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Save The Date: Home for our Troops Community Kick off 10/28/2023

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m. (Check-in at 1:30 p.m.)
Location: Grace Church 855 E Barham Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078

Our next Home for our Troops will be on Saturday,  October 28, 2023 for a Community Kick off Event for Nathaniel Leonico in Escondido, CA.  While he was actually in the Navy, he was assigned to the 3/7 Marines as a corpsman.

Larry Medcraft, Central Route’s CA State Coordinator, is organizing the escort.

In addition, since Leonico  is a 3/7 Marine, and we have one in our mist, Nick Hengtes, Central Route Coordinator will be attending the event as the RFTW spokesman.

If you are in So. Cal. please plan to attend this important event to show support for our veterans.

HM3 Nathaniel “Randell” Leoncio

Escondido, CA

Originally from the Philippines, Nathaniel “Randell” Leoncio joined the Navy to serve as a corpsman with the Marines with aspirations to become a firefighter paramedic.

On Oct. 4, 2005, Doc Leoncio was on his first deployment, serving with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, when his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Ramadi, Iraq. The explosion flipped the vehicle over, pinning HM3 Leoncio underneath. Fellow HFOT Veteran Corporal Neil Frustaglio, who was riding in the vehicle behind Randell’s, was the first to rush over to help. Cpl Frustaglio rocked the vehicle back and forth so HM3 Leonico could crawl out. Randell lost his leg right leg, but before he was evacuated, he directed the other Marines on how to treat himself and others who were injured. HFOT Veteran Cpl Travis Greene was also serving with HM3 Leoncio at the time of his injury.

Medically retired, Randell is now a prosthetist at Balboa Naval Hospital, where he treats many fellow HFOT Veterans. He would like to take his education further and get his Ph.D. in a related field, and get involved more with policy. “I love what I do, helping people like me walk and be active again,” he says.

Receiving a specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops home will enable Randell to progress more easily in his career without the challenges of living in a non-adapted home. In his current residence, Randell often has to hop into the shower because it is too small for his wheelchair, and he has trouble reaching the cabinets in the kitchen. Though he currently manages these obstacles and is mobile within his home, Randell knows it will get more difficult as he ages and risks injuring himself further. “If I ever injured my left leg, I would struggle a lot to even get into our home,” he says.

In his free time, Randell enjoys spending time with his wife, Abreail, a Navy Nurse, and his stepsons. His main hobby is off-roading with his jeep, and he also likes camping, snowboarding, and working on cars.

When Randell moved to the United States at the age of nine, he settled in Southern California. He is choosing to remain in the state and build his HFOT home there to be close to family, healthcare, and his job.

Randell has seen the difference an HFOT home has made in the lives of his patients, enabling them to return to school, pursue careers, and start families. He is grateful to HFOT supporters for providing his fellow injured Veterans with this gift. “I want you all to know that you are making a difference and improving injured Veterans’ lives.”

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Remember The Mission!

Remember the Mission

Why We Ride

Run for the Wall Mission Statement

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, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

Run for the Wall Philosophy

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

Run for the Wall Goals

• To guide the participants safely across America.

• To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

Safe travels to all those on their way to the start of Run For The Wall XXXIII.
Only a few more days…

WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T

1 MISSION – 4 ROUTES

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RFTW BoD Selection Results

Last night, the RFTW BoD met in an emergency session to fill two critical vacancies on our Board of Directors.  Alan Steiner was selected and accepted the position of Director of Merchandise and Kelley Perry was selected as and accepted the position of Director of Risk Management.

We sincerely appreciate the contributions of Bill Clark, our past Director of Merchandise, and want to thank him as he moves ahead.  Bill’s dedication and hard work went a long way in continuing to build a solid foundation in RFTW.

Is it May yet? I’m ready!

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RFTW Board of Directors Announcement

Last night, the RFTW Board of Directors elected John “Turkey” Staub President, and Billie “Bugs” Dunlap Chairman/Vice President. This action leaves a vacancy on the BoD, and we anticipate soon announcing the opening.

If you would like to serve on the Board, we will be looking for someone that is forward thinking and has a dynamic skill set that includes proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, data analysis, can understand a balance sheet and can occasionally travel for meetings, please sharpen your pencils, and update your resume.

Is it May yet?

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Camp Pendleton Annual Beach Bash

MCCS Camp Pendleton

Alert! Alert!

Run for the Wall has a Booth (POP-UP) at the Annual Beach Bash yearly party on 12 August for the Marine Corps’, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion (3rdTracks) Camp Pendleton, CA. We will be handing out RFTW Pins, RFTW Cards, water and Gatorade to the troops and their families. Come visit and mingle and watch the events for the Marines, Sailors and their families. The event is held on Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Beach from 11AM till 3PM on 12 August dress is beach wear or casual.

