Author: Jonathan Yergin

Fri, May 22, 2026

Lynchburg, VA

Tree of Life Ministries

Before Buzz Mullens presented plaques and certificates to many of the people who support Run For The Wall Southern Route, Gump Hudson and Big Spoon Miller gave an inspiring “Why We Ride” presentation.  

Gump called out the names of each of the nine fallen soldiers of the 507th Maintenance Company which was ambushed during the Battle of Nasiriyah in the rapid advance towards Baghdad during the 2003 invasion of Iraq on 23 March 2003.

Say their names.  Tell their stories.  Never forget.
And live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

For several days I have been thinking about why and how Karoni “Hoops” Forrester is uniquely qualified to be RFTW SR Outreach Coordinator and part of the team that facilitates healing for the families of POW, MIA and KIA service members.

Fishersville, VA

Sheetz

Standing under the roof overhang outside at Sheetz, I overheard part of a conversation between  Karoni “Hoops” Forrester and Gold Star Son Bryan Knight.  It helped me to realize that one of the things they have in common is that they have been going through the grieving process for the loss of their Dad from an early age.  They also shared having to deal with the confusion that results when there is no clear answer to why the loss of their Dad is a mystery.

How can there be a US Flag and no casket or urn?  Why does the pledge of “No Man Left Behind” not apply to their loved one?  Well, those shared experiences are why Hoops can be so effective in helping others process their grief.

Front Royal, VA

DoubleTree by Hilton

After enjoying PBJ sandwiches and drinks passed out by the Hydration Team, we went to a conference room inside for our final All RFTW Riders Meeting of 2026.  Both Buzz Mullen and Santa Ed used the occasion of May 22 to remind us to “Give a Damn” about 22 veteran suicides per day and to reach out to any veteran we see who is struggling.

Marshall, VA

Northern Fauquier Community Park

We had been notified that RFTW Southern Route (SR) and Central Route (CR) would join together at this location and roll into Washington, DC with one police roadblock rather than two.  I’m not sure what I expected, but the front platoons of SR just rolled on by and it appeared that CR would fall in behind us.  In fact, it was a little more dynamic than that and our tailgunner reported that a number of the CR riders joined our platoon.

Springfield, VA

American Legion Post 176

The Southern and Central Routes arrived first and were greeted by a host of American Legion volunteers and many RFTW dignitaries including James “Gunny” Gregory and his wife Patty and Gold Star Son Rolando Montana.  

Some of us got coffee to warm up from the ride in the rain and started to take advantage of the food offered by the American Legion volunteers.  But knowing that the Midway Route riders would be arriving soon, Gunny encouraged us to leave our refreshment long enough to give them the same welcome we received.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Thu, May 21, 2026

Wytheville, VA

Withers Park

A group of riders gathered just outside of Withers Park to join a new Outreach to Narrows, VA.  RFTW SR Outreach Chaplain, Lee “Moses” Thacker led the ride.

Narrows, VA

Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Park for Giles County is a  public park that was dedicated in 2004, and founded by Randall W. Fletcher, a friend of Chaplain Moses.  It is located on Kimberling street in Downtown Narrows, VA.

VFW Post 6000 developed a design for the park which features five black granite monuments bearing seals in tribute to the five branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. Eight flagpoles surround the monuments, flying flags for each military branch, a POW-MIA flag, a Virginia state flag and the U.S. flag.

In 2015, the Veteran’s honor wall was completed for the 2015 Veterans Day service.  The black granite wall lists 1,236 names of servicemen and women. In addition, two memorial granite benches were constructed near the wall; one donated by the Ladies Auxiliary, and one by American Legion Post 68.  We placed a memorial wreath at the park.

 

Montvale, VA

Exxon

The Outreach group got to the next fuel stop, the Exxon station in Montvale, VA, before the main pack.  Several minutes later they arrived and after fueling up, we proceeded to Montvale Elementary School

Montvale Elementary School

At Montvale Elementary School, we were greeted by loud chants of “U S A, U S A, U S A.”  A group of JROTC cadets lined the entranceway to the school.

