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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 7 – Clutch Chronicles w/ Leo Rachmel

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 7 – Clutch Chronicles w/ Leo Rachmel.

The rider formerly known as Leo joins us on the podcast for a again, this time as Sandbox Route Coordinator. What’s changed?

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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November 2025 Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter

Dear Sandbox Riders, Families, and Friends,

As we start November, I hope everyone had a great October and a fun Halloween.  The holidays are just around the corner, and then it’s 2026 and almost May!  Planning continues to go smoothly for Sandbox.  All of our supporters are anticipating our return next year, and we’re looking forward to visiting those places that make our mission what it is.

I had the opportunity to speak with your leaders at the end of October.  Almost all of them are returning to the same positions they held last year, and I can assure you that Polar Bear and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to accomplish the mission professionally and efficiently.  They will take care of you, regardless of where you’re riding, and make sure any problems are quickly resolved at the lowest level.

Registration

As we progress through the year, our numbers continue to grow.  I’d like to ask that you register as early as possible so we can track the number of riders we’re asking our supporters to accommodate.  Additionally, the earlier you register, the sooner we can assign you to a team or platoon leader who can begin discussing individual preparation and what you need to be successful.  If you have a friend or two that you’d like to ride with, once assigned to a platoon, you can ask to be in the same platoon.  Early registration helps coordinate this.

Although our numbers are slightly down from previous years, we’re picking up lots of riders who are new to Sandbox.  Some of these are new to RFTW, while some are experienced riders from the Coast-to-Coast Routes who want to experience Sandbox for themselves.  We welcome all riders and supporters to our family and look forward to making this year’s Run a memorable and enjoyable experience for everybody.

A Run From The Run

One of the things we talk about on RFTW is “Runs To The Run” and “Runs From The Run.”  Although these events are not sanctioned by RFTW, they are comprised of like-minded individuals who want to travel together en route either to or from the Run.

To facilitate your planning, I’d like to talk about one of these Runs From The Run, which will happen directly after Sandbox is Mission Complete at the Wall in Marseilles.  On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, our Outreach Coordinator, Taz, will lead a group from the Host Hotel in Ottawa, IL, about 300 miles south to Perryville, MO where they will visit the Missouri National Veterans Memorial (MNVM), spend the night, and then riders are welcome to continue on in smaller groups, whichever direction you’re heading.  For more information, look for Taz’s post in the Sandbox Discussion of the RFTW Forum and the MNVM’s website at https://mnvmfund.org/.

The RFTW Forum is also an excellent source of information for any questions relating to the Run.  There are a variety of helpful topics and an opportunity to ask questions and interact with other riders throughout the year.  The Forum can be found under the “Connect” tab on the RFTW website.

Email Spoofing

Please be aware that some bad actors have begun spoofing RFTW Leadership emails to some participants.  These emails generally ask the recipient to click on an executable file or request payment, promising reimbursement.  The best way to identify these fake emails is to look at the sender’s email address.  If it didn’t come from an @rftw.us address, don’t reply, and for Gmail, click on the option to “Report Spam.”  Our Secretary of the Board will receive the report and take necessary actions.  If you’re not using Gmail or are unsure, just forward the email to secretary@rftw.us, and he will take care of it.

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 Sandbox Route and keep costs down.

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.

Again, I look forward to meeting you all next year and working with you to make the 5th running of Sandbox Route a resounding success!

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator

 

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November 2025 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

The leaves dropping from the giant maple tree in my backyard is reminding me that November is here, time to rake and clear the gutters and to get ready for the Holiday Season.

There are only 52 shopping days until Christmas, 59 days left in 2025 and before you know, it will be May.

Your leadership team is hard at work trying to get all the pieces in place for a successful run.  But Staging and Fueling Teams still need volunteers, and I am seeking someone for the Raffle Rouser role.

Our State Coordinators are diligently working on hotels rooms, fuel stops, and donors for the run.

Registration

If you have not registered yet, please do so now.  It is important to register early so that our leadership knows how many people to plan for.  These numbers are critical for things like our donated fuel stops, blocked hotel reservations, and donated fuel.  We do not want to over or underestimate what we need for the Run.

We currently have 119 registered participants for the Central Route, which is down from 151 this time a year ago.  We still only have one rider with a trailer registered.

I would like to welcome the 18 FNG’s that have registered so far for the Central Route.  I know you will have a lot of questions, be sure to reach out to our FNG Coordinator, Bernadette Staples, for answers.

Remember, you are all ambassadors for the Run so please get out and recruit for the run. Please get the word out.

