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Midway’s Mid-Month Roundup – February 2026

RFTW Leadership Positions

Why?

A simple question that many riders hear when they participate on the run, no matter what route. 

 

“Why ride across the country?”

There are many answers and reasons given; for my buddy or buddies, for a family member, it’s something I’ve gotta do…and they go on. 

 

But the one that is rarely spoken is

‘because it’s my responsibility’. 

Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle summed it up the best quoting “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer”, describing and honoring the courage, dedication, and selflessness of individuals who serve without obligation, often highlighting how volunteers may not have time, but they have the heart.

Every position within the Run for the Wall organization is performed by a volunteer, someone who willingly chose to inquire and perform or was asked and accepted the request. Each position, every task, all having different roles and responsibilities with a single common goal; to safely deliver all the participants, riders, drivers, and passengers alike, to their intended destination.

Although many participants are veterans from many different eras and backgrounds, and yet many more are patriots that have not served in the military but support the overarching mission. It would be easy for veterans to fall back into their past routines of leadership through mission necessity and success; however, a people-first approach is used focusing on empowering, supporting, and developing team members rather than exercising top-down control. 

During any given year more than a thousand riders attend the run and ride among the 4 different routes, but not every rider has the same experience or skills as the rider next to them. Being able to listen to one another and understand oneself and others situational context allows everyone of such diversity to come together as a group and organization. Many participants run to help heal wounds from the past while each volunteer will help to foster wholeness and personal growth within them and among all team members. These are just some of the key principles of being a Servant Leader.

From Staging to the Road Guards who manage. 

Platoon Leaders to the Ambassadors who keep.

Leadership Support to the Fuel Teams who perform.

Medical Teams to the Chaplains who provide.

Leadership unites and brings them all together.

Whether you are trying to close a chapter in your life or starting a new one, you will always have a family looking out for you.

Becoming a leader within the organization or route is completely voluntary, and very rewarding. Most positions simply need you to ask to be a part of. There you will be given the necessary tools, knowledge, and coaching to carry out the tasks. Other positions are more skills oriented where you are observed and invited into the position based upon your skill set and abilities. Any and all of them are still voluntary in nature and rewarding by the heart. All of them different with the same ending goal, to provide safe passage of all participants to their intended destination.

If you are thinking of doing more than participating in your platoon and have run your route in full, please consider volunteering as you won’t regret your decision. All you need to do is navigate to your Route Hub under the Routes tab on RFTW.us and fill out the questionnaire within Volunteer Sign-Up. 

It may just give you another reason to answer the question ‘Why?’ when someone asks again.

-FNGs! (Fun New Guys/Gals)

83 Days until KSU (kick stands up).  That’s 2 months and 24 days…

Have you been saddle training? What has been your longest ride? Are you riding consistently yet to get your body use to riding long distances? (i.e. saddle training)

We’ve discussed bike maintenance and riding gear preparations. How about rain gear?

Do you have specific rain gear for riding, a supermarket poncho, or maybe just an oversized trash bag with arm and neck holes?

Whatever the gear may be, have you worn it while riding, rain or shine? The importance of this is not only to be prepared for inclement weather that may or may not be encountered, but testing the durability of your gear is essential. Will it hold up to the wind whipping by while on the road? Will it shred and become a hazard to the riders behind you? Or will it simply be too annoying to wear or cumbersome to put on and discourage you from even using it?

Believe it or not rain gear can be used in several different manners while riding across country. Not only can it be used to shed water from you in a rainstorm, but it can also be used as a barrier in higher elevations, cooler temperatures, or even heavy fog. Having an effective barrier to prevent water, wind, and even cooler temps from your skin will help you stay dry, warm, and a whole lot more comfortable.

You also need to pay attention to your Road Guards and leadership at stops, morning meetings, or just about anywhere on the trip. If you see them putting on their rain gear, they know something is coming. You may want to follow suit and put on yours as well.

Stay safe, stay warm, stay informed.

-Midway Leadership Messages

We are looking for a few good riders who are willing to step and support our mission in a leadership position. These are critical positions and require someone who truly supports the mission of the Midway route. You can find volunteer sign up forms on the Midway web page. The following positions are available: Promotions Team, Medical team, Staging Team, Chase vehicle (Midway will pay for gas from Ontario to DC), Honor Guard Coordinator, Oklahoma Assistant state Coordinator.

2026 Hotel List

The 2026 hotel list is available on the Midway web page.

Note* The host hotel rates are guaranteed with a contract, all other hotels rates are not guaranteed as time gets closer to KSU. They may change, which means you should make hotel reservations as soon as possible.

Registration

$120.00 started Feb 1, 2026

$100.00 Day riders for up to three days

Welcome to the family!!

If you find it within your heart to support RFTW Midway Route, please consider donating.  This will help make RFTW 2026 and the Gulf War Run a complete success. Ensure your donation is marked for the Midway route. Once again, and this is very important, please ensure “Midway Route” is marked on your donation.

You can also Zelle a donation directly to: midway.route@rftw.us
*Most banks now support Zelle transfers.

Or mail a check to:
Run for the Wall Inc.
Midway Route
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Run For The Wall® Inc. EIN 36-4125559
Run For The Wall® is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

PRE-PAID FUEL

The Route Coordinator (Wind Dog) has chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, he has increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If he finds that we are financially OK, he will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a Pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to state that your payment is for “Midway Prepaid Fuel” so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

Until next time,

Ride Smart

Ride Safe

Keep the rubber side down & the shiny side up!

 

~Is it May yet? Then again, every day is May if you let it.

Less than 3 months left….

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce

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February 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

It’s Groundhog Day!  A day when we let our superstitions get the better of us and allow a rodent to predict the future and according to Punxsutawney Phil there will be six more weeks of winter.

Whatever the prediction, we are Run for the Wall Riders!  Come rain, hail, sandstorms, snow, or tornados in 100 days we will start our pilgrimage east in order to remember and honor our POW/MIA/KIA’s as well as to will promote healing to all the lives they touched and to ride for those that can’t.

We have 290 people registered so far and heart felt “Welcome home” goes out to the 80 FNG’s that have registered so far for RFTW XXXVI. Registration fees have now gone up to $120 per person.  The Day Rider rate is now in effect (up to 3 days on the road riding) at $100 per person.

The Hotel and camping information have been posted on the Central Route page.  If you haven’t made your reservations, I would do so now.  The hotels will only keep our blocks of rooms with special RFTW rates for a short time.

Our leadership team is hard at work for the Run.  Your platoon Coordinator, Ed Humphries is compiling the list for platoons and trying to meet everyone’s requests.

I expect Fuel Sticker prices to be released shortly, I am confirming our donated stops and looking at my crystal ball to prognosticate the price of fuel for May.

The Route Itinerary is being fined tuned and should be out in a month or so. There are not many changes and remember that we are stopping in Nitro, WV this year.

Volunteers:  Volunteers are still needed for positions!  Here are some positions that need to be filled: Staging, Medical Team, Friends of Bill Coordinator.

Some of our positions also need backups in case the primary person needs to drop out. So, if you have any questions about any of the positions on the Run or about the Run itself, please reach out to me.  I’m only a phone call or email away.

Be sure to check out the RFTW Forum, Facebook pages, and Podcasts for the latest tips and information.

A few comments from one of our California State Coordinators, Carol Olmstead about Ontario:

“The Elks will start having food available for purchase on Sunday at noon instead of later in the day as in the past.  A menu will be completed in about a month.  There will be a bike washing station, patch sewing, as well as someone doing small repairs like last year. The layout of the parking area at the Elks is still being planned and will be available when ready.  Many campers are expected this year, and they will be staying in the RV section of the Elks parking lot.

There will be RFTW menu at the Holiday Inn.

If you are staying at the Holiday Inn and booked your room through the special link on the RFTW Hotel list, there will be a discounted breakfast coupon you can buy at the front desk during check-in.  Upon check in at the Holiday Inn, you should also be provided a bottle of water and a goodie bag for each room.”

If you get a chance to meet any other of our State Coordinators, be sure to thank them.  They work tirelessly throughout the year getting donations, food, fuel, hotel rates, and all the necessary permits to ensure a successful and safe Run.

In regard to communications during the Run.  GMRS is the way you will hear what is happening while on the road during the Run.  GMRS radios are not required for platoon riders and the primary communications within platoons are hand signals.

If you do have a GMRS radio, remember that the frequency we use for the Run is a restricted channel, meaning it is used for the safe conduct of the Run.

If you transmit over the radio, you must have an FCC license:

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | Federal Communications Commission

The license is $35 per family, no test is needed, and it is good for 10 years.  You can apply for one here:

Applying for a New License in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) | Federal Communications Commission

Here are some links regarding GMRS radios.

**See this post on Where and What to Buy, and all things GMRS for RFTW.**

**See this Post for Videos on how to Program the radios** or here.

REMEMBER TO DISABLE AUDIO RELAY ON THE RADIO AND MAKE SURE YOUR VOX IS DISABLED!

Get your Bike ready! Get yourself ready! Get your mindset ready!  It’s time to focus on the Run!

GO SEAHAWKS!

 

Mission Statement

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world.

 

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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President’s Message – February 2026

Motorcycle covered in snow

It was 4 degrees this morning, and I have been anxiously awaiting a favorable weather forecast. On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. I never did like groundhogs…

RFTW 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.

RFTW 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 D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

As we inch closer to KSU, I know you hear us time and again reminding everyone to get in shape for the Run and to ensure their bike is ready for this Mission. Yes, we have Chase trailers on each route, but they are only there to help you reach the next forward dealership. They are not there to get you to D.C. or to the Wall, so it is incumbent on everyone to help ensure you and your bike are ready!  Riders are responsible for their motorcycle, much like they are responsible for their lodging expenses.  While we are exceptionally fortunate to receive donations and the support of many volunteers along the way, each individual is still responsible for their own travel.

There has been some discussion about why CR and SR are meeting at Marshall on the last day. As we experienced last year, the LEO escorts did a fantastic job clearing traffic for our ride into DC. Safe to say, at least for CR and SR, it was probably the best escort we’ve ever seen. For them to stop up to 6 lanes of traffic on Interstates so we could safely move through and merge across traffic was an incredible task. Following the Run, our D.C./Arlington coordinator, along with our RCs, met to discuss ways to make this part of the journey even safer. Our LEO escorts suggested we consider merging these two routes just before entering D.C., and Marshall was the natural place to do so. From Marshall into Springfield, we can maintain our Route identities and make our arrival into that wonderful Friday traffic even safer. Hats off to the planners.  Safety is always our top consideration, and we believe this adds another element to the safe completion of our Mission.

I’m sure you have seen in past messages that we are still searching for a new Treasurer.  Our difficulty in securing someone for this position reflects the challenges our RCs are also facing in securing qualified volunteers to assist on their Routes.  The Treasurer is a Board member and an officer of the corporation and is critical to the continued success of RFTW.  While we have looked at a couple of options, we constantly work to keep costs down.  If we must hire an accountant, or have someone act as a “bookkeeper” and then have our books audited regularly, along with completing our annual taxes and IRS Form 990, the costs could be considerable.  If you are interested in discussing this position, I encourage you to email the current Treasurer at Treasurer@rftw.us or me at president@rftw.us. Our current Treasurer’s term ends at the end of August, so we would like time to ensure a new person is thoroughly familiar with how the BoD works and how our finance and accounting procedures are structured.

In last month’s newsletter, we published a reminder about our Benevolence Program.    Back in October 2008, the BoD established a process “for the administration of gifts made by RFTW to selected charities whose mission and values are consistent with those of RFTW and to individuals in need whose personal actions reflect RFTW values”. As we have done in the past, once the “bills” are paid, we look towards helping other qualified charities and individuals who share our organizational values.  Recently, RFTW raised funds to support the Veterans Center in Kerrville, TX, which, in turn, was assisting veterans and their families affected by the floods.  Additionally, each year we ask RCs to submit the name and contact information of an FNG who may be eligible for a small monetary award to help cover the cost of participating in the Run.  The eligibility requirements for a registered individual are:

  • Should be an FNG. For individuals seeking monetary awards to offset the cost of participating in the annual Mission, the committee will give preference to first-time riders/participants.
  • Should be a current serving or recently separated from service.
  • Award money shall be used to defer costs for participation in the Run.
  • The amount to be awarded will be calculated on a daily rate, based on the number of days on the Mission.
  • Daily amounts will be determined each year by the Board of Directors.

Names must be submitted to the RCs, and the names are then sent to the BoD with the RCs’ concurrence before the annual February Face-to-Face.  This means the RCs will need to have names and nominations ASAP since the February Face-to-Face is less than three weeks away.  If you know of a deserving individual, please ensure they are comfortable with submitting their name and circumstances, and then move the nomination to the appropriate RC.  Nominations do not need to be extensive; name, contact information, intended route, and a brief paragraph describing the circumstances of the need. Time is rapidly running out to get a nominee into the RC!!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our See’s Candy Fundraiser.  We were able to raise just over $100 this year.  Every little bit helps, and we sincerely appreciate your support!!

As previously announced, our registration fees increased on February 1. If you have not yet registered, please do so soon. By registering before Ontario, you contribute to the planning process our State Coordinators (SCs) and RCs go through. Our SCs are still out there working with local communities to secure food and fuel donations, and our RCs are working to align platoon numbers. As of last week, our registered riders were down 14% from last year. This will likely result in fewer platoons on each Route. Interestingly, the 65-69 age group remains our largest group of participants, and the 60-65 year age group is our largest group of FNGs. We’ve had several discussions about how to attract more younger riders. Our RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch reaches an ever-increasing number of interested folks, and we’ve had many RFTW riders reach out to members of CVMA, VFW, AmVets, and the American Legion. We are confident we understand why younger riders are not riding, but we need your help to continue spreading the word. Our Day Rider program, suggested by one of our elder statesmen, continues to offer a viable alternative for someone who wants to ride for only 3 days or less on the road. Registration for a Coast-to-Coast route is now $120 per person; SandBox is $60 per person, and the Day Rider rate is $100 for C2C routes. For more details on Day Rider Registration, see the recently published Registration Newsletter here.

Speaking of our podcasts, the RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch: if you have a podcast idea, please email pod@rftw.us.  Boots and Hitch both welcome your ideas!!

As expected, spam and phishing emails continue.  I hope no one has fallen victim to these traps. Please keep a few things in mind: A leader in RFTW will NEVER ask you to buy gift cards for them. We don’t do business that way. Every invoice is processed through our Treasurer. Bob doesn’t handle gift cards. More importantly, check the sender’s email address. We conduct business correspondence ONLY using our official RFTW email. You can help reduce this spam. If you get a suspicious email, especially if it’s not from our official addresses, you should be able to report it as spam or phishing through your email system. We encourage you to do so. Also, as I often do, my preferred email reader lets me mark emails as junk, and if I get another from the same address, it goes directly to trash. Another issue not related to email: protect your online identity by ensuring your user ID is unique and that you’re not using the same password across multiple sites. Using your firstname/lastname as a user ID might be convenient, but that’s the first step someone takes to hack your account. Even using lastname/first initial—or some variation—is not enough to keep you safe.

As a final thought, as you prepare for the upcoming Mission, please consider shopping at the RFTW Shop and take a look at what our sponsors have to offer.  Amsoil, Nelson-Rigg Gear, and Klim Riding Gear all offer substantial discounts in support of RFTW and our riders.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 1 February 2026): The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  As of this update, there are still 1566 unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, along with six missing from the Gulf War and Libya. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those servicemembers are our friends, their families are our families, and they deserve our support.

Let us dedicate ourselves and our efforts and remember to keep our focus on the Mission. It is why we ride!

It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.

‘No one left behind’ is more than just a standard we strive to meet. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

TurkeyJohn “Turkey” Staub
President, RFTW, Inc.
2011- CR FNG
2012 – CR Participant
2013 – CR Staging Team
2014 – 2015 – CR Staging Team Ass’t. Lead
2016-2017 – CR Staging Team Lead
2022 – CR Platoon Coordinator
2023-2025 – CR/SB Road Guard

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RFTW Southern Route Newsletter February 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter February 2026 Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans, their family and their friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

Hello everyone!  I trust you all had a great New Year’s celebration with family and friends.  Blanca and I celebrated in our home with each other and woke up to balmy 49 degrees with a high of 69.  As of 1 February, we’ll have 102 days until KSU.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route thus far, taking advantage of the Early Bird pricing.  The regular registration fee is $120 as of 1 February 2026.  I recommend that you register before you arrive in Ontario (rftw.us), saving the hassle of doing it at the Registration Table.  Top Sarge and her team will be glad to help you with registration if you have to wait until you arrive.

While we’re talking about money, Pre-Paid Gas is a good thing and it will save you money, not to mention the hassle of reaching for $10 each time we stop for fuel.  I figured that if we have to pay $10 for each stop on The Route, that’s 24 x $10 = $240.  You’ll be saving $80!  I’ve used it for the past several years and to me, it’s well worth it!  To save you the trouble of doing the math, the pre-paid gas charge will be $160.

REGISTRTATION

I’m going to let everyone know that registering early makes it so much easier for all concerned.  As a rider, you’ll have comfort in knowing that you’re squared away before getting into Ontario, that your registration is done, and you’ll get to visit with Shirley’s Crew to pick up your packet and check in with Bravo 6 to confirm your platoon assignment.  Please remember that FNGs are not permitted in the Side-by-Side platoons.  If, however, you’ve demonstrated to your Platoon Leader your riding skills are exemplary, you can request a transfer to one of the Side-by-Side platoons.  The PL will chat it up with me and the Platoon Coordinator, who will assign you to a Side-by-Side if it’s agreed upon.

POSITIONS STILL OPEN

We have a few positions that still need to be filled.  We need a SITREP (SITuation REPort) Writer.  This position entails observing what we do on The Route on a daily basis and posting it on the RFTW Forum.  The SITREP Writer is a reporter for the route.  As a SITREP Writer, you’ll have the freedom to participate in outreach programs visiting Gold and Blue-Star families, interview leadership folks that interest you, and spend time with support teams like the Fuel Team, Staging, etc.  We also need a Social Media person who would post the day’s happenings on the various social media platforms.  These two positions are the ones that get information out to those who follow us as we cross our nation or can’t ride but like to know what we’ve been doing.

We also need a 50/50 Raffle person.  That person would supervise the 50/50 donations and the raffle and auction we have during our evening meal at our overnight stop in Wytheville, VA (the meal is killer!).  I’ve assisted the people who do this, and it’s a handful.  That’s why we have two slots for the 50/50 Raffle.  As last year’s ARC, I saw what a great job Lynette Handleson did last year.  We need a couple of people to step up and help us.  One more thing for the auction, if you have anything you want to contribute to the auction, please let us know about it asap so we can inventory it and be fully prepared.  We thank you!

COOL STUFF

Angie “Den Mother” Holterman came up with a fundraising idea and it’s really cool.  We are designing a Southern Route long-sleeve t-shirt.  The shirt will be Navy Blue (they don’t have Army Blue) with either white or black lettering.  We just sent our ideas to the t-shirt printing guy, and he’s going to send us his rendering of our ideas.  Once we settle on the design, we’ll be able to get an estimate as to the cost, and we’ll pass on the information.  We will be taking orders as to size, and we’ll make them for those who pay in advance.  We don’t want an overstock, as they will have a date on them.

Also worth mentioning, now that we are getting closer to KSU, this is a good time to start planning maintenance needs for your bike.  Whether it be tires, tune-up, fluid changes, or some other thing that has been bugging you, please start making the plans now.  We want everyone to be safe and not have any breakdowns or accidents due to a maintenance issue.

I would like to thank everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route and those who will.  Thanks to our State Coordinators, Platoon Leadership, Team Leads, and my Exec Team.  Without their support and guidance, we wouldn’t be this far along with our planning.

May will be knocking on our door real soon!  KSU In 102 days!  Ride safe!

 

David “Buzz” Mullen
RFTW 2026
Southern Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – February 2026

Run for the Wall®

102 Days to KSU!

Hello Midway family,

Is it February already. Where is the time going?

Friends and families are still recovering from some of the most devastating weather events of the year and in some areas, more to come. We need to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. The time goes by so quickly. Before we know it, May will be upon us. Check on your friends and family and ensure that they are OK.

RFTW 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.

Registration

Registration has been open since Sept. 11th, 2025. Midway is doing well on getting riders registered. We now have over 180 personnel registered to ride with us. Still, if you have not registered yet, please consider doing it as soon as possible. We need semi-accurate numbers for our fuel stops so they know how much 91 octane they will need to have available for us. Additionally, our lunch and dinner locations need to have a best guess so they can provide the appropriate portions and Hotels, and camping locations need to know how many rooms or camping sites will be required. I know there are a lot of moving parts, but it is necessary to get this family across the country as safely and efficiently as possible.  You can register on our website just as you have in the past.

Registration Rates for Coast to Coast Routes

  1. Regular Registration – $120 per person
  2. Day Riders (up to 3 days on the road riding) – $100 per person

Hotel rooms and Camping locations

As a friendly reminder, Hotel and camping locations are posted on the Midway page. If you have not made your reservations, please do so soon. The hotels will only keep our blocks of rooms with special rates available for a short time and then they need to open them up to other travelers at the standard rate. So, the sooner you get this done the better the chances you can take advantage of the RFTW special rates.

The same goes for the posted camping locations.

We are Still Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for a few good men or women. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Registration, Promotions, Staging and a chase vehicle. The chase vehicle is required to be a pickup with a trailer capable of transporting 2 motorcycles. I will pay for the fuel used by the chase vehicle from Ontario to DC.  If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any of these positions, please contact your ARC at randy.sheets@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

Gulf War Veterans

The Midway 2026 family will be recognizing all Gulf War veterans on the 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm this coming year. This was the first war that America and her allies had won decisively Since World War II. More to follow on planned events

Pre-Paid Fuel

I have chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. The most recent check at our fuel stop in California had the cost of 91 octane at $6.40 per gallon. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, I have increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If we find that we are financially OK, I will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check, please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to include Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel in the For line so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTION!

Ontario/DC Schedule of events

The events and meeting schedules are being developed as we speak. The Elks lodge in Ontario has once again stepped up and meals are being planned, meetings and registration will be conducted at the lodge. Many meetings and gatherings are additionally planned for the host hotel. Midway will be the first route to begin the run on the morning of 13 May at 0700 from Lot D.

Refreshments and coffee will be donated and available at morning staging prior to the morning schedule and KSU.

In DC, we will again be hosted by the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA with meals and meeting rooms.

We again will be selecting riders to take their bikes to Arlington National Cemetery, conduct a washing of the Vietnam Wall, take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial, have a ceremony for the end of RFTW 2026 at the apex of the Vietnam Memorial and potentially something at the new Gulf war memorial.

Please stay tuned and as these events formalize, I will get you the information immediately so you can plan to participate.

Friday Evening Parade, Marine Barracks, 8th & I, Washington D.C.

There are plans being made to attend the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C Friday Evening Parade on 22 May. Time TBD. You will find this information posted on the RFTW website forum under “2026 Marine Barracks event registration”. If you have never attended this ceremony, you will miss something to tell your children about.

Rolling to Remember (Formally Rolling Thunder)

We will be providing an opportunity to attend Rolling to Remember this year, probably shortly after the Sandbox route goes KSU on the 24th of May. Again, if you have never participated in this event, it is something to remember. More to follow!

GMRS Radios

For everybody in a leadership position, make sure you check your communications equipment for connectivity and firmware updates.  There is a new version of the firmware for the BTech GMRS Pro, titled “0.8.12.”  The update is easy to install using the phone app that goes with the radio.

If you are using a Sena headset, make sure you update to the most current firmware using the Sena Device Manager version 4.4.17.  The headset needs to be plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with a charging cable that supports data transfer (not all do), then follow the on-screen instructions.  If the application doesn’t recognize your device, you can try different cables until it works.  Sena has a troubleshooting guide and you can contact them directly for specific guidance on how to resolve problems.

Fundraising

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission.  If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way.  Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings.  All of this fundraising allows us to operate the Midway Route and keep costs down.

RFTW Website

The RFTW website has a ton of information about the run, but there might still be questions you haven’t found the answers to. Two great sources of information are the RFTW Forum and After Action Reports (AAR).  I used to think that the AARs were only meant to give feedback right after the run. While that is the main reason for them, they can be used any time of the year. If you don’t know who you should direct a question to, fill out an AAR, and it will be sent to the right person to get you an answer. Also, if you have an idea that might help to improve the run, fill out an AAR. All AARs are read by the Board of Directors and directed to the respective Route Coordinators. Another outstanding source for information about the run is the new RFTW Podcast that is produced by Ted “Boots” Kapner and Tai “Hitch” Harmon. These Podcasts have a great amount of information about the run and are very entertaining.

General Information

Let’s continue to work on our personal preparations to get ready to complete the Run in May.  This includes (among many other things) motorcycle maintenance, mental and physical conditioning, and having a system for packing and unpacking your motorcycle repeatedly, day after day.  The more you practice, the easier it will become, which can reduce or eliminate any stress you may feel in anticipation of this amazing and demanding experience.

I personally change my tires each year. That is just me! It takes any concern about tire condition, bike control and performance off the table. If you can afford it!

Go over your bike with a “fine tooth comb”. Meaning closely check each bolt, screw or connector for tightness. There is nothing worse than having something fall from a bike and travel through a platoon with the potential of causing, at a minimum, damage to another bike. Blue lock tight is a very good solution.

If possible, get the bike out and ride. Nothing replaces experience, so get in the seat, on the road.

There have been years when we have had sunny days all the way across the country. However, we have also had rainstorms, hail and snow on one occasion. So, you need to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions. We will not stop because of different weather conditions unless it affects the safety of the riders. I will make that determination! With that said, if you ever feel personally unsafe, you can “Tap out” and join us at the next stop.

Pack riding is different than riding in small groups or in pairs. There is a lot of discussion about the differences in the RFTW Forum, and the SOP establishes policy to provide some controls, so you ride safely surrounded by other motorcycles that are impacted by your riding abilities. Practice Throttle control!!!!!

Think about who you are riding for.

“We ride for those who can’t”

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

I get more excited each day as we get closer to May. I interact daily with your leadership team and want to assure you that they are working diligently to make Midway 2026 the best experience for you, whether you are an FNG or a returning rider. They deserve your gratitude!

Shortly, we will be in the “two digit” territory. That is military lingo for, time is getting short! The closer we get, the faster time will fly so I strongly recommend that you get those things that you know you need to accomplish completed or they can rapidly turn into last-minute emergencies.

As the great American Philosopher, Forrest Gump, says “One less thang”

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

Is it May yet?

 

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
Midway Route Coordinator 2025, 2026
Advanced Team Lead 2023 – 2024
Fuel Team Lead, Assist Team lead, Team Member 2015 – 2022
Central Route 2009 – 2013
FNG 2008

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 10 – New Riding Standard!

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 10 – New Riding Standard!

Boots and Hitch discuss The Benevolence Program, a new riding standard, and key fobs and codes.

Whether you ride, serve, or simply remember, press play and let’s go ALL THE WAY!

Looking for the Run For The Wall Song? CLICK HERE!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Your stories keep RFTW alive. Whether you have ridden with us, supported us, or simply want to ask Boots and Hitch a question, we would love to hear your voice.

Share your experiences, memories and questions by writing to us at pod@rftw.us. Together we can continue to Ride For Those Who Can’t.

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 9 – Let’s Hear From A 2026 FNG w/ Alex Traxler

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 9 – Let’s Hear From A 2026 FNG w/ Alex Traxler.

This episode brings us our very first FNG, Alex Traxler, who will be joining us from Alaska. Our goal is to hear from Alex before the Run, then have him back on after the Run for an AAR.

Whether you ride, serve, or simply remember, press play and let’s go ALL THE WAY!

Looking for the Run For The Wall Song? CLICK HERE!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Your stories keep RFTW alive. Whether you have ridden with us, supported us, or simply want to ask Boots and Hitch a question, we would love to hear your voice.

Share your experiences, memories and questions by writing to us at pod@rftw.us. Together we can continue to Ride For Those Who Can’t.

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Day Rider Registration

Central Route Road Guards, RFTW

Greetings from beautiful Colorado Springs, CO

On February 1, 2026 registration fees will increase for regular participants, and the Day Rider Registration will open. If you haven’t yet registered, take advantage of early bird pricing and register before the end of January. Registration numbers are used by State Coordinators and Route Coordinators to plan logistics of the Run and stops. The earlier we all register, the easier the planning is.

We are currently slightly behind last year in registrations, so please get the word out to everyone you know and encourage people to get signed up. One leg, one day, one week, ATW, the mission is the same.

The Day Rider program was implemented a couple of years ago due to excellent feedback from participants.  Day Rider registration opens February 1st, 2026 and we have extended the number of days allowed for Day Riders.

Day Rider Registration

A Day Rider will be defined as anyone who rides with or participates in RFTW activities, at or between up to four consecutive overnight stop locations on Central, Midway, or Southern Route for up to 3 days on the road.  As SandBox Route is only 3 days, the Day Rider registration will not apply there.  The ground rules are as follows:

  • May be applied to any Motorcycle, 4 Wheel or Auto-cycle Participant.
  • Maximum duration: Check-in on the evening of first location, participate for up to 3 days on the road through morning of the last location, but does not depart with the pack.
  • The 4 (or less) overnight stop locations must be consecutive and on the same Route.
  • The Route’s overnight stop location decides your Day Rider start and stop location, it does not matter if you spent the night there or not.
  • Overnight stop locations include Ontario, CA and Springfield, VA.
  • Day Riders will be issued a special wrist band and ribbon to signify their participation.
  • Day Riders will have full access for participation on all Route events during their registered period.
  • The Day Rider Registration Fee will be equal to that of the Early Bird fee of the respective Route, i.e. $100 for Central/Midway/Southern.

Day Rider Registration Extension

If a Day Rider completes their registration period and decides to extend further down the road (yes, it has happened) the Route Check-in Teams will be prepared with a special in-person registration process that will allow the rider to apply their already paid Day Rider fee toward full registration.  After paying the difference in price to current full registration, they will be issued the regular wrist band and ribbon covering the rest of their journey.  This option may be exercised only during the Run.

How The Process Will Work

On 01 FEB 2026, when the fee structure shifts to “Regular Registration” pricing, there will be a new selection on the registration pages for a Day Rider check box that will allow for the reduced fee as noted above.  To be eligible for Day Rider status, the registration MUST indicate a Ride-to location as one of the next three overnight stop locations after the Sign-in location on the selected Route.  For example, on Midway route, a Day Rider may Sign-in at Albuquerque, NM and Ride-to Forrest City, AR.  With that selection, they may check-in at Albuquerque (evening or the next morning) and ride with the pack to Forrest City and even join in morning activities the next day – three full days of the Run.  If they would like to continue with the pack beyond their final selected stop, the Registration Extension option will allow them stay on the Run and ride the fourth day and beyond.  The Day Rider Registration Option will be available starting 01 FEB and will be in effect throughout the full execution of the Routes in May.

Don’t Wait Till May!

If you plan to register as a Day Rider or are coordinating a group of Day Riders, please get everyone registered as soon as possible.  It won’t make a difference in your cost, even if you register today, but it will help our State Coordinators with getting the best attendance info possible to our supporters along the Route.  Our awesome State Coordinators need your support! ALSO – if you registered before 01 FEB even for just 2 days on the road, you’ll have the option to extend past those 3 days on the Run at no additional charge, all part of the Early Bird deal!

Of Special Interest

I receive, and personally review and answer, every contact form directed to registration. This year, I have seen several contact forms saying the signature box isn’t appearing during the registration process. I have directed these to the IT Director, Dave ‘Shepard” Placek for follow up and help as this appears to be a system issue. Fortunately, every person has been able to get through the process before Dave can get involved. To ensure we can track down the issue, please send any of these to the IT director (it@rftw.us) as well and include what browser you are using, whether you are registering on a mobile device, tablet or computer and what model.

I regularly receive contact forms saying the confirmation email was not received. As in past years, these emails often get caught up in junk/spam folders. If you haven’t received the email to your inbox within a couple of hours of registering, check junk/spam folders.

I’m excited to see all of you in May!

Sincerely,

Lance ‘Batman’ Wheeler
Run For the Wall
Director of Risk Management/Registration
e:  risk.management@rftw.us
Together We Ride!

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Midway’s Mid-Month Roundup – January 2026

November 11, 1926, headlines across the nation celebrated the official designation and commissioning of the first cross country highway, the ‘People’s Highway’ and later to be known as The Mother Road. A diagonal path across the nation and not even paved in its entirety, but designated, marked, and the first official road connecting East to West.

Originally established as a route for commercial and military transportation, Route 66 began seeing its fair share of public traffic as well until the stock market crash of 1929. The idea behind the route was not only to join large cities, but to connect small towns and rural locations with the rest of the nation. Even though the use and traffic decreased amid the great depression, the route became an emergency escape route for folks during the Great Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Farms, fields, homes, even small downs were literally buried alive as giant clouds picked up by the winds swept their way across the great plains turning the midday sun to complete darkness. Families fled their homes and communities to the big cities for shelter while crops and farms were buried and destroyed. Route 66 became a lifeline, a path both East and West for folks to restart their lives.

 

In 1938, a full 12 years after being commissioned, Route 66 was fully paved from start to finish, and just in time too as World War II was heating up abroad. During the war, Route 66 transformed from a migration route into a critical military artery for moving troops, equipment, and war workers, becoming a vital economic and logistical lifeline between the West Coast and the industrial heartland, despite challenges from rationing and wartime neglect that led to road improvements like new bypasses and straighter sections. It even served as a makeshift runway when a bomber landed on it in Springfield, Illinois.

After the war, Americans invested in automobiles, motorcycles, and anything they could to get out and drive. 66 saw a massive increase in traffic that small towns, motor lodges, gas stations, and cafes began popping up alongside the route like flowers after a rainstorm. Unfortunately, the Mother Road was only a two-lane highway with stop signs and traffic signals slowing down the massive increase in traffic. Motorists were experiencing traffic jams and crawling across the countryside as cars were backed up two and three miles out of town, sometimes even more. A need for relief was overdue, and the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was pushed through by President Eisenhower which officially began the construction of the United States Highways. Sadly, this also began the slow death of the singularly most popular highway, Route 66 as well.

America saw the development and rise of the interstate systems across the nation over the next couple of decades, a faster and more economical way to travel from point to point driving America to a time schedule rather than a good old fashion road trip. The new roadways were straighter cutting through the land rather than sweeping with it. Small towns were being bypassed and erased from the scene as vehicles passed them on by without batting an eye at their existence anymore. Cafes, motor lodges, and areas dependent on the people traveling the Mother Road simply vanished with time, seeming more like a tumbleweed in the wind; there one minute and gone the next. The road itself fell into disrepair as costs were redirected to the new highways forcing some areas to become much like it was in the beginning, just a path. On June 27, 1985, the U.S. Highway System officially decommissioned Route 66, removing it from maps and stripping away its federal designation. An American pastime had come to an end or had it.

A barber in Seligman, Arizona, Delgadillo had watched his town slowly die away over the past years and decided that the old route deserved better than just to be forgotten, and so he founded the Historic Route 66 Association, sparking a preservation movement they began to spread across all eight Route 66 states. Towns all but gone began repainting faded murals, restoring neon signs back to their remembered glory, and remarking the original sections of the highway with distinctive brown Route 66 signs. The movement grew larger with each additional town, and in 1999, Congress designated Route 66 a National Scenic Byway. This act acknowledged that this highway was more than infrastructure, it was an American heritage. Towns became alive again, holding festivals with car shows, live music, and sharing stories of the ‘Good Ole Days’ when Route 66 was the Mother Road to California.

Even Pixar got in on the action and released Cars in 2006 and introduced Route 66 to a brand-new generation that had no idea of its existence. Radiator Springs, although fictional in the movie, painted a picture of the importance of slowing down and remembering that the fastest routes aren’t always the best ones. And just like that, children who had never heard of Route 66 were begging to visit locations similar to the movie. Towns even embraced their Cars connections, places like Galena, Kansas, the inspiration of Tow Mater’s character and Tucumcari, New Mexico influencing its mountain shape. U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas for Ramone’s shop and the Jackrabbit Trading Post in Arizona, and Oatman, Arizona, with its Old West vibe. Americans once again started seeing the Mother Road and her many stops along the way as destinations once again.

A blog from El Monte RV wrote: The highway reminds us that the journey deserves as much attention as the destination; that small towns have stories worth hearing if we’ll just slow down long enough to listen. In an era of algorithm-driven recommendations and curated Instagram feeds, Route 66 offers genuine discovery. You can’t swipe through it. You have to drive it, stop at places that look interesting, and talk to real people who’ve spent their lives keeping the road alive.

As we come into 2026, plan and even ride our routes, remember to slow down, live in the moment, and take in everything that the ride has to offer. No matter what route we take, remember there is history and significance. As we ride through the towns and communities on our journeys, remember those folks that come out to welcome us are also on a journey themselves. Listen to them and remember, you’ve now become a part of their story, and they have now become a part of yours.

-FNGs! (Fun New Guys/Gals)

Happy New Year!    And guess what…. CRUNCH TIME!

Believe it or not, we have less than 4 months to go before we embark on our journey. As of January 15th, we have 118 days, or 3 months and 28 days until Kick Stands Up. And for most of us, that’s not including the trip to Ontario. Are you ready?

Have you started your daily walking/exercising routine? Have you started a daily ritual of drinking at least 8 ounces of electrolyte rich fluids? How about riding on a daily basis and increasing those distances of each ride?

Ok, so for some riding this early in the season is a bit of a stretch, but for many that have clear roads without snow or ice can begin these routines, even in the rain.

We need to remember that our cross-country trip will bring us through all different types of weather and climates. We will be riding through western and eastern coastal areas with nice temperatures, desserts with blazing heat in the day, and freezing temperatures at night. The desert air will require you to keep hydrated on a clockwork routine with more than just water. High mountain elevations will keep you on your toes to keep warm. Midday showers will cool you off in the east up until the heat and humidity returns.

How about your bike maintenance? When was the last time you looked at your tires, oil, lights, fluids, chains, belts, gears? Now’s the time to start looking into all of this. And we are here to help you.

Boots and Hitch on the RFTW Podcast have excellent information on all of these areas, and so much more. Please watch their shows.

The RFTW Forums are also a great source of information where you can interact with other FNGs, FOGs (Fun Old Guys/Gals, aka experienced) and read questions from others, even ask questions yourself.

RFTW Facebook, MIDWAY Route Facebook, Central Route Facebook, Southern Route Facebook, and Sandbox Route Facebook.

I will also be streaming and posting videos of getting prepped for this year’s ride, going over my motorcycle, gear, and general preparations on my YouTube channel.

All of these are here to help you and understand what it takes to prepare yourself, your ride, and your mind for this life changing adventure.

-Midway Leadership Messages

Looking for a few good riders who are willing to step and support our mission in a leadership position. These are critical positions and require someone who truly supports the mission of the Midway route. You can find volunteer sign up forms on the Midway web page. The following positions are available: Promotions Team, Medical team, Staging Team, Chase vehicle (Midway will pay for gas from Ontario to DC), Honor Guard Coordinator, Oklahoma Assistant state Coordinator.

2026 Hotel List

The 2026 hotel list is available on the Midway web page.

Note* The host hotel rates are guaranteed with a contract, all other hotels rates are not guaranteed as time gets closer to KSU. They may change, which means you should make hotel reservations as soon as possible.

Registration

We currently have just over 160 personnel registered for this year’s adventure.

Please do not forget your registration rates will increase on Feb 1st. Please take advantage of the early bird special currently in place. As a reminder:

$100.00 early bird, now through Jan 31, 2026 (Please register early)

$120.00 starting Feb 1, 2026

$100.00 Day riders for up to three days

Why is the Midway route special?

Midway is a family-oriented route and your routes leaderships guiding principle is “Servant Leadership” which means everything your assigned leaders do is with you, the riders, in mind. We collectively want you to have a healing adventure that you will tell your grandchildren about and maybe influence them to come ride the Midway route in the future and see what Dad, Mom, G-Pa, G-Ma are so excited about. You will find those “Patriots” who built and defended America through all its past and current conflicts in its desire to spread the freedom we cherish, all across this great nation. You will ride with ‘Gold Star” family members. A Gold Star Family is defined as the immediate family of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty.

Blue star family members,

Blue Star Families are the immediate families of U.S. military members currently serving during periods of conflict.

POW family members, current active-duty servicemen/women, retired military from all branches, Public Safety personnel from Law enforcement, Fire Department and many, many patriots.

Welcome to the family!!

