Posted on by

Southern Route 2027 Intro – Route Coordinator

RFTW Southern Route

Run For The Wall XXXVII – Southern Route

Route Coordinator – Kevin “Short” Short

Greetings, RFTW Family, from sunny and very warm Southern California!

It is both an honor and a privilege to have been nominated and approved as the Southern Route Coordinator for Run For The Wall XXXVII (2027). Having recently completed my service as the Assistant Route Coordinator for the Southern Route in 2026, I am truly humbled by the confidence placed in me to serve in this role.

As a proud patriot, I cannot adequately express the gratitude and respect I hold for those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Military service has been a significant part of my family’s history, including my grandfather, father, uncle, son, and nephew. Because of their service and sacrifice, our family understands the meaning behind the words:

“All gave some, some gave all.” 

“Freedom Isn’t Free” 

Run for the Wall 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.                         “Welcome Home”  

 

My wife, Sharon, and I are deeply committed to supporting veterans, their families, and their friends. Sharon volunteers throughout the week at our local VA facility, and we both understand the importance of the Run For The Wall mission.

Over the years, we have witnessed the healing, camaraderie, and life-changing experiences this mission provides. We have embraced the mission and the incredible family that is Run For The Wall. Make no mistake—RFTW is a family, and we never take that responsibility lightly. As we continue to grow each year, it is our duty to preserve the values, traditions, and purpose that make this mission so special.

My RFTW Journey

FNG Year

    •      Southern Route – 2019

Route Participation

      •      Southern Route All The Way – 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
      •      Sandbox Route All The Way – 2023
      •      Wall-to-Wall Flag Escort Participant – 2020
      •      Patti’s Posse All The Way – 2021

Volunteer Leadership Roles

      •      1st Platoon Tailgunner – 2022, 2023
      •      Assistant Platoon Leader, Support Platoon (Sandbox Route) – 2023
      •      Leadership Support, Sandbox Route – 2023
      •      Friends of Bill Coordinator – 2023, 2025
      •      Platoon Coordinator, Southern Route – 2024, 2025
      •      Assistant Route Coordinator, Southern Route – 2026

Assistant Route Coordinator and Road Guard Captain

I am proud to announce that the Run For The Wall Executive Board has approved my nominations for the 2027 Assistant Route Coordinator and Road Guard Captain positions.

Please join me in congratulating:

      •      Dave “Double D” Davis – Assistant Route Coordinator
      •      Christopher “Unplugged” Johnson – Road Guard Captain

Both individuals are exceptionally qualified for their respective positions. I have complete confidence that they will continue to uphold the RFTW mission with the professionalism, dedication, attention to detail, and respect these leadership roles require.

Thank you, Dave and Chris, for your willingness to serve and for accepting these important positions.

Run for the Wall 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.

After Action Reports (AARs)

Each year, we review After Action Reports (AARs) to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance both the Route and the overall mission experience.

If you participated in Run For The Wall 2026 on any route, we encourage you to complete an AAR and share your experience. Whether you were a First-Time Rider (FNG) or a returning participant, your feedback matters. The Board of Directors and Route Coordinators carefully review every submission and use that input to strengthen the mission for future years.

Volunteers Needed

The continued success of Run For The Wall depends on dedicated volunteers.

Please consider serving in a leadership or volunteer position by completing a Volunteer Form. Even if you volunteered in previous years, we ask that you submit a new form as early as possible to indicate your interest in serving again.

We have opportunities in many areas, so please identify all positions that may interest you. Your willingness to serve helps ensure the success of our mission.

2026 FNGs (Friendly New Guys and Gals)

If 2026 was your first Run For The Wall experience, we would love to hear your story.

Please consider sharing, in your own words, what the mission meant to you and how the experience impacted your life. Your story can inspire future riders and help others understand the healing power of this mission.

What did you experience? What did you learn? How did RFTW affect you?

We encourage you to share your story. Please share your story here.

