Blog - Run For The Wall®

Posted on May 3, 2025 by Kirk Olson

May 2025 Central Route Newsletter

*(This newsletter is best read at this link.)
Central Route! May is finally here!! I have already heard of reports that some riders are already making their way west. Some people like to visit family along the way and take their time.

As I mentioned last month, if you are starting in CA, Central Route is going to do things a little bit different this year. It is my aim to cut down on some of the multiple and sometimes seemingly redundant meetings we have had in the past, specifically in Ontario. We will have ONE Central Route ALL HANDS meeting, at the Holiday Inn (2155 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764) in the large ballroom at 1PM on Tuesday, May 13. This meeting is for FNG’s, all riders, and folks in leadership – All Hands. It is hours earlier than in the past, to give people time to rest, relax, and prepare for the next day’s departure. I always hated us going up against the dinner hour the night before we leave, and now I get to fix that and try something new. It is my aim that this is a positive change for the better. We are cutting a separate FNG meeting, separate “leadership meeting”, and then having an all hands on top of all of that. Team leads will still have their meetings, but that is on them to schedule around our one Central Route ALL Hands.

The Central Route Itinerary is out and published. The Ontario schedule is also published. PDF of it is here.

Let’s talk about the Kansas Turnpike Toll Road:
Thanks to the hard work of Dan Webster of CVMA 21-4 and ABATE of KS District 4 our tolls in KS are going to be covered. IMPORTANT: All riders and support vehicles on Central Route that register after April 30th MUST notify the Registration team when you check in so they can make note of your vehicle plate number and state. Also, if you are in or on a different vehicle than indicated on your online registration let them know, otherwise you will receive a toll bill from the Kansas Turnpike Authority. Please register with the Registration Team on May 18th at the Eagles Lodge (supper location) as soon as possible if you plan to join RFTW at Junction City. The cut off time for Last Minute Moe’s, anyone who registered after April 30th, is around 7:30 p.m. to get your license plate entered into the system to get your toll covered. If you register the morning of May 19th your toll will NOT be covered.

If you have a DriveKS or KTAG account, you need to deactivate the tag of the vehicle you will be using for RFTW before May 19, or you will get a toll charge along with Dan’s DriveKS account being charged. Make sure to not deactivate your tag before you travel west in case you use the Kansas Turnpike on your way to join RFTW.

It’s very easy to deactivate. Log in to your DriveKS or KTag account. Under the tab “Vehicles & KTAGs”, click on “View All Vehicles and KTAGs”, next click on “View and Edit All Vehicles”, find the vehicle you will be using and click on “Make Inactive”. Then after May 19th, go in and make it active again. This can also be done using the DriveKS app from your phone and it works exactly the same way.

This is the first year RFTW is going through the cashless tolling process in Kansas. Many other states have been doing this for many years on toll roads. So I’m hoping this goes as smoothly as possible for this year and future years.

One quick note about the GMRS Radios. BTECH recently released in January a large, new firmware update 0.8.0, and now 0.8.3 for the GMRS-PRO radio. This update added a VOX feature. If you did or do any of these updates, check and make sure to DISABLE or double-check that the VOX FEATURE is DISABLED! This could potentially cause too many unnecessary ”open mic” transmissions. You should not use VOX on The Run.

To Disable:
From the front panel of the radio:
MENU > Radio Settings > UNCHECK Enable Vox

(make sure there is no checkmark under this feature and setting)

Additionally, on a side note, when connecting to a Sena headset, you sometimes might hear a never-ending loud beeping. The fix for this is to roll the volume all the way down on the jog dial of the Sena, and then back up to where you want it.

Register for the 2025 Run now

Registration is now $75 until April 30th. Then it goes to $90. Price is slightly lower under the Day Rider Program. Go to the registration page now. Everyone is highly encouraged to REGISTER for RFTW in 2025 now. This helps us make an accurate plan for May. If you are in Leadership you need to be getting registered now, if not already. Your registration is your indication to us that you are committing to your volunteer position. FNGs please also register as early as you can. We know plans can change. This immensely helps our State Coordinators plan for meals, etc. Your registration fee basically covers, the privilege to ride with the Run in the pack, which in-turn gets you breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all of our stops across the country that is provided by our donors and supporters. We could not do it without them.

I look forward to seeing everyone in-person starting next week! Ride safe and see you soon!

Honor and Remember Them All.
Remember, RFTW Riders are Built Different.

Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson
kirk.olson@rftw.us
RFTW Central Route Coordinator – 2025
Asst. Route Coordinator – 2024
Road Guard Captain – 2023
Asst. Road Guard Captain – 2019
RFTW Board of Directors – 2016-2019
Road Guard 2010-2018
FNG 2009

If you have not seen from previous newsletters by me or the other Route Coordinators from Southern, Midway, and Sandbox, RFTW is moving to GMRS for our on-road communications. This is not as big of a transition for us on Central Route this year in 2025, since we piloted the GMRS radios in 2024, and they worked very well. My advice to you all is to get the radio now, and learn how to use, pair, and connect them to your helmet speakers or ear drums. Also, help our friends on Southern, Midway, and Sandbox get theirs set-up and paired. Personally, I use a Sena 50S paired to the radio, and I paired the radio as PHONE 2, to the radio. See Sena directions, on how to do this.

**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.

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Ed "Wind Dog" Brundage

Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – May 2025

Midway Family, May is here!!!!!!!

We are now just 12 Days from KSU. Your leadership teams are putting the final touches on your Midway adventure.

At the risk of repeating myself, I must remind all of us about where our focus should be. What do we truly need to pack for our 11-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, etc. The more you pack, the more weight you carry.

Pre-Paid Fuel

The “early purchase” Pre-Paid fuel option is now closed. But, you can still get your pre-paid fuel sticker at registration check-in – CASH ONLY! At registration your payment will be verified or cash accepted, and you will be issued a fuel sticker. This will go on your windshield, on the clutch side just below your platoon number. For individuals with windshield banners, clutch side, beside your banner. Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas.

Route Itinerary

The Midway Route Itinerary has now been published and is available HERE. You can either print out a copy or 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.

Ontario Schedule of Events

The Ontario Pre-Run Itinerary/Schedule of Events has also been published and each of your team/Platoon leaders has been given a copy. Please ensure you are where you need to be to attend your meetings to meet your fellow riders and have the most current information. Additionally, there is also a schedule of events happening at the Elks lodge including meals.

A shuttle schedule has also been published between the host hotel and the Elks lodge if you wish to use it.

Registration

Believe it or not, there are still individuals who have not registered for the run.

Please register now. Our registration team needs to have you on their computers, so we know if you have made it to Ontario.

End of Mission at the Wall

The RFTW picture at the Lincoln Memorial will be on 24 May at 0900. You need to be there early to find a good location for the photo. 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 38 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. A lottery will be used to select the riders. FNG’s and Vietnam vets only!

Please contact your platoon leader for additional details

Always remember our primary reason for riding is our Mission:

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.

Donations

If you are working with any organizations that are contributing to the Midway route for 2025, please remind them that there are only 12 days left to process the donation and to be useful in support of this year’s adventure.

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!

Do NOT procrastinate. Do it today!!!

Lastly, please remember that we respect all riders and their opinions. NO ATTITUDES!

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other in order 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.

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. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.

Freedom Isn’t Free

Say Their Name, Tell Their Story, Never Forget

See you in Ontario. Be safe in your travels. Maybe practice Throttle control instead of using your brakes. Just saying!!!!

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
2025-Midway Route Coordinator
2023-2024 Advance Team Lead
2013-2022 Fuel team, Asst Fuel team Lead
2008-2012 Central Route ATW

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Lennie "Big Red" Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator Newsletter – MAY 2025

Well, for those who’ve been asking if it’s May yet? The answer is YES! As you are reading this newsletter, we have less than 2 weeks until KSU from Ontario. Your registrations for the run should be complete (if you haven’t, it’s not too late), and hotel reservations should be made. The Prepaid fuel option online is now closed, but you can still pay at check-in by cash or check only. The same applies to paying to have up to 2 bags carried in the luggage trailer. Not only can this be a safety and convenience factor, but it’s also a fundraiser for the run.

A few things to remember as you prepare for the mission: Hydrate. Make sure your bike is ready to get you there and back home. If you’re taking meds, be sure you have more than just enough to make the trip in case it takes longer to return home than planned. Don’t overpack, lay everything out, and then put half of it away, it’s a motorcycle trip, there’s always a Walmart nearby. Hydrate, Hydrate!. Make sure you have your license with M/C endorsement, current registration, and insurance card. Make sure all three are valid until the completion of the RUN; you CANNOT complete registration/check-in without them. The Elks Lodge is providing bus service between the Holiday Inn (Host Hotel) and the Elks, Sunday, May 11, 12 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, May 12 – &:00 am to 9:00 pm, Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you’re starting from Ontario, be sure to read the Ontario Itinerary for meeting times and locations.

I want to Thank All who have volunteered to help make this mission a success and I want to especially Thank our state Coordinators because without you this mission would not be possible, so riders when you see these folks with Brown RFTW caps give them a Big Thank You. Last but not least all the Towns, Cities, churches, Fraternal Organizations that come to support us and feed us a Big Thank You as well, see you all soon.

“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.”
TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson
Southern Route Coordinator 2025

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Bill "Cob" Brehler

Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter- May 2025

YES, IT IS MAY YET!

Less then two weeks until KSU in Ontario and if you are like me, you can’t wait to get on the road. There are a few last-minute details to take care of, but for the most part, we are ready to roll.

Pre-Paid Fuel

It is past the deadline to pay for pre-paid fuel online. If you haven’t paid online yet, you can pay with cash when you check-in, either in Ontario or Springfield. You will be given a “Fuel Sticker” which should be placed on the lower left (clutch) side of your windshield or on your left fork. The cost is $65.00 and everyone riding on Sandbox must have pre-paid fuel. This will speed up fueling time so you have more time to use the restrooms, and will make it easier for the fuel team to get you through the pumps by not having to collect money. Please remember, Highway Pegs UP, going through the fuel line.

DC Sandbox Itinerary

All the following activities will take place at American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA.

Friday 24 May
1:00pm – 6:00pm Check-In Bar Area
1:00pm Quartermaster Equipment Set-up Dentz Room

Saturday 25 May
9:00am – 6:00pm         Check-in                              Bar Area
12:00pm – 4:30pm     QM Equipment Issue   Dentz Room
2:30pm – 3:00pm        Team Leaders Mtg        Banquet Hall
3:00pm – 3:30pm        Road Guard Mtg             Warrior Café
3:00pm – 3:30pm        Staging / Fuel Mtg          Banquet Hall
3:30pm – 4:00pm        Amb. / Outreach Mtg   Banquet Hall
4:00pm – 5:30pm        All Riders Mtg                   Banquet Hall
5:30pm – 6:00pm        FNG Mtg                             Banquet Hall

You can also find this itinerary on the Sandbox Route Hub under the new category, Pre-Run Washington, D.C. Itinerary.

As you make your way to your starting point in Ontario CA, Springfield VA, or somewhere along one of the routes, keep in mind why we do this.

Think about who you are riding for.

We ride for those who can’t.

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 that they can return home to a new beginning.

Freedom Isn’t Free

Say Their Name, Tell Their Story, Never Forget

Bill “COB” Brehler
Route Coordinator
RFTW Sandbox 2025

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Ted "Boots" Kapner

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 1 Episode 17 – FNG’s, Motorcycle Skills, & Flat Tires Oh My!

Welcome to episode 17 of the Run For The Wall Podcast. This will be the final episode before we go kickstands up in Ontario. Bernadette “Flat Tire” Staples (FNG Coordinator) will be sharing a host of information as we prepare to gather for this year’s mission in honor of Vietnam veterans.

Press play and let’s go ALL THE WAY!

We want to hear about your experiences on The Run this year. Send them to us at pod@rftw.us

SEE YOU ALL IN ONTARIO!

NEW! The RFTW Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts!

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please send them to pod@rftw.us

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Alan "Xbox" Steiner

Riverside National Cemetery Ride

For those of you that are interested in riding to Riverside National Cemetery (RNC), I want to provide you with a few details of what you can expect.

We are honored this year to have a special guest speaker, Mr. Tom Crosby who was a WWII POW. Tom was born in the Philippines to American parents who were working in Manila before WWII started. Tom and his family were taken by the Japanese military to a detention facility at the University of Santo Tomas where he would spend the next 37 months in captivity. On February 3, 1945, General MacArthur’s 1^st Cavalry Division rescued Tom and his family, along with 3800 other prisoners. Tom came to the United States where he later joined the Navy during the Korean War and currently resides in San Diego, CA.

The ride to RNC will depart from the Elks on Tuesday, May 13^th. 4-wheel vehicles, Slingshots and bikes or trikes with trailers will not ride with the group and are to proceed directly to RNC and park at the RNC Staging Area near the Medal of Honor (MOH) memorial. Do not park in Nimitz Circle. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, May 13^th

07:00 – Breakfast is available at the Elks.
07:30 – Staging in the Elks back parking lot.
07:45 – Mandatory riders safety briefing.
08:00 – Depart Elks to RNC by escort of RFTW Road Guards.
09:00 – Arrive at RNC Nimitz Circle in front of the MOH memorial.
09:10 – 09:30ish – RNC Presentation and Tom Crosby to speak to the riders.
09:30ish – 11:00 – Jim Frost will lead the group within RNC to visit the POW/MIA memorial, Veterans memorial, Gold Star memorial and others as time permits.
11:00 – Depart on your own back to Ontario.

Please ensure you arrive at the Elks in plenty of time. The ride will depart promptly at 08:00 from the Elks and you must be there no later than 07:30 to stage and be able to attend the safety briefing.

Enjoy the ride and RNC!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Alan "Xbox" Steiner

Merchandise April 2025 Newsletter

This newsletter is a somewhat lengthy but contains a lot of important information regarding merchandise operations in Ontario, while on the Run and in Springfield. Please take a few minutes to read the entire newsletter so that you’ll have an understanding of what to expect.

To kick this off, almost all of the merchandise is now in transit to Ontario. What this means is that while the online store remains open, it has limited inventory and there is a chance that supply may run out on certain items. So far this hasn’t been an issue but there is risk depending on the volume of orders between now and when the store shuts down for the Run on May 1st. If an item is not available online there is a very good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for in Ontario, or while the trailers are on the move during the Run. The exception will be any prior year pins, patches and apparel that has a year associated with it. These items are not stocked in the trailers and are not resupplied once inventory runs out.

As we get close the end of April, this is a good time to remind you that the online store closes from May 1st thru mid-June. The reopening is based on when the trailers return to Ontario and merchandise is unloaded and shipped back to the suppliers to restock. A notice will go out when the online store is open again.

While in Ontario, there are several important things that you should be aware of. Some old news, some new. To begin, there will be two trailers open for sales again this year, one at the Holiday Inn and the other at the Elks. Days and hours vary based on the schedule below:

Day	Holiday Inn	Elks
Saturday	10-5	Closed
Sunday	10-4	12-5
Monday	9-5	9-5
Tuesday	9-2	9-2

Regarding Springfield, the merchandise trailer will be open from 9 – 5 on Friday and 9 – 2 on Saturday at the American Legion Post 176. Please keep in mind whether you’re just hanging around the trailers or shopping, there is no smoking anywhere nearby as a courtesy to the merchandise team as well as our products, especially apparel. Also, all sales are final therefore no exchanges or refunds. You’re welcome to try on a shirt while you’re at the trailer but once it’s paid for and you leave, it’s yours.

We are now required to charge sales tax on all products sold in California. This will include Ontario and Blythe at 8.75% and Needles at 7.75%. There will be no tax anywhere else on the Run and does not apply to donations.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we are not a bank so anything larger than a $20 bill will not be accepted. We’ve had issues in past years where someone comes to buy a pin for $2 then gives a $100 bill. We can’t support change like that as we have limited cash resources. Thank you for your understanding.

For the first time we’ll be offering a selection of Amsoil products in the trailers for $10. There is a very limited supply of different V-Twin and Metric oils, V-Twin primary and transmission fluids and we’ll carry their Mudslinger.

Finally, don’t forget about Nelson-Rigg for your upcoming luggage needs. They are offering a whopping 30% discount on all of their products and will also be at the Elks this year to assist you with any luggage and cover needs. Also, they will be raffling away some of their products so be sure to check them out! The online link is here. Be sure to use the promo code RFTW.

Well, that’s it for now. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Ontario. May is almost here!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall
https://rftw.us

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Ted "Boots" Kapner

Assistant to the Treasurer Announcement

The RFTW Treasurer is looking for someone to assist with some of the financial tracking work associated with that position.

The assistant would NOT be a board member but instead would work behind the scenes assisting in the daily management of treasurer activities. This position requires an agreement that includes non-disclosure of corporate processes and activities along with a Character & Fitness Review.

The position description includes:

Title
Treasurer Assistant

Description
This position reports to the Treasurer and will manage various aspects of those processes, under the training and guidance of the Treasurer. These duties could vary and include working with spreadsheets, bank accounts, accounting software, and similar activities.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Good communication skills
Ability to use a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
Experience with cloud drives such as Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive.
Good computer skills
Willingness to learn and tackle various accounting tasks under the tutelage of the Treasurer.

This position requires an internet connection to access the various accounting software packages, cloud services, and email. A reasonable amount of computer knowledge is desired.

Please email treasurer@rftw.us if you are interested or have any questions.

Posted on April 16, 2025April 16, 2025 by Ted "Boots" Kapner

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 1 Episode 16 – The Mayor and First Lady

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 1 Episode 16 – The Mayor and First Lady.

Welcome to episode 16 of the Run For The Wall Podcast. In this episode Jim and Gwyn Frost/The Mayor and First Lady, will talk to us about their positions and experiences with Run For The Wall.

NEW! The RFTW Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts!

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please send them to pod@rftw.us

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Bill "Cob" Brehler

SANDBOX PRE-PAID FUEL

Sandbox is doing pre-paid fuel. The cutoff date for paying for pre-paid fuel ahead of time is April 30. After that, you can pay cash at check-in in Ontario or Springfield (exact amount only, no change will be given). The cost will be $65.00 and for the Sandbox Route, pre-paid fuel is mandatory. To use Zelle, send the money to Sandbox.Route@rftw.us (don’t forget the dot between Sandbox and Route). Be sure to annotate that it is for “Sandbox prepaid fuel”. You can also send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc. Put “Sandbox prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403.

Remember Our Mission

“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.”