The e-mail registration period closed Sunday night with new riders added to the SandBox Route.
The Open Registration Period will begin tonight at 7:00pm (Central Time) sharp and will close when the target number of additional riders is reached.
Leading into tonight’s registration period, following are a few notes and instructions. Please read carefully to help make your registration successful…
1. Tonight’s Registration Period is intended only for those who are NOT already registered for the SandBox Route into Marseilles. If you already registered for the SandBox Route with a “Ride-To” of Marseilles, Illinois, then you are good to go with no further action required. To confirm you are registered, review your registration confirmation e-mail under the “Ride-to” section and look for “Marseilles – MUST Pay Now”. If it says anything else, you are NOT registered for SandBox Route.
2. VERY IMPORTANT: This Registration Period is intended FOR PLATOON RIDERS ONLY. If you are currently assigned to a Leadership Team but have not yet registered, contact your Team Leader for instructions on how to register using a separate process. Registering tonight as a Platoon Rider will remove you from Leadership Teams.
3. REGISTRATION PROCESS: The “SandBox Route” will not be a listed Route Option. You should register for your preference of the original three routes with a “Ride-to” of Marseilles. If you plan to ride only the SandBox Route portion from DC to Marseilles, still select one of the original three routes for registration with a “Sign-in” of Washington and a “Ride-to” of Marseilles.
With the current level of interest in SandBox registration, I expect the remaining available slots will fill up quickly. Your attention to detail to ensure you have filled out all the required information and made the correct selections on the first attempt for registration tonight will increase your chances of successfully registering onto the SandBox Route.
Once again, thank you for your patience and for helping make this inaugural SandBox Route a great success!
WALL–2–WALL!
Bugs out!
Very best regards,
Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
SandBox Route Coordinator
Run For The Wall XXXII
Detailed planning for SandBox Route #1 is well underway and the pieces are coming together. As I mentioned on the last newsletter, I intend to open registration again for a limited run and I believe that we are now ready to do so. There remains a great deal of interest from folks who were unable to register, and we will do our best to make this registration period as fair as possible. With that in mind, there will be two paths to registration as described below.
UPDATE NOTE: This 2nd Registration Period is intended only for those who are NOT already registered for the SandBox Route into Marseilles. If you already registered for the SandBox Route with a “Ride-To” of Marseilles, Illinois, then you are good to go with no further action required. To confirm you are registered, review your registration confirmation e-mail under the “Ride-to” section and look for “Marseilles – MUST Pay Now”. If it says anything else, you are NOT registered for SandBox Route.
PLEASE NOTE: THESE PROCESSES ARE FOR PLATOON RIDERS ONLY. If you are currently assigned to a Leadership Team but have not yet registered, contact your Team Leader for registration instructions.
For those already registered for Central, Southern or Midway Routes with a “Ride-to” into DC AND have already paid as of 21 OCT 2019:
Compose an e-mail with the Subject Line: “SandBox 2nd Registration”
In the e-mail, please provide the following:
Name
Registered Route
Registration Date (the date on which you registered on line)
Confirm that you are a Motorcycle/Trike/CanAm Rider (not a passenger)
Confirm that you are registered into DC.
Confirm that you have already pre-paid your registration
Send the message to SB-Registration@rftw.us
Message must be received by midnight central time on 03 NOV 2019 to be considered.
Applicants who meet the criteria above will be manually registered onto SandBox Route in the order in which the messages were received.
NOTES:
Only those registered as of 21 OCT 2019 AND that have already paid for registration are eligible to apply for this registration method.
Both these items will be confirmed on RFTW registration rolls prior to extending your registration onto SandBox.
If you have a Motorcycle Passenger registered to ride with you, please note their name in the message and their registration will be adjusted with yours.
Please also note that meeting the criteria noted above does not guarantee SandBox Route registration if the available spots are filled before your message is received.
For those currently not registered for any Route or who have not paid for their registration:
Open registration will commence precisely at 7:00 pm Central Time on Tuesday evening, 05 NOVEMBER 2019.
