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RFTW BoD Town Hall Zoom – Video Recording Now Available

Greetings from Texas – again!

The RFTW Board of Directors Town Hall Zoom Call attendance had as many as 117 unique sign-ins with many more people in attendance.  We had a brief participant limit glitch that unfortunately prevented some people from logging in – I sincerely apologize for that and hope that you’ll watch the video.  Overall, the meeting was a great success with very direct presentations and discussions, followed by some very pointed questions.  If your question wasn’t addressed or you would like more info, PLEASE write directly to one or more of the Board members and they will write you back.  You can find the full list of BoD members along with their e-mail addresses here.  We’re already looking forward to do another Town Hall sometime after the first of the year to keep you all informed on current preparation and planning.

The video recording for the Town Hall meeting is now available for viewing.  It will be soon loaded onto our server so that it will remain available but until then I want to get it out quickly as possible for those who may have missed the meeting:

RFTW BoD Town Hall Zoom Call Recording
CLICK HERE

Feed back received so far has been overwhelmingly positive for the event.  Your participation and interest is what made that meeting a success – just like it’s your efforts that make our Run a success.  As was mentioned at the meeting, it’s the Board’s job to make it available, but it’s your job to to make it happen!  Is it May yet?

Sincerely,

Billie "Bugs" DunlapBillie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
vice.president@rftw.us
billie.dunlap@rftw.us
TOGETHER WE RIDE!

 

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RFTW BoD Town Hall Zoom Call – the Details

Greetings from Texas – again!

The RFTW Board of Directors Town Hall Zoom Call is just a few days away and folks have been asking for the details – here they are…

RFTW BoD Town Hall Zoom Call
Thursday, 02 November 2023
8pm Eastern / 7pm Central / 6pm Mountain / 5pm Pacific
ZOOM Meeting Link:  CLICK HERE

The Meeting will start promptly on time and is expected to run about 90 minutes.  We are all looking forward to a very positive meeting with good discussions on where we are, where we’re going and how we can all work together to get there.  I hope to see you all on line for the call!

Sincerely,

Billie "Bugs" DunlapBillie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
vice.president@rftw.us
billie.dunlap@rftw.us
TOGETHER WE RIDE!

 

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A letter from the Chairman – Communication is the Key!

Greetings from Texas!

Recent social media posts have highlighted some carryover communication shortfalls that this RFTW Board of Directors is enthusiastic about changing.  Many of those posts listed drastically incorrect information, presented as fact, leading others to make more assumptions that eventually spiraled further and further from truth.  Others apparently hold serious grudges against the current Board of Directors for incidents they found personally harmful but occurred over 10 years before any of the current members were seated.  While we can’t change the past, we are all firmly committed to doing the best job possible for the future of this Run and the Mission.

Just as a reminder, the Board of Directors is made up of Riders from all Routes.  They are all dedicated and caring individuals who selflessly donate 1000’s of hours annually in support of RFTW Mission and Objectives.  The Board of Director’s key focus is Strategic, in that the actions considered, and decisions made are intended to support and preserve the long-term success of RFTW as a whole.  However, consideration of all the things important to the Riders, to the Run and to the Mission as well as the near-term impacts go into those actions and decisions.  Sometimes those decisions are unpopular (e.g., loss of the Forum) but I can assure you they are not made without the due diligence of research, consultation with experts and consideration of available alternatives.  (Call in to the Town Hall Zoom meeting on 02 NOV for further details on the Forum issue).

As a lead-in to the Town Hall Zoom Meeting next week, I respectfully submit the following.  This list of inquiries was sent to me indirectly by an undisclosed requestor.  Rather than send this info into the unknown, I thought to publish the unedited questions as I received them and the responses for each.  Hopefully the unknown sender is tied into RFTW info streams well enough to see these, but I will ensure the intermediary that sent them to me informs them on where to find these answers.

Here we go…

– The board ask and begs for AAR but why are there not any replies to them? 

  • The After-Action Report is a valuable tool for feedback to the Board and to the RCs for specific Routes.  Every AAR is seen, read, and seriously considered by every Board member and automatically forwarded to the RC of a Route if specified in the AAR.  We see hundreds of AAR’s – each one is greatly appreciated and very many of them receive specific and direct replies.  It is presumptive to assume that “not any” of them receive replies.  Just as the AAR’s are not published nor attributed to their author, neither are the replies.

– CB radios becoming obsolete? 

  • CB Radios are actually not “becoming obsolete.”  However, the mobile, hands-free and motorcycle versions are not as easy to find and expensive to install.  The Board and the RCs are feeling the strain of this trend and are considering ways to mitigate the issue.  The Central Route has taken the lead to conduct a trial run of an alternate radio system this coming year (May 2024) and we all look forward to hearing of their results.

– When I was researching for another website 1 year ago. Whom am I. I compared it with rftw.us. the site was hosted in another country. Why? 

  • Not sure what you looked at but a review of whois.com for ownership of rftw.us clearly indicates it is owned by Run For The Wall, Inc administered by our Director of Public Affairs out of Arizona, USA.

