoy north to Baghdad, then split off to two designated positions. Lynch’s unit had GPS devices, radios and maps. But by the second day, nearly everything went wrong.

Her convoy got lost outside the city of Nasiriyah, and her unit was 19 hours behind the main force. Lost and cut off, they drove straight into an ambush.

“Lori was driving the Humvee. We were hit, and then an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) slammed us into the back of a truck,” said Lynch, who blacked out after the impact. When she finally came to, she was no longer a soldier in battle — she was a captive.

Lynch later learned 11 of her comrades in her unit were killed, including Piestewa, who died on March 23, 2003, at Saddam Hussein General Hospital. She was the first Native American woman to die in combat for the U.S. military.

In captivity, Lynch’s injuries were staggering: a broken back, a shattered arm, a crushed foot. She was starved, filmed for propaganda and moved from room to room in a hostile hospital.

“They told me they would amputate my leg,” she said. “I had no idea if I would survive.”

On April 1, 2003, U.S. Special Forces stormed the hospital, which shook with explosions and gunfire. Lynch thought the building was under attack until a soldier burst into her room and tore the American flag from his uniform.

“He told me, ‘We’re Americans, and we’re here to take you home,’” she recalled. “I said, ‘I’m an American soldier too.’”

Weighing just 76 pounds, Lynch was evacuated by helicopter, flown to Kuwait, then to Germany. The rescue was broadcast worldwide, her frail body carried on a stretcher and her survival a symbol of hope amid the chaos of war.

Her rescue was the first successful recovery of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman.

Life after Iraq

The road to recovery was was long and grueling: eight surgeries, metal rods, a body that still carries the scars of Iraq. Malnourished, broken and barely 20, Lynch had to relearn how to walk, how to trust, how to live. She said therapy sessions did not work.

“What worked was being with my family and friends, and people who understood me,” she said. More than anything, her fellow POWs kept her grounded. Their group text, she added with a grin, “is hysterical. We bust each other’s bubbles constantly. That’s our therapy.”

Lynch was medically discharged in July 2003 but refused to stop where the Army left her. She returned to school, earned degrees in education and communication, and today works both as a substitute teacher and as the women veterans program director in West Virginia.

Two decades removed from that dusty road in Nasiriyah, Lynch continues to tell her story not to relive the trauma, but to share its lesson.

“No matter what you’re faced with in life, just don’t give up,” she said. “You’ll get there. Keep fighting. Keep persevering.”

She thanked us for what we do and said: We will not stop until all come home.

Group picture by the capital building and we are off.

Beautiful ride as we head to our final destination , Rainelle school.

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And the people along the way!!!

young….

…and old.

We roll into Rainelle. And you can hear them screaming over the roar of the engines.

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There are even pre-school ones that will grow up learning about our veterans.

We head up to the school and the kids all have little booklets that they want us to sign. We today are their stars.

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Some riders even had the kids sign their shirts.

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He even got the teachers to sign. LOL

Since RFTW has been coming here for 36 years, there has to be a few generations, right?

The older kids here are the kids of the first one seeing RFTW come in. They now have kids.

Here, the lady on the right was 14 in 1989, the first year. Her grandmother welcomed the riders into her home to help anyway she could. She has 6 kids and 12 grandkids and they all know about the veterans. The lady on the right is one of her kids.

We prepare for the ceremony and the Rainelle kids say the Pledge of Allegiance loud and proud. Next is the singing of our National Anthem. No better sound than kids that young knowing and singing loud every word.

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Kim is the principal of the school. She is soooo grateful for all that RFTW has done for this community especially the kids.

Here is a list of the things the money goes toward.

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As I was leaving, I stopped to thank these ladies for coming out. Turns out that most of the were the mothers of the students in 1989. They try not to miss any year when the Run comes thru. What a great legacy.

All you prayer warriors knocked it out of the park again today. We had clear and dry roads up and over the mountain to Rainelle. Keep it going, we are looking at rain all day tomorrow as we get into DC, and on Saturday while in DC.

Temps: 53-68

Route: I-64E, Rt 60

Miles: 121

Quote: The Price of Freedom is Written on the Wall

Posted on May 20, 2026May 21, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 20, 2026 – Day 8 to DC – Corydon, IN to Nitro, WV

Well… did everyone count flags yesterday? I bet you were surprised. When you see a flag, remember this Run and our freedom it represents.

Today was our last day to auction the items for the fund raiser for the kids in Rainelle. It was a bit crazy because it was raining. We had a gentleman who was a real auctioneer. That was exciting.

We start the day with our bio. Thank you for carrying this to the wall.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE

We head into Louisville. Pretty neat to ride along the Ohio River.

Then we get into Spaghetti Junction. Can you tell why?

But look… no other cars. This is amazing to have this closed down in the middle of rush hour.

First stop today is to Rex Robley VA Medical Center

Google:

Rex Robley was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and enlisted in the military in May, 1919, six months after the Armistice date. He served for 3 years. He was the last Kentucky World War I era veteran, and the last known World War I era veteran of the United States.

In 1986, Rex turned to volunteerism, lending support to fellow veterans at the Louisville Veterans Administration Medical Center. At the age of 78 he started to voluteer. Rex logged more than 14,000 hours of volunteer time while at the Center. He dedicated his life helping his fellow veterans, both through the veterans service organizations and activities at the Medical Center. He continued to volunteer there three days a week, even at age 105.

There was a gentleman that greeted me several years ago. He gave me the story about Billy. These 2 men and Billy’s twin brother served in the same unit from 1968-69. They were in the 57th Assault Helicopter Company. It was the first attack on a helicopter unit. Billy’s brother died in this attack and Billy was wounded. Ever since he has been helping all the people. The name “popcorn” came because he made popcorn and sold it then donated the proceeds. He bought all the supplies. Always smiling and he loves hugs!! (He has since retired.)

After his brother died, Billy was very bitter. A minister told him, you can be angry for the rest of your life, or you can choose to honor your brother’s legacy. At that point, he turned his life around.

Billy welcomes us and has us all join him for the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Sonia and I greeted him and he loved it. Thanks Billy for always smiling.

