Author: Ted "Boots" Kapner

The RFTW Director of Operations is a critical, sensitive position with a 3-year commitment that requires certain skills to maintain schedules, timelines, planning, and support the Mission of Run for the Wall. We live and work in a hugely electronic environment, so knowledge and familiarity with computers, shared calendars, and online document sharing is critical.

The duties and responsibilities of the Director of Operations are as follows:

1. Work with the Director of Risk Management to provide accurate information regarding changes in the operational structure of each route, to assess risk, liabilities, etc.
2. Work with the Road Guard Captains to assist and facilitate operational changes and to submit those changes to the RFTW President of the Board of Directors for review.
3. Work with the route leadership to maintain and review the operational guidelines and methods.
4. Work to develop guidance within RFTW which will promote safety and the well-being of our riders and volunteers.
5. To annually encourage and review the After-Action Reports from all routes and submit a consolidated report to the Board of Directors.
6. Work with Staging and Fuel Team leaders to assess any operational changes which could assist all routes.
7. Work to promote the ”One Mission, Four Routes” philosophy within RFTW.
8. To promote operational continuity between all routes.
9. Prepares an annual budget for presentation and approval at the July Face-to-Face meeting.
10. To develop and maintain knowledge of all aspects of the Run.
11. Works directly with the Ontario Coordinator to ensure that all routes’ needs are addressed, meeting schedules are reviewed and coordinated, hotel contracts meet the needs of RFTW, etc.
12. To review and update the Run For The Wall Standard Operating Procedures and to submit any proposed changes to the RFTW President and the Board of Directors.

The successful candidate will have a background in using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, as well as other tools like Zoom and Google Drive. Knowledge and experience in creating operational planning schedules, timelines, and coordination with external partners  are especially important. The ability to work in an online, collaborative environment is essential, as is access to a reliable personal computer and internet services.

Appointment to the Board of Directors places demands on your free time. We meet at least once a month, often twice. There are occasional emergency online meetings with as little as 5 days’ notice. Occasional travel is required, and certain travel expenses are reimbursed. In July each year, the Board of Directors convenes Face to Face meetings, where attendance is paramount. We also meet Face to Face each year in Ontario prior to the Run. You will be required to prepare for and provide updates and status reports at each monthly meeting as well as prepare an annual budget for activities and expenses related to Operations.

The successful candidate will submit the following:

• A resume outlining their skills relevant to those listed here
• A brief description of their Run experience
• The names of three references we may contact
• Veterans are also required to submit an SSAN-redacted copy of their DD-214 showing Character of Service (type of discharge)

Once selected, the successful candidate will also be required to undergo a Character & Fitness Examination (CFE), essentially a background check at the Board’s expense.

Those wishing to apply should submit their package to vice.president@rftw.us no later than 31 August 2026.  Questions may be directed to president@rftw.us.

The Board of Directors is looking to fill the upcoming vacancy of Director of Public Relations. This is a critical, sensitive position with a 3-year commitment that requires specific skills to enhance RFTW’s public persona and attract new riders. We live and work in a world of electronic media and communication, so knowledge and familiarity with computers, social media platforms, website content management, video editing and production, etc., is paramount.

The successful candidate will have a background in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and similar tools like Zoom. Website content management using WordPress and similar tools is preferred. Public Relations experience, including speaking with the media, is essential. Effective writing is required. Knowledge and experience in actively participating on a variety of social media platforms is equally necessary. The successful candidate will need to be closely attuned to the Bylaws and SOPs of RFTW and be willing and able to actively assist the Social Media Director on multiple social media programs and platforms. Occasional training sessions with route volunteers to ensure an understanding of our social media objectives may be required. Public speaking ability is critically important.

The Director of Public Relations is responsible to:

• Build relationships with media outlets and communication partners that lead to mainstream coverage of RFTW events.
• Serve as the key media contact for RFTW.
• Manage the RFTW website, including overseeing the production of new content and shepherding its ongoing development to include non-website platforms if applicable
• Increase the visibility of RFTW by managing the brand image through determining and designing marketing materials and organizing and overseeing the creation of RFTW promotional materials.
• Manage, produce, and update written and visual multimedia content for emails, website, and social media networks to raise the visibility of RFTW.
• Respond to media requests in a timely manner.
• Control the flow of information between RFTW and the public and manage the public perception of the organization, ensuring that information across all channels is accurate and positive.
• Work closely with the Social Media Director to build, project, and maintain a positive image of RFTW to the public through communication media.
• Produce/ oversee the production of and distribution of creative presentations, press releases, leaflets, brochures, and other types of media agenda for internal and external distribution.
• Develop public relations strategies that promote RFTW products, brand, and MISSION.
• Respond to requests for information release from the media or other vetted interested parties.
• Coach other RFTW representatives in appropriate ways to communicate with the public and designate appropriate RFTW spokespersons and sources of information.
• Encourage liaising with related organizations, such as motorcycle groups, veterans’ associations, civic and service-related organizations, and individuals/groups that support the RFTW MISSION and those that may be the beneficiaries of donations from RFTW.
• Check the facts and veracity of statements from individuals or groups regarding RFTW, making certain public statements can be properly sourced and validated, thus creating consistency and accuracy across all channels of communication.
• Develop a public relations plan for potential negative scenarios in order to both control public narrative and to protect the integrity and reputation of RFTW content continuity across all social media platforms.
• Provide annual and before-Run training for route social media coordinators, photographers, videographers, and sit-rep writers to ensure they understand and comply with a positive, mission-focused public presentation representing Run For The Wall in all they do.
• May be assigned other duties as determined by the Board or BoD President.