– Volunteers will do a lot for a little if they believe in the organization and ask for little or nothing in return. With rftw lots of individual cost; gas hotels food, to and from the run, plus cash donations. Why can hats and patches not be provided. Ie now I have heard outreach hats if used are route or individual. Ie I do sight visits and over night to some place, twice a year, 250 miles 1 way from my house. Yet was asked to use a prior year hat and then didn’t request a state coordinator hat. 

  • It’s hard to pick out a question there, but I will address the issue of Hats.  RFTW has been spending thousands of dollars each year on a new hat for everyone in a leadership position.  Every year I hear people talk about how many hats they have and never wear as they revert to wearing the one they already had because it is comfortable and they prefer it.  We have recently realized cost savings by making the positional hats the same across all Routes with no year or Run number embroidery – thus allowing us to use any excess purchases for the next Run.  The next step of the new process is that the RC assesses the need for new and replacement hats for their respective leadership teams – including State Coordinators.  We then purchase only those needed in excess of current stock as coordinated by the RC’s.

– Within the nonprofit world. Donated funds are asked for and give for certain reasons. Ie per route, gas, schools, etc. Designated Funds. If not used for that reason. The funds should be held for that purpose, returned to donor or ask the funder for permission to redirect funds. Why does the board transfer any funds over a certain amount from routes to the board. Upwards of multiple 10s of thousands of dollars. 

  • All Designated Donations made directly to Run For The Wall are absolutely used as directed.  The majority of Designated Donations are to support a specific Fuel Stop on a specific Route and that is where those dollars are spent.  All other non-designated funds are used to provide for operations and expenses that support the overall Mission and to keep all Routes active, protected and on the road.  To be clear, Run For The Wall is a single operating 501(c)(3) and 100% of the money received is for direct and indirect support of advancing the Mission.  Funds remaining at the end of the Run become seed money for next year’s Run and year-round expenses with designated amounts applied to further seed each Route.

– Have board meeting cost gotten out of control?

  • Actually, it’s just the opposite.  The Board of Directors meets upwards of 2 to 3 times per month year-round – that’s approaching 40 times per year.  Almost all of those meetings whether in General Session with the RC’s or in Executive Session with Directors only are conducted on Zoom.  In years past, the BoD would hold a semi-annual face-to-face meeting that covered two days of intense meetings spanning 8-10 hours per day at a site central to the geographic spread of directors’ locations.  Contrary to some peoples’ characterization, these meetings are not a vacation – that is unless those people like to spend their vacations locked into a windowless conference room discussing the intricate details of logistics and planning for a massive cross country motorcycle event involving people from all over the world.  Nor does the BoD pay for spouses or guests to travel to the event – some choose to come along for the weekend, but at their own expense.  Finally, as an additional control to rising costs of travel, the Board has decided that the winter face-to-face meeting will this year be conducted via Zoom.  That means the same length of time spent in the meetings, but those 8-10 hours will be looking into a small screen rather than the faces of the decision makers planning the final stages of our annual event.  It will likely be much less effective than in person but should be an acceptable alternative in light of the cost savings.

– How does giving from one non-profit to another (ie the house project) help the mission of rftw? 

  • Occasionally, RFTW receives donations that are designated for specific charities or organizations that directly support Run For The Wall or have a Mission similar to ours.  Those donations are provided through RFTW by the original donor to show gratitude for their actions in support of the Run and its Mission, e.g. Homes For Our Troops.  The regulations governing 501(c)(3) giving stipulate who we can donate to and for what purpose we can donate.  A non-profit that is struggling in its mission to support a veteran or educational cause that meets our mission scope is within the allowable donations.  To that end, RFTW has made donations to many AM Vets, American Legions, VFWs, and other likeminded organizations that are working very hard to support our mission.  In accordance with those 501(c)(3) regulations, the individual Route RC’s will often provide donations from their undesignated funds in support of organizations along their Routes that support them, the Mission or specifically support veterans or veterans’ families, all in alignment with the RFTW Mission statement.

– Why does rftw not provide an annual report to donors, volunteers and the public?

  • As a non-profit 501(c)(3) with no actual members, membership requirements or stockholders, there is no actual obligation or requirement for a formal Annual Report.  Honestly, the time, cost and effort needed to create and distribute such a report is outside the scope and bandwidth of the volunteer Board already donating 1000’s of hours in support the organization and the Mission.  Instead, the Board President provides regular newsletters reporting on the event and issues of interest to the regular participant.  All activities of the Board and the annual event are conducted in accordance with IRS and other regulations governing non-profit charitable organizations.  Each year, RFTW submits IRS Form 990 detailing the operations of the organization and its financial interactions – please note, it can take over a year after filing before the latest Form 990 is available online.  Also, no Director or RC realizes any profit or financial gain from any of the activities of the Board or any Board approved activity.

– Why is the rftw rating 45 out of 100 on Giving.org or charity now.org?