ALL RFTW RIDERS REUNION – Kerrville, TX
If you are so inclined, the ALL RFTW RIDERS REUNION (not an officially sanctioned event by RFTW) will be taking place in Kerrville, TX  2026. For additional information please see the TX Riders Reunion Facebook page or contact Phillip “Juice” Tutton at texasriderreunion@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 903-556-1717.

Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never forget! Live a Life worthy of their Sacrifice!

RFTW Southern Route Coordinator 2027

Kevin “Short” Short

Posted on by

New Director of Public Relations Announcement

Become a Board Member!

The Board of Directors is looking to fill the upcoming vacancy of Director of Public Relations. This is a critical, sensitive position with a 3-year commitment that requires specific skills to enhance RFTW’s public persona and attract new riders. We live and work in a world of electronic media and communication, so knowledge and familiarity with computers, social media platforms, website content management, video editing and production, etc., is paramount.

The successful candidate will have a background in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and similar tools like Zoom. Website content management using WordPress and similar tools is preferred. Public Relations experience, including speaking with the media, is essential. Effective writing is required. Knowledge and experience in actively participating on a variety of social media platforms is equally necessary. The successful candidate will need to be closely attuned to the Bylaws and SOPs of RFTW and be willing and able to actively assist the Social Media Director on multiple social media programs and platforms. Occasional training sessions with route volunteers to ensure an understanding of our social media objectives may be required. Public speaking ability is critically important.

The Director of Public Relations is responsible to:

  • Build relationships with media outlets and communication partners that lead to mainstream coverage of RFTW events.
  • Serve as the key media contact for RFTW.
  • Manage the RFTW website, including overseeing the production of new content and shepherding its ongoing development to include non-website platforms if applicable
  • Increase the visibility of RFTW by managing the brand image through determining and designing marketing materials and organizing and overseeing the creation of RFTW promotional materials.
  • Manage, produce, and update written and visual multimedia content for emails, website, and social media networks to raise the visibility of RFTW.
  • Respond to media requests in a timely manner.
  • Control the flow of information between RFTW and the public and manage the public perception of the organization, ensuring that information across all channels is accurate and positive.
  • Work closely with the Social Media Director to build, project, and maintain a positive image of RFTW to the public through communication media.
  • Produce/ oversee the production of and distribution of creative presentations, press releases, leaflets, brochures, and other types of media agenda for internal and external distribution.
  • Develop public relations strategies that promote RFTW products, brand, and MISSION.
  • Respond to requests for information release from the media or other vetted interested parties.
  • Coach other RFTW representatives in appropriate ways to communicate with the public and designate appropriate RFTW spokespersons and sources of information.
  • Encourage liaising with related organizations, such as motorcycle groups, veterans’ associations, civic and service-related organizations, and individuals/groups that support the RFTW MISSION and those that may be the beneficiaries of donations from RFTW.
  • Check the facts and veracity of statements from individuals or groups regarding RFTW, making certain public statements can be properly sourced and validated, thus creating consistency and accuracy across all channels of communication.
  • Develop a public relations plan for potential negative scenarios in order to both control public narrative and to protect the integrity and reputation of RFTW content continuity across all social media platforms.
  • Provide annual and before-Run training for route social media coordinators, photographers, videographers, and sit-rep writers to ensure they understand and comply with a positive, mission-focused public presentation representing Run For The Wall in all they do.
  • May be assigned other duties as determined by the Board or BoD President.

Appointment to the BoD places demands on your free time. We meet at least once a month, often twice. There are occasional emergency online meetings with as little as 5 days’ notice. Occasional travel is required, with certain travel expenses reimbursed. In July each year, the BoD convenes face-to-face meetings where attendance is paramount. Our winter Face-to-Face meeting may be held in person or via video teleconference. We also meet Face to Face each year in Ontario prior to the Run.

The successful candidate will submit a resume outlining their skills relevant to those listed here, along with