Information flyers are available at: https://rftw.us/rftw-brochures-flyers/

Donations

Public Donations help keep our costs down on the Run.  Donations can be made to the RFTW General Fund or specifically to one of the Routes.

Options to donate:

The DONATE Button – on the rftw.us website.  Donors can direct the donation to any Route or RFTW General Fund.

ZELLE –  email addresses for the Routes are: central.route@rftw.us for Central. It is important not to miss the . before “route”

CHECK – Checks should be made out to “Run For The Wall, Inc.”  Be sure to write what route or purpose the money should be allocated to in the memo section of the check.  Checks should be mailed to the RFTW Treasurer for depositing and proper accounting.  Any checks received by others should be forwarded to the Treasurer right away.

The RFTW Treasurer Official mailing address is:

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

As a reminder, if you happen to get a cash donation or check from someone please do not hold onto it, rather send it into the Treasurer for proper accounting.  If you need a donation letter, just contact me.

Camping in Ontario:

There is no camping at the Ontario Elks Lodge without prior approval.  Their lot has spaces allocated for vendors and other designated activities.  You cannot just show up and expect to pitch your tent on any open space.  If you wish to camp in Ontario, send me or our camping coordinator and email for options.

November Events

There are several RFTW get togethers scheduled for November in Arizona, Colorado, and Northern California.  Check out the events page for more information.  https://rftw.us/events/

Tun Tavern

 

Also, 250 years ago, on November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines.  Nicholas went to Tun Tavern, located in Philadelphia, and appointed Robert Mullan, then the tavern proprietor, as the Chief Marine Recruiter.  Men flocked to the tavern to take up arms as the first Continental Marines fighting for their new country in the American Revolution.  As they say, the rest is history.

Remember that Tuesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day.  Take a moment to remember and appreciate those veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

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

 

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts, forums, Facebook page for up-to-date information.

I wish you and your family to have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and Holiday Season.   Remember only male turkeys gobble, female turkeys (hens) cackle and don’t call 911 to ask the dispatcher how to cook your turkey, call the Butterball hotline instead.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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November 2025 Southern Route RC Newsletter

RFTW Southern Route

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter November 2025


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

Good Day, everyone!  Not to sound pushy or repetitive, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!  For all those who’ve ridden on any of our routes, those words are quite familiar.  For my FNGs, get used to them as they will be used for the entire time you’re in any of the Ontario meetings and briefings.  I carry several thermoses with me on my bike, and I carry one with me when I’m out and about.  I put my road name on the bottom of all that I have, so when I forget one somewhere, please look on the bottom of the thermos and you’ll know it’s mine.

We have 192 days left until Kick Stands Up.  All three Coast-to-Coast routes will be leaving on 13 MAY 26.  Our registration numbers are growing, and we’re looking forward to getting more.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird registration will run through 31 January 2026, and the fee is $100.  I encourage all those who have not registered yet to take advantage of the Early Bird price.  The Regular Registration begins 1 February 2026, and the fee is $120.  Knowing how many riders we have is crucial for our State Coordinators as they work with the folks who donate their time and money so the Southern Route is successful.

The Sandbox Route will have an Early Bird fee of $40 through 31 January 2026, and the Regular fee will be $60 beginning 1 February 2026.  I’ve registered for both routes on 11 September 2025, and I’m looking forward to the Sandbox Route, as this will be my first year.

RFTW Resources

The RFTW website has some informative, interesting, and useful information about the routes and experiences riders have had.  These include, but are not limited to:

  • Podcasts – Ted “Boots” Kapner and Tai “Hitch” Harmon host guests who are involved with Run For the Wall. There’s always something to learn from these interesting and, at times, funny podcasts.
  • Forum – The RFTW forum is filled with subjects about RFTW. There’s information for FNGs (Fine New Guys) where you can also ask questions and have experienced people guide you with ideas on having the best experience possible.  If you’re an experienced RFTW rider, there are still many opportunities to learn or spread your knowledge about the run.  Do you need to find a roommate to share hotel expenses with?  The forum is a great place to post and start a conversation with a potential roommate.
  • Local meetings – around the country are posted, so in most cases, you will find a monthly meeting within a couple of hours or less from your home. If that’s not the case, you can always start your own monthly meeting by posting on the forum, and help is always available.
  • GMRS radios – we have moved on from CB radios to GMRS, which has a greater distance with better clarity. They also have a sub-audio signal that provides privacy, so extraneous non-RFTW transmissions will not affect us.  BTECH (https://baofengtech.com/) radio has a special; they will honor an RFTW special to sell a radio with a PTT (push to talk) button for $140.  Again, there are great videos produced by a former RC, Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olsen on how to set up the radios.  There are other resources also but the forum is a good place to start.
  • FNG stories – riders share some stories from their experience as an FNG and some of the “Magic of the Run” we experience. If you have a good story, this is a good place to share.