He is now in his 80s and his ailments from Vietnam are really affecting him.

He has stopped doing the popcorn but still goes and visits the vets.

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These 2 ladies have big shoes to fill and they do it proudly.

The riders were allowed to visit with the patients. This gentleman has dementia. William Krischbaum, US Navy veteran, has wanted a RFTW hat for years. Jim “Who” made it happen. He is now an honorary platoon leader. Let us know when you get your bike, and we will get a platoon assigned to you.

A few riders enjoyed visiting with our veterans.

Remember the nice open roads thru Louisville? These are the 2 that worked on the Indiana side to get the LEOs to close down the highway. Curt, on the left, is the Indiana state coordinator. Sorry I did not get the other name. He made a lot of calls also and put notes out on facebook and other media to let people know that the highway was to be closed in the morning.

Lee is the state coordinator in Kentucky and worked on the Spaghetti Junction in Louisville.

These guys engaged a lot of jurisdictions to get this done.

And everyone was willing to help keep the riders safe. There is so much respect for the Run .

Thanks guys.

Here are a few people that are currently riding in the bus I mentioned yesterday.

They are relatives of Mr. Ivers. Welcome FNGs.

Back on the road again. We get rain on and off the rest of the day.

People still come out to support the Run.

During one of our gas stops, I was talking to Shirley. She had a women’s bio she was carrying to the Wall. We then asked google how many women are on the Wall. There are 8 and all were nurses.

Here Shirley carries Pamela Dorothy Donavan. She chose her because she felt there was a connection. Her daughter’s name is Pamela.

Thanks Shirley for taking her bio to the wall and remembering her.

SAY THERE NAME, Never Forget.

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Back on the bikes and more rain. But guess what, just like when we went to Rex Robley Hospital, the rain stopped. Coincidence?? I think not.

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As we pull into the Vietnam Memorial in Frankfort, KY, we see food tents. They have fried bologna.

This stop is one of my favorite memorials (hahaha I have several). I still do not quite understand it even though I have heard and read about it for 10 years.

Col. Cecil spent 10-15 minutes explaining the sundial.

Vietnam War Sundial

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial was designed with a unique approach to honor the military dead from one of America’s most troubled conflicts. A 14-foot high steel sundial stands at the center of a granite plaza. Its gnomon casts a shadow on the chiseled name of each fallen Vietnam war veteran — 1,110 of them — on the anniversary of when they were killed. Thus each individual is honored with a personal tribute.

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Kentucky’s 23 MIAs are listed behind the sundial, so its shadow never falls on their names. Some have been found since this was built. Those are the ones with a date. We never forget and we will not stop until we bring them all home.

If you remember when we were at Riverside National Cemetery, we asked an FNG to carry a book to get signatures as we crossed the country. This book along with a POW/MIA flag will be presented to the loved ones in the Fall of this year. The person we are doing this for is John Tapp.

SAY THEIR NAMES, NEVER FOGET.

The Memorial is one of the largest granite memorials in the nation and contains 327 cut stone panels weighing more than 215 tons. The stone came from the Pyramid Blue quarry in Elberton, GA. The lettering of the names and dates are the same style used for official government grave markers throughout the nation, including Arlington National Cemetery.

If a person’s remains are found, there is a date next to their name of when it was recovered and their name is placed on the plaza.

Here is an example:

Back on the road and into the rain but let’s do a U-turn first. I believe our escort headed us in the wrong way. I am sure “Boots” would not have done that.

Lunch at Mt Sterling. I feel like I just ate.

Thanks for all those that fed this crew while on our mission.

Again it stopped raining in the parking lot, and started once on the road.

Riding thru the hills of Kentucky is beautiful. Probably a good thing it was raining, that way I could not take so many pics.

Few pics coming into Nitro. Apparently there where tornado warning the hour before we got there. But you guessed it, as we got off the highway, the rains stopped.

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There is a beautiful park in the middle of town where the ceremony was held. The Junior ROTC was on hand to present the colours.

Some of the elementary kids said the Pledge of Allegiance. Our future!!

On the building behind them.

The day ends. Tomorrow it is supposed to rain again. Back to work all the prayer warriors. Dry roads would be nice.

Temps: 63-74

Route: I-64E

Miles: 252

Quote for the day:

Heroes do not wear capes, they wear dog tags.

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 19, 2026 – Day 7 to DC – Wentzville, MO to Corydon, IN

For the last week, I have posted many pictures of flag along our way. I have a suggestion. Look around your neighborhoods and towns. I bet you will see that our flag is not just on the Run but it is there every day.

We have challenges among the platoons and the military branches while on the Run. The money raised goes to the kids in Rainelle.

I have a challenge for all you reading this. Look around today and see how many flags you see. Count them. By the end of the day I bet you will bet surprised on the number.

Then try and remember a person serving our country in the military. This is why we have the freedom we have.

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There was a breakout today. A breakout is when some of the riders get to get off the route path and take a side step to visit another facility.

Perryville

A ride to Perryville to see an exact replica of the Vietnam wall.

Google:

Today, a full-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall stands, officially known as America’s Wall and locally known as The Perryville Wall. The wall is part of the new Missouri National Veterans Memorial site. It is a full-sized Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall like the one in the mall in Washington, D.C.

Here are a few pics from the ones that attended.

This is another organization the RFTW supports.

Stephen is holding a bag of popcorn near “Popcorn Billy’s” brother name. I will have more on this in tomorrow’s report

Back with the pack, we finished the morning meeting and headed out.

Again there are many that come out to send us off.

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First stop Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Due to the weather, a few thing needed to be adjusted. The band was undercover and we did not have the wreath ceremony. We did have a few speakers. Comments: They said we are an impact to the Wentzville families and all the families in this country. We have a commitment to those that never made it home. And we have set an example to all.

Group photo and photo with our Vietnam veterans.

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Google:

Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Wentzville takes extreme pride in being home to the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States. Wentzville was the first city in the nation to realize that the troops who served in Vietnam deserved to be honored.

As it stands today, the Wentzville Vietnam Veterans Memorial consists of a single-column of red Missouri granite, topped by the carved figure of an eagle. Inscribed in the column’s base is;

Vietnam Veterans Memorial December 1967

“Whither thou goest, I will go.”

