Author: Leo "Clutch" Rachmel

Dear Sandbox Riders, Families, and Friends,

As we start November, I hope everyone had a great October and a fun Halloween.  The holidays are just around the corner, and then it’s 2026 and almost May!  Planning continues to go smoothly for Sandbox.  All of our supporters are anticipating our return next year, and we’re looking forward to visiting those places that make our mission what it is.

I had the opportunity to speak with your leaders at the end of October.  Almost all of them are returning to the same positions they held last year, and I can assure you that Polar Bear and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to accomplish the mission professionally and efficiently.  They will take care of you, regardless of where you’re riding, and make sure any problems are quickly resolved at the lowest level.

Registration

As we progress through the year, our numbers continue to grow.  I’d like to ask that you register as early as possible so we can track the number of riders we’re asking our supporters to accommodate.  Additionally, the earlier you register, the sooner we can assign you to a team or platoon leader who can begin discussing individual preparation and what you need to be successful.  If you have a friend or two that you’d like to ride with, once assigned to a platoon, you can ask to be in the same platoon.  Early registration helps coordinate this.

Although our numbers are slightly down from previous years, we’re picking up lots of riders who are new to Sandbox.  Some of these are new to RFTW, while some are experienced riders from the Coast-to-Coast Routes who want to experience Sandbox for themselves.  We welcome all riders and supporters to our family and look forward to making this year’s Run a memorable and enjoyable experience for everybody.

A Run From The Run

One of the things we talk about on RFTW is “Runs To The Run” and “Runs From The Run.”  Although these events are not sanctioned by RFTW, they are comprised of like-minded individuals who want to travel together en route either to or from the Run.

To facilitate your planning, I’d like to talk about one of these Runs From The Run, which will happen directly after Sandbox is Mission Complete at the Wall in Marseilles.  On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, our Outreach Coordinator, Taz, will lead a group from the Host Hotel in Ottawa, IL, about 300 miles south to Perryville, MO where they will visit the Missouri National Veterans Memorial (MNVM), spend the night, and then riders are welcome to continue on in smaller groups, whichever direction you’re heading.  For more information, look for Taz’s post in the Sandbox Discussion of the RFTW Forum and the MNVM’s website at https://mnvmfund.org/.

The RFTW Forum is also an excellent source of information for any questions relating to the Run.  There are a variety of helpful topics and an opportunity to ask questions and interact with other riders throughout the year.  The Forum can be found under the “Connect” tab on the RFTW website.

Email Spoofing

Please be aware that some bad actors have begun spoofing RFTW Leadership emails to some participants.  These emails generally ask the recipient to click on an executable file or request payment, promising reimbursement.  The best way to identify these fake emails is to look at the sender’s email address.  If it didn’t come from an @rftw.us address, don’t reply, and for Gmail, click on the option to “Report Spam.”  Our Secretary of the Board will receive the report and take necessary actions.  If you’re not using Gmail or are unsure, just forward the email to secretary@rftw.us, and he will take care of it.

Fundraising

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission.  If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way.  Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings.  All of this fundraising allows us to operate Sandbox Route and keep costs down.

Let’s continue to work on our personal preparations to get ready to complete the Run in May.  This includes (among many other things) motorcycle maintenance, mental and physical conditioning, and having a system for packing and unpacking your motorcycle repeatedly, day after day.  The more you practice, the easier it will become, which can reduce or eliminate any stress you may feel in anticipation of this amazing and demanding experience.

Again, I look forward to meeting you all next year and working with you to make the 5^th running of Sandbox Route a resounding success!

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator

Dear Sandbox Riders, Families, and Friends,

Well, October has arrived, and with it, hopefully cooler days.  Even here in Las Vegas, it’s finally cooling off and becoming perfect riding weather.  I hope this newsletter finds you and your families in good health as we continue to get closer to May.  Polar Bear, Cyborg, and I have been reviewing the itinerary and making slight changes designed to maximize our impact on each stop while ensuring each travel day is safe and productive as we travel from DC to Marseilles.  Other leaders are building their teams and continuing to plan for May.  Every volunteer leader plays a significant role in the success of our route.  They work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure Sandbox is a success year after year.  Almost all of our leaders are returning in the same role as last year, so we can look forward to another smooth operation in May!

Missing Man Formation

In the very near future, our Missing Man Coordinator, James “Juice” Brown will be filling positions in the Missing Man Formation.  If you’re not familiar with the Missing Man Formation, here is a short description that can be found on the RFTW website under “About.”

The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route, we honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack, and we SAY THEIR NAMES so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect, and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.

This opportunity is an honor we extend primarily to Fun New Guys or Gals (FNGs) for one leg of the route.  Because our route is so short and because you’re only an FNG once, we ask that only “true” Sandbox FNGs apply for the position in the formation.  If you are an FNG on a cross-country route, please contact your Missing Man Coordinator for a slot.  If you’re an FNG in 2026 on a cross-country route and don’t get the opportunity to ride in their formation, make sure Juice is aware of that.  His contact information is available on the rftw.us website under the Sandbox Hub.  Because our Route’s main effort and final destination is the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, it’s most appropriate that your Missing Man be from the conflicts represented by our Wall.  This helps us to say their names and never forget.

