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Ontario Registration Check in and Rider Skills Practice

Central Route Road Guards, RFTW

Check-In Process and Skills Practice Sessions

April has arrived, and we are rapidly approaching KSU in Ontario. Preparations are underway, and everyone is making last-minute adjustments as we gear up for the 2026 Run.

I would like to provide some important details regarding the check-in procedures in Ontario and the upcoming skills practice sessions.

Sunday check in guidelines

Traditionally, check-in opens on Sunday in Ontario for leadership. Over time, however, unclear communication from this directorate has led to a broader interpretation, resulting in anyone wearing a hat or serving in a position attempting to check in. I acknowledge that I have not clearly defined leadership as it relates to Sunday check-in, which has caused the registration teams to become overwhelmed during the brief period they are open. It is my responsibility to correct this with clear expectations.

Starting this year, Sunday check-in will be exclusively for Team Leaders and Assistants. Each team will be allowed two individuals to check in on Sunday in Ontario. All other participants, regardless of their position, should check in on Monday or Tuesday at their convenience. Teams include those listed on the route contact sheets: Leadership Support, Staging, Fuel, Hydration, Chaplains, Road Guard, Outreach, Ambassador, PL, and APL. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are likely additional teams on various routes. Reviewing the route team lists last week, more than 100 people are expected to check in on Sunday during the hour and a half window. We appreciate the dedication of all volunteers and acknowledge everyone as leadership, but it is necessary to clarify who is eligible for Sunday check-in. If you find yourself at the Elks on Sunday and are not the designated leader or assistant for your team, please avoid the registration area.

Registration check in room rules

Each year, the Elks kindly allow us to use their facility, and they ask that we respect their requirements. Please observe the following rules in the registration room:

  1. The chairs along the sides of the room and the elevated podium area are strictly off limits. No exceptions. Tape is placed each year as a visual boundary, but some still cross it, sit in the chairs, or place personal items for short-term storage. Please stay out of these areas. You are permitted on the floor in front of the registration tables and at the entry/exit doors. If you find yourself elsewhere, you likely should not be there.
  2. Food and drink are strictly prohibited inside the room by anyone not on the registration teams. This rule is non-negotiable. Please, just don’t.
  3. The room is small and acoustics are poor. With 50–100 people inside, side conversations make it difficult for the teams to hear and concentrate during check-in. Although this may be the first time you have seen friends since the last Run, please keep greetings brief and agree to catch up outside the room. Limit your time in the room to checking in, collecting your packet, and exiting promptly. This consideration also benefits those waiting in line in the hallway.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth process.

RIDER SKILL PRACTICE

Due to popular demand, rider skills practice in Lot D will return. Bernadette Staples and I will host two sessions on Monday, May 11, from 0900 to 1100 and 1500 to 1700. These sessions are open to anyone interested in practicing motorcycle control and operation. They are especially beneficial for FNGs, providing a controlled environment to hone skills before staging, fuel stops, lunch, parades, and dinner. Attend as often as you like, drop in anytime, and challenge yourself.

Motorcycle operation is a skill that requires regular practice. Even the most experienced riders acknowledge that without consistent training,  your improvement stalls and bad habits develop quickly. Complacency leads to more incidents than can be counted. Whether you have been riding for 50 years or just 5 months, these sessions are valuable for you and your fellow riders. When facing unexpected situations, we rarely rise to the occasion; we almost always fall to the level of our training. If your training consists only of poker runs, daily rides, scenic rides and going down the long road from point A to B, you may not have the skills needed for extraordinary circumstances. Police motor officers are recognized as the top 1% of riders because they practice constantly—it is part of their daily routine. Strive to be among the top 1% of RFTW riders. Join us in Lot D.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in May. Ride safe!

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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RFTW Southern Route Newsletter April 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter April 2026


Run For The Wall Mission

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

Welcome, everyone!  We are knocking on the door now!  We have 42 days until KSU and I’m getting really anxious to see all of our riders in Ontario.  A whole lot of planning goes into making The Run go as smoothly as possible.  In my previous years on The Run, I’d show up in time for the meetings, hang out, eat an inordinate amount of food and then hit the road.  This year, I got an up-close view of what goes on to get everyone into Ontario and into the DC area.  My thanks to all the State Coordinators, Team Leads, my Mentor and my headquarters group!  Without their support and guidance, I would still be at the starting gate!

REGISTRATION

Our registration numbers are right around 280 registered riders and we’re looking for that number to increase up until we go KSU.  Registration info can be found at the RFTW website (rftw.us), and the price is $120.  That price will be constant until we close Top Sarge’s Registration Table at Lot D on 13 May 2026 at 0600.  Our Platoon Coordinator, Bravo 6, will be at the Registration table to give your platoon assignments.  NOTICE – Be advised that it might become necessary to consolidate platoons if one platoon has six bikes and another has eight or ten bikes, those platoons will be consolidated.  Bravo 6 will do his utmost to ensure you are placed where you would like to be, but as mentioned, you might be assigned to another platoon.  It’s the mission that counts!

MERCHANDISE

I have spoken with the Director of Merchandise, and the online store will be closing sometime at the end of April.  So, I strongly recommend that you browse the online store and place your order so you can get your stuff before you leave for The Run.  We’re going to have a merchandise trailer at the Elks Lodge and at the host hotel, just in case you remember that you didn’t buy your spouse the t-shirt you promised and can pick it up at the other merchandise trailer.  Carol Olmstead will be at either trailer, but it’ll be a surprise either way.

PRE-PAID FUEL

Pre-Paid Fuel is the way to go!  Having the Pre-Paid Fuel sticker on your windshield will make it easier for you at the fuel stops, and it will be easier for the Fuel Team as well.  It’s also worth mentioning that it will save you some money, too.

The most recommended and easiest way to pay for the Pre-Paid Fuel is to send it by Zelle.  Most banks have the app shown on their website and mark your payment to southern.route@rftw.us.  Please don’t forget the dot in the address.

The second way to pay is by check made out to: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel and send it to the following:

Run for The Wall, Inc.
ATTN: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV  89403

Make sure that your payment is made out to Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel.  If there is an overage, those monies will go for paying the fuel for the Chase Trucks, Hydration Truck and our other support vehicles.

The third way to pay is in person at the Registration Table with CASH ONLY-NO EXCEPTIONS.

IMPORTANT:  All payments for Pre-Paid Fuel must be received by the RFTW Treasurer by May 04, 2026 in order to be credited for RFTW 2026.  This includes mailed in checks and Zelle.

CHASE TRUCKS

Chase trucks are outstanding!  I had to use one once at the Longview lunch stop.  Scooter wouldn’t start, and we had to push it onto the Chase Truck trailer.  Took it to Monroe, where Warhawk Harley got her fixed up and on the road.  Please be advised that the responsibility of ensuring your bike/trike is tied down properly and safely secured.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIKE’S OWNER!!  Not the Chase Truck driver.  The driver is there to assist with the tie-down, but the ultimate responsibility will be the bike’s rider.  That is a hard and fast rule.  It will be enforced!

ROLLING TO REMEMBER

Rolling to Remember is organized by the AmVets organization, and they have honored Run For The Wall by placing RFTW riders directly behind the AmVets riders.  It’s taken a couple of years to make this happen, so we are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to riding with the AmVets in years to come.  If you’re not going to ride Sandbox on Sunday, this is a must-do.

The president of the Board wants to ensure that we understand a few things:

Rolling to Remember IS NOT an RFTW sanctioned event. Participation is entirely voluntary.  A group of people (or riders) familiar with SDC traffic patterns will be traveling to the appropriate staging area for Rolling to Remember.  Staging for the RtR event will be at the American Legion Post parking lot, starting at 0715 with a 0745 departure. Please do NOT enter the parking lot until SandBox has departed.  Anyone who previously participated in this year’s annual Run For The Wall (must show the RFTW ribbon on the left mirror) is welcome to ride with that group.

This is independent of RFTW, and in no way should be construed as an RFTW-sanctioned event.

I have participated in this event back in the Rolling Thunder days.  It is an amazing event and should be attended as often as possible.

