Author: Ted "Boots" Kapner

The Run for the Wall Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Rob “X-Ceeds” Giddens is our new Director of Purchasing.

Rob retired from the USAF after 20 years and 10 months of service and has ridden Southern Route since 2008. A veteran of Operations DESERT STORM, SOUTHERN WATCH, NORTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM, Rob brings a wealth of logistics experience to the Board.

Welcome X-Ceeds!

Mission M25 and Run for the Wall are celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States military by giving one lucky VETERAN a customized Indian Chief motorcycle!

Mission M25 is proud to officially partner with Run For The Wall for a one-of-a-kind Motorcycle Giveaway to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

To celebrate this historic milestone, we are giving away a custom-painted Indian Motorcycle to a military veteran who has served our great nation with honor and courage.

This collaboration brings together two veteran-focused organizations with a shared mission:

• Mission M25: Serving as chaplains, hydration teams, and support riders during the annual Run For The Wall ride for over 20 years.
• Run For The Wall: A cross-country motorcycle ride that promotes healing, honors POW/MIA and KIA veterans, and raises awareness for those who served.

This giveaway is a tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms for 250 years.

Giveaway Rules:

• Eligibility: You must be a United States Veteran.
• You must have registered and completed at least one leg of Run For The Wall in the past.
• You must be located in the lower 48 states for Mission M25 to deliver it to you.
• Registration: You may register once per day until midnight, November 10th.
• Winner will be announced on Veterans Day 2025. Mission M25s goal is to deliver the bike to the winner in person in a timely manner after the winner is announced.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Michael “Wizard” Turner’s passing. Mike, a longtime supporter of RFTW and a member of the Board of Directors, was traveling with his wife Linda to the annual Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville when he was lost in an unfortunate motorcycle mishap.

Details are limited, but it appears Wizard died from injuries sustained in the crash. His wife, Linda, remains hospitalized in Austin, TX receiving care for her serious injuries.

We ask that you keep Wizard, his wife Linda, along with friends and family, in your thoughts and prayers.

We are in touch with the family and will share more information as it becomes available.

The Board of Directors is announcing an upcoming vacancy in the position of Treasurer.

The Treasurer is not only a member of the Board but is also a corporate officer with financial and fiduciary responsibilities to the corporation.

This critical position has specific requirements to best serve the corporation and its riders. The successful candidate needs experience with write-up accounting, must be familiar with GAAP, experience with QuickBooks, especially the on-line version, experience with Excel to include creating and modifying spreadsheets, the ability to coordinate multiple actions with multiple players to include other directors and vendors, familiarity with banking apps and their various payment options.  Additionally, the Treasurer must be familiar with non-profit reporting across various government agencies. Understanding of and the ability to research reporting requirements, along with the nuances of RFTW and its operations is essential. A huge plus would be someone with credentials to prepare our annual Form 990 return and the ability to represent RFTW during an IRS audit. CPA, Enrolled Agent, or Registered Tax Return Preparer are all positives. While the position does not require a CPA, bookkeeping experience alone is not sufficient. Staff accounting experience would be an ideal qualification.

The successful candidate will submit a resume focused on their meeting the above qualifications, along with RFTW experience. Submit complete resumes to Secretary@RFTW.us. Prior to final approval of the BoD, candidates must successfully undergo a background check and a financial check.

The vacancy will occur on 31 August 2025; however, the successful candidate can be brought on-board early so that we can ensure a smooth transition.

Please send questions can either to Treasurer@rftw.us or President@rftw.us.