As you may have heard, 2026 is the 35^th Anniversary of the ending of the Gulf War.  This milestone is especially relevant to us because of our focus on Middle East Conflicts.  We’ll continue to discuss the importance of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and try to tell the stories of those who served in that war and the sacrifices they made.

Please continue to get yourselves ready for May because it is definitely creeping up on us!  Think about your load plan, motorcycle maintenance, personal fitness, medications, emergency contacts, insurance, registration, and many other important things that we all must do to be ready for RFTW XXXVI.  Talk to your leaders about what to expect and how to prepare for it.  You have amazing leaders, many from the three cross-country routes, who have the best interests of the Sandbox Route and RFTW in mind.  Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we prepare for Kickstands Up.

I look forward to meeting you all in Springfield, VA in May!

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator

Hello everyone!

It’s hard to believe it’s already September (feels more like July!), but planning for the Sandbox Route is well underway. Polar Bear and I are working on selecting Platoon Leadership, building team rosters, and finalizing our equipment inventories as we prepare for next year.

AARs

Thank you to those who submitted After Action Reports (AARs). We’ve reviewed them all and are already making operational changes based on many excellent comments and recommendations. If you haven’t submitted an AAR yet, it’s not too late—your feedback is always welcome and helps us improve our route.

Expanded Outreach Opportunities

I’ve asked Michael “Taz” Harris, our Outreach Coordinator, to expand his Outreach Missions so we can connect with even more Gold Star and POW/MIA Families, Veterans’ Homes, and Memorials along the way. These missions are a vital part of Run For The Wall’s purpose, and my goal is to give as many riders as possible the opportunity to participate. They are deeply rewarding, though at times challenging, and they truly embody the heart of our mission.

Registration

Registration opens this month on September 11 at 8:46 a.m. Eastern. Please register early—not only will it save you money if completed before January 31, 2026, but it will also help us plan each stop and give our supporters an accurate rider count. Early registration allows the Platoon Coordinator to assign riders sooner, sparking early communication and, ideally, leading to shorter meetings in Springfield on Saturday.

Volunteer Leaders

If you’ve ridden All the Way, Wall to Wall, or Coast to Coast, I encourage you to consider volunteering for a team that matches your interests. We have openings across all teams and in platoon leadership, though some positions do have specific requirements. The Volunteer Application is available on the RFTW website—reach out directly to your team leaders for more details.

Fundraising

This year, our fundraising efforts will begin at the American Legion in Springfield, VA, and continue along the route until Mission Accomplishment. We plan to conduct drawings, auctions, and service branch donation competitions, among other activities. Your generous donations allow us to support those who support us. Every contribution matters, so please remember to carry cash and give when you can. RFTW riders are known for their generosity and support of the mission!

Breakdowns and Chase Truck Policies

As you know, Sandbox is only three days, and two of those are holidays, when dealerships and repair shops are closed.  If your bike breaks down and you need serious repairs, chances are, your Run is over.  Our philosophy of never leaving a rider behind means we won’t leave you stranded, but if you or your bike are incapacitated, our Chaplains will ensure you are transported to the next (forward) motorcycle dealer of that brand and in a safe spot, with access to the assistance you require.  We can’t transport disabled bikes or injured riders all the way to Marseilles because we need the trailer space for possible future breakdowns.  Remember that riders are responsible for ensuring their bikes are properly secured on the chase trailer.  Although the chase trucks carry basic tiedown equipment, you should carry any specialty straps that might be necessary for your bike.

Politics

Please remember that RFTW is a non-political organization and as such, political discussions are not authorized and will not be tolerated.  These political discussions can easily become arguments which detract from the Mission and can create a hostile environment that is not conducive to the healing effort of RFTW.  Please keep your political opinions to yourself while we are on the mission and refrain from wearing inflammatory and divisive slogans.

Thank you all for your dedication and support. Together, we’re building another successful Sandbox Route and strengthening our mission from Wall to Wall.

See you in May!!

Leo Rachmel

Greetings from hot and sunny Las Vegas!  I hope you’re enjoying the summer and getting some riding in.

I’m happy to announce Kris “Cyborg” Borg has agreed to return as our Road Guard Captain in 2026 and has been confirmed by the RFTW BoD.  With Cyborg and his outstanding team, I’m confident that the Sandbox Route will continue to arrive at our destinations safely and on time.

Our other leaders are in the process of building their teams and working on ideas to make 2026 even more efficient and safe.  If you have been Wall to Wall or All the Way Coast to Coast, please consider volunteering for a position on Sandbox.  Our success depends on the hard work and dedication of volunteer riders filling positions within the teams, and we appreciate all that they do!

Sandbox Route is different than the Coast to Coast (C2C) Routes.  We’re shorter, and we have a different destination, but we remain committed to the mission of RFTW.  We’re comprised of 60% riders from the three C2C Routes and 40% Sandbox Only riders.  The ability to combine techniques and best practices from all three Coast to Coast Routes with fresh insights and ideas from new riders and those who only ride Sandbox is one of our many strengths.  After only four years, we’ve developed our identity and approach our mission with a clear focus.