As I am sure you can understand, developing this cross-country adventure is not cheap.

If you could possibly be so kind and to approach your Philanthropic section/department at work and see if they would be willing to support this great enterprise which is easily definable by showing our mission statement to all who will listen. Just donating enough for one fuel stop would help all riders tremendously. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!!!

If you find it within your heart to support RFTW Midway Route, please consider donating.  This will help make RFTW 2026 and the Gulf War Run a complete success. Ensure your donation is marked for the Midway route. Once again, and this is very important, please ensure “Midway Route” is marked on your donation.

You can also Zelle a donation directly to: midway.route@rftw.us
*Most banks now support Zelle transfers.

Or mail a check to:
Run for the Wall Inc.
Midway Route
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Run For The Wall® Inc. EIN 36-4125559
Run For The Wall® is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

PRE-PAID FUEL

The Route Coordinator (Wind Dog) has chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, he has increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If he finds that we are financially OK, he will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a Pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to state that your payment is for “Midway Prepaid Fuel” so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

Until next time,

Ride Smart

Ride Safe

Keep the rubber side down & the shiny side up!

 

~Is it May yet? Then again, every day is May if you let it.

Less than 4 months left….

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce

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January 2026 Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter

Dear Sandbox Riders, Families, and Friends,

Happy New Year!  I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday season, an outstanding 2025, and you’re looking forward to a successful and rewarding 2026.  Planning for Sandbox Route is progressing well.  State Coordinators are, as always, working hard to ensure our amazing supporters are ready for our arrival in May and have what they need to make RFTW XXXVI successful.  Our Team Leaders are continuing to build their teams and ensure their areas of responsibility are covered with professionalism.  Polar Bear and I are extremely confident in all of our leaders and truly look forward to working with each of you this year.

That being said, we do have some vacant leadership positions that need to be filled as we continue to plan for this year’s Run.  Keep in mind, true Sandbox FNGs are ineligible to volunteer for these positions because we want you to fully experience the Run for the first time without distractions.  However, if you are an FNG on a Coast-to-Coast Route, you’re no longer considered an FNG when we start Sandbox and may be considered for most volunteer positions.  Check out the “Volunteer Sign-Up” page on each Route Hub on the rftw.us website for more information on positions and prerequisites.

Promotions Team

This is a critical position for the success of our Route.  It is usually a two-person team, but can be larger; right now, we have nobody assigned.  Without a team to help us raise funds, we won’t be able to donate to the outstanding organizations that support us along the Route.  We’re seeking individuals who are outgoing and not afraid to ask others for donations to help us accomplish the mission.  Fundraising activities while we are on the Run include 50/50 drawings, auctions, donations (such as the service branch challenge), and drawings for donated items.  Please contact me directly if you’re interested.

FNG Coordinator

This is also a critical position on the Run and one that should be filled with someone who is willing to focus on the wellbeing of our FNGs from the day appointed through (and possibly beyond) the end of the Run.  While Platoon Leaders are ultimately responsible for all of their assigned riders, to include FNGs, the position of FNG Coordinator adds a layer of leadership with the sole responsibility of helping FNGs be successful on the Run.  The ideal FNG Coordinator is able to provide personal counseling and assistance for new riders who may have questions or issues they may not feel comfortable discussing with their platoon leadership.  The FNG Coordinator can be described as a “second set of ears” or a “sounding board” for riders new to RFTW, ensuring they are prepared for the mission and armed with the knowledge to safely execute the directions of their Platoon Leader.  Because of the importance of this position, the FNG Coordinator cannot assume any other leadership responsibilities on the Route.  If you’re interested, please send me an email, or feel free to call anytime to discuss the details of this very important position.

Leadership Support

We need someone who is willing to help with the administrative duties of day-to-day operations while on the Run.  This includes organizing plaques and certificates in preparation for presentation to our supporters along the way.  Properly recognizing these outstanding organizations and individuals that make Sandbox Route possible is important and needs to be coordinated by someone who is organized and willing to assist the Route Coordinator at each stop.  Again, please contact me directly if you’re interested.

Staging Team

If you want to join a team that is instrumental in our success, please consider volunteering for the Staging Team.  This tight-knit group of outstanding volunteers has the awesome responsibility of getting the entire pack staged and ready to depart every stop along the route smoothly and safely.  They ride well ahead of the pack so they have time to get ready for our arrival.  There’s nothing more comforting than seeing a Stager with an orange flag or platoon number guiding you into where you need to be, so if you’re able and willing, please submit a Volunteer Application on the rftw.us website and our Staging Team Leader will contact you.

GMRS Radios

For everybody in a leadership position, make sure you check your communications equipment for connectivity and firmware updates.  There is a new version of the firmware for the BTech GMRS Pro, titled “0.8.12.”  The update is easy to install using the phone app that goes with the radio.

If you are using a Sena headset, make sure you update to the most current firmware using the Sena Device Manager version 4.4.17.  The headset needs to be plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with a charging cable that supports data transfer (not all do), then follow the on-screen instructions.  If the application doesn’t recognize your device, you can try different cables until it works.  Sena has a troubleshooting guide and you can contact them directly for specific guidance on how to resolve problems.

RFTW Website

I encourage everyone to check out the RFTW website at www.rftw.us.  There is a lot of information available, including contact rosters for all four routes, an archived copy of the previous year’s route and stops, the RFTW Forum, FNG Stories, links to merchandise, and information on how to take advantage of the deals offered by our amazing sponsors.  There is also fundraising information and the link to make it easy for anybody to donate to RFTW or one of the 4 Routes specifically.  Donations are one of the ways that allow us to give back to the many organizations and individuals who support us and also help keep costs down, so please spread the word!

In closing, I’d like to thank you all for your dedication to the mission and the hard work you’ve put into getting ready for May.  I look forward to meeting you all and continuing our traditions as We Ride for Those Who Can’t.  Say their names, tell their stories, and never forget.

 

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator
leo.rachmel@rftw.us
702-250-5512
Las Vegas, NV