We have our LEO escort only to the state line. Thanks all!!!

As we get ready to cross the Mississippi, we ride thru St. Louis. It is know for the its Arch.

Quick fun fact:

St. Louis Arch is the tallest monument in the U.S. at 630 feet in height.

I think Illinois is trying to compete with Kansas. The bridges were awesome.

How long do you think this took to set up and organize all those people for the Run?

We go thru an overpass in about 5 minutes. You are all amazing.

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…. and also a school bus.

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Here is a new kind of pic. This is behind me…

Heading into Mt. Vernon for a chicken dinner made by the Mt. Vernon Elks.

They started cooking at 5:00 this morning to fix all that chicken for us.

Great reception by kids. Love it!!!

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At several stops, we have people singing the National Anthem.

She had such a powerful voice that again I need my tissues. So strong.

Oh no!! Twenty-one gun salute….

…taps. Thanks Mt. Vernon for all you do.

Turkey is our starter at every stop. Remember, he has to remember the order of the platoons since we change every day. Also remember the Missing Man and Leadership go behind the road guards in front. Well….I think Turkey was so focused on the platoons that he forgot to release Missing Man and Leadership. Sooo there goes Platoon1 leading the pack. Good thing it got figured out in this big parking lot. May not be funny to the readers but pretty funny to us. You do a great job Turkey. Just 3 more days.

This is how they are lined up…. should be in order as long as you remember who starts.

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Heading out to Indiana, I love the change in the scenery. Lots of green

Once we get into Indiana, it looks like they too want to get into the bridge challenge.

Way to go state coordinators.

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Our last gas stop for the day brings a few families out to greet our riders.

Many are gone from families for 3 weeks. It is nice to see the support especially the kids.

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Here is Turkey. Always a smile on his face, even when mistakes are make.

We all make them but fun to joke about them

Reception in Corydon where we stay for the night is incredible. Flags flying everywhere.

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Fish fry dinner…. Yummy!!

… and of course desserts. I am up to 15 pounds gained so far.

At dinner, Ed came up to me and said Charlie was so proud of his shirt and hat that they gave him yesterday, he wanted to share with us.

Welcome Home Charlie.

At dinner, a Vietnam vet was presented with this walking stick.

It was carved by someone on the Run (sorry I have to get the name). He wanted it to go to a Vietnam veteran. So Mr. Ivers received it tonight at dinner.

Standing in the lobby, I caught up with Kim. She was telling me that he was one of the ones on the bus. I said “what bus?” There is group of veterans that are not able to ride a motorcycle but want to participate. They are on a bus and participate in the ceremonies, meals,…. They are starting with us in Corydon and will ride to DC. Mr. Ivers was selected to receive this. He was very honored.

Temp: 63-90
Route: I-64E
Total Miles: 290

Quote for the day:

Please tell him he is more than just a name on a wall

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 18, 2026 – Day 6 to DC – Junction City, KS to Wentzville, MO

Another very good day. We lost the heat from the last 2 days. Temps stayed mid 60s all day.

Another bio is read. Lewis Herbert Abrams. I have attached the bio sheet to give you an example.

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“Say their name. Tell their stories. Never forget.”

This morning the sun tried to come out but it did not work very hard. It was overcast most of the day until later in the afternoon. (more to come)

Check out how green this is. It was like this for miles. So vibrant.

It is early in the morning on a work day and they still come out!!!

Look how evenly these are spaced.

And look at the wind making them stand straight out.

Makes for a great pic. I wonder how they get the flag poles anchored?

I will have to ask one of the Ambassadors tomorrow.

Still a little dark and this guy it there.

Rolling off an exit ramp. Check out the truck in the middle of the picture. In Topeka, they use the city truck to block the ramps. Traffic is not getting past these guys.

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Check this one out. The Artemis. Pretty cool.

Heading in the first gas stop…. check out the size of this flag.

Heading out, the flags look like they are sayin “we got your back”.

YEAH!!! Police escort all the way thru Missouri.

Thank you state coordinator.

This is such a huge task. Think of all the police you need: State, Highway, City, Sheriff……Then how they have to coordinate it. They made it look smooth all day.

Can you see their lights in the middle of the screen? They form the “Flying V” which is very impressive. We are too far back to get a good pic. We move up in the pack to the first position. Hope to get a better pic.

Today positions were 612345. Tomorrow 123456 ( I am in platoon 1)

OMG !! Kansas is out even in the morning!!!

Staging team at their best. Looks confusing until you are in it.

We headed out and I think they forgot to let the LEOs know. They were racing to the front. We are like a freight train. Once we get going, look out. Remember there is a 5 minute whistle and then we are off. Turkey make sure we leave EVERY stop on time. Not ready, you fall behind the Last Man.

They make it up to the front. GOOD. There can be as many as 8-10 up front at a time. They disperse them at on ramps, intersections…. same as our road guards. This is a day the road guards are “off duty” for the most part.

There is a little story behind this flag as we get ready to roll into Concordia.

From Ed, our Platoon Coordinator:

In March of this year Levi Dennis emailed RFTW about his Vietnam veteran friend Charlie who has been putting up a large flag on the bridge before Concordia. He said no one has ever stopped because there is no ramp. The email was forwarded to me and I contacted Levi and told him we will stop by this year. The ambassadors and outreach stopped by and then I stopped by to give him a RFTW shirt and a hat. Charlie was very appreciative of the visit and the gifts. This was all a surprise to him set by his friend Levi.

Thank you Charlie for being such a long time supporter of RFTW.

Charlie on the right, a Vietnam vet next to him, Ed , Levi.

Concordia of truly a patriot town. Not only how they have embraced for the last 30 years, but look at some of the painting on the building.

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My favorite…

Lori is always there to greet us and make us welcome. The town is all about patriotism.

There is always a prayer for the safety of the riders. This year she was praying all morning. The storms in this part of the country have been pretty bad (remember the hail storm some of the riders went thru). She said it came down in buckets not long before we arrived. She got her prayers answered with a dry day for lunch.

This from the elementary students. Teaching our future great values. THANK YOU.