This registration will be via the normal online registration at rftw.us
Registration will once again close as soon as the number of available spots has been filled
Note: The number of spots is based only on the number of registered bikes. Motorcycle Passengers registering will not count against the number of available spots.
These are two separate groups of open spots, so filling the first one will not eat into the second one.
Please follow the instructions carefully or your application may be missed.
Thank you for your patience and for helping make this inaugural SandBox Route a great success!
WALL–2–WALL!
Bugs out!
Very best regards,
Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
SandBox Route Coordinator
Run For The Wall XXXII
The SandBox Route is alive and moving forward! Following the resignation of Marcell “Senior” Miller, the RFTW Board of Directors has confirmed me as your SandBox Route Coordinator. Before proceeding here, I would like to express sincere gratitude to Senior and the SandBox Leadership team that planned and conducted the Recon Route and have gotten us to this point. Although there has been some flux in the path, I am very positive about where the SandBox Route is going and how we’re going to get there. With this newsletter, I intend to provide insight to where we are and what to expect as we proceed towards May.
ROUTE COORDINATION
Every new RC takes a critical look at how the last Route was organized and executed with an eye toward improved efficiency and effectiveness. For the SandBox Route, that means converting the experiences from the limited execution of the Recon to a full up Route intended to provide safe and successful passage for our riders. With the lessons learned from the Recon and the valuable experience of many that have made the other Routes so successful, we are moving forward to grow the SandBox Route at a sustainable pace without overwhelming our benefactors along the way during our first Run next May. Here I will address some topics about which many have been asking…
The Mission & The Objective
The fourfold Mission of Run For The Wall is the same for all four routes. As RC for the SandBox Route, I embrace that Mission and will work toward the execution of its tenants every day leading up to and throughout the Run itself. However, the SandBox Route also embraces a unique specified objective to reach out for and show support to our Middle East Conflict era veterans by developing and promoting a path to healing. Over the past 31 years RFTW has enjoyed great success on this Mission of support for Veterans and Families from all services and conflicts. Although the objective is clear, it is essential that we include ALL era veterans and supporters on the SandBox Route as we endeavor to pass the torch of service and support to those who will ultimately lead this entire Mission into the future. For that is also an objective of all the Routes – plan for and follow a path that will Continue the Mission beyond that time which those of us here now can see.
Growth of the Route
RFTW XXXI had the largest number of people ever registered for all three of the CA to DC routes. Some were concerned that our supporters would be overly burdened by those numbers, but would still do whatever was needed to provide for the Mission. Our supporters on the SandBox Recon got a taste of the task ahead with a small group and did a great job ensuring the Riders were given the provisions necessary to continue. Now it is time to grow, but we must do it in a way that ensures sustainable progress and a positive development toward the objective of reaching and supporting more of our recent era veterans. To support that future growth, the SandBox Route must not explode onto the scene with an overwhelming legion of riders. There is great interest and expectation for this Route and a great number of people wish to be a part of it. Unfortunately, just like on Recon we will not be able to bring along everyone who wants to participate this year. Please understand that none of us wants to keep anyone away – we ask that you keep in mind the Mission and the Objective and do what you can to support the long term success of both in whatever way you are able.
Route Selection
Recurring themes across the After Action Reports (AAR’s) from the Recon Route included issues concerning condition of the roadway, fuel stop pump availability, and restroom availability. There were other important issues, but these three are directly addressed by Route and Stop selection. Over this past weekend, our Road Guard Captain, Don “10-A-See” King rode from DC to Marseilles, Illinois in search of a more suitable route and fuel/rest stops with the capacity to accommodate our passage. His preliminary report is that the trip was a great success as he also met with many of our State Coordinators along the way to solidify expectations for further support and coordination. I look forward to receiving his full report very soon as we continue to plan the route ahead.
Registration
As many of you have already seen, Registration for the SandBox Route is closed having reached current available capacity as noted above. As our Route and Supporter capacity becomes firm, we may be able to open registration for a limited number of additional riders. Should that happen, an announcement will be made well in advance with a specified date and time for registration opening and it will close again after the new capacity is reached.