If you would like to attend and help represent RFTW do the following:

  1. Email (carollomstead@ymail.com) or call Carol at (805) 368-7586
  2. Your Name
  3. Driver’s License Number
  4. DL Expiration Date
  5. Date of Birth

If you are a retired Veteran with an ID Card, she just would like to have your Name to provide the Main Gate to associate you with the RFTW support group. Access for the event will be the Main Gate at Camp Pendleton they can provide directions to Del Mar Beach.

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Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group – Fallen Soldier Cart Transfer

Fallen Soldier Cart

Greetings,

My name is James Rea and I represent the Fallen Soldier Group at Alaska Airlines. We are a group of volunteers who ensure the fallen men and women of the military are treated with honor and respect when being transported by Alaska Airlines. It is also our goal to make the military escorts and families of the fallen as comfortable as possible during their trip on Alaska Airlines aircraft.

I am a 30-year retired Master Chief from the U.S. Navy and 32-year mechanic at Alaska Airlines. I am one of a network of volunteers who are contacted when a Fallen Soldier will be transported by Alaska Airlines. After notification the process begins and the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Protocol is followed. Part of the process is the respectful transfer of the fallen to and from the aircraft.

Volunteers in Seattle are building a patriotic baggage cart for the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The cart will travel from SeaTac, WA, May 11, 2022 and arrive in Ontario, CA, May 14, 2022, for a presentation to Run for the Wall 2022.

The Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group respectfully request the assistance of the California Patriot Guard Riders to escort the MCI Fallen Soldier Cart from the California-Oregon State Line, to Ontario, California.

The Fallen Hero’s Cart Transfer will start at the Angle Lake Park, SeaTac, WA, 19408 International Blvd. SeaTac, WA, on May 11, 2022 and will arrive In Ontario, CA, May 14, 2022. The itinerary has been sent as a separate attachment. Request this itinerary be maintained during the transfer. Hotels which offer special rates are also in a separate attachment.

Very Respectfully,

James Rea
Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group

Seattle contacts:

Los Angeles contacts:

Fallen Soldier Cart Open
MCI Fallen Soldier Cart Transfer Itinerary 2022
MCI Fallen Soldier Cart Transfer Hotels 2022
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Organizations Offer National-Level 2021 Veterans Day Virtual Events

Veterans Day 2021

Several national level organizations are hosting 2021 Veterans Day virtual events due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of events, which will be updated as new information is available:

Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call is performing a special virtual concert, which will be made available to all VA facilities across the country beginning Nov. 8.

The exclusive concert featuring Wynonna, Darius Rucker, Peter Frampton, Sara Evans, Lainey Wilson, Striking Matches, Michael Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Caylee Hammack, Sarahbeth Taite, Catie Offerman and more is being shared with VA facilities through Musician On Call’s Virtual Bedside Performance Program. The show is hosted by Big Sky Music Group recording artist Stephanie Quayle from world-famous The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee. The artists perform their hits and offer songs of encouragement and messages of thanks to all Veterans for their service to our country.

Some of the top names in bull riding also made an appearance from the Pendleton Round-up in Oregon, and Michael Ray performed for Veterans and staff at the Phoenix VA Medical Center during a special virtual program in honor of Veterans Day.

The website to view the performance is www.musiciansoncall.org/veterans.

National Veterans Day Observance

VA Secretary Denis McDonough hosts the National Veterans Day Observance Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony. The Veterans Day Observance will honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during war and peacetime.

The ceremony starts precisely at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. uniformed services. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response has compelled VA and its partners (Arlington Cemetery and Military District of Washington) to host a greatly reduced ceremony this year.

VA will live stream the ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs. People can also view at this link.

Q&A with VA secretary

VA Secretary Denis McDonough answers Veteran questions at a Facebook premiere event at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. The virtual event will be on VA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs and https://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin.

McDonough addressed topics such as disability claims, burn pits, medical marijuana, mental health services, COVID-19 and community care.

World War II Memorial

Beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 11, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will pay tribute to the more than 16 million men and women who served with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II at a special Veterans Day event hosted virtually and at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

At 9 a.m., a pre-recorded ceremony will be streamed via the Friends Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WWIIMemorialFriends.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers an online ceremony at 11 a.m. Eastern Time live on Facebook and YouTube. The program features former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Les L. Lyles; NVMM President, CEO and Army Veteran Michael Ferriter; President of USAA and Navy Veteran Wayne Peacock; and others. These distinguished Veterans and guests will share messages promoting unity in support of the Veteran community and promoting selfless service in communities on Veterans Day and every day.

NVMM’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NationalVeteransMemorialandMuseum/ and its YouTube page is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVmON_ezu70.

For those near Columbus, admission is free for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military members and Gold Star families.

Vietnam Veterans Wall ceremony

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Veterans Day Ceremony at The Wall will be online at 1 p.m. A video of the event will be at www.vvmf.org/live and VVMF’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund/.

Additionally, for the first time ever, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will do a daily virtual Reading of the Names. Each day, they will read all the names – and share the photos – of those who died on that day (for all years) during the Vietnam War. It will post at 3 p.m. ET each day starting this Sunday, Nov. 7, and go through Nov. 6, 2022. This leads up to Nov. 7-10, 2022, when there will be a 65 hour Reading of the Names at the Wall over 65 hours for each of the 58,281 names inscribed on The Wall.

People can find it on the VVMF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund/, their website at www.vvmf.org/rotn and on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund.

NYC Vets Day Parade

Marine Corps Veteran and Navy Cross recipient Eddie Ray is the grand marshall for the 2021 NYC Vets Day Parade, which will commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Desert Storm.

Get updates on the ceremony on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NYCVetsParade/ or its Twitter account at https://twitter.com/nycvetsparade.

The group also has Marching Orders, which are 11 activities Veterans and/or their supporters can do on-screen or at-home, either by themselves or with a socially distanced group. More information is at https://parade.uwvc.org/plans/marching-orders/.

Challenge America

Challenge America offers a virtual Veterans Day Gala Nov. 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event features a celebrity concert. Register to sign up and learn more at https://event.gives/caveterans.

Team RWB Workout of the Day

Every Veterans Day, hundreds of Veterans and supporters participate in #WOD4Warriors, a functional fitness workout with Team RWB. Participants can join in virtually this year by completing the event from home. Visit www.teamrwb.org/w4w to register, access a training plan, and view the full, adaptive and partner workout options.

Other events

For more events, including many state and local ceremonies, see https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/.

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Home For Our Troops Community Kick-Off

Run For The Wall and Operation Family Fund
22 October – 23 October 2021

On October 23rd, Run For The Wall in partnership with Operation Family Fund, will participate in the Homes For Our Troops “Community KickOff” ceremony for our first recipient, Marine L/Cpl Kevin Honaker. His home will be built in Sparta, Tennessee. Since, Run For The Wall and Operation Family Fund will have significant roles in this event, look forward to seeing as many RFTW riders there as possible. Registration open on RFTW website link: https://rftw.us/homes-for-our-troops/

Hotel reservation block closes today!

Cookeville, TN (22 & 23 October 2021)
Country Inn & Suites
1151 S. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville, TN 38506
Reservation Number: 1-931-525-6668
Group Rate $85.00
Group Name: Run-For-The-Wall Block

RFTW POC: Ron ‘Sky’ King, (931) 247-4738 or ron.king@rftw.us

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Homes For Our Troops Community Kickoff Ceremony

HFOT Logo

Friends and Fellow Riders…

On behalf of Run For The Wall, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, I wanted to provide an update to everyone regarding the first of several ceremonies through which our recent contribution to Homes For Our Troops will be made. The first recipient will be Marine LCpl Ret. Kevin Honaker. The “Community Kickoff” ceremony for his new home will be in Sparta, Tennessee, on October 23rd.

I encourage each of you, as part of the RFTW Family, to consider participating in this event. We will be welcoming our fellow veteran motorcycle groups… American Legion Riders, Combat Veterans MA, Christian Riders and Patriot Guard Riders… to join us for this very special event.

Hotel accommodations are available in Cookeville, TN, for both the 22nd and 23rd. You must make your own reservations. Be sure to ask for the “Run For The Wall Block.” The hotel information is listed below.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

We ask that all participants fill out this form so that we will have an accurate head count for meals, and to determine the number of bikes that will ride into Sparta on the 23rd.

Hotel block is open and available for Friday and Saturday.
Cookeville, TN (22 & 23 October 2021)
Country Inn & Suites
1151 S. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville, TN 38506
Reservation Number: 1-931-525-6668
Group Rate $85.00
Group Name: “Run-For-The-Wall Block”

Itinerary

Friday, 22 October

  • 1500 – 1700 Lobby Sign-In (Country Inn & Suites, 1151 S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN)
  • 1740 – 1755 Rider Meeting Hotel Parking Lot
  • 1755 – 1805 Move to Dinner Logan Roadhouse
  • 1805 – Dinner (Pay As You Go) On Your Own back to Hotel!

Saturday, 23 October

  • 0630 – 0815 Hot Breakfast @ Hotel (Check-out)
  • 0815 – 0845 Theater Parking Lot next to the host hotel (1181 S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN)
  • 0835 – 0845 Rider Meeting
  • 0850 – 0915 Staging to Sparta (15 S. Church St, Sparta, TN 38583)
  • 0930 – 1200 Kick-Off (Christpoint Church,13 Liberty Square)
  • 1200 – 1300 Lunch on the Grounds (End Of Mission)
  • 1315 – 1335 On Your Own Anytime After Ceremony!