  • There are several Charitable organization rating websites out there and we cannot govern the diligence with which they seek to ensure their information is current and accurate.  That being said, we have in the past several months been working with Charity Navigator to update and correct their old and incorrect info (they still showed our website as rftw.org).  When we get that one straightened out, we will turn our attention to some of the others as we find them (thanks for pointing out those two).

For more information on some of these topics as well as many other ongoing issues, please join the RFTW Board of Directors for a Zoom Town Hall Meeting at 7pm Central, on Thursday, 02 NOV 2023.  There will be a question-and-answer session following presentations and comments from the Directors.  I’ll look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Billie "Bugs" DunlapBillie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
vice.president@rftw.us
billie.dunlap@rftw.us
TOGETHER WE RIDE!

 

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Registration Fees Increase on May 1st

Register for Run for the Wall

Greetings again from Weatherford, Texas!

For those of you familiar with the writings of Douglas Adams, you know that the number 42 has very significant meaning.  It’s significant for me today because 42 years ago today (17APR1981), I signed on the dotted line of enlistment that led to becoming an Army Infantryman and then on to a flying career in the Navy.  But how does that apply to you?  It’s all about timing and taking advantage of an opportunity while it’s still available.  If you haven’t registered for Run For The Wall, your opportunity is now!

The “Regular Registration” period is still in effect through 30 APR 2023 with registration fees for CA to DC Routes at $60 and for the SandBox Route at $20.  On Monday, 01 MAY 2023, those registration fees will step again to the “Last Minute Joe” rates of $75 and $25, respectively.  Don’t put it off any longer!

Not only will your earlier registration save you some dollars, but it is also a huge benefit to our supporters who put so much heart into providing for you at every stop along the journey.  Your RC receives a Registration Report every week which is turned into updates to your State Coordinators and the participation planning for our supporters.  They can’t plan for you to be there if they don’t know you’re coming!

Finally, your early registration supports the Mission.  Opportunities abound for your participation in direct support to the Mission on the Leadership Teams, on Outreaches, and for projects that may just need your expertise for success.  When you register, the family then knows you’re coming, and you’ll be on the distribution for updates and opportunities as they arise.  So, get on board and get involved – you’ll get more out of your participation if you put more into it!

If you’re looking to participate for only a couple of days on the road, the “Day Rider” Registration may be your best option.  Day Riders may register for up to 2 full days on the road with RFTW and participate in all activities at the three locations that bound those 2 days.  The reduced Registration Fee is equal to the Early Bird rate that was initially offered when registration opened.  Look for the Day Rider option on the registration page where you select your route.  You can find more info on the Day Rider Newsletter here:  Day Rider Registration.

That’s all for now.  It’s almost May and first KSU out of Ontario is just over 4 weeks away.  Are you ready?

Sincerely,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
e:  billie.dunlap@rftw.us

Together We Ride

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Day Rider Registration

We ride for those who can't

Greetings again from Weatherford, Texas!

It’s been a few months (and a lot of miles) since I wrote a newsletter.  My time on the Board of Directors has been interesting to say the least but the most rewarding part has been working with the first line of contact system that greets our Riders in joining the Route – Registration.  We have been working hard to improve, simplify and streamline our registration and check-in system with some great results.  If you haven’t seen for yourself, you need to get registered ASAP.

Although we try to plan and prepare for all major downstream effects, it’s hard to catch everything.  That’s why we greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions.  An outstanding bit of feedback and constructive suggestion was provided regarding the new graduated fee structure for registration and how it might affect the Day Rider who may decide on short notice to join us on the road.  Knowing that the “Last Minute Joe” fee in affect after May 1st might turn people away, we took that great feedback and turned it into a plan…

Day Rider Registration

A Day Rider will be defined as anyone who rides with or participates in RFTW activities, at or between up to three consecutive overnight stop locations on Central, Midway, or Southern Route or two consecutive locations on SandBox Route.  Following are the ground rules:

  • May be applied to any Motorcycle, 4 Wheel or Auto-cycle Participant
  • Maximum duration: Check-in on the evening of first location, participate through morning of the last location, but does not depart with the pack.
  • The 3 (or less) locations must be consecutive and on the same Route
  • Day Riders will be issued a special wrist band and ribbon to signify their participation
  • Day Riders will have full access for participation on all Route events during their registered period
  • The Day Rider Registration Fee will be equal to that of the Early Bird fee of the respective Route, i.e. $45 for Central/Midway/Southern & $15 for SandBox

Day Rider Registration Extension

If a Day Rider completes their registration period and decides to extend further down the road (yes, it has happened) the Route Check-in Teams will be prepared with a special in-person registration process that will allow the rider to apply their already paid Day Rider fee toward full registration.  After paying the difference in price to current full registration, they will be issued the regular wrist band and ribbon covering the rest of their journey.  This option may be exercised only during the Run.