For lunch we had Chick-fil-A sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks.

MVES Program for RFTW

Highlights from the program included:
– American Song – PK, K, 1st
– Thank a Vet – 2nd and 3rd
– A Grateful Nation – 4th and 5th
– Sacrifices Made – All
– Taps – Mr. Steven Williams
– Essay Contest Winner – Grace Stevens
– JROTC Presentation

The JROTC presentation was based on the Bill Murray and crew training exercise from the movie Stripes.

Bedford, VA

National D-Day Memorial

We placed a wreath beneath the Overlord Arch.

Wed, May 20, 2026

Chattanooga, TN

White Lightning Harley-Davidson

Confederate Cemetery

We laid a wreath at the Confederate Cemetery next to White Lightning Harley-Davidson.

Leadership Support Platoon

I have enjoyed the privilege of riding in the Leadership Support Platoon (SP). The Platoon Leader (PL) is Rod “Reckless” Runyon.  The Assistant Platoon Leader (APL) is Pete “Pistol Pete” Torrecillas and the Tail Gunner is Jonathan “Red Ryder” Creel.  Our position in the lineup is right behind the Missing Man Platoon and the “on deck” Missing Man representative typically rides with us.

Knoxville, TN

TA Travel Center

Our first fuel stop of the day is the TA Travel Center.  The Marine Corps League performed a flag presentation ceremony including our Pledge of Allegiance.

Missing Man – Roy Knight, Jr.

Starting in Knoxville, TN, the Missing Man Team rode to honor USAF Col Roy Knight who went Missing In Action (MIA) on May 19, 1967 in Laos. Gold Star son Bryan Knight rode as the Missing Man representative.

Missing Man Team

Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer is the Platoon Leader.  He frequently says, “I am good with spreadsheets, but the Chaplain Team members are good with prayer.  Would you like for them to pray with you?”  In my experience, the answer is always, “Yes.”

The Missing Man Chaplains are Vernie “Turnip” Batten and Tonya “Stormy” Batten.  Bonehead also invites others in the area to join the prayer circle.  This is the team that facilitates healing for family members and friends of POW, MIA and KIA service members.

Bristol, VA

Black Wolf Harley-Davidson

The staff and volunteers at Black Wolf Harley-Davidson had lunch ready for us when we arrived.  We had drinks, hot dogs, chips and dessert options, including patriotic brownies.  I had one slaw dog and one chili dog, but I had already eaten the slaw dog by the time I remembered to take a picture.

Wytheville, VA

Withers Park

It seems that the whole town comes out to welcome us when RFTW SR riders arrive in Wytheville, VA.  There are lots of options for hydration and snacks.  There are at least two 18-wheeler tractors with awesome patriotic wraps.

Before long we gather for another All Hands Riders Meeting including our Pledge of Allegiance, a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and various recognitions and presentations.  Before being dismissed we are reminded of the plans for tonight’s Steak Dinner at the Moose Lodge and tomorrow’s activities.

Wytheville Moose Lodge 394

We had an excellent dinner with salad, baked potato and ribeye steak cooked to order.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Tue, May 19, 2026

Meridian, MS

Lauderdale County Agri-Center

We picked up our clean laundry that was dirty when we dropped it off last night.

What do you want for breakfast?  How about coffee, orange juice, fruit, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and pastries?  The real challenge is not to eat too much before starting the next leg of your run.

Missing Man Formation

Johnnie “Bravo 6” Huddleston told us about our Why We Ride candidate for the first leg of today’s run: Marine Lance Corporal Casey Casanova who died for this country on May 3, 2008.  She was an only child, an only grandchild and the only female from Mississippi to die in Iraq in 2008. Her grandmother died later from a broken heart.

Tuscaloosa, AL

Pilot Travel Center

We made a quick stop to get gas and then went on to the VA Medical Center with minimal staging.

Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

Registration and Finance guru Shirley “Top Sarge” Scott let us know at the breakfast meeting that she had purchased ball caps with an American Flag that  she wanted us to give to a veteran.  Of course this was also an opportunity to talk to and get to know a little about the veteran.

I had the opportunity to talk to Korean War veteran, John Byram.  John was looking forward to his 92nd birthday in August.  Mr. Byram joined the service in 1952 and was trained as an Electrician.

Me:  The Korean War; I have heard that was hard duty.
John:  I never went to Korea.  I served in Iceland.  That was hard duty.

Gadsden, AL

Petro Travel Center

For the final leg of today’s run, the Missing Man Formation rode to remember Johnny Mata and all of the fallen soldiers of the 507th Maintenance Company a U.S. Army unit originally based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Two of our riders were involved: Joe “Gump” Hudson and Patrick “Big Spoon” Miller.  I believe these warriors are experiencing healing in their minds, spirits and souls on this run.  Tomorrow I expect to  introduce some of the Missing Man Team leaders who are facilitating that healing.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Mon, May 18, 2026

Monroe, LA

Sam’s Club Parking Lot

Here are some pictures from today’s early morning staging.

Monroe City Hall

Remembrance Ceremony in downtown Monroe, LA.

Jackson, MS

Wahabi Shriners

After parking, I realized I was not parked with the other Outreach event riders, but I was parked near Sam “Polar Bear” Warner, the Family Outreach Assistant.

It took longer than expected to move things around on my bike after taking off a layer of clothes to match the warm and humid weather.  So I arrived a little late, but still got my sandwich, chips and cold iced tea.  I had to finish it up quickly to leave in time for the outreach.

Newton, MS

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Because I was part of the Honor Guard presenting the wreath, I didn’t get any pictures, but my friend and FNG, Kevin “KMAC” Magill caught us in action.

Meridian, MS

East Mississippi Veterans Park

This is a beautiful modern park with many educational displays, including a list of all United States Presidents and the years they served.

The Honor Guard presented a wreath before we left.

Lauderdale County Agri-Center

There are a number of reasons I like this final stop of Day 6.  I started from here on my FNG run in 2010.  The Merchandise Trailer is set up here and this year I got some patches including my All The Way 2026 and Participant 2010 patches.

Then there is the free laundry benefit.  This certainly makes it easier to plan for the number of changes of clothes you need and to plan for other laundry stops.  Let’s not overlook the generous portions of fire roasted chicken, vegetables, bread,  drinks and desserts.  And it is likely that everyone you meet here is friendly and ready to offer encouragement.  Do you need extra toiletries?  They have more than the Walmart Travel Size section.

There is a good possibility that you can find room for indoor camping here.  If not, or if you prefer the outdoors, there is lots of room for outdoor camping right in the parking area.   As an arena for cowboy events, there are restrooms and showers available.  What is not to like?

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Sun, May 17, 2026

Grand Prairie, TX

Walmart Business Center

After a church service presented by Ambassador Chaplain Joel “Padre” Graves in the Walmart parking lot, a group of us left for the outreach to Camp V in Tyler, TX.

Tyler, TX

Camp V

We were led by Ambassadors Corey “Sun Bear” Lederer and David “Ted E. Bear” Carby.  We had a relaxing and safe ride to Tyler, TX.  Corey presented a recognition plaque to Travis Gladhill, Executive Director.  Travis gave us some important statistics:  From self-reporting, over the past year, 52 veterans who were contemplating suicide are still with us because of the assistance received at Camp V.  And 189 are not homeless, who would be without the assistance they received.  Camp V (Community Assisting Military Personnel & Veterans) is a non-profit that works successfully alongside VA Assistance to provide a “one stop shop” for veterans in need.

I took lots of notes, so I will add to this section over time.

Longview, TX

Exxon

After fueling up at Exxon in Longview, TX, we proceeded to the Longview Fairgrounds.