Also, I have been contacted by several people who mentioned that they were registered for SandBox who are not showing on the list. Please review your confirmation e-mail under the “Ride-to” section and look for “Marseilles – MUST Pay Now”. If it says anything else, you are not registered for SandBox Route.
Wrap-up
Our RFTW Family is made up of the most caring and patriotic people you could possibly imagine. Your continuing dedication to the Mission has been unwavering for over 31 years and has only grown stronger since the start. Your acceptance and support for the addition of the SandBox Route proves that the Mission is timeless, and that we are preparing a path to long term continued success. I can’t tell you how many people have told me they will serve in whatever capacity they are needed. As we work toward a sustainable incremental growth of this new Route, the service needed from many people will be that of enthusiastic supporter. Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt’s Southern Route RC motto from 2017 is particularly fitting here: “Mission > Self”. In whatever capacity you serve the Mission, you will be part of it, and we need the entire Family to come together if we are to successfully reach and support the people who need it the most.
RFTW SR RC Newsletter – June 2019 – RFTW XXXI Wrap-up
Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!
When we gathered in Parking Lot D in Ontario, I remember speaking of how quickly the next 10 days would pass and how we should embrace and savor the time we have with each other on the Run. Well not only did those days fly by, now looking back over the past 12 months I see a whirlwind of scenes in my mind as the days, weeks and months were spent in joyful preparation and anticipation of those 10 days. And those 10 days were the experience of a lifetime! It has been a great honor and a truly humbling experience to serve as your Southern Route Coordinator. The timing for me was perfect as I transitioned out of active service retiring from the Navy Reserve last July and was able to roll into service to my Veteran Community and Family through this great organization. Now it is time to take the next step and hand over the lead…
I am very proud to announce that the RFTW Board of Directors has now confirmed your next Southern Route Coordinator…
Bob “Captain America” Nelson
Bob served as the Assistant Route Coordinator for RFTW XXXI and was right up front with me for every aspect of planning for that Run. He is assembling a Leadership team that will review the great successes and the “others” to improve on our mission capabilities and the support to our riders. Bob is a very experienced RFTW Rider and a very capable leader in whose care I will confidently hand the reigns of command for the Southern Route.
In closing, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly gave of their time, effort, talent and treasure to make the Southern Route of RFTW XXXI such an overwhelming success. I may have had the privilege of riding at the front, but all of you led the pack with your caring and generosity that touched so many lives along the way. TOGETHER WE made a difference. As I have said before, the success of our mission may be measured in the way we make a difference for the people we meet. This is why WE RIDE.
Regardless of the separation we experience before the next Run, all roads are connected. So, wherever you are now and always…
TOGETHER WE RIDE!
I look forward to seeing you all again soon, somewhere down the road…
Today we are less than 4 weeks away from KSU! Through the past 11 months of hard work and preparation, your leadership team has ensured the plans for Southern Route have been set, checked and re-checked. In this last month, they are taking the opportunity to make small adjustments and improvements that will pay off for us all on the Run next month.
Last month’s message was all about getting ready. I won’t repeat those lines here, but I do want to STRONGLY EMPHASIZE the part about having ALL your registration paperwork available in hand when you check in – especially if you are planning to check in with minors!
Our 11th Platoon Leader, Angie “Den Mother” Uhler wrote a great Facebook Article about many preparation tasks including bike preparation and packing/repacking to ensure you can actually carry all that you may need. She also presented a great suggestion that Riders print out the Emergency Medical Form and fill it out prior to arrival to ensure it is correct, complete, legible and ready to go in your lanyard pouch. You can find that form at the following link on our web site: “https://rftw.us/emergency-information-form-2”.
So with this month’s message, I’m not going to dive further into the minute details of what everyone needs to do to get their bikes and themselves ready for the Run. There are dozens of those messages out there already. I want to spend this last Newsletter focusing on why we ride…
While producing this year’s Southern Route video, I was moved by thoughts of experiences on the Run, conversations with Gunny about the early days and conversations with my mentors about finding the focus of the Mission. Seeing Gunny’s 1989 interview video brought all those things into clear view, and that focus was made stronger than ever. It’s something about which I’ve written often as a continuous underlying theme of why we do what we do. It’s about people – our family. Family by blood, family by oath, family by service, family by shared adversity, extended family, our family’s family, our missing family, our lost family. Our family that loves deeply, supports courageously, defends honorably, gives generously and prays incessantly. That’s why when Gunny mentions LtCol Higgins or Col Shelton and asks “Where are they?” it doesn’t matter that you don’t know them – because you know them. They are family and we don’t leave family to suffer at the hands of those we know seek to do them harm. After the disappearance of loved ones, we don’t leave family alone to wonder, “Where are they?” We don’t leave our active service members to wonder if their sacrifice is worth the cost. And we don’t leave our honored service members returning from the life changing experience of combat to deal with the healing without the support. Those are the applications of our mission statement and when we ride for those who can’t, THIS is why we ride.
As I’ve said before, we all have stories about what brought us to the Run and the strong urge to reconnect with our family is what brings us back. While we’re all together for this glorious 10 days of reunion, remembrance and renewal, I urge everyone to savor every moment, because you all know it will pass much too quickly.
For all those who have gone before, those with us now and those who would be here if they could…
TOGETHER WEcan make a difference! This is why WE RIDE!
It’s just 60 days and a wake-up before we are KSU on RFTW XXXI! Are you ready? While we still have time, here are a few important issues that should catch your attention…
Registration on line – Some people like to wait till it’s closer to the event, but keep in mind that the $30 fee goes up to $50 at midnight on April 30th.
Check-in to the Run – When you check in at Ontario or at any location after that, you MUST HAVE ALL YOUR PAPERWORK available for the registration team to review. That means current Driver’s License, Registration, Insurance, etc. If you don’t, then you won’t be checked in and you won’t get an arm band or handlebar ribbon.
Minors on the Run – Read the Minor Registration Policy very carefully and comply to the letter or that minor will not be checked in on the Run. Keep in mind that the Policy may require notarization of the Minor Release Form – if required by the policy, that notarization cannot be waived.
RAFFLE ROUSER – We still need a Raffle Rouser for the Southern Route – it’s the last open job on the roster. There are some very impressive items for the Raffle this year – if you’d like to be a part of the fundraising process and get more involved in the workings of the Run, this may be the step you’re looking for. It’s a great way to meet EVERYONE on the Southern Route!
Mechanical Condition – Be sure your bike is in good condition for a 3000 mile ride. Tires, oil change, scheduled servicing will all be available somewhere along the way but doing it during the 10 days of the Run will take away valuable time you would otherwise have available for the Mission.
Physical Condition – The Run always includes long, hot, cold, dry, wet, misty, enjoyable days on the road. Be sure that your mortal engine is ready for the long haul as well. Some people start hydrating early so they get used to holding more water – your choice, but be prepared to drink a lot of water along the way!
Mental Condition – I’ve written a lot about PMA – Positive Mental Attitude. Keeping that in mind, we all bring our own ideas and expectations for what the Run will mean to us and what we would like to get out of it. Be positive, talk positive and share positive with others. For me, this positively incredible event is a 10 day family reunion with a purpose and a Mission Statement of Healing, Accounting, Honor and Support and I have high expectations!
A pastor once told me the key to success for an organization is relationships. That translates to people. Some of us have close relationships with our bikes (OK, understandable) but the relationships we have with the people of our Run family is what makes us – what makes Run For The Wall – a lasting and effective organization. It takes all of us with the diversity of our abilities and talents to touch on the various tenets of our Mission Statement. To mention a few, I think of Jerry “Partner” Plent and M25’s work to watch the overall physical, emotional and spiritual well being of our riders to promote a healing environment. I think of Gunny’s words from the 1989 1st Run video interview to call for accounting, naming names and asking “Where the #&!% are they?” I think of Joe “Gump” Hudson’s work as our Missing Man Coordinator and the memorial visits to honor the memory of fallen soldiers. I think of Karoni “Hoops” Forrester and her dedication to family visits in support of our past and present military personnel. Whatever your abilities and talents, there is someone on this Run for whom you will be the face of the Mission. That same pastor I mentioned above reminded me that sometimes you minister, and sometimes you are ministered to. I believe that we all get a little of both on this pilgrimage – to heal and be healed. That’s what a family does…
TOGETHER WE make this Run more valuable than the sum of our separate efforts could ever be. TOGETHER WE execute all aspects of this Mission and touch the hearts and minds of Patriotic Americans across this great land. “TOGETHER WE” depends on all of us planning ahead to complete all aspects of preparation from paperwork to mental readiness as we come together in May to RIDE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T!