How the Process Will Work

On 01 FEB 2023, when the fee structure shifts to “Regular Registration” pricing, there will also be a new selection on the registration pages for a Day Rider check box that will allow for the reduced fee as noted above.  To be eligible for Day Rider status, the registration MUST indicate a Ride-to location as either one of the next two overnight stop locations after the Sign-in location on the selected Route.  For example, on Central Route a Day Rider may Sign-in at Williams and Ride-to Angel Fire.  With that selection, they may check-in at Williams (evening or the next morning) and ride with the pack to Angel Fire and even join in morning activities the next day – two full days of the Run.  If they would like to continue on with the pack from Angel Fire, the Registration Extension option will allow them stay on the Run.  The Day Rider Registration Option will be available starting 01 FEB and will be in effect throughout the full execution of the Routes in May.

Don’t wait till May!

If you plan to register as a Day Rider or are coordinating a group of Day Riders, please get everyone registered as soon as possible.  It won’t make a difference in your cost, even if you register today, but it will help our State Coordinators with getting the best attendance info possible to our supporters along the Route.  Our awesome State Coordinators need your support!

The way forward…

Like every organization, Run For The Wall has made adjustments for the changing environment in which we all live today.  Even so, your Board and Route Leadership keep the Mission at heart and keep those people who benefit from their efforts as their focus for all decisions and actions.  Your feedback and constructive suggestions are taken very seriously and will turn into course corrections whenever they reveal a path that better serves both Mission and People.  Every one of the Board and Route Leaders are also participants just like you, and they want to see our Run and its Mission continue long into the future.  Mutual respect and confidence that we will each perform our role in getting there is the fuel that will keep us all moving forward.

I look forward to seeing you all next May!

Sincerely,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
e:  billie.dunlap@rftw.us
Together We Ride!

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – JUNE 2022 – Bugs’ Last RC Newsletter

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

I would not have believed on 01 JUL 2018 when I became a Route Coordinator the first time that my last Newsletter wouldn’t be published for another 4 years – yet here we are.  It’s one of life’s mysteries.  But as the Admiral said, “The end is inevitable.”  But not till tomorrow.  So, I’ll spend my last night as an RC here at the keyboard, speaking to my RFTW and SandBox Route family one more time. 

Some notes about the Route…

Country Roads – Please raise your hand if you read or heard me say many times over the past three years that we’d be traversing some Pennsylvania country roads on this route.  Although some didn’t get the message, everyone did a great job on the crossing as we completed not only those segments, but every segment with no accidents and no major incidents.  That is a testament to your ability to adapt and to safely and carefully control yourselves and your bikes through challenging conditions.  I am very proud of all our riders who made that happen.

Flight 93 National Memorial – Some folks who talked to the Park Rangers were told they didn’t know we were coming.  What they didn’t tell you (because apparently, they didn’t know) was that your SandBox Planning Team had months earlier attained a coordinated and fully approved Special Use Permit with the National Park Service for staging in front of the Visitor Center and a formal Ceremony at the Memorial Plaza at the south end.  The NPS never coordinated that permit with the on-site Rangers, which resulted in our dismal parking situation.  Now you know.

Long Days – As advertised!  I know that many folks were too spent to attend the after-dinner events on days 1 & 2, and I certainly don’t blame you.  However, those that still had the energy were treated to some of the most memorable ceremonies of the Route.  From the Morning Ceremony in St Clairsville that started our day to the Gold Star Family Memorial Ceremony in Lafayette, this will stand out as one of the most meaningful Memorial Days I have ever experienced.  But the thing that made it really special was experiencing those events with you, my RFTW Family.

Gold Star Family Recognition – We made the honor and recognition of Gold Star Families along the SandBox Route one of our highest Mission priorities.  Although I would like to have done more, and I had a few personal missteps along the way, I believe we as a Route were very successful in that regard.  “Say their names!” was a resounding chant each day as we stood to honor their memory by saying and hearing the names of those who made that ultimate sacrifice.  Those were some of the most special and heart-rending moments along the way.

Now for some Admin…

Leadership Rocker Patches – If you are due one and didn’t get it, please contact your Team Leader to see if they have yours.  If your Team Lead doesn’t have it, they’ll collect your name, and we will ensure you get one.

After Action Reports – Please keep them coming!  I have seen some very insightful comments with constructive ideas for improving our Route.  Those are the ones that your 2023 Leadership team will find the most valuable for their planning and preparation activities next year.

Now for some Recognition…

I spoke at length on the Route of how our Team Leads worked hard over the past three years to make this Route possible.  Then on the Road, they and their teams took all that Planning and Preparation and turned it into Performance to create this epic event.  I won’t try to list them all here (see the complete list at https://rftw.us/sandbox-contacts/) but there is one group that I failed to recognize on the Route, but would like to highlight now as they usually work in the background, and no one knows.  Those are our State Coordinators!

