2027 Southern Route Coordinator August Newsletter and All Riders Reunion – Kerrville, TX
IS IT MAY Yet????
No, but we are rapidly approaching the ALL RFTW Riders Reunion in KERRVILLE, TX! And yes, it is very HOT in Texas!
Greetings Y’all!!!!
The Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville, TX. Sept 25-27 at the YO Resort. Registration is $40 per person until Sept 15, then it’s $50 per person.
Your registration fee covers the use of the YO’s facilities and the Banquet dinner on Saturday night.
There is an early bird dinner on Thursday the 24th at a local Mexican food restaurant that is optional, along with a Friday night dinner at the VFW that is also optional. Rooms at the YO are $109 a Night plus tax. There is camping available in the area and other hotels if you choose to go that route
There will be raffles and a silent auction that will run the weekend, with winners announced after the banquet Saturday Night. There will also be live auction items as well. All proceeds go back to the Southern Route (not all TX fuel stops) and educational grants for the schools along the route.
The riding in the Texas Hill Country is some of the best in the US, with plenty of self-guided trips, food, pie, food, great views, pie shopping, sightseeing, food, and did I mention pie? You can ride, or just visit and catch up with friends and family or make new ones ( friends that is).
This is open to ALL RFTW. You don’t have to live in TX or ride SR to attend. It’s a laid-back, relaxing weekend to reconnect and decompress.
The registration form is attached in PDF form along with the number for the YO. When you call them, mention you’re attending the Tx Riders reunion.
Look forward to seeing y’all there. I’ll be the guy wearing the Large Panama Palm hat
YO Resort: 830-257-4440
2026 Riders Reunion Registration
25 – 27 Sept 2026
Kerrville, Tx
Name(s): __________________________________________
Road Name(s):_____________________________________
Reunion FNG: (Yes or No)________________
Address: __________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________
Early Bird Dinner on Thursday 24 Sept 🙁 No or Yes and number in
party)
___________________
Friday Evening Dinner at the VFW: ( No or Yes and number in party)
_______________________
(Download, fill out, and email back to texasriderreunion@gmail.com)
Payments and Info
$40 per person until Sept 14 $50 per person after Sept 14.
Payments can be made by Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal cash, or
check.
Checks will be accepted until Sept 9.
For those who don’t do email or have issues with the form OR are
paying with checks, mail to the following
Philip Tutton
1880 FM 2254
Pittsburg, Tx 75686.
Please put Riders Reunion in the memo section of your check.
PayPal: Philip Tutton (icon is the Gonzales flag “come and take it”)
Use the Friends and family option
Cash App: $PhilipTutton
Venmo : Philip Tutton @ Philip-Tutton
Zelle: 903-556-1717
Run For The Wall XXXVII – Southern Route 2027 Update
The planning for Run For The Wall XXXVII – 2027 is officially underway, and our leadership team is excited to begin preparing for another incredible year of honoring our veterans, supporting our riders, and strengthening the bonds of our RFTW family.
Our primary focus this year is Safety First while providing an exceptional experience for our First-Time Riders (FNGs). We are committed to ensuring every rider feels welcomed, supported, and prepared for the journey from Ontario, California, to Washington, D.C.
Leadership Team meeting invitations have begun going out, and we appreciate everyone who has already stepped forward to volunteer. Your dedication and willingness to serve make Run For The Wall possible.
Returning Volunteers – Please Read
If you are returning as a volunteer for 2027, we have one important request:
Please bring your 2026 volunteer hat.
In previous years, this has been encouraged, but for 2027 it will be a requirement. Reusing your volunteer hats helps reduce unnecessary expenses, allowing more of our resources to be directed back into the communities that so generously support Run For The Wall along our route.
Every dollar we save helps us continue our mission of giving back while honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
Thank you for your continued commitment, leadership, and servant’s heart. Together, we will make Run For The Wall 2027 our safest, strongest, and most memorable ride yet. Platoon sizes and configuration based on rider registration. We will be looking at all of our stops to maximize our time at the station and the safety of the riders.
We will begin meeting with State Coordinators in the coming weeks and discussing each state from border to border and identifying areas of concern for 2026 and areas to improve in 2027. If you have not submitted an After Action Report (AAR) for the 2026 run, please do so by clicking https://rftw.us/submit-an-after-action-report/. RFTW leadership reads every AAR in an effort to make the Run the best it can possibly be!
As we work on getting “Back to the Basics” in 2027, I will be encouraging all riders to get to know each other better, not just in our Assigned platoons. Get to know your Stagers, Fuel Team, Road Guards, Ambassadors etc. There will be changes made to allow riders to get to know people in these leadership positions so take advantage of the opportunities.