MISCELLANEOUS, but Important

As always, prior to the Run, keep two things in mind.  Keep up the maintenance on your bike/trike.  Your operator’s manual will tell you the scheduled maintenance that needs to be done.  Did you know that on a Harley, the oil in the front forks should be changed every two years?  Goldwings, it’s every 2-3 years.  Look at your tires, making sure you’re not touching the wear bars.  If you’re close, replace the tires.  Remember to check your chain/belt/driveshaft to ensure there is no damage or leaks.

REMEMBERANCE

With all that we have to do to keep our home life running smoothly and having to work to support our families, there are challenges that show up and have to be dealt with.

Since the time we had our entire Run family photo taken, the Southern Route has lost three of our riders.

Michael “Wizard” Turner
Rick “Speed Bump” Shoaf
Brad “Groot“ Knowland

 

 

 

 

 

 

We lost Brad “Groot“ Knowland shortly after we all made it home while succumbing to injuries he sustained while doing chores at home.  Brad was a member of our 2025 Medical Team and was a great help with medical issues that arose, as well as other problems that he observed and took charge of.

Michael “Wizard” Turner was a long-time rider in the Southern Route and a member of the Board of Directors.  We lost Wizard as he was riding to the reunion in Kerrville.  His wife, Linda, was also seriously injured and continues to heal physically.

We also lost Rick “Speed Bump” Shoaf, our Fuel Team Lead.  He had retired from the Navy as a Search and Rescue swimmer.  He loved being Fuel Team Lead and was someone I could go to with issues that were not related to the Fuel Team.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends of those lost. We will be able to move forward in our lives, remembering these brothers who have brought so much good into our lives.

Although we’ve encountered these events, we still have much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is just a little under four weeks away, we’ll be sharing that day with family and friends, and it’s a time of fellowship and thanks for all that we have and the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.  If there’s a military facility close by, there will be servicemembers who would sincerely enjoy having a Thanksgiving meal off-post.

Thank you, riders, for your support of Run For The Wall and the Southern Route.

Is it May yet!
We ride for those who can’t!
Ride safe!

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC 2026

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – November 2025

Midway Route

194 Days to KSU!

The day and night of ghosts and goblins is over and next up is our day of Thanksgiving. We are now in the season of giving thanks and appreciation to our many friends and family. Many who we met and became friends as members of this great Midway family. Be sure to let them know that they are in your thoughts and prayers during this season of remembrance and sharing.

“Never forget the reason for the season”

 

I would like to take this moment to personally thank all my friends and family members I have made over the last 17 years and the healing and camaraderie we have shared. It has been a true blessing for me to be a member of this great Midway family.

Fall is a great time of year. For some of us, the riding season is bringing on the challenge of staying dry (testing our rain gear) and warm (testing our heated gear).  For others, the riding season is just beginning. You can never do too much preparation for the run, and getting in as much riding as you can (especially long-distance riding) is one of the best ways to prepare. Regardless of where you live, if you are planning to ride ALL THE WAY on one of the 3 cross-country routes you will ride at least 3000 miles, 6000 if you are returning to the west coast.

Another great way to prepare is to take a Motorcycle Rider Course. There are many types of classes taught at various levels, check your local Harley dealers or on line for local law enforcement advanced courses. If it’s been a while since you took a class, you might want to investigate honing your skills before joining the Midway route in May.

Register for the 2026 Run now

The Midway Route now has just shy of 90 registered riders and participants. This is just a little less than we had at this time last year. This means that if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan for our stops and hotel accommodations. Early registration ends on January 31, 2026, and registration costs increase on February 1, 2026. You can Register HERE.  If you are in leadership, please register now and Lead by example.  If you are an FNG, please register as early as you can.  We know plans can change. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run. Challenge your friends, join a local riding group and bring them with you. Put your significant other in the number two seat and bring them with you on this adventure.

This ride will be different from any you have done before. It will change you in many ways. All positive!!!!! There are SO many patriots out there that want to say “Thank You” and show you that they care about you. Lots of them want to give you a hug! I will never turn that down!!!

Looking to make a difference, in addition to riding?

The Midway Team is really coming together. The State Coordinators are hard at work coordinating with the great people that support and feed us at our stops, as well as the Gas Stations and Hotels that accommodate us.

It takes a village to get all those riders across the U.S. in 10 days.  We need people to volunteer for the various positions of the Run, whether it be in a leadership or support role.  Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, there may be things you can do to help us out.

The teams are almost full, but we could still use some help on Staging, Fuel, Medic teams and Registration lead position. If you are interested in being a part of any of these great teams, go the RFTW site and fill out  a volunteer application and get it submitted. I assure you that your leadership team will respond and attempt to place you in the position you desire, if you meet the qualifications.

FNG’S (Friendly new guys/Gals)

Midway leadership is developing many exciting opportunities for our FNG community for 2026. Midway Outreach and Ambassador teams are working at bringing numbers of FNG’s to each breakout to overpasses, veteran’s hospitals and homes, schools and many more.

Missing man formation opportunities are being developed and will be announced soon through our Missing Man Coordinator. His name is James “Juice” Brown and he will be reaching out to the FNG’s and riding community shortly with the limited spaces he will have available to ride in the prestigious position in the missing man formation, in the front of the midway pack, directly behind the route coordinator.

All these opportunities and more guidance will be announced to you through the midway route FNG coordinator. His name is Roger “Bullseye” Ford and he will be reaching out to each of you shortly.

This will be an outstanding adventure for all FNG’s riding in 2026.

Gulf War Veterans

As a fellow veteran of the Gulf War, I salute each of you and along with your Midway leadership team, we are developing exciting opportunities for you to show our respect and to celebrate your service.

This year is dedicated to you and your service to this nation and us all.

I will give further information as the plans develop and solidify.

Check out the Forum

There are various costs associated with RFTW. Besides the cost of making sure your bike is ready for the trip (good battery, fresh fluids, plenty of tire tread, everything tightened, working lights, etc.) there is the registration fee, prepaid gas fee, topping off each evening or morning, and a place to sleep. Hotel rooms are probably the largest expense on the run.  One of the best ways to help keep your cost down is to have a roommate. The new Forum has a ton of topics from GMRS radios, to various meet ups, to items for sale. It is also an excellent place to post that you are looking for a roommate to share hotel costs. And, if you are planning on sharing a hotel room, the trick is to get rooms with two beds. The hotel list for all routes is released on January 1, 2026. Each hotel has a limited number of rooms with two beds in the RFTW blocks. If you plan on sharing hotel rooms, you might want to consider booking early on New Years Day.

Platoon Assignments

The registration information has been released for our route. The Midway Platoon Coordinator, Joe “Java Joe” Bookataub, is starting to place riders in platoons based on the info you provided on your registration form. Type of bike you are riding, preference of riding (side by side or staggered), riding with friends, etc.  As he gets the platoon information out to the Platoon Leaders, they will be contacting the riders assigned to their platoon so everyone knows ahead of the run what platoon they will be in. If you are in a platoon that doesn’t work for you, or would rather be in a different platoon with friends, just let your Platoon Leader know so we can make requested adjustments.

Why We Ride

There are so many wonderful things about RFTW and specifically the Midway route. The amazing people you meet who quickly accept you and become family you look forward to seeing year after year. The incredible ride across our great nation and the dedicated patriotic supporters that feed us and wave to us from overpasses every year.  And of course, the Mission. I can find no way to put into words how powerfully our Mission affects me. I am humbled to be part of such a great cause and to honor and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free. Above all else, while you are on the run, please keep our Mission in mind.

Midway Route Overpass

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.”

“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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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 6 – Central ROOOOT Coordinator Jim “Who” McDonough

RFTW Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 6 – Central ROOOOT Coordinator Jim “Who” McDonough.

Is it ROOOOT or Route? Jim “Who” McDonough helps us settle it.

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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President’s Message – October 2025

RFTW Feature Midway Route

The weather has noticeably shifted toward fall in south-central PA. Many bird species, including my favorite, the hummingbirds, have headed for warmer areas. The leaves have started to fall, a clear sign that cooler weather is approaching. Sadly, this year, the trees lack vibrant colors as they change, but riding through the mountains remains enjoyable. With only 209 days until KSU, we stay busy preparing for RFTW 2026. Several projects are underway that we hope will make 2026 a fantastic year! This may also be a good time to give your motorcycle a thorough check and schedule any necessary maintenance or repairs. And speaking of maintenance and repairs, if you aren’t already taking care of your body, the winter months might be a good time to start. We all know that a fit mind and body will help you on the Run.

Above all else, we need to keep our “eyes on the ball”.