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There is also an index card for you to put your name and address. You can give them back today or mail them back. The kids have a large map. They take the addresses that are returned to see where everyone is from and mark the map. Pretty cool idea.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After awards were presented , we got a real treat. One of the Vietnam veteran’s grandson, Keegan Honeycutt wrote a song for his grandpa. Grandpa is very proud of Keegan. Here are the lyrics:

Took off in an army green chopper
With a face painted on the nose
Lifted up in a near nosedive
Due to our over weighted load
Shooting shots out into the jungle
Till the barrels melted red
Pack of smokes and a Zippo lighter
Filling all them trees with lead
Grid pattern on the map of the land
Knew the craft like the back of my hand
Humid air couldn’t get no wetter
Just a kid didn’t know no better
Lace your boots
Here we go
And my crew
They call me Zippo
Took years for me to talk about it
Nam vets we were treated bad
But I didn’t do nothing wrong
After all I was just a young man
Now there’s a list of names up in DC
And there’s some medals hanging on my wall
Just some black and white photographs
And some things I can’t help recall
Grid pattern on the map of the land
Knew that craft like the back of my hand
Humid air couldn’t get no wetter
Just a kid didn’t know no better
Lace your boots
Here we go
And my crew
They call me Zippo
Just a kid
Young and dumb
No regrets
Or maybe some
Worn out boots
Ain’t just for show
And my crew
They call me Zippo

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lori with his grandpa

Keegan

Here in Concordia, we all join hand and sing the National Anthem.

Then we say the Lord’s Prayer. Such a warm community and they love RFTW.

Little fun as we get ready to leave. Todd, the ARC, found a friend, Thomas, a service dog. I think if Todd would have wanted, he would have put in on the back of his bike.

We are getting ready to get on the bikes and I turn around to this:

What a hoot!!! Scared me a first. HAHAHA

They must have had all the kids in town send us off. They were screaming over the sound of the bikes.

Then at the next gas stop, one of the road guards comes up with this:

Lance’s road name is “Batman”. Must be mask day!

OH NO! Check out the LEOs. All in rain gear.

Everyone geared up. We heard that the weather in Wentzville was very bad, thunderstorms. Camera gets put away. Probably a good thing because I take too many pics.

There has to be communication between certain groups on the Run. Today was a good thing we had them. There was a call that there was a jack-knifed tractor trailer 15 miles ahead of us. Some of the advanced teams were sitting in traffic: Ambassadors, road guards… These are small groups. The LEOS were able to reroute us off the highway to some side roads for about 10 miles. The teams stuck ended up in torrential downpour. Since we were behind them, we got very little rain and made it to

Wentzville.

Vietnam Veteran Memorial – This is where the ceremonies are normally done.

Still a threat of rain so had to adjust.

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Everyone was chilled and hungry. Several speeches and awards. But before that, she sang the National Anthem. I was chilled. And not form the rain, but from the soothing sound of her voice.

Beautiful way to end the day. All made it ok and we will be ready for tomorrow.

Rain in the forecast so let’s get the prayers warriors on it to keep everyone safe.

Temps: 65-68

Route: I-70E, I-470, I-670,I-70

Miles: 343

Quotes for the day:

Honoring the past, inspiring the future

We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 17, 2026 – Day 5 to DC – Limon, CO to Junction City, KS

Since this is Sunday and Chaplain Howard read this a few year ago, I thought I would share. This poem is from Kelly Strong. (You may want a tissue on this one)

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze

a young Marine saluted it, and then

He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so Proud

with hair cut square and eyes alert

He’d stand out in any crowd

I thought, how many men like him

Had fallen through the years?

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers’ tears?

How many pilots’ planes shot down?

How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?

No, Freedom is not free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant “Amen”

When a flag had draped a coffin

of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of the fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

at the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington

No, Freedom is not free!!!

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Today was an interesting day. Dan Koster, a long time RFTW rider, spoke at the morning meeting. One of the ways we raise money, is the military challenge. When Dan was the raffle rouser, he said why do we not have a patriots bucket. After he told that story to the group, the money started coming in. Great to see you Dan and thanks for rousing the group.

Here are the FNGs on the Run today. What a great group.

Here is Joshua and ? Sorry I forgot your name (it happens). They run one of the chase vehicles. You hope you do not need this but they are there if needed. Thanks guys.

Sooo… this is one of the “rookie” road guards. The rookies have to put up with the more seasoned road guards antics. They will get their chance next year. We definitely can tell who they are now.

It started about 55 and I thought I knew how to dress. About 30 minute down the road, it got really cold. I was not the only one. There were a lot of people cold. OK put on the heated gear. Ahh much better. The sun is trying to come out

15 minutes before our next stop, the sun came out and we all delayers at Oakland.

Word of the day is “BRIDGES”. Thumper is the state coordinator for Kansas. He tries to get someone or a group of people/ trucks on all the bridges. WOW! did he hit is out of the park. Here are a few before we got to Oakley.

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We get to the first gas stop and someone comes over the radio, the gate is shut, we need to reroute the pack. YIKES… we are already pulling into the gas pumps. After we fuel up, there are road guards directing the bikes the new way and the staging team is trying to redirect bikes to get us all lines up. They looked like little ants with yellow hats running around. AGAIN adapt and over come. Here is the reason. I believe this truck had the path blocked. It’s All good.

Back on the road. Here is one of the duties of the road guards. Try and get the right lane open so we can get on the highway with no cars in between us.

One of the things I like about riding is the fresh air, the smell of cut grass, ….. BUT this is one thing you smell way before you get there. HAHA

More bridges….I hope you enjoy them. I LOVE seeing all the people. They take time to support the Run. Some of these bridge take time to set up, organize the people, get the truck, the flags, etc.

This is the kind of stories this country needs to see more often.

This flag was huge…look at it compared to the fire trucks.

Yeah the sun is out! So much warmer. Check out this pic.

You feel like you are right there on the bike behind us, right?

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Lunch is in Oakley, KS. Now temps are way up and time to delayer.
Look are this welcome.

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Great venue…

…and the people are so grateful for what we are doing.

Here is a beautiful Vietnam Memorial within the park where we ate.