RFTW is a mission.  It’s not a party, rally, or long-distance motorcycle event.  There are many organizations that conduct those activities, and I encourage you to enjoy them throughout the year.  The nature of our mission requires long days with early mornings, and late evenings.  Riding a motorcycle in formation all day is difficult and can be dangerous.  It requires selfless service and personal courage reminiscent of military service.  When you’re tired and frustrated, remember those we ride for.  Think of what they would give to experience the hardships you’re currently enduring and then remember why we ride.

After careful consideration of a possible later departure for Sandbox, we’ve decided to keep our kickstands up (KSU) day of Sunday, May 24, 2026.  It’s important that we maximize the use of the holiday to help riders who may still be working and would like to participate in this amazing event.  This is an opportunity to complete a route from start to finish in three days.  To experience the camaraderie and healing that comes with being part of something bigger than yourself with a mission that matters!

I’d like to encourage everybody who rides Sandbox to participate in some sort of fundraising activity.  This can be as simple as approaching your local veterans’ or service organizations, explaining the Mission and Philosophy of RFTW and asking for a donation.  There are many resources available on the RFTW website to help you communicate the message clearly and accurately.  Please make sure Polar Bear or I am aware of any funds you raise so we can properly thank those generous donors.

It’s easy to give directly to our route by clicking on the “Donate” link on the website.  There are also instructions on how to send a check directly to the Treasurer.  Some riders organize and conduct Poker Runs or drawings at their local motorcycle dealerships.  If you want to do something like that, please contact me so we can discuss proper procedures for such activities.

Another source of funds to keep Sandbox running is drawings and auctions held during the Run.  We’re always looking for unique, or collectable items for use in these activities.  If you have any ideas for our Promotions Team, or would like to donate items, please reach out to me or Polar Bear and we’ll get you in touch with the right people.

Unfortunately, due to rising costs, registration fees will increase this year.  Sandbox registration will be $40 until January 31, 2026, and will increase to $60 after that.  I encourage you to register early to help with headcounts for our supporters, and to allow our Platoon Coordinator to get you assigned to a platoon as soon as possible.  Your Platoon Leader will keep you informed throughout the year and prepare you for the Run.

To learn more about RFTW and Sandbox Route, please visit www.rftw.us.  You can also check out the RFTW Podcast under the “Connect” tab.

I look forward to seeing you all in May and experiencing the magic of another successful Sandbox Run!

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator

Hello, my name is Leo “Clutch” Rachmel, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as your Sandbox Route Coordinator for Run For The Wall XXXVI.

I’d like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude and deep respect to my predecessor, Bill “COB” Brehler.  COB led the Sandbox Route with distinction in 2025, setting a high standard for all of us to follow.  While I know I have big shoes to fill, I’m grateful for the time and effort he spent preparing me to be a Route Coordinator.  I’m truly looking forward to the year ahead.

I retired from the U.S. Army in 2008 and began riding with Run For The Wall in 2015.  Since then, I’ve served Midway Route in various roles, including Staging Team, Road Guard, LEO Liaison, and, for the past three years, Road Guard Captain.  I was also proud to serve as the LEO Liaison on the Sandbox Recon in 2019 and the Inaugural Run in 2022.  Although I wasn’t able to ride Sandbox in ‘23 or ‘24, I was honored to return in 2025 as the Assistant Route Coordinator.

I’m pleased to announce that the RFTW Board of Directors has confirmed Sam “Polar Bear” Warner as our Assistant Route Coordinator.  Sam has been an integral part of Sandbox Route since its inception in 2022, serving as the Maryland State Coordinator and, for the past two years, as Platoon Coordinator.  He’s also been a longtime rider on Southern Route since 2015 and has served on their Outreach Team since 2019.  Congratulations, Polar Bear—we’re excited to have you on board and look forward to working with you!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers and supporters who made Sandbox a success this year.  I look forward to seeing you all again in 2026 as we continue the mission.

Planning for RFTW XXXVI began the moment we completed this year’s mission.  We’ve been reviewing After Action Reports (AARs) and discussing improvements to make Sandbox even better next year.  Your feedback is incredibly valuable, so please continue submitting AARs—they help us refine what works and identify where we can improve.

As we prepare for the year ahead, I encourage each of you to remember why we ride:

• We ride to promote healing among all veterans, their families, and friends.
• We ride to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA).
• We ride to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars.
• And we ride to support our military personnel serving around the world.

There will be much more information in the months ahead as planning continues for RFTW XXXVI.  If you’re interested in volunteering for a leadership or support role, visit the Sandbox Hub on the RFTW website and fill out a Volunteer Application.  We’ve already received quite a few.  Please be patient as we sort through them and get the right leaders in place to handle them.  You’ll hear something from the leader of the team you’re volunteering for soon.

To learn more about Run For The Wall and the Sandbox Route, visit: www.rftw.us

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
RFTW XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator