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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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…
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!
Another arctic blast is heading down to greet us here in north Texas – we’re expecting temps in the lower teens before Friday, or as Den Mother would call it, “Just another weekday.” This weather makes me even more thankful that Gunny’s original plan was for a late Spring run instead of Winter because the Run don’t stop for weather! By the way, Bee Cave Bob predicts an early Spring here in Texas.
Route Update
Your SandBox Route Leadership team has been hard at it with making and confirming Preparations for our Inaugural Run next May. Having traversed the Route myself last May, I am very happy to report that you are all in for some of the most enjoyable countryside riding you could imagine. Our first lunch stop will be at the VFW, Pleasantville Post 9219 in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania. The roads we’ll take leading to the Post are the exact type I’d look for on a back country ride in May. When I visited there on my Run last May, the folks were awesome and they are looking forward to seeing us come back. From there, we’ll have more countryside riding on our leg into the Flight 93 Memorial where we’ll lay a wreath to honor the Patriots whose lives were taken on that fateful day over 20 years ago. We’ll linger there for a while to allow everyone to take in the full depth of the legacy left us by the Patriots on that flight who chose not to allow terrorists to win the day. From there we’ll proceed across the mighty Pennsylvania Turnpike as one of the only large groups in the nation afforded the guided and protected passage that we will enjoy. The day will end with a dinner and a visit with Earl Gilman at North Star Polaris in St Clairsville, Ohio. After dinner, you’ll have an opportunity for an afterhours tour of the Tri-State Veterans Memorial Museum. And that’s just the first day!
Sounds like a great day on the road, right? But how does this support the Mission? I firmly believe in the Mission and strongly support the efforts of RFTW to fulfill it. The first part of that Mission Statement is, “To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends…”. That “ALL” refers not only to those who we support and visit along the way, it’s also YOU! You the Rider, you the Support Team Member, you the Team Leader! On this first day of the Inaugural Run of the SandBox Route, we will be bringing together riders from all over the country, with various experiences on other routes and truly melding all into one diverse family of Veterans and Patriots on this 3-day emphasis of the Mission and its focused application toward our SandBox Era Warriors. On this first day, we embrace new family, honor the sacrifice of those who went before us, and build upon the bold synergy of purpose that will carry us toward the 2nd, 3rd , and 4th tenets of our mission statement over the next two days.
Yes, it will be a great day on the road, but we all know it’s much more than that. As we push out from DC on Sunday morning, 29 MAY 2022, here’s my challenge to you – enjoy the ride, savor the day, love the family, and CONTINUE THE MISSION!
Standby Registration Update
The first group of StandBy registration closed on Monday morning and the second group has now been sent registration instruction 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 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.
All Hands Virtual Briefing
Your leadership team has tentatively set Tuesday, April 5th at 7pm Central as the time for our final All Hands Virtual Briefing before the Run. More info and a Zoom link will follow as we get closer.
Y’all stay safe, stay well and get ready – May is just around the corner…
Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!
I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas. New Year’s Eve is just a few days away and that means we are more than half way to May! As promised, below is detailed info about next week’s All Hands Virtual Briefing…
One week from tonight at 7pm Central Time, we’ll hold the next SandBox Route Virtual Quarterly Briefing on Zoom. Your Leadership Team’s theme for this year has been Plan – Prepare – Perform. The beginning is always an idea – in this case, an idea to build on the successes of our beloved Mission by expanding Run For The Wall specifically toward the next generation of veterans and their families. The Plan embodies the idea, our Preparation brings it to physical form and then we Perform the action of bringing it to life. I am very happy to report that the Plan has come together nicely and we are beginning our transition to Preparation.
Now for the Zoom Meeting Details…
The next all-hands SandBox Route Virtual Quarterly Briefing will be on Tuesday, 04JAN2022 at 7:00pm Central Time. This will be a your next chance to learn about the latest developments, hear from several of your route leadership on their ongoing efforts, and have your questions/concerns answered live and virtually in person. Following is the link info…
I have received quite a few requests for SandBox StandBy in the last week – thank you! Please be patient as I work to ensure everyone is properly listed and is sent out the registration instructions. I intend to contact everyone on the list by tomorrow so that you can complete your registration before the Hotel List is published this weekend.
If you are not on the StandBy List and want to be, please write me at sb-registration@rftw.us to let me know. 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 needed to get you listed – all the rest will come when you actually register.
That’s All For Now. I’m looking forward to seeing all y’all on the call one week from tonight!
Y’all stay safe, stay well and get ready – May is just around the corner…
Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!
On behalf of the SandBox Route Coordination and Planning Teams, I’d like to wish all our Run For The Wall Family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Fulfilling New Year!
As a Patriotic and Veteran oriented group, we are all well aware that many of our countries finest folks aren’t able to be home for Christmas to celebrate with their families. Please join me in an extra minute of prayer and thanksgiving for them and the families who miss them. Write a message, make a phone call, arrange a visit… anything we can do to let those families and the service men and women that they miss understand that their courage and sacrifice is appreciated. I know you understand that it will make a difference.
I’m no huge follower of Maya Angelou’s writings, but I came across a quote attributed to her that is quite fitting for the season…
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Virtual Quarterly Briefing
On 16DEC, Bob Nelson, Southern Route Coordinator, hosted an FNG Town Hall that was widely attended and a huge success. If you weren’t able to attend or have lingering questions from that event, here’s a second chance to discuss them…
The next all-hands SandBox Route Virtual Quarterly Briefing will be on Tuesday, 04JAN2022 at 7:00pm Central Time. There we’ll discuss the latest Route and planning developments, hear from several of your route leadership on their ongoing planning efforts, have an opportunity to discuss issues on your mind and have your questions answered live and virtually in person. I’ll publish the link info this weekend so watch for a followup to this newsletter.
Standby Registration Update
There are still quite a few spots left on the SandBox Route. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time. If you are on a leadership team and haven’t signed up or registered, you should move quickly. Instructions below…
If you are not on the StandBy List and want to be, please write me at sb-registration@rftw.us to let me know. 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 needed to get you listed – all the rest will come when you actually register. For those already on the StandBy list who are waiting for the actual registration instructions, you should see them in your e-mail this weekend.
TAFN…
That’s All For Now. Y’all stay safe, stay well and get ready – May is just around the corner…
Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!
KLIM is offering sponsorship for all 2026 run for the wall participants. To register simply email Mark Kincart at [email protected] or call him at 602-369-1143 He will get you set up and also help you with any gear questions, from layering to outerwear.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available.
We apologize for this inconvenience.
We will post Midway Route Photos from 2025 here following this year’s run.
Sandbox Route Itinerary Archive
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
REGISTRATION LOGIN: Due to security and privacy concerns there is NO ACCOUNT created when you register for Run for the Wall. Account logins are for merchandise purchase ONLY. Registration is a completely separate system and we do not offer any level of user access to this system. If you have a question regarding your registration or you need to make a change, please email [email protected].
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 