Also this was created as an Eagle Scott project from a local student.

We head down the road. I cannot wait until we get to the next bridge.

Some times a few people…

or a few flags…

…. or some trucks…

… or lots of people…

… or lots people and trucks. Are you getting bored yet… not me.

Even a local officer in the median of the highway.

We take a slight detour before our gas stop at Bunker Hill. Russell KS is the home of Bob Dole. This town runs parallel to I-70 which we are on all day to day. The town’s people are great supports of the Run. It is nice to show we appreciate them.

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Check out the kids…. way to go moms and dads.

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Robert Joseph Dole was an American politician, attorney, and U.S. Army officer who represented Kansas in the United States Senate from 1969 to 1996. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Dole was seriously injured on April 14, 1945, while leading his platoon in combat. He was hit by German machine-gun fire, which resulted in significant injuries to his right arm and collarbone. His recovery involved extensive rehabilitation, lasting nearly three years. Dole’s military service not only shaped his character but also influenced his later political career. He became known for his advocacy for veterans and the disabled. He was the Republican leader of the U.S. Senate during the final 11 years of his tenure, including three non-consecutive years as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate.

This leg is 121 miles. The temps have gone into the upper 90s. Key word of the afternoon:

hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Great send off…. WOW we are just at a gas stop and look..

The prior leg and the last leg of the day, we had winds of 35 MPH or higher. This called for single file the next 102 miles. Now temps stay in the 100 the whole way. At one point for a short time, I saw 110 on the bike.

Few more bridges before we get into Junction City.

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Check out the direction the flags are flying early in the morning and they way the are now.

As we roll into Junction City, we are met with this truck. Pretty sweet!!!

Junction City here we come.

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There is a ceremony for RFTW at the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Star Spangled Banner started playing. All conversations stopped, and all stood up.

Papa Smurf in the green is a Vietnam vet…

and the 2 local gentlemen here are also.

RFTW

Speaker were the mayor, Terry Butler

and Garrison Commander,, Gerald Nunziato. One thing he said was that we are not riding alone. We have support all over and especially in Junction City..

Laying of the Broken Spoke Wreath ..

…along with the playing of Echoing Taps. Who has the box of tissues? It was beautiful.

One of my favorites pictures of the day. This is our future!!!

Hold on tight. We are there for you always.

Temps: 47-110

Route: I-70E

Miles: 394

Quote for the Day:

Never forget.

Posted on May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 16, 2026 – Day 4 to DC – Eagle Nest, NM to Limon, CO

As we walk into the center this morning for breakfast, I see this table. What a time for the allergies to start.

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Every morning you have seen that the Run has multiple ways to raise money for Rainelle School. Well Bobbie is the main person organizing all this. She started months ago getting with people and organizations to give items to be donated. Every morning she has us rocking and raffling. Thanks Bobbie.

Today, we had 2 people volunteer to help. Eric and Jeff.

Here is a little story on how RFTW has influenced our future generation. They have gotten their classmates also interested. Way to go kids!!

From Michelle Sherrod :

Caeleb and Michelle Sherrod are from Amarillo TX. Her parents own Nest Cabins and Marina. They invited Blake, their middle son, to stay with them during the RFTW event. The kids have attended for several years and have become very close friends with Eddie and Laura (aka Chief and Windi). Blake 10, his brother Collin 12 and sister Kate 8 look forward to this event every year. In 2024 Blake won the 50-50 and get half back to the military (Army).

Blake and Collin love the military and have talked about joining RFTW when they get old enough. Michelle and Caeleb are thankful for the influence of the riders to encourage these kids to server others and missions bigger than themselves, and with intentional with honoring those who make such sacrifices that ensure we get the immense blessing of freedom.

This year the kids got tickets again and this year Kate won. She turned around and put 50% in the Army bucket.

This is a letter from the Sherrod family last year. Such a great family.

Thank you for being a part of the RFTW family. See you next year.

******************************************************************

Last year was the first year, Ed started this.

In Northern Virginia, The Willing Warrior Retreat Center is a major advocate for RFTW. They provide a healing retreat for soldiers, veterans and their families who are in long term rehab stays at DC area military hospitals. They believe that RFTW, like themselves are part of the large fabric of organizations that provide healing for soldiers and veterans. One of our funding sources is selling bricks. We placer RFTW bricks in an area called the Survivors Garden. It’s a garden around a tree that has been struck by lightning twice and still lives. Every morning on the Run, we will auction off the honor to carry the brick for the day. We donate money to Willing Warriors, that they continue their mission of healing for soldiers and veterans.

Here is the carrier for today.

With this done, Jim starts with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer

Next it the reading of one of the bios. Everyone is someone’s family member. Tomorrow I will try to get a copy for you to also read. This gentleman will carry this one to the Wall.

Yeah!!!.. it is not 30 degrees but 52 as we leave Eagle Nest. It is elevation about 8600 feet. You just never know what you will get. Beautiful ride down the mountain.

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In 2022, RFTW got rerouted and could not go to Eagle Nest because of fire. 4 years later, nature it amazing. You still see those trees that were burnt, but if you look at the growth next to it, you see new trees starting.

Fun Fact:

Many ecosystems have coexisted and evolved with wildfire for millennia, meaning some plants actually depend on it to reproduce. The soil contains a natural vault of dormant seeds. The heat of a fire often alters the soil’s nitrogen levels, signaling these sleeping seeds to break dormancy and germinate.

Well…HELLO.!!! Check this out: Bison (not buffalo)

2nd Fun Fact:

Bison and buffalo are often confused, but they are distinct animals. Bison are native to North America and Europe, while true buffalo, such as the water buffalo and Cape buffalo, are found in Asia and Africa.

There were at least 3 very large herds of them. I have never see so many.

Again we live in such a great place and you just never know what you will see around the corner. We are able to see this and travel because of our freedom…

What a great day for a ride. I never get tired of seeing all our family.

And more of the beauty of America.

Great reception in Raton. Day 4 we are getting pretty good at the gas stops

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Another town that turns out for the Run.

Remember I said, we have New Mexico clear all the way by the LEOs?