Our State Coordinators are AWESOME!!!  Gail Dippel (DC), Sam Warner (MD), Tom Schultz (PA), David Cain (WV), Brandon McCray (OH), Bryan Courtney (IN), & Ed Samuel (IL).  These folks and their assistants are responsible for coordination of all our stops and the support along the way and you all know we had some fantastic stops.  Thank you all for the hard work, the extra meetings, taking my occasional urgent calls, and for generally creating the framework for our successful Run.  Y’ALL ARE THE BEST!!!

The Mission…

The RFTW Mission Statement provides the base framework for what we do on all the 4 Routes.  The various Routes have their own ways of doing things in serving the Mission and one of our challenges on this melded Route was to bring the best of them all together to bear the load of our Mission.  As we go forward, I challenge all SandBox Route participants to keep in mind that all of us serve the same Mission with “All The Heart”, even if you’re used to seeing things done differently on another route.  Whether it’s Promoting Healing, Calling for an Accounting, Honoring the Memory, or Supporting our Military, all four tenets of that Mission Statement are important and will remain the focus and the binding tie between all our Routes.

Four Years Before the Mast

About an hour to midnight here in Texas now and time to wrap this up.  Whether across 9 years in command in the Navy, several years in civilian management or 4 years as an RC, my intended role has always been that of a Servant Leader promoting a Covenant of Trust with folks on my teams to know that my primary task is to support their efforts in making our organization successful and meaningful.  Another of my goals as a leader is to continually search for my replacement.  Despite the circumstances that led to his selection, I have full faith and confidence that Darin “Lurch” Koch will take up that mantle of leadership and be the SandBox Route Coordinator that this Route and that this Mission needs to be successful as we continue into the next 30 years.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my military and motorcycling experiences to have served with the great Patriots and Veterans of Run For The Wall as a Route Coordinator – I’m doubly honored to have served there twice on two separate Routes.  Tomorrow I step into a new role with new responsibilities but the same goal – to sustain our Run, support our Riders and most importantly, CONTINUE THE MISSION!

I look forward to seeing you all next May! Until then…

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – JUNE 2022 – New RC Edition

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

I would guess that most SandBox Route riders have been home about 3 weeks, but I know several are still on the road living their best life! I understand that! Even now, I’m looking forward to my next Run and spending those days with my RFTW family to experience the great revival and reunion as we kick off the Mission next May. But there is much to do before that day arrives. I’ll be writing one last RC Newsletter before I am officially relieved on 01 JUL, but the news of the next selected SandBox Route RC cannot wait until then…

Newly Confirmed SandBox Route RC for RFTW XXXIII

I am very honored to announce to you the selection and Board confirmation of Darin “Lurch” Koch as your next SandBox Route Coordinator. Lurch was a 2008 RFTW FNG and a steadfast All The Way Rider and Leadership Team member for the past 6 Runs.  He is a USAF SandBox Era Veteran who is all in for this Mission and fully ready to lead our Run to greater success. Lurch’s wife Tina, aka “Hand Off” is a US Army SandBox Era Combat Veteran and is all in for support to our Run and its Mission.

As I’ve said many times in Newsletters, Zoom meetings and in person, the SandBox Recon made introductions and the SandBox Route Inaugural Run built relationships. Now those relationships must be nurtured to grow by those who will tend to them in the years to come. Lurch has already started building his Leadership Team and is looking for Mission oriented RFTW Riders who put that Mission before route identity and share his dedication to see Run For The Wall and the SandBox Route take the next steps into the next 30 years of WALL 2 WALL support for the Mission. If that is you, watch for his call for volunteers in the next few weeks and then answer that call to support this new and growing Route.

Counting Down the Days

So let me be the first to note that we are only 340 days and a wake up away from KSU out of DC on 28 MAY 2023 – it’s never too early to start getting ready!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – MAY 2022 – IT’S MAY Edition

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

It’s finally MAY!!!  It feels like it hasn’t been May in three years, but it’s finally here!  We’ve all shared a long journey of triumph and frustration as many of us have enjoyed reunions and gatherings that were always enjoyable but never quite made up for the Mission as we execute it on the Run in May.  But the long dry spell is over, and we’ll soon be gathering in Ontario and then again in DC to kick off the long-awaited Routes. 

SandBox Route Leadership Team

I cannot possibly bring enough praise and gratitude to the Leadership Team that has been in constant contact with me and their respective counterparts for almost three years now preparing for this Mission.  Early on we spoke about the 3 P’s that formed the basic steps to success – Plan, Prepare, Perform.  What this team naturally did to further that success was apply 2 more P’s – Patience & Perseverance.  For the last 3 years, this team has faithfully sought and developed new and innovative ways to improve on the Plan that was ready the year before and pursued original and more effective ways to Prepare for its execution.  Now that it’s May, we are all locked and loaded to Perform.  I have asked a lot of this Team and they have always answered the call.  When we kick off this mission, from Arlington on 29 MAY, you’ll see for yourself!

SandBox Registration

SandBox Registration is closed (for now).  Our current registration stands at 271 Bikes (4 spots left to fill), 9 Trucks and Autos (including Support Vehicles) and 325 People.  Over the past seven months since registration started on 11 SEP 2021, I have processed 144 people through StandBy List, all of whom were provided opportunity to register.  Surprisingly 34 did not follow through to do so.  For those who may still wish to join the SandBox Route, I will resume registration after arriving in Ontario and we have a better understanding of where we stand with actual checked-in participants.