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 I’m sure you have heard, Michael “Wizard” Turner, a longtime Southern Route rider and board member, recently passed away. I ask you to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

M25 and RFTW Wall partnered for a one-of-a-kind Motorcycle Giveaway to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

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

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

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

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

The rules for this giveaway are:

  • You must be a United States Veteran, and you must have registered and completed at least one leg of Run For The Wall in the past.
  • You must be located in the lower 48 states for Mission M25 to deliver it to you.
  • You can register once a day up until midnight on November 10th.

The winner will be announced on Veterans Day 2025. Mission M25’s goal is to deliver the bike to the winner in person in a timely manner after the winner is announced. The M25 point of contact for questions is Dustin “Leatherneck” Taylor – write him at leatherneckdwt@gmail.com.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

As occasionally happens, there has been a realignment among the Board of Directors. Alan “Xbox” Steiner is transitioning into the Operations role, and Angie “Den Mother” Holterman is now serving on the Board as the Director of Merchandise. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, as Angie might be looking for a merchandise assistant soon.

Once again, fundraising activities have started. Fundraising has specific rules, so you should discuss it with your Route Coordinator (RC) before beginning or announcing any fundraising efforts. There are guidelines for both fundraising and the use of RFTW’s Intellectual Property (IP). Make sure to review these with your RC and follow the official procedures. Some options require time for review and approval, so plan ahead. For example, a fundraiser request, including a draft design, must go through the RC, then to the Director of Merchandise, and finally to the Treasurer for approval. If you’re using RFTW IP, it also needs approval from the President. We aren’t trying to restrict fundraising activities for the routes, but we must prevent unapproved use of our intellectual property. Route fundraisers that compete with RFTW merchandise sales would be like “cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

We are still looking for a new Treasurer, but no one has volunteered yet. Our financial records are essential for our charitable ratings and IRS status. Although we don’t aim to make a profit (since we are a nonprofit), we are required to file taxes and an annual Form 990, so keeping accurate financial records is crucial to our continued success and survival. Bob Nelson, our current Treasurer, has worked hard to continue to improve our bookkeeping processes. If you’re interested in the position, please get in touch with Bob at treasurer@rftw.us.

Camping in Ontario requires prior approval and reservations. To be clear, there is no camping at the Elks without prior clearance. Camping arrangements is one of the many things that Carol is working on, so please wait for further information. As expected, traveling and camping are similar to staying at a hotel; prior reservations are almost always required. More details will follow, so please be patient as this develops.

Registration for Run 2026 is open.  The rates were adjusted for 2026 as follows:

  • C2C
    1. $100 – Early Bird
    2. $120 – Regular Reg (starting Feb 1)
    3. $100 – Day riders (up to 3 days on the road riding)
  • W2W
    1. $40 – Early Bird
    2. $60 – Regular Reg (starting Feb 1)
    3. Day riders pay regular rates

Besides saving you money, registering early is very helpful to our State Coordinators. Those dedicated volunteers who work so hard to feed and house us need as much advance notice as possible about the number of riders coming. You can register on our website just as you have in the past.

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 various individuals who have contributed to the development of RFTW.  If you have ideas for a podcast, please email the team at pod@rftw.us.  Check it out!!

Some final thoughts:

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.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 10 October 2025): The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  Since the first of January 2025, DPAA has accounted for 160 of our fallen lost in conflicts. 109 from WWII, 44 from the Korean War, and 7 from the Vietnam War – that leaves 1566 still missing in Vietnam, most of whom still have families looking for answers. DPAA lists 126 missing from the Cold War and six still missing in the Gulf War and Libya. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those 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!

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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BoD Announces A Change In Positions & Responsibilities

Run for the Wall

The Board of Directors is announcing a change in positions and responsibilities.

Following the untimely passing of Michael “Wizard” Turner last month, Alan “X-Box” Steiner is taking over the role of Director of Operations. With this change, we are also transferring responsibility for D.C. coordination from the President to the Director of Operations, so that Alan will be responsible for working directly with DC State Coordinator Ed Wehner in Springfield as well as California State Coordinator Carol Olmstead in Ontario.

Additionally, the Director of Operations’ roles and responsibilities are expanding to an enhanced emphasis on safety processes and procedures.

Angie "Den Mother" Holterman

Angie “Den Mother” Holterman is stepping into the role of Director of Merchandise. Angie joined RFTW as an FNG in 2016 and now serves as the Southern Route Ambassador Lead. She has been working closely with Alan as the Merchandise Assistant and is excited to expand her contributions to our Mission.