Longview Fairgrounds

At the fairgrounds, lots of volunteers served us sandwiches, fruit, baked desserts and refreshing drinks including Texas sweet tea.

$5 Marty encouraged us to “Give a veteran a ride” by taking a name and carrying it with us to the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Before the presentations, sweet Caroline (“Like the Neil Diamond song,” she said.) sang our National Anthem.  She got a rousing response from the gathered riders and my friend Kevin “KMAC” Magill was particularly impressed.  Many people thanked her personally and KMAC asked her to pose for us

Monroe, LA

Shriner’s Hall

We were served a delicious meal of catfish, coleslaw and hush puppies.  There was plenty of sweet tea, water and other hydration available.  As usual, it was one of the best meals of the run.

During dinner, Johnnie “Bravo 6” Huddleston stopped by to ask me to join the Outreach event for tomorrow afternoon.  I was happy to participate and put the green sticker on my windshield to let the Staging Team know where to direct me.

After the presentations were over I went outside and noticed Rod “Reckless” Runyon kicking up his heels a little to the guitar player’s tune.  This young lady joined him for a round or two.

A group of 20+ grateful campers “set up camp” inside the Shriners hall.  After a “bedtime story” by Edward “Santa Ed” Holterman, we started a line waiting to take a shower and before long we were all sleeping soundly.  Some of us were making more sound than others.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Sat, May 16, 2026

Odessa, TX

American Legion Post 430

Breakfast was served by teenage volunteers who also cleaned up afterwards.

Midland, TX

Permian Basin Memorial

The RFTW Honor Team laid a wreath.

We spent some time exploring the memorial.

Big Spring, TX

Big Spring Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The RFTW Honors Team presented a wreath.  It was quite windy and the wind passing over the nearby hills sounded like thunder.

A friend and PGR comrade, Kevin “KMAC” Magill is representing his local American Legion Riders (ALR) chapter District 6, Post 70, Villa Rica.  Kevin is also a friend of Johnnie “Bravo 6” Huddleston, RFTW SR Platoon Coordinator, who recruited him as a “Friendly” New Guy (FNG) this year.  KMAC is going All The Way in 2026 and is also going Wall to Wall on the Sandbox Route.

This SitRep is a work in progress. 

Fri, May 15, 2026

Las Cruces, NM

American Legion Post 10

Breakfast was served by Post 10 volunteers.  At the breakfast meeting, Route Coordinator David “Buzz” Mullen introduced our Lead Chaplain who thanked God for the sunny weather and for avoiding storms.

Next up was Road Guard Captain Don “Doc” Wood.  After a safety briefing, he said, “The good news is we arrive in Texas today.  The bad news is we will be in Texas for three days.”

Fuel Stops

Fuel stops were made in Fabens, TX; Van Horn, TX;  and Pecos, TX.

Pecos, TX

Stripes

Jonny Mata Outreach

Last year I participated in the outreach to the family of Jonny Mata.  While we were visiting the family in the memorial park that they helped establish, the main pack of RFTW riders circled the park.

This year was different. My friend and Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) comrade, Kevin “KMAC” Magill is a “Friendly New Guy” (FNG) and rode with the outreach group led by Karoni “Hoops” Forrester RFTW SR Outreach Coordinator.  He snapped a picture of me circling the park with the pack.

Odessa, TX

Crossroads Fellowship

We were welcomed by volunteers at Crossroads Fellowship and had a nutritious and filling meal of sub sandwiches, chips and drinks

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Thu, May 14, 2026

Casa Grande, AZ

Elks Lodge #1957

Breakfast was provided by the members of  Elks Lodge #1957.

Interview with Jake “Hot Stuff” Marshall – Road Guard

Jake is the grandson of Doug “Sergeant Major” Lyvere, a Vietnam veteran.  Jake has completed his Sophomore year at the Citadel and is in the ROTC program for the Marine Corps.  Jake was a Participant in the Run For The Wall (RFTW) Southern Route (SR) in 2008 when he was two years old.  He rode on the back of a motorcycle for at least one leg of the route.  As you can imagine, he does not remember that ride.  He has gone All The Way on RFTW SR two times in the past and is planning to go All The Way on the run for the third time this year.

Marana, AZ

R & R Pizza Express

We had a program which included the singing of the National Anthem by a lady who has  performed  it for ten years in a row.

Among the commendations today were: James Jolly with the Marana Police Department, CVMA 32-2 from Tucson, AZ and CVMA 32-6 from Casa Grande, NM.

Route Coordinator James “Buzz” Mullen read the bio for Lt Col James Milton Jefferson.

Willcox, AZ

Elks Lodge #2131

We shook hands or fist bumped school children from 1st thru 8th grade. Some of us had small gifts to give them and some of them had Thank You cards to give us.

Las Cruces, NM

Elks Lodge #1119

The Marine Corp League Honor Guard were standing tall and looking good as we arrived. The Elks arranged to display a huge flag for us. The helicopter escorted us from about 30 miles out. Unfortunately, we were at a complete stop when we first saw him because of an overturned tractor trailer.

Commendations

Commendations were given to the Fire Department, the Police Department,  the Army Reserves and the Marine Corps League Honor Guard.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

Wed, May 13, 2026

Ontario, CA

Ontario International Airport – Lot D

On Wednesday, May 13, the three Run For The Wall (RFTW) routes that run from California to Washington, DC – Southern Route (SR), Midway Route (MR) and Central Route (CR) – gathered in Parking Lot D.  A number of organizations provided breakfast for the riders.  We in the SR departed just after 7:00 AM with a LEO escort.

Coachella, CA

Shelee’s Travel Center

At Coachella we were greeted by members of the Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Active-duty service members from the nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center also participated in welcoming and then sending off the riders.

The sponsors also presented the RFTW SR leadership with a banner.  The lighted sign in this picture is essentially the same as the banner.

Leadership recognized Jake “Hot Stuff” Marshall, who is a Road Guard this year.  Jake’s grandfather, Doug “Sergeant Major” Lyvere, passed and left his Honda Goldwing to Jake.

Blythe, CA

Our next stop was to get fuel at the Exxon in Blythe, CA.  After filling up we rode 3 miles to the Colorado River Fairgrounds for lunch served by volunteers from the area.  While we ate, local elementary school children presented a patriotic program, including the singing of our National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tonopah, AZ

Our next fuel stop was the Pilot Travel Center in Tonopah, AZ.  While there, the Missing Man Team dedicated the last leg of the day to the memory of Lennie “Big Red” Hodson.  When asked to say a word, one of his good friends noted that Big Red was scheduled to be the Asst Route Coordinator last year, but stepped up to Route Coordinator when the man scheduled for that position had to tap out.

Casa Grande, AZ

Elks Lodge #1957

At the Elks Lodge #1957, several sponsors received plaques recognizing their contribution.  When Karoni Forrester was called on she introduced Dan Deloria.  Dan has lots of experience finding aircraft parts at  The Boneyard (Davis-Monthan Air Force Base) in Tucson, AZ.

Dan was working with Keith Fitch to determine whether the aircraft parts found at a crash site were from an A-6A aircraft.  Keith sent pictures of a section of tire, but the numbers were upside down and looked like 22 when they were actually 55.  Keith sent pictures of another possible tire, but it was way too large.  Dan went through the parts manuals for the A-6A aircraft and determined that it was a fuel bladder.  The A-6A has eight fuel bladders holding about 300 gallons each.  Now that the aircraft was positively identified as an A-6A, the search for remains continued.

The dog tags of the pilot were found.  A credit card for Karoni’s dad, Capt Ron Forrester, USMC, was found.  And a tooth and bone fragment were found with his DNA.  So after 51 years Missing in Action (MIA), Captain Ron Forrester had been found and Gold Star Daughter, Karoni, found closure.

This SitRep is a work in progress.