CAMPING AT THE ELKS LODGE

The camping spots at the Elks Lodge are all taken.  The camping spots at the Elks Lodge are handled by Carol Olmstead, not the Elks.  Please do not call the Elks Lodge.  I’m pretty sure she has a waiting list, so please contact Carol for more info.

SAFETY AND PERSONAL PREP

We have 42 days to get our rides and ourselves in shape for The Run.  My ’22 sprung a leak last weekend, and it puddled on Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer’s garage floor.  (Sorry, Mike!)  It’s in the shop and should be ready to rock!  Keep an eye on your ride.  Make sure the needed maintenance is completed and that it’s roadworthy.

Rider, you must be tuned up for the arduous Ride coming up.  Longer rides should be had, and you should be checking your meds.  You’ll need to have about a month’s worth to ensure you’ll have enough in case Murphy shows his unwanted face.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE oh, HYDRATE!!

OPEN POSITIONS

We are still looking for a Social Media person to keep the rest of the world informed as to our progress and all the cool things we’ll be doing.  Like riding our bikes for a couple of thousand miles and meeting new friends and tolerating the old ones 😊.  This position is important as it will allow riders on the other routes to check us out and see how; and what we’re doing along with the friends and families.

Another position that is desperately needed is Fundraising/Raffle/50-50.  We really need someone who is organized and is a people person.  I helped out occasionally when I was in the Support Platoon.  It can be fun, and as they say, it’s a great way to meet people!

Please contact me, Short, Boots, or Bravo 6 if you are interested in either of these positions

RUNS TO THE RUN

These Runs to The Run are not sanctioned by Run For the Wall.  The participants are like-minded individuals who enjoy honing their riding skills, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.  There will be conversations on the RFTW Forum about these runs to the run.  The forum can be accessed here.

My good friend Jim “Hoofer” McCrain is starting in Arlington, TX, on 9 May 2026 and heading west around 0815hrs.  For more info, check out forum.rftw.us, as he’ll have the itinerary there as well as on the RFTW Facebook page.  He finds great food!

MISSING MAN & MARINE BARRACKS

If you’d be interested in riding in the Missing Man Formation, contact Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer for all the info and how many slots are open.

Mike Kyzer will also be organizing the attendance and tickets to the Marine Barracks Parade on Friday evening, 22 May 2026.

Send Mike an email at mike.kyzer@rftw.us if you’re interested in either or both of these activities.

I am honored to be the Route Coordinator for the Southern Route, and I do not take this role lightly.  Our mission is at the top of this newsletter, and my secondary mission is to get every rider to the Vietnam Memorial Wall so we can pay our respects.  My mission is also to get those riding the Sandbox Route to the DC area so they can carry on the mission to the Middle East Conflicts Wall.  We owe it to those service members who paid the ultimate price.

We can pay our respects to those who have fallen in those conflicts.  To paraphrase my mentor and good friend, Cowboy.  They visited our wall for years; we can pay them that same respect by going to visit their wall.

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC
RFTW 2026

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April 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

It’s only 42 Days to KSU! Have you started planning your route to get to Ontario and back home? Have you checked your motorcycle and gear? Did you make sure you made all the necessary hotel reservations? Have you uploaded the latest updates to your phone, radio, and GPS?

The time will fly by, and before you know it, we will be in Ontario. Currently, the Central Route has 330 people registered with 96 FNG’s!

It’s starting to get real!  The Schedule of Events for Ontario and Washington, D.C as well as the official 2026 Central Route Itinerary have been uploaded to the Central Hub. This is your 10-day schedule for May. Read and understand it. Put it on your phone or print hard copy for yourself.

If you wish to print a hard copy BOOKLET for yourself, use the PRINT BOOKLET Option with Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

The March 2025 newsletter has instructions for viewing the itinerary on your Apple/Android phone.

Take the time to look at the information in the itinerary regarding times and places to be.  Pay particular attention to any item in Green which refers to the Central Route.

Registration and Check In

Check in for riders start at 0900 Monday, May 11th at the Elks Lodge.  For those not starting in Ontario, the registration team will be available approximately 30 minutes before the pack arrives at the end of the day until 30 minutes or so after their arrival. I highly recommend you check in at registration in the evening. You can check in at registration in the morning, but you could be pressed for time trying to find your platoon, eat breakfast, get through all the introductions, and attend the morning meeting.

If you need to cancel your registration, please send an email to Lance Wheeler at risk.management@rftw.us.  It will help Registration adjust the Platoon numbers so that they are not grossly uneven, as well as the volunteer groups that feed us so that there isn’t any wasted food.

Go the Central Route Hub for more information.

Rolling to Remember

Rolling to Remember previously known as Rolling Thunder.  For those not participating in Sandbox, Rolling is event you may wish to participate. This is not an RFTW-sanctioned event and participation is entirely voluntary.  Please read April 2026 President’s Message for more information about this and the wreath laying at ANC.

 

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown

As in the past, RFTW has been granted access for 75 motorcycles to enter the Arlington National Cemetery and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Central has been allocated 28 motorcycles with 56 seats available to enter these  hallowed grounds. The priority for those to represent the Central Route will be FNG’s. If you are interested let your Platoon Leader or FNG Coordinator know. Depending on the numbers received we may have to have a lottery system to determine who will go.

Volunteers

Staging still needs volunteers!

If you are interested in volunteering to help on the Run, please let me know. I could use backups for all positions in case someone has to cancel or drop out from the Run.

Donations

Part of what keeps this Run going is the generous Donations we receive from the Public and Run for the Wall family. RFTW is a 501(c)3 so if you know of anyone that wishes to donate, please direct them to our donation page. Donate – Run For The Wall®

During the Run, we have fundraising events to help our beneficiaries along the Run.  One of these events is our daily raffle where we have several donated items to raffle off.  We still need donated items to raffle off, so if you are able to gather any donated items from local motorcycle dealers or other businesses it would be much appreciated. Please send me an email if you do get any donated items.

Update

From Carol our RFTW California State Coordinator, “On your way to Ontario stop at the Spotlight 29 Casino and Shelee’s for fuel.  Both have yummy food and snacks they are rolling out the red carpet for RFTW SR on the first fuel stop. Media advertising at the pumps, digital billboards, etc. They are so touched with our Mission and want to do more each year. Take time to stop say hi and tell them that you are with RFTW and to thank them for their support!”

To reiterate items from last month.

Pre-Paid Fuel

Central Route will be having Pre-Paid Fuel for 2026 is $65.00 per motorcycle or trike.  The money collected will cover your RFTW fuel stops from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC.  Thanks to our many donors across the country, whose generosity allows us to keep our fuel costs down. Without them our prepaid fuel costs would be much, much higher.

The Pre-Paid fuel fee also helps defray the cost of fuel for our support vehicles, like the Chase Truck Team drivers, Last Man Vehicle, and Hydration Vehicle.

There are two ways to pay for the pre-paid sticker prior to April 30th

ZELLE –  email addresses for Central Route is: central.route@rftw.us

It is important not to miss the . (period) before “route”

CHECK – Checks should be made out to “Run For The Wall, Inc.” Make sure you enter ”Central Route Prepaid Fuel” in the check’s memo section on the check or by accompanying paperwork.

The RFTW Treasurer Official mailing address is:

Run For The Wall Inc.
Central Route Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403-8169

After April 30th, you will need to wait until you check in at registration desk.

You will need to purchase a fuel sticker, using CASH, at check-in when you pick up your registration materials in Ontario, or any of our overnight stops where you register and check-in.   You will then receive the sticker to put on your bike.

Exact change only. No change will be given at the registration desk.

All Riders please remember to fill up your motorcycles each evening on your own, at your own cost, before arriving at staging in the morning (Spot checks will be happening).  If you don’t have a full tank in the morning, you will be sent away to fuel, possibly missing breakfast and the morning rider meeting.

Kansas Turnpike

IMPORTANT: All riders and support vehicles on Central Route that register online after April 30th MUST notify the Registration team at time of check-in so they can correctly enter your vehicle’s State and license plate number.  Otherwise, you may receive a toll bill from the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

If you have a DriveKS or KTAG account, you will need to deactivate the tag of the vehicle you will be using for RFTW before May 18, or you may get a toll charge.

A huge thank you goes to CVMA 21-4 for covering our tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.

If you miss the morning rider meeting, you cannot ride with the pack for that day.

Morning Meetings

There have been some questions from those that do not wish to ride in the pack but want to participate in the RFTW activities.

If you have registered for the Run but choose not to ride with your assigned platoon, you must stay at least ¼ of a mile behind the last man vehicle. If you decide to ride ahead of the pack, you must do so at least 2 miles ahead of the Road Guard Captain and/or the police escort (if they are in front). By riding outside of the pack, you will not have the support of the chase vehicles, in case you have a mechanical issue or medical emergency.

AGAIN, Regardless of where you ride, if you have REGISTERED for the RFTW and wish to partake in the RFTW EVENTS for that day, you MUST attend the Morning meetings!

There will be a mandatory rider meeting every morning.  This meeting is to inform the riders of any changes to schedule and any other issues that may have come up the previous day.

Again, this morning meeting is mandatory.

Parking in D.C.  

Unfortunately, no reserved parking is available this year.  I would recommend you take some form public transportation (Uber, Metro, etc.) to the Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Wall where our group photo takes place and where we honor our fallen at the wall. If you decide to ride to the Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you must park in a legal parking area. Do not park on the grass, in no parking zones, on the sidewalk, etc. If you park there, you may be subject to your bike being ticketed or impounded.  Also, the LEO may notice your RFTW stickers, banners, etc. and make a report of that, possibly jeopardizing future RFTW events in the area.  There will be other Veterans and tourist groups present during the Memorial Day weekend in D.C. so it will be a busy, crowded weekend and parking will be limited.

A reminder that all Camping Spots are full at the Elks Lodge in Ontario. See the notice here

After Action Reports (AAR). You will be hearing more about this in the future, but it is your opportunity as a participant in RFTW to provide feedback about your experience on the Run, both good and bad. All AAR’s are taken seriously and read by the Board and Route leadership. AAR’s in the past have resulted in changes in operating procedures. So your feedback matters.

GMRS Radios Links

**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 body ready and start getting in the habit of HYDRATING!

If you haven’t already, start riding and get your service done!

Tolle moras. Semper nocuit differre paratis

(Avoid delays: procrastination always does harm)

Get ready for RFTW XXXVI!

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

EA-6B break

 

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – April 2026 – Corrections!

RFTW Rider Survey

With apologies to all – I have two corrections to the April MR RC Newsletter.

1) Under Paragraph “End of Mission at the Wall” I mention the RFTW group photo at the Lincoln Memorial will be on May 24. The correct date is May 23!

2) Under paragraph “Rolling to Remember” I state the group leaves the American Legion Post on the morning of May 25. The correct date is May 24!

Thank you all for keeping me honest. 

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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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – April 2026

RFTW Rider Survey

May is just around the corner. We are now just 43 Days from KSU.

We need to start considering our preparations for getting to Ontario and “On our Mission”.

What do we really need to pack for our 10-day adventure. Just the essentials because there is not a lot of room on the bike for anything else. And always remember, there are stores everywhere. It has always helped me to prepare a checklist of necessary items: Prescriptions, toiletries, changes of clothes, undergarments, extra glasses, long-sleeved shirts, socks, warm clothing for those cold mornings, extra gloves for those cold mornings, rain gear etc. If you have a rider, this also cuts your available space in half. I would start to practice packing now.

Is your bike ready? Has a qualified mechanic looked over it and told you it will make the total miles we will be traveling from your front door and back. Have you considered a couple of bottles of fuel additive in case we run into stations that do not carry 91 Octane? “Food for thought”!

Pre-Paid Fuel

The Pre-Paid fuel is open. It is MANDATORY this year. It will reduce the time spent at the pumps substantially. Time that you will need off your bike. Payments may be made using Zelle (Your bank should have this capability) and sending $160.00 payment to Midway.Route@rftw.us. Remember to add “Midway Pre-paid fuel 2026″ in the memo line.

We will receive notification of the payment and will have a list of those who pre-paid for fuel at Registration in Ontario.  You can also send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc.  Put “Midway Route prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403.  A third option is to pay cash at check-in at Ontario. There are no credit card options. Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas.

Route Itineraries

Itineraries will be published shortly and will be available on the Midway website. You can either print out a copy or use the QR code and download it to your phone or mobile device. This will provide you with a minute by minute, Day by day glimpse of exactly what you will be involved in. Additionally, I know many of you have friends that wish to meet you or stand on an overpass and recognize your personal adventure. The itinerary provides exact locations for you and your friends. Lastly, it also provides emergency Medical and Chase vehicle phone numbers to assist you with any issues you may face along the route.

Additionally, Safety instructions, Fueling procedures and friendly reminders of how we  conduct ourselves as representatives of Run for the Wall will be provided.

Pre-Run and Post-Run itineraries

All Pre-run (Ontario) and Post run (Springfield) itineraries have now been posted on the website. Please thoroughly review each one for required meetings, team meetings, registration times and locations, motorcycle repair facilities, events schedules, Sandbox meeting schedules, dinner arrangements, Riverside National Cemetery ride, the Marine Corps Band, ANC ride, RFTW picture location and time, RFTW  2026 ENDEX ceremony at the Apex of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and much more.

Registration

Surprisingly, There are still individuals who have not registered for the run. I personally know of 8 personnel who have waited because of potential family issues, but the time is now. Please go to the website and register as soon as possible. We need accurate numbers for all our meal providers, fuel providers (They need to know how much 91 Octane to have on hand), hotels etc.

Additionally, our registration team needs to have you on their computers, so we know if you have made it to Ontario

Hotel Reservations Reminder

As a friendly reminder, if you have not yet made your hotel reservations, please be aware that on May 1, the host hotels will release any remaining unused RFTW room blocks back into their standard inventory. This means that after this date, rooms previously set aside for RFTW participants may no longer be available, and you could have difficulty securing accommodations at the host hotels. To ensure you have a place to stay during the event, it is strongly recommended that you complete your hotel reservations as soon as possible.

End of Mission at the Wall

The RFTW picture at the Lincoln Memorial will be on 23 May at 0900. You need to be there early to find a good location for the photo. The Park Police informed us that they will be closely monitoring parking in marked areas this year and will issue citations for violations.  With that said, unless you really wish to ride your bike to the picture, cabs and uber are always available and relatively cheap if you divide the cost 4 ways. Immediately afterwards we will walk to the Vietnam Memorial and have the “End of Mission” ceremony” where all four route coordinators will lay the RFTW Mission plaque at the apex of the wall. This will occur at 0930 so you need to make your way to the wall with a purpose.

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown

Midway has been assigned 19 motorcycles with 39 seats available to ride to the “Tomb of the Unknown soldier” and observe a laying of a wreath on behalf of all the riders from RFTW. This is truly an honor. The only motorcycles allowed on Arlington National Cemetery grounds are those from RFTW. I have selected a lottery method to fill those seats. FNG’s are my target population for this lottery. If you are interested, please contact your platoon leadership and give them your name. Staging for ANC will commence at 1330 on May 23 in the Pentagon south parking lot, I-395, exit 8B

More to follow on additional details

Rolling to Remember

If you’re not participating on the Sandbox route, you can join R2R (Rolling to Remember) for a ride around the Mall in Washington DC. Formerly called Rolling Thunder, this is not an RFTW event but you may ride with R2R voluntarily. A group leaves from the American Legion Post on the morning of the 24th, with staging starting after the Sandbox group’s 0715 departure (ETD: 0730).

Make sure you keep the ribbon on your clutch side mirror or your rftw wristband to get premier staging up in the front of the formation right behind the AMVETS group. This was arranged this year by your RFTW leadership in discussions with the AMVETS leadership. Bring your camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Donations

As always, Donations are still welcome for the Midway route. Please share this with organizations, veteran groups, or friends who may wish to support us—RFTW is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. If any group plans to donate, remind them we are 42 days from KSU.

I’m excited for this year’s Midway route. The leadership team has worked hard to make your journey safe and smooth. They embody our guiding principle of “servant leadership”, so if you can, thank them with a handshake – they deserve it.

Pack and repack your bike. (You do not need as much as you may think). Walk, run, stretch, exercise!

Ride your bike, if possible. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

We are getting closer fast and time fly’s, so do NOT procrastinate.

As always, if you have any questions, recommendations, concerns or you just want to clear up some things you are thinking about, contact your team leader, Platoon leader, FNG Coordinator etc. and please have that discussion. The RFTW Forum is also a great place to openly discuss issues or ask questions across all 4 routes.

My ARC (Assistant Route Coordinator) and I look forward to meeting each of you in Ontario.

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

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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President’s Message – April 2026

RFTW leaves Eagle Nest, NM - 2025

Happy Easter! As I sit down to write this, we’re 44 days away from KSU. It’s getting closer… Can you feel it? If you sit back and close your eyes, can you hear it? Time seems to be moving faster, plans are being finalized, and hopefully, your hotel reservations are complete. Are you ready? Have you checked all your gear, updated your GMRS radio, and tested your headset? Is your bike ready – new tires, fresh oil, and all the nuts and bolts that tend to vibrate loose? Is your body prepared? Have you been exercising to handle longer riding days, weather changes, and altitude? Are you emotionally ready? Do you have a plan if your bike breaks down? Do you have clothing suitable for the weather you might face on your route? This is a mission, and for it to succeed, we all need to be prepared to do our part. Since before we finished the Run last year, our volunteer State Coordinators (SC) and others have been diligently working on the details for each route. It takes a coordinated effort of thousands to ensure the success of each route. I tip my hat to everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for Run 2026!

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.

There are some updates to share. As you may have heard, RFTW and Am Vets have joined forces so that anyone registered as a rider for RFTW 2026 can receive priority staging for Rolling to Remember. Here are some important points to keep in mind: Rolling to Remember (RtR) is not an RFTW-sanctioned event. Participation is entirely voluntary. A group of riders familiar with DC traffic patterns will be traveling from the Springfield American Legion Post to the designated staging area for Rolling to Remember. Anyone who has previously taken part in this year’s Run for the Wall is welcome to ride with that group and stage in with the RFTW riders. RtR is separate from RFTW and should not be seen as an RFTW-sanctioned event. RFTW riders will need to display their ribbon on their left side, as always. It might also be helpful to keep your wristband on until after RtR, just in case. Am Vets requests that we arrive together, with no stragglers, please.

Staging for the RtR event will be at the AL post parking lot, starting at 0715 with a 0745 departure. Please do NOT enter the parking lot until SB has departed. We will likely divert ALL traffic from the AL parking lot after 0600 so SB can safely hold their mandatory all riders meeting. Important note for SB riders: you MUST be in place and attend the 0600 mandatory riders meeting.

Itineraries for both pre-Run Ontario events and Springfield and D.C. are now available on the RFTW website. Just navigate to your route and make the appropriate selection.

On Monday, May 11, from 0900-1100 and again from 1500-1700, Bernadette “Flat Tire” Staples and Lance “Batman” Wheeler, both certified instructors, will host a Riders Skills practice session at Lot D. We cannot accommodate everyone, but if you are an FNG or need to practice your slow riding skills—such as those needed when pulling into or leaving gas pumps, maneuvering around the staging area, hotel, and similar situations—please sign up by emailing risk.management@rftw.us. Space is limited, so I suggest signing up early.

As we move from planning and preparation to actually executing our Mission, our Platoon Leaders and Road Guards step up to meet their responsibilities on the Run. They work with a group of riders who may have never ridden together before, let alone in formation, and help turn the group into a cohesive team. You might also see the Platoon Leaders working closely with the Road Guards to guide you across this great nation safely. Like the morning meetings held by the RCs, the Platoon Leaders will also hold morning meetings, usually with a Road Guard present. These morning meetings are MANDATORY—you must attend to ride with the pack that day! If you’re not comfortable riding in a certain formation or if you’re unsure about doing so, talk to your Platoon Leader or Assistant Platoon Leader. They are there to help and guide you. The same applies if a PL or RG offers guidance or asks questions; they do so out of concern for your safety. The PLs and RGs are experienced riders and have your best interests at heart. Your safety and the safety of those around you depend on listening to their guidance.

As the RCs are preparing to select FNGs who will enter Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, there are some key rules we must follow. All riders approved to ride into ANC MUST enter and leave together—NO EXCEPTIONS. Please do not rap your pipes; doing so is disrespectful to other visitors and to those interred there. This is a place of peace, quiet, and reflection.  Please do NOT deviate from the scheduled event. Those chosen to ride into ANC cannot take time to visit other graves, go on tours, or do anything else. We are there for one purpose only—to lay a wreath and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you want to visit other graves or take a tour, please return to the visitor’s center AFTER you have left with the group.  Our standing with the ANC Operations group and our future entrance into ANC hinge on our respect for their rules.

Unfortunately, the Gulf War memorial will still be under construction when we arrive. That prevents us from holding a ceremony this year, but we’re closely monitoring the construction so that next year we may be able to pay homage at that memorial. Stay tuned over the coming year as more information becomes available.

We are still seeking a unique individual to join the Board as our new treasurer.  The announcement can be viewed here.  In the meantime, we are also seeking someone to serve as an assistant to our treasurer.  If you are interested, please send an email to treasurer@rftw.us with a brief outline of your knowledge and experience with standard electronic tools, such as spreadsheets. This could lead to a position on the Board if you are interested.

The route shirts fundraiser went very well. If you weren’t following the fundraiser, each route designed a shirt that represented its route, and each shirt sold raised a donation for that route. I don’t yet have the final numbers, but initial figures show that the Central Route sold 190 shirts, the Southern Route sold 113, the Midway Route sold 95, and the Sandbox Route sold 81. A $10 donation per shirt is added to each route’s account for use on that route. Angie announced the upcoming mailing dates, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW a unique organization. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with individuals who have contributed to its development.  Check it out!!

As you pass through the food line at your stops, remember that an entire group of people took time out of their lives to make sure you get sustenance. Look for a donation jar nearby and drop a few dollars in to help cover the cost of whatever service they are providing. Each route goes through towns where locals are often barely getting by, yet they still donate to our mission. Even if we find ourselves in the wealthiest town in America, show appreciation by saying “Thank you”, picking up your trash, and if you can, by making a donation. Your kindness makes a difference. And keep in mind, nothing is truly free. We often receive donated gas and food, but nothing comes without a cost, and somebody paid for it. Each of us is an ambassador for RFTW.

A few final points. RFTW does not endorse any political candidate, stance, or opinion. We are a veterans’ support charity, and we ask everyone to respect that. There is no place for politics during the Run; there will be time for that later. Lastly, our world is always changing. Events can attract people whose ideas and beliefs might not match ours. Stay alert, and if you see something wrong, speak up. Don’t just ignore it; inform a leader.

With that, I leave you with a few thoughts regarding why we ride.

“If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.”

—- Major Michael Davis O’Donnell KIA 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

—- Michael Davis O’Donnell is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 12W, Line 040.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 26 March 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.

Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.

Back to Basics. Back to the RFTW Mission.

Is it May yet?

See you in Ontario!!!!

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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Thank You for Your Support! Quick Fundraiser Shirt Update 👕

Man saluting the flag of the United States of America

The fundraiser shirts were offered as pre-order items and will be shipped out as soon as possible. Our supplier is currently in the process of a business sale, which has unfortunately caused some delays with fulfilling and shipping the orders. Because of this, other shirts that were ordered may also experience a slight delay.

We truly appreciate your patience while everything is sorted out. Our team is working to make sure your merchandise gets to you in time for the run. The supplier’s transition happened much faster than anyone expected, but we’re doing everything we can to keep things moving.

Thank you all for your continued support – it means a lot!

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 13 – Aloha from the Islands

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 13 – Aloha from the Islands

Nick “Rich Boy” Hentges joins Boots and Hitch from Hawaii to share 16 consecutive years of experiences with RFTW.

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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Rolling To Remember 2026

Rolling To Remember

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.