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Well…. we cross into Colorado with a great send off. How cool is this!!! Thank You!!

You just never know where you will find supporters. The Run really brings this out.

What a great road…you feel like you are with us??

I know you all are on spirit. The Run just draws you in.

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THEN we see this: Meaning High winds with a danger of fire.

Holy cow how beautiful

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Lunch…in Pueblo …. Thanks so much

So great to see all the kids getting involved.

Way to go mom!!! Allie’s brother and sister all have vests.

What a great venue for parking and staging the platoons!!

Then remember the Red Flag warning…

We got a call from the advanced teams that they were getting hail. Jim make the call to pull over and suit up. We happened to be at a section of the road that was a passing lane AND it had enough room to pull the whole pack to the right. Timing is everything and someone is definitely looking out for us. Check out the clouds.

Even Stewart has on his rainsuit.

Lets get moving.

And the people still come out to show their respect.

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Come on blue skies

Camera was put away until we got to the gas station. We had all kinds of people getting the pack routed into the pumps. The people here are not the staging team..where are they??

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But they managed to get us all lined up and fueled up.

Look at the blue skies.!!!!

It turns out that the staging team was one of the teams that got pounded with the hail. I was talking tonight with one of them and she said it was crazy. Everyone was sliding. They were soaked and cold. Hot showers was the first order of business.

Look here and you know why. SOOO glad you all are safe!

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FYI. I believe there are a more pics on the RFTW Facebook page.

Here is a pic someone got of the storm. (This is like 2024 all over again)

Adapt and Overcome!!!

What a motto to live by. RFTW way to go!!

Glad you are all safe. See you in the morning.

Temps: 52-89-63(during the hailstorm)
Route: I-25N, Hwy 24
Miles: 301
Quotes for the day:

Some made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank the Living, Honor the Fallen

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 15, 2026 – Day 3 to DC – Gallup, NM to Eagle Nest, NM

We had another beautiful day today. Thanks to all you prayer warriors praying for safe travels and good weather.

Sonia, and Eric, is the lead for the ambassador team. She explained that this team goes ahead of the pack and thanks people for their support. They go on the bridges, some schools, and in towns. Thanks Sonia and Eric. Check the mountains behind her with the sun on it in the background. Love it!!

The Pledge and a prayer are always first thing in the morning. Jim (road name “Who?”) reads the bios for the day. This is such a great group of people as there are always a few that love to carry them to the wall. The person carrying it will read and think about the person as the journey across the great nation of ours.

Today was a crazy day in that we went thru several towns where the LEO (Law Enforcement Officers) and our road guards put a bubble around the pack. Remember yesterday I mentioned that New Mexico will keep the path clear for RFTW to go thru the state. I have several pics of that today. There was a lot of leap frogging to keep all roads, parking lots, …. from coming into the middle of the pack.

Each day the order of the platoons changes. The staging team puts the platoons in order and a road guard gets them all going.

Our send off from Gallup. Showing us how they got their name as the most patriotic city in America.

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We are 10+ miles down the road and still seeing this!!!

They get up pretty early for this.

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Thank you Gallup!!!

Heading down the road, I love the windy road.

First stop Route 66 Casino for gas.

The road guards are always around to help guide us to the pump. Here Wild Bill, one of our Vietnam vets and on the advanced team, sports a hat someone gave him. It is red which is for the road guards (each team has a different color to distinguish them). We all know it is him by this hat. Nice looking Bill

Organized chaos. The fuel team can fill 250-300 bikes in about 15 minutes. Way to go team!! Remember bikes only have 4-6 gallon tanks. Also the pumps just keep running. Each rider has to buy a fuel sticker. So the Run pays at the end. Definitely speeds things up.

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We have a hydration trailer too. This is great!!! Water, Gatorade… snacks. BUT for 2 day they were MIA. Had problems with the trailer. Imagine that… not that all that weight had anything to do with it. Ron and Marilyn glad to have you back!!

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Here is Ron, one of the platoon leaders. When you get thru a fuel stop, remember you need to get back on your platoon. We have stagers but he was almost one of the last bikes filled so the staging team was heading to the next stop. Team work… Bob from his platoon was helping back into the front position. Be careful Bob, next year you may have a new job.

Susan what a great item…. how did you find room for this??

Allie is one of our youngest participants. In Needles, Ron was trying to get a hi-five from her. Here is her reaction.

Today…. she changed her mind…gave him and me a hug.

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Then she said it was her turn to take a picture (her mom, Ron and me). Nice job Allie. Here is our future folks…. !!!

Here are the LEOs working to give us traffic free roads. I was told a few years ago there is a waiting list to get on this detail. Thanks guys.

Here we go…blocked highway at the entrance ramp..

Clear sailing

Wow what a view….

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Lunch is a new venue. Santa Clara Casino.

Cool having hamburgers and hot dogs outside.

We had a surprise guest today. Leroy Petry. If you read the Sit Rep report from May 12, you remember the Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery. His name was on the wall. He rode with RFTW in 2015.

Leroy Arthur Petry (born July 29, 1979) is a retired United States Army soldier. He received the U.S. military‘s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Afghanistan in 2008 during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Please take a few minutes to read.

On May 26, 2008, Staff Sergeant Petry and his unit were on a mission in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment,^[1]^[6] which was on a daylight raid to capture a high-value target from the Taliban. Petry was to locate with the platoon headquarters in the target building once it was secured. Once there, he was to serve as the senior non-commissioned officer at the site for the remainder of the operation.^[7] The team of 7 Rangers encountered about 40 Taliban, 12 of them armed.^[8] Almost immediately after getting out of the helicopters that delivered the unit to the attack site, the Rangers came under strong fire.^[6] Petry provided additional supervision to an assaulting squad during the clearance of a building, and afterward he took Private First Class Lucas Robinson to clear an outer courtyard.^[5]

Three Taliban fighters were in the courtyard, which had a chicken coop within it. The Taliban fired on Petry and Robinson; Petry was wounded by one round that went through both his legs,^[1] and Robinson was wounded, being hit on the armor plate protecting his side. Petry led Robinson to the cover of the chicken coop, and reported the contact and their wounded condition. Petry threw a thermobaric grenade from cover. At the chicken coop, the two men were joined by Sergeant Daniel Higgins, who assessed the wounds of the two soldiers.^[5]^[8]