I have heard and provided alternate lodging info to about 90% of the folks who lost rooms at the Comfort Suites in Grand Prairie. As promised a week ago today, below is the info that was provided to those who contacted me…
La Quinta Inn, 2131 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie, Tx 214-412-3220
25 rooms at $99.00/night + tax
Heritage Inn, 2615 Outlet Pkwy, Grand Prairie, Tx 972-623-1998
15 rooms at $69.00/night + tax
I was told that the La Quinta may be full now, but it has not been confirmed.
Big THANK YOU to our North Texas State Coordinator, Mary Anne Hand for acting quickly to secure group rates for alternate lodging when we found that our Host Hotel was cancelling rooms.
****UPDATE 19FEB2019 – See “On a happier note…” section below****
99 Southern Route Riders,
If you have a Southern Route Day 4 lodging reservation at the Host Hotel, Comfort Inn & Suites in Grand Prairie for the night of Saturday, 18 MAY 2019… your lodging is in jeopardy. We have just learned that the property will be undergoing renovations and a change of ownership and they will not be able to accommodate all of the reservations that they have accepted for our stop in Grand Prairie.
Please call them and check on your reservation. If AFTER you call them, you find that you no longer have a confirmed room there, we have already arranged another group lodging rate at a nearby property. Please write an e-mail to me and/or the ARC and/or the North Texas State Coordinator CONFIRMING that 1. You HAD a reservation at the Comfort Inn in Grand Prairie and 2. They told you that your reservation has been cancelled. If you convey in an e-mail that both of those apply to you, we have an alternate lodging location for you. On Monday, 25 FEB 2019, I will publish to the SR Hotel list those additional group rate arrangements so that anyone may have access.
On a happier note… (**** UPDATE 19FEB2019****)
We also just learned that the Comfort In & Suites in Odessa, TX has lowered their nightly rate for our stay there to $119. We were just notified that they’ve lowered the nightly rate AGAIN to $99 saying they “…wanted to do more for these Patriots!” Still no action required on your part if you already have a reservation – the new rate should be retroactive to your previous arrangement. If you don’t have a reservation – there may still be rooms available… See the Southern Route Hotel list for contact details.
Update on the Itinerary Book…
We have been working diligently to complete and compile the 2019 Southern Route Itinerary Book and it is very near completion. It should go to press in less than two weeks. A pdf version will be published on the Southern Route Hub just after it is accepted for print.
That’s all for now…
May is just around the corner, and there is plenty left to do – for all of us. Mental and emotional preparation for the Mission is just as important as the physical and mechanical. We always say “No Attitudes on the Run!” But I’m here to tell you that everyone coming on the Southern Route has this assignment – bring with you to Ontario the biggest bag of POSITIVE ATTITUDEthat you can carry. Bring enough to share. Bring enough to pass out some to everyone you meet along the way. Do that, and your bag will never go empty because the more POSITIVE ATTITUDE you take out to share, the fuller your bag will get! That’s how WE will work together. That’s how TOGETHER WE will make a POSITIVE difference in people’s lives along the way! That’s how WE RIDE!
…currently one of the few places in the U.S. not suffering from global warming, er, I mean the Polar Vortex FREEZE! My coldest ride ever was 22°F for the Big Texas Toy Run several years ago. I’m sure many of you will easily have that beat! Let us know in a reply – Who’s the toughest Polar Bear on the road? Just be safe out there family! Warmer riding days are coming, and I look forward to sharing them with you on the Run in May.
SR RC Welcome Video
The long-awaited Southern Route RC Welcome Video is almost complete and should be published very soon. Big thanks to my Daughter Cara “Bug” (FNG 2017) for being my Director/Videographer and to Gunny for providing some RFTW 1989 Interview footage. I believe we should all occasionally look back to where we started as a heading check towards where we’re going. I hope you’ll all enjoy watching.