Appointment to the BoD places demands on your free time. We meet at least once a month, often twice. There are occasional emergency online meetings with as little as 5 days’ notice. Occasional travel is required, with certain travel expenses reimbursed. In July each year, the BoD convenes face-to-face meetings where attendance is paramount. Our winter Face-to-Face meeting may be held in person or via video teleconference. We also meet Face to Face each year in Ontario prior to the Run.

The successful candidate will submit a resume outlining their skills relevant to those listed here, along with a brief description of their Run experience, website content management and social media experience, and the names of three references we may contact. Veterans are also required to submit an SSAN-redacted copy of their DD-214 that shows Character of Service (type of discharge). Once selected, the successful candidate will also have to submit to a Character & Fitness Examination (CFE), essentially a background check at the Board’s expense. Additionally, the BoD reserves the right to interview candidates for positions on the Board of Directors during the selection process.

Those wishing to apply should submit their package to Secretary@rftw.us no later than 31 July 2026. Questions can be directed to President@rftw.us.

If you want to serve Run for the Wall, this is an excellent opportunity to impact the future of our organization. We look forward to hearing from you!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coachella, CA (May 13, 2026) – The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will proudly welcome participants of Run for the Wall on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as 400+ motorcyclists make their first fueling stop of the day at Shelee’s Travel Center.

Run for the Wall is an annual cross-country motorcycle ride from California to Washington, D.C., dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans, raising awareness for those still missing in action, and supporting military families. This long-standing tradition unites veterans, active-duty service members, and supporters from across the country in a meaningful display of remembrance, patriotism, and respect.

As riders roll in around 8:00 a.m., they’ll be welcomed by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and their team, ready to host the first stop on their journey East. Participants can top off their tanks with complimentary gas, then fuel up with food, snacks, drinks, and plenty of water from Kupi Shop. It’s the perfect one-stop to get both engines and spirits running strong for the road ahead.

Active-duty service members from the nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms have been invited by the Tribe to attend the event. They will participate in welcoming and sending off the riders, acknowledging the event’s mission, and honoring the contributions of those who have served.

“We are truly honored to welcome the riders of Run for the Wall into our community,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “Their heartfelt commitment to honoring our veterans, remembering those who are still missing, and standing alongside military families speaks deeply to who we are and the values we hold close—service, respect, and a strong sense of community. Their journey is a powerful example of turning miles into meaning.”

The welcome event reflects the Tribe’s continued commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and community partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin region.

Event: Run for the Wall
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: Riders arrive at approximately 8:00 a.m.
Location: Shelee’s Travel Center – 46355 Dillon Rd., Coachella, CA

About Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Business Enterprises
Spotlight 29 Casino, Tortoise Rock Casino, Shelee’s Travel Center, and 29 Brews are wholly owned business operations of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a Chemehuevi people whose traditional territory includes parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a Clan of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s lands consist of one Reservation separated by Joshua Tree National Park over two counties from Coachella, CA to Twentynine Palms, CA.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will continue to focus on providing opportunities of growth and prosperity for the Tribe’s future generations. For more information, visit 29palmstribe.org.

Contact:
Dan Schmerzler : Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
E: daniel.schmerzler@29palmsbomi-nsn.gov
C: 415-786-6651
M: 442-300-4694

(This is Boots – chiming in for Angie “Den Mother”, our hard charging Merch Director… Who is now on her way to Ontario)

Yes… the Route fundraiser shirts are real. Yes… they exist. And yes… people are still emailing Angie about them. 😆

The shirts are currently being shipped to Ontario. Once they arrive, Angie will make sure they get into your hands one way or another – whether that means meeting up with you there, getting them to you at the merch trailer, or mailing them out from Ontario.

She had to cut bait and hit the road today, but apparently the shirt questions did not get the memo and stayed behind. 😂

Thank you all for your patience and support. We’ll get everyone geared up soon!

Really looking forward to seeing you all in Ontario – May is two days away!

The Route Handbooks for all four routes, as well as the Pre-Run Ontario Itinerary and the Springfield/Washington DC Itinerary are now all available for download.

Pre-Run Ontario Itinerary

Central Route Itinerary

Midway Route Itinerary

Southern Route Itinerary

Springfield, VA/Washington DC Itinerary

SandBox Route Itinerary