A Taliban fighter threw a grenade at their position which landed 10 meters from them; it detonated, and the blast knocked the three soldiers to the ground, wounding Higgins, and further wounding Robinson.^[5] Shortly thereafter the three were joined by Staff Sergeant James Roberts and Specialist Christopher Gathercole. A Taliban fighter threw another grenade, which landed a few feet from Higgins and Robinson. Knowing the risk, Petry picked up and attempted to throw the grenade in the direction of the Taliban.^[9] Petry later recalled his immediate reaction was

get it out of here, get it away from the guys and myself. And I reached over, leaned over to the right, grabbed it with my hand, and I threw it as hard as I could, what I thought was at the time. And as soon as I opened my hand to let it go, it just exploded instantly. And I came back, and the hand was completely severed off.^[10]

The detonation amputated his right hand, and sprayed his body with shrapnel.^[11] Petry likely saved the two other soldiers from serious injury or death.^[12]^[8]

Petry placed a tourniquet on his right arm.^[1] Roberts began to fire at the Taliban fighters, suppressing them in the courtyard. An additional fighter on the east end of the courtyard fired, fatally wounding Gathercole.^[5] Higgins and Robinson returned fire, killing that fighter.^[1] They were joined by Sergeant First Class Jerod Staidle, the platoon sergeant, and Specialist Gary Depriest, a medic. Directing the medic to treat Gathercole, Petry was assisted by Staide and Higgins to the casualty collection point.^[5]

Return to service

Petry’s wounds resulted in his right arm having to be amputated below the elbow. He was evacuated to an American hospital in Germany, where he spent several weeks in recovery before being transferred to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas.^[4] He now uses an advanced prosthetic in place of his right hand. On the prosthetic is a small plaque listing the names of the fallen Rangers of his regiment.^[13

Some of the local kids came to perform for us. Nicely done and thanks for supporting us. This is such a great thing for them to get involved in.

Todd Taylor, our assistant Route Coordinator, went to the casino just for the heck of it. Several years ago, we stopped for lunch at a different casino, and he put in a few bucks and won $196. So he thought he would try his luck again. As luck would have it… he won $312. Soooo…. that goes to the Rainelle kids…. right???

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Todd , ARC, and Jim, RC, I am sure they are discussing WHERE his new found wealth should go.

Great send off from Leroy

First we need to get thru town…Road guards and LEOs did a lot of leap frogging today.

Heading to Eagle Nest, our destination for tonight, this road was spectacular, amazing, …

Your thoughts? Here are a few pics…

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Single file all.

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I hope some day, given the chance, you can get out and see this beautiful country we have. It is breathtaking.

Heading into the Angel Fire Vietnam Veteran Memorial

This was an interesting pic. The LEOs are taking pics of us. Loving it.

Google:

Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Victor David was a 1st Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps (B CO, 1st BN, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Div) and was killed in Viet Nam in a battle/ ambush near Con Thien. Fifteen other soldiers lost their lives in this battle.

Following the death of their son, U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Victor David Westphall III, Jeanne and Dr. Victor Westphall began construction of the Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel to honor the memory of their son and the sixteen men that died with him near Con Thien, South Vietnam on May 22, 1968.

Bricks are laid every year on Labor Day for any veteran. This is a huge ceremony and there are 400-500 bricks done every year. RFTW members are here every year for this.

Today, we laid a brick for Lennie Hodson. He was a big part of RFTW for many years. He was supposed to lay this brick this coming September and passed away in last December. We got you Lennie. Your RFTW family will always be there.

Jim hands the brick to Nick to be placed.

There is a salute..

And the brick is placed.

On Labor Day, this is done for every brick placed.

Say their name, tell their stories, Never Forget.

In the background, Kim, part of our leadership support team, plays Amazing Grace. Where are the tissues…??

Little background on Kim.

Pipe Major Kim Greeley – Storm Watch – born in Hawai’i, has been piping since she was 11 years old. Kim has studied and performed piping in Hawai’i, on the mainland, in Canada, and in the United Kingdom. Kim has performed for military retirement celebrations, military funerals, and repatriation ceremonies. She is the piper on call for repatriation services at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. She also piped for the 9/11, WWI and WWII worldwide remembrance events. Kim’s largest concert is the annual one for the Riders of the Run For The Wall gathering at the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day weekend. Kim has coordinated her performances with airplane and helicopter flyovers, parachute drops, presentations by government and military dignitaries, and other bands. Kim, along with pipers in her band, played for the interment of Lauren F. Bruner, the last crew member who will ever be returned to the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor – coordinating the performance on Ford Island with the military divers as they returned Mr. Bruner’s ashes to the battleship.

Here is the leadership for Central Route.

Scooter, one of our road guards, flew in this Huey and his name is on the inside. He was also able to be in it when it was decommissioned.

Angel Fire also has an exact replica of the Vietnam Wall that is in DC.

Finally the day is coming to an end…Stacie Ewing has been making cakes for RFTW for over 15 year. Check it out. And it tastes great!!

WOW!!! Great day… we get to do this again… Keep the prayers coming.

Temps: 55-94
Route: I40,I25, Hwy285,Hwy 285,68,585,64
Miles:289

Quote of the day:
All gave some, some gave all

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Jean Gault

CR – May 14, 2026 – Day 2 to DC – Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM

Today was a beautiful day in Williams. Every year as we stage, we are heading east. The sun is blinding as we stage on the street but so warm.

Today was the first day for all the fund raising. We had great response and lots of items were auctioned.

Jim read a bio to be carried to the wall. These bios are very surreal. You think of the families that have lost a loved one.

Say their name, never forget.

Boots is our Head Road Captain. Day 1 with all new riders and this big of a group can be a bit tough for the FNGs. So Boots goes over a few things to help them.

Can you guess how he got his name?

In the platoons, we got over hand signals. Here James is demonstrating a fast “slow down”. Meaning the bikes in front of us are slowing down quickly and may be breaking.

There are currently 6 platoons with 2 wheels and 3 platoons for trikes and bikes with trailers. The 2 wheel bikes rotate positions in the pack. We were first yesterday and today we are 6. This is a much tougher position. There is a lot of rubber banding (speed up…slow down) the further back you are. As the days tick by this will get better

Yesterday: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Today: 2,3,4,5,6,1

One positive thing is that I can get great pics of most of the pack.

Check out this…. looks like a funny tree… really a cell tower.

Here is a shot of some of the road guards as they pass us.

Remember I showed a few custom painted bikes before we left? Lance’s bike is spectacular!!

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First stop Winslow

Anyone an Eagles fan? Remember the song “Standing on the corner in Winslow AZ”. Well here it is.

As we head to a gas stop just before Winslow, there is a 9-11 Memorial.

It has 2 pieces from the Twin Towers.

Fun Facts:

The centerpiece consists of 14 and 15 foot beams that were entrusted to the citizens of Winslow by the City of New York, making them the largest pieces given to any community in the nation These metal beams serve as a poignant tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks.

Heading thru down to head for lunch, I think we had past every school in town. I love this enthusiasm. They are screaming “USA” and waving flags. Here is our future.

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Lunch at Holbrook American Legion.

They always have a band. Each year they seem to get better. And now they look like high school age. Thanks guys you are sounding good. They have always played out of the back a truck.

Inside we are treated not only with lunch but entertainment.

First there is a lady that sang the Star Spangled Banner. This version was sung slow, and very sincerely felt by the singer. Every word delivered with passion. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Anyone have a tissue? my allergies are kicking in.

The Navajo kids danced several dances they have been working on. Amazing. And the colors are so vibrant.

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The gentleman announcing the dancers in 72. He father was a “Code Talker”

Code Talkers

Code Talkers are people in the 20th century who used obscure languages as a means of secret communication during wartime. The term is now usually associated with the United States soldiers during the world wars who used their knowledge of native American languages as a basis to transmit coded messages. In particular, there were approximately 400–500 Native Americans in the US Marine Corps whose primary job was the transmission of secret tactical messages. Code talkers transmitted these messages over military telephone or radio communications nets using formal or informally developed codes built upon their native languages.

On the road again and we head to Gallup, NM. I never get tired of seeing this. It continues to remind me of the mission we are all on.

he closer we get to Gallup we see people every where…

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Check this one out!!! They are on a little hill off the highway. Image how long this took to set up.

Police in the median. We were supposed to get a police escort all the way cross New Mexico. 2 Cars are sitting here. Not moving. Where are the motorcycle officers? We are now about 10 miles in the border.

OH HELLO!!! there they are. Coming thru the grass median… I think we were coming thru a bit early.

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Ok Boys let’s get going!!

I love this sign. “Most Patriotic Small Town in America”.

After seeing the people along the highway for at least 5+ miles before we get this the exit, it is well deserved.

Just wait….for the next 14 miles (we took the milage), there are people all over. Waving flags and yelling. Here are a few examples but you should see all the pics I took. I finally stopped and just enjoyed the patriotism. You think this country has lost it, look at these.

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Check out the bikes as we roll thru.

How cool is this… heading into Red Rock State Park.

Couple of RFTW guys as we enter the park.

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As we get off the bikes, I walk over to Dan. He was an FNG last year but started in the middle. He said his allergies were kicking really bad, so we gave him a tissue. Hope you feel better soon, Dan.

From here we hear the drums and chanting. They have been here for several hours praying for our safety here and for our journey to DC.

We are then asked to join them dancing around the circle. Here are the leaders.

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Here is one of the last code talkers.

RFTW at its best. Nice dancing to all.

Kim met up with the women carrying the flags. This is the first time the Women Warriors of the Navajo Nation carried the Colours at the Gallup Ceremony.

PHEW!!!! What a spectacular day.

Guess what!!!??? We get to do more tomorrow.

All the people we have met so far in just a few days, tells you that we are still a nation of pride.

Author: Jean Gault

CR – May 23, 2026 – in Washington DC

Come Visit My Grave by Jim Rolfes

Arlington (by Trace Adkins)

CR – May 22, 2026 – Day 10 to DC – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

CR – May 21, 2026 – Day 9 to DC – Nitro, WV to Lewisburg, WV

Life after Iraq

CR – May 20, 2026 – Day 8 to DC – Corydon, IN to Nitro, WV

We start the day with our bio. Thank you for carrying this to the wall.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE

CR – May 19, 2026 – Day 7 to DC – Wentzville, MO to Corydon, IN

Temp: 63-90
Route: I-64E
Total Miles: 290

CR – May 18, 2026 – Day 6 to DC – Junction City, KS to Wentzville, MO

CR – May 17, 2026 – Day 5 to DC – Limon, CO to Junction City, KS

CR – May 16, 2026 – Day 4 to DC – Eagle Nest, NM to Limon, CO

CR – May 15, 2026 – Day 3 to DC – Gallup, NM to Eagle Nest, NM

Return to service

Temps: 55-94
Route: I40,I25, Hwy285,Hwy 285,68,585,64
Miles:289

Quote of the day:
All gave some, some gave all

CR – May 14, 2026 – Day 2 to DC – Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM

Temps: 55-84
Route: I40
Miles: 224

Quote of the Day: Home of the free, because of the brave

Come Visit My Grave by Jim Rolfes

Arlington (by Trace Adkins)

Life after Iraq

We start the day with our bio. Thank you for carrying this to the wall.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE

Temp: 63-90 Route: I-64E Total Miles: 290

Return to service

Temps: 55-94 Route: I40,I25, Hwy285,Hwy 285,68,585,64 Miles:289 Quote of the day: All gave some, some gave all

Temps: 55-84 Route: I40 Miles: 224 Quote of the Day: Home of the free, because of the brave

Get Monthly RFTW News via Email

Temp: 63-90
Route: I-64E
Total Miles: 290

Temps: 55-94
Route: I40,I25, Hwy285,Hwy 285,68,585,64
Miles:289

Quote of the day:
All gave some, some gave all

Temps: 55-84
Route: I40
Miles: 224

Quote of the Day: Home of the free, because of the brave