Author: Ted "Boots" Kapner

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

Run For The Wall has listened to rider feedback regarding participation in Rolling to Remember, and we’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement with AMVETS.

Under this new arrangement, RFTW riders will receive priority placement in the event lineup—positioned directly behind the AMVETS riders (the lead group) and ahead of all other participants. This is a significant milestone: for the first time since Rolling Thunder, our riders will be able to fully participate in the demonstration while still having ample time on Sunday to enjoy other activities.

Additionally, the Midway Route Road Guards will provide an escort to the designated parking area, helping ensure a smooth and organized experience for our riders.

Beyond Rolling to Remember, we look forward to building a stronger partnership with AMVETS through future events and opportunities – expanding our reach and advancing our mission throughout the year.

More details, including meetup times and logistics, will be shared as they become available.

The deadline to order has been extended 1 more day!

Orders will close for good tonight, 03/17/2026 @ 11:59PM.

Through the sales of these shirts, each route will receive a portion of sales revenue for their specific shirt to help offset route costs.

See all options in the RFTW Merchandise Store.

Long sleeve options…

The Deadline to order has been extended to 11:59 TONIGHT (03/16/26)!

Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone For Good.

Our Director of Merchandise, working with our RCs and shirt vendor, has developed a fundraising initiative for each of our routes.  Through the sales of these shirts, the route receives a portion of each sale to use as they see fit.  But for this to be successful, we need your support!!

These shirts are only available for sale until midnight, March 16^th.  After that, these shirts will no longer be offered through the store or on the merchandise trailers.  The sale is pre-order only; to buy these shirts, you must pre-order before midnight, March 16^th. Shirts will ship after April 2nd.

See all options in the RFTW Merchandise Store.

Long sleeve options…

Get Em While They’re Hot!

Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone For Good.

Our Director of Merchandise, working with our RCs and shirt vendor, has developed a fundraising initiative for each of our routes.  Through the sales of these shirts, the route receives a portion of each sale to use as they see fit.  But for this to be successful, we need your support!!

These shirts are only available for sale until midnight, March 15^th.  After that, these shirts will no longer be offered through the store or on the merchandise trailers.  The sale is pre-order only; to buy these shirts, you must pre-order before midnight, March 15^th.

See all options in the RFTW Merchandise Store.

Long sleeve options…