50/50 & Raffle Rouser
There are two very important jobs still open on the Southern Route… We need a 50/50 Rouser and a Raffle Rouser – yes, I’d prefer two volunteers so that each can focus on one of the tasks. We’ll have some very impressive items for the Raffle this year and the 50/50 drawing every morning on the Run is always an exciting way to start the day. If you’d like to be a part of the fundraising process and get more involved in the workings of the Run, this may be the step you’re looking for. Besides, it’s a great way to meet EVERYONE on the Southern Route!
The Itinerary
We’ve been working hard to tweak the Itinerary to take advantage of some of the great comments received on the After Action Reports this summer. BIG THANKS to our Road Guard Captain for coordinating and confirming the entire route and to our ARC for participating in the detailed review sessions. It’s not just a cut and paste from last year – we plan ahead for known upcoming highway construction and for changes in our fuel stops – we’ve had a few Gas Stations close or that will be under construction! The Itinerary book goes to press at the end of March and will be released in digital form as soon as it does. I can tell you that for general planning purposes, the basic route, lunch stops and daily destinations are very much like last year’s plan.
Phone Calls & Texts
As we get closer to May, things start moving faster in the planning world. With so many FNG’s (Welcome Home!) coming out for the Run this year there are bound to be questions. Most all critical info and a lot of good gouge and planning info are available on the rftw.us website. But I do get the occasional call or text asking some basic questions, because as hard as we try, someone will think of something we didn’t cover. So, if you urgently need a piece of info that is nowhere to be found, your ARC and I are here to help. Just introduce yourself and ask away – I don’t have everyone’s phone number in my contact list – yet!
Track the Pack during the Run
Last year, we were fortunate to have the use of Scout GPS Trackers (findmyscout.com) to help us keep real time location on the pack. This year, we’ll be working with the good folks at Scout again and will be equipped with their latest updated systems. There will be a link on the rftw.us website that may be used to find where the pack is at any point along the Run. We hope this is especially useful for our supporters along the roads and bridges as well as for our advance teams as we approach fueling stops and staging areas. Look for the link on the website as we get closer to May and plan to use it!
The Mission
So, the Vietnam War ended almost 44 years ago – at least according to our government – the Korean War ended (sort of) almost 66 years ago. So why is it so important that we keep pushing forward to keep this mission alive?
First of all, the termination of hostilities and even the declaration of Armistice ends only the active involvement of national conflict. The “War” is endured in the hearts and minds of those personally involved and I don’t mean only those in service. Everyone who has served in uniform or as a civilian had someone back home that was just as deeply affected. Especially so, if those in service did not return. The focus of our Mission is on people – even a quick glance at the RFTW Mission Statement makes that obvious. When that mission statement is boiled down to its base, we can see that it is borne of one of the oldest creeds of the “Brotherhood of Arms” – LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. For us, “NO ONE” – includes family and friends.
Secondly, our collective attention to the issue of those left behind is important to help keep the people of our country and of our government aware that we have NOT FORGOTTEN. In an age where it appears most our politicians are more interested in staying in power and opposing people they don’t like, our unbiased attention to the real issues facing our patriotic citizens is more important than ever. I may not agree with how all our RFTW family members feel about political issues, but I will lock arms with all of them to keep the pressure on to bring home the TRUE Patriot who was lost or missing in the service of our great nation.
Finally, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (dpaa.mil) is an office in the Pentagon that is funded by our tax dollars and their mission must be kept in the spotlight! Whether you love them or hate them, the DPAA is a staffed and funded function of our military infrastructure and they are moving forward. From the latest stats published by the DPAA, the numbers of missing are as follows…
________________Missing as of 25JAN2019______Accounted for in 2018_
World War 2: 72,747 160
Korean War: 7,671 43
Vietnam War: 1,590 11
Gulf War: 5 0
I was encouraged to see that 88 of those recovered from WW2 are from Pearl Harbor – the USS Arizona Memorial Site there is as sacred to a Sailor as the Alamo is to any Texan. It is also worth noting that of the more than 82,000 missing, 75% were lost in the Indo-Pacific region, and over 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea. The bottom line is that we are not just shouting in the wilderness – there is an agency working for us to seek out and recover our missing. We are the watchdogs. We must help keep the focus where it belongs so that the spark of hope can become the warmth of closure for our honored POW/MIA Families.
“Enjoy your retirement” they said. “You’ll have more time at home” they said. “You won’t have to go to sea again” they said. Things often don’t go as expected – since retiring in July, I’ve spent 5 weeks at home and 4 weeks at sea! But the truth is, I have very much enjoyed my partial retirement – I’ve even grown a beard!
IS IT MAY YET?!?
As of this 01 DEC 2018, there are only 164 days until Kick Stands up on Wednesday, 15 MAY 2019! For those of you keeping score, that means we’re more than half way around the sun with only 5½ months to go. It’s never too early for the long-range planning of health, fitness, equipment, route and lodging. Speaking of lodging, I’m fielding a lot of e-mails asking about publication of the Hotel List…
Hotel List for the Run
For those who don’t know or may have filed the info away somewhere, the Hotel List for all routes is expected to publish on 01 JAN 2019. Your State coordinators are finishing up the final negotiations for a good group rate at several hotels local to each of our overnight stops. The Hotel Lists will be published on each Route’s respective Hub on the rftw.us web site. Your clue to its publication will be when the title changes from “Southern Route 2018Hotels” to “Southern Route2019Hotels”.
RFTW President’s Message
If you haven’t done so, please take the time to read the RFTW President’s Message for NOV/DEC 2018 under the “Scuttlebutt” tab on the rftw.us main page. It’s terrible to think that one person’s reach for dollars nearly forced our setting aside this great Mission and relegating the Veterans and Patriots we support back to the dark days of silence and neglect. Like Easy said in his message, “…veterans suing veterans has consequences…” I can think of several combat analogies to that act, but none are pleasant and may even cause distress in the reading – I’ll not add to the pain. But the good news is we’re still on track despite this individual’s efforts and RFTW XXXI is getting ready to roll!
Bucket List
There’s always talk about the Run being more than a ride, and all of us who’ve lived it understand that. If your friend tells you it’s on their “Bucket List” when you talk about RFTW, just grin and tell them, “It’s time to fill the Bucket!” You and I both know this Mission quickly overflows that bucket and just like the old potato chip commercial said, “It’s hard to eat just one!” Besides, how many of you before RFTW knew that there was more out there and felt the need to re-connect with your family of service – whether military or civilian. You may have joined in that one leg of the Run and then decided to stay for another – and another while feeling there was something there that you couldn’t quite categorize. Then the next year you joined from your hometown to ride into DC and really grasped the magic. Then the next year – ALL THE WAY! The bottom line is that we all have a story of what led us to the Run, and it doesn’t matter if it was a Bucket List or a dire need to connect with your veteran family. I’ll be glad you’re here and I’ll be proud to ride with you for 1 leg, 1 day or ALL THE WAY! You’re all part of the story, part of the Mission and part of the Family!
The Mission
While we’re thinking of the mission and being on track, it’s a good time to remember what that mission is…
The mission statement of Run For The Wall reads:
To Promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends
To Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA)
To Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars
To Support our military personnel all over the world
While we strongly emphasize the Mission when we’re on the Run, we all know in our hearts that the Mission is alive every day. When I read of Wizard’s weekly visitations with our honored veterans or Wonder Woman’s trips to DC to keep the MIA search in the focus of our government or see the way we as a nation pause to honor the passing of truly revered war Veteran and President – I know that spark is alive in more people than we realize. Our job, as we CONTINUE THE MISSION, is to keep feeding that spark and fan it to flame whenever and wherever we can.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’d like to wish a very joyous Christmas season to all my RFTW Family. As we reflect on the blessings of life and liberty that we all enjoy in the greatest nation on earth, we also remember those standing watch to ensure we may continue to do so. May God continue blessing each of us in the new year and guard us to safe pathways along the roads we ride.
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].
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.