🌟 Leadership Spotlight – Dave “Double D” Davies 🌟
One of the exciting additions to our 2027 newsletters will be our Leadership Spotlight, where we’ll introduce the incredible people who make Run For The Wall possible. Our goal is to give everyone an opportunity to get to know the dedicated volunteers who serve this mission—not just by the positions they hold, but by the people they are.
We’re kicking things off with none other than Dave “Double D” Davies!
You may know him as Double D, or perhaps you’ve heard someone simply refer to him as “That Guy.” If you haven’t yet heard the story behind that nickname, be sure to ask him… just make sure you’ve set aside a little extra time! Like many conversations with Dave, what starts as a simple answer often turns into an unforgettable journey through decades of experience, countless stories, plenty of laughter, and a passion for helping others.
Dave’s dedication to Run For The Wall and the veterans we ride to honor is second to none. His leadership, willingness to mentor, and commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact on countless riders over the years. Whether he’s sharing his knowledge, lending a helping hand, or simply taking the time to encourage a fellow rider, Dave embodies the servant leadership that defines our mission.
So, when you see Double D, introduce yourself, ask him about “That Guy,” and enjoy the conversation. You’ll walk away with a smile, a story to tell, and a greater appreciation for one of the amazing people who make Run For The Wall the family it is.
Thank you, Dave, for your unwavering commitment, your leadership, and your heart for our mission. We are honored to have you as part of the 2027 Southern Route leadership team!
Dave “Double D” Davies
My father served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. I learned of the military exploits of Aunts and Uncles throughout WWII from my father and his mother, who collected newspaper articles of all their promotions and exploits. I grew up watching the Vietnam War on television, but it was never discussed at home. Cousin Michael Field who graduated from West Point in 1960 was killed during his second tour 17Oct1967.
During my first trip to Sturgis in 2001 I crossed paths with Kevin Nave and his wife Carrie. We spent 3 inseparable days experiencing Sturgis and I watched Kevin break away occasionally to have a quick word with fellow Marines to “check in on them”. Kevin was a Marine Corps Major. Two years later we got the call from Carrie that Kevin had lost his life in Iraq as XO of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
I ride every day to honor Kevin and Michael. My professional career as a Golf Course Superintendent afforded me the opportunity to coordinate an annual Tournament to raise money for a variety of military support foundations for 13 years begining in 2006. That event connected me with many “like-minded individuals” and that desire to serve and support was born. My “one time only” participation in RFTW began in 2016. I was touched everyday by the people and ultimately the Mission. For 10 years now I have looked for positions to help support the Mission and the people that are part of it.
The people are what is most important for me. The participants, the behind the scenes work that must happen to make The Run a success and every person we see on an overpass or on the side of the road. I’ve been told there is “no crying on “The Run” but every day throughout the year I’m reminded of the sacrifice men and women have made on our behalf and it’s those tears that remind me of the sacrifice of a friend and a family member.
Dave “Double D” Davies
2027 RFTW SR
Assistant Route Coordinator
Road Guard Captain “Unplugged”
Greetings to all RFTW riders! This is Chris “Unplugged” Johnson, your Southern Route Road Guard Captain for 2027. As it is unfortunately not May yet, we should all be reminded of the things which would make your next RFTW experience easier. One aspect would be training. Continuing your motorcycle training is essential for maintaining a sharp and effective riding skill set.
Regular practice and advanced training reinforce fundamental techniques, improve hazard recognition, and help riders adapt to changing road conditions and evolving riding environments. Ongoing education also builds confidence, strengthens decision-making under pressure, and reduces complacency, which can develop with experience alone. By committing to continuous training, motorcyclists enhance their safety, improve their overall riding performance, and remain prepared to respond effectively to unexpected situations on the road.
Take care and ride safe!
Chris “Unplugged” Johnson
2027 Road Guard Captain
RFTW Southern Route
626-347-1605
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are still in need of Volunteers (non-FNG’s) for a few positions. We are currently looking Platoon Leadership positions Please remember, the Platoon Leadership positions require GMRS- communications. If you are interested in any of these positions, please fill out a Volunteer form. Even if you have previously served on any given team, if you plan to do so again, please complete the volunteer form.
Leave no one behind does not end on the battlefield!
If you or someone you know find themselves struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1 or text 838255 and speak or chat with a qualified responder.
Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never forget! Live a Life worthy of their Sacrifice!
RFTW Southern Route Coordinator 2027
Kevin “Short” Short
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 