StandBy List… All that being said – IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE!  Unfortunately, there will inevitably be no-shows as folks have last minute conflicts that may prevent them from joining us.  I will still be filling open spots later this month drawing from e-mails sent to me at sb-registration@rftw.us.  To get on that list, send an e-mail there telling me two things – 1) Your full name, and 2) Whether you are registering as a motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, or if you will be in a 4-wheeler.  That’s all I need to get you on the StandBy Registration list – the rest will come when you actually register.

Unregistered Pop-in at the Stops… As a reminder, some folks have told me that since they didn’t register, they plan to just follow along and pop-in at the lunch or dinner stops.  Please don’t plan on doing that.  The registration limitation is not about how many bikes we can lead down the road.  That limitation is based on the capacity of our supporters to provide accommodations for meals, seating, staging, etc.  Even if you are not registered and not wearing a SandBox Wristband, you are no less a part of the RFTW Family – but your role this year will be to support from a distance.  If we ALL do it right this year, there will be many more opportunities to join the Route!

SandBox Route Pre-Run Meetings Schedule

  • Monday, 16MAY2022  (Ontario, California Host Hotel)
    • 0800-0900:  ALL SandBox Route Leadership meeting with RC & ARC – Ponderosa Meeting Room
    • 1000-1100:  ALL SandBox and Southern Route Platoon Leadership (PL, APL & TG) – Ponderosa Meeting Room
  • Saturday, 28MAY2022  (Arlington, Virginia Host Hotel)
    • 0830:  All Hands – Lincoln Memorial – RFTW All Hands Assembly
    • 0900:  All Hands – Lincoln Memorial – RFTW Group Photo
    • Immediately following Photo – Mission Accomplished Plaque Presentation at Vietnam Memorial Wall
    • 1200-1500:  Holiday Inn Lobby – SandBox Route Participant Check In
    • 1200-1500:  Holiday Inn Lobby – SandBox Route QuarterMaster Gear Checkout
    • 1500-1530:  Holiday Inn Conference Room – All SandBox Road Guard Meeting
    • 1530-1600:  Holiday Inn Conference Room – SandBox Team Leader Meeting with RC (Regular Tuesday Night Monthly Meeting Group – you know who you are!)
    • 1600-1700:  Holiday Inn Conference Room – MANDATORY ALL SandBox Route Leadership
    • 1700-1800:  Holiday Inn Conference Room – MANDATORY ALL SandBox Route Leadership & Participants
    • 1800-On:  Enjoy your evening!
  • Sunday, 29MAY2022 (Arlington, Virginia Host Hotel)
    • 0545:  Team and Platoon Leadership Staging at Holiday Inn Lower Parking area – Don’t be late!
    • 0600:  Staging for All Riders at Holiday Inn Lower Parking Area – Please DO NOT show up early!
    • 0700:  All RFTW Leadership & Riders Assembly – MANDATORY
    • 0740:  Platoon Meetings for all Riders – Mandatory
    • 0800:  KSU – The Inaugural Run of the SandBox Route gets underway!

Remainder of the schedule may be found in your Itinerary Book – READ IT!!!

Biographies

What’s your story?  If you’ve ever sat and talked with very many of our RFTW Family, then you’ve surely heard some interesting stories about how people were drawn to the Run and likely even more amazing stories about what they found here that made them keep coming back.  Magic of the Run?  You bet it’s a real thing!  Shirley “Top Sarge” Scott and Carol Olmstead are our California State Coordinators and they have put out a call for Biographical Stories from our Riders – who you are, where you are from, what’s your background and what’s your story of the Run?  Anything that you’d like to share.  Put it into a page form and e-mail to them and they’ll compile into a binder that will be available in the Ontario host hotel lobby to give a little better insight on the wonderful people and amazing stories that make our family special.  As we get back together after a 2 year break, there’s bound to be some good ones.  So…  What’s your story?    Send to:  carollolmstead@ymail.com or angelluvers@att.net

Counting Down the Days

We are now 28 days and a wake up away from KSU out of DC. Y’all stay safe, stay well, and… I hope you’re ready – MAY IS HERE!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – APR 2022 – Counting Down the Days Edition

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

Last night’s All Hands Virtual Briefing was awesome!  To be clear, I’m referring to the way YOU made it!  We had 83 folks online, spirits were high, and participation was positive and encouraging.  It was a great 90 minutes spent with the family and a beautiful preview of the reunion to come in just a few short weeks.  There were a lot of interesting discussions and some excellent questions – perfect engagement for our last Virtual Briefing leading up to the Run.  Sorry this is a long newsletter, but I’d like to highlight a few points from last night’s Briefing…

Rider’s Role on this Mission

I’ve written at length about the Mission and how each of us plays a part in accomplishing it along our Run.  On this Inaugural Run of our new Route, I am challenging each of you to be true Ambassadors for the Mission, an Advocate for our Veteran Community and to visualize yourself as a positive Patriotic envoy for all the things we hold dear as Freedom loving Americans.  Here’s why…  This Mission and our efforts are all about Relationships.  It’s those personal connections we make with other like-minded folks that tightly binds our family together.  Your task on the SandBox Route is to build on the critical introductions established by the SandBox Recon in 2019 and help turn them into lasting relationships.  This year, on this Run, YOU are laying the foundation planks on which future Runs will tread.  Let’s make sure that foundation is solid and built to last.

SandBox Registration – Several issues to unpack here…

Registration vs No-Show – We mentioned last night that I had sent out instructions to fill the last two spots.  It was also emphasized that if anyone already registered knows ahead of time that you will unfortunately not be able to participate, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you let me know so your spot may be filled by folks waiting on StandBy.  You may be surprised to know that each of the other routes has a significant number of No-Shows each year from folks who are fully registered and just don’t join the routes.  We cannot let that happen on SandBox.  PLEASE write me at sb-registration@rftw.us to let me know if you plan to release your spot on the Route.  There will be someone waiting and grateful to fill it.

StandBy List – All that being said – IT IS NOT TOO LATE!  Just since last night, I’ve had 3 spots open up and I sent out registration instruction to fill them already.  If you aren’t registered and still want a spot write me at sb-registration@rftw.us and tell me two things – 1) Your full name, and 2) whether you are registering as a motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, or if you will be in a 4-wheeler.  That’s all that’s I need to get you on the StandBy Registration list – the rest will come when you actually register.

Unregistered Pop-in at the Stops – Some folks have told me that since they didn’t register, they plan to just follow along and pop-in at the lunch or dinner stops.  Please don’t plan on doing that.  The registration limitation is not about how many bikes we can lead down the road.  That limitation is based on the capacity of our supporters to provide accommodations for meals, seating, staging, etc.  Even if you are not registered and not wearing a SandBox Wristband, you are no less a part of the RFTW Family – but your role this year will be to support from a distance.  If we ALL do it right this year, there will be many more opportunities to join the Route!

Itinerary Book

The Itinerary Book is 99.9% complete and in first pass review at our publisher.  The draft print will come back to me for final review in a few days.  When I send it back as complete, it will be published as a pdf under a link on the SandBox Route tab on rftw.us.  In fact, the placeholder link text is already there.  We are about a week away from publishing.

COVID Mitigation Measure and Procedures

As we will be visiting Veterans’ Homes and other organizations along the way across multiple states, you might imagine that there are a variety of COVID related considerations for which we must plan.  The basics of all these procedures is the standard for social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizer, temperature taking, building capacities, and possibly masking in some areas.  I have had no requirements for vaccines communicated to me.  I understand that some folks may have strong feelings about certain restrictions – I understand and may even share them.  However, some aspects of our Mission are solely focused on the Veterans and Family members we may visit.  My expectation is that we will all set aside our personal predispositions and comply with the guidelines necessary to show support along the way.  If those requirements at a planned stop are more restrictive than you like (temperature taking and masking are the strongest so far), you will be welcome to bypass and join us at the next stop.

Daily Itinerary

Not the book – the schedule itself.  I’m going to be honest with you… We have a couple of long days planned and I know that I will be asking a lot from each of you to support this Mission.  I assure you that each of these activities is thoroughly planned, coordinated and ready for your participation.  To ensure the successful completion of the activities planned along this route, you will each play a key role in accomplishing them.  The first part of that role is to READ your itinerary book and know the timeline expected for each event.  Your Platoon Leaders will be on time (won’t you!?!) and they will be your best source for guidance – just follow their example.  Bottom line is – read the book!  Use it up, wear it out.  It will still be a keepsake if you like, but a dog-eared copy will say that you were there and involved along the way.  I’ll be sure to save a nice clean copy for the museum so you won’t have to.

Biographies

What’s your story?  If you’ve ever sat and talked with very many of our RFTW Family, then you’ve surely heard some interesting stories about how people were drawn to the Run and likely even more amazing stories about what they found here that made them keep coming back.  Magic of the Run?  You bet it’s a real thing!  Shirley “Top Sarge” Scott and Carol Olmstead are our California State Coordinators and they have put out a call for Biographical Stories from our Riders – who you are, where you are from, what’s your background and what’s your story of the Run?  Anything that you’d like to share.  Put it into a page form and e-mail to them and they’ll compile into a binder that will be available in the Ontario host hotel lobby to give a little better insight on the wonderful people and amazing stories that make our family special.  As we get back together after a 2 year break, there’s bound to be some good ones.  So…  What’s your story?    Send to:  carollolmstead@ymail.com or angelluvers@att.net

Are you ready?

I’m going to close with this call for deliberate readiness once again.  There are so many things to prepare for a 6,000(+) mile motorcycle Run but the most important thing is YOU!   Mechanical, Physical and Mental Conditions all point back to a safe and healthy body getting back home when it’s over, fully recharged and ready to CONTINUE THE MISSION from there until we get together again.  See my NOV 2021 RC Newsletter for a little more detail.

If you are Counting Down the Days like I am, we are 52 days and a wake up to KSU out of DC. Y’all stay safe, stay well, and get ready – May is almost here!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – MAR 2022 – Rider Reunion Edition

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

Spring is here along with riding weather in north Texas!  Just last weekend I rode up to visit Mark “Mazz” Masman (our SandBox Road Guard Scout) and a handful of other RFTW Family for a Midway Route Fund Raiser in further north Texas.  It was a great day to visit with family and put about 225 miles on the new bike – I finally passed the 500 mile break-in mark!  Knowing that RFTW XXXII is quickly approaching made the visit just a small taste of what’s to come – we could all feel it! 

Route Update – Rider Reunion

The SandBox Route is ready and it’s going to be an epic Run!  Your leadership teams are putting the final touches on the Preparations and your State Coordinators are working at full speed to coordinate all aspects of our imminent arrival.  Throughout the past 3 years, your leadership team and I have enjoyed hosting the quarterly All Hands Virtual Briefings to keep you all informed on the progress of our Planning and Preparation.  But the more important part was to give you, the Rider and Loyal Supporter the opportunity to be more involved in the process along the way.  Since my selection as Chad “Slacker” O’Dell’s ARC in June 2017, I have been deeply immersed in supporting the Mission and preparation for the Run.  Through these almost 5 years now, the connections made with my Veteran and Patriotic family have become very strong – even stronger over these past couple years of delay.  The bottom line is that the strength of our Run is dependent on the strength of the relationships that bind us and our Run is STRONG!.  In a couple months, we’ll all experience the annual refresh and reunion that we’ve all been waiting for.  Yeah, it’s going to be an epic Run!

All Hands Virtual Briefing

As for the briefing, next Tuesday (one week from tonight) we’ll have the last All Hands Virtual Briefing before we get together in May.  Following the very successful FNG Town Hall meeting hosted last week by the Southern Route Leadership, this will be your final opportunity for a live update on plans and preparations as well as a preview of some of the activities, ceremonies, and locations that will be a part of the SandBox Route.  Following are the details you’ll need to sign in…

05 APR 2022 at 7:00pm Central

Join the Zoom Meeting at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86059662994?pwd=cmQrbDUxQnNIQjZMSDhnQ2JFL1FOZz09

Meeting ID: 860 5966 2994

Passcode: RFTW2022

Leadership Team Highlight

On the last few Southern Route Runs, many of you may remember a Chaplain and Jr. Chaplain on the Route.  That Chaplain and his son Tyler (13 at the time) rode as a part of the M25 Chaplain Corps and instantly became an integral part of the RFTW Family.  Chaplain Brandon “Five-O” McCray is also a 22-year veteran Police Officer and avid Biker who until joining RFTW, had never stayed in a hotel while on a motorcycle trip, preferring to camp off the motorcycle or simply sleeping on a picnic table or on the ground by the bike.  Brandon is also an outstanding advocate of Veterans and Veterans’ causes. Just over a month ago, he testified before the Ohio House, advocating for the dedication of the Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson Memorial Overpass – you can watch video of that testimony here (starts at 17:15).  Five-O has for several years been a faithful and dedicated member of the SandBox Leadership team as your Senior Chaplain – he and our entire Chaplain Corp, Chase Team, and Hydration Team through M25 and Honor Bound are thoughtful, caring folks without whose support much of our Run would not be possible.  Be sure and tell him Howdy when you see him.  Thanks Five-O!

Standby Registration Update

The March Standby Group registration will close on Thursday night 31 MAR 2022.  If you are in that group with a link and password and have not registered, your password will expire late Thursday night.  On 01 APR, the next StandBy Registration Group will be sent registration instructions with a link and new password.  If you are not registered for the SandBox Route and have not signed up for the StandBy Registration List, it is NOT too late.  Please write to me at sb-registration@rftw.us to sign up.  In that message, please tell me two things – 1) Your full name, and 2) whether you are registering as a motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, or if you will be in a 4-wheeler.  That’s all that’s I need to get you listed – the rest will come when you actually register. 

I closely monitor current registration and will make every effort to include everyone who wants to join the Route.  Following that thought… If you are registered and know that you unfortunately won’t be able to participate, please let me know as soon as possible.  I will ensure that your spot is filled by another rider who is anxious to join the Route.

Are You Ready?

I know that we are all emotionally ready for the great reunion in a few months, but there are many other aspects of preparation to complete.  I’ve written several times about Mechanical, Physical and Mental Condition and refer you back to the NOV 2021 RC Newsletter if you’d care to read them again.  For a safe and meaningful journey on this or any Run, your preparation before KSU is vitally important and the best way to ensure success!

Y’all stay safe, stay well, and get ready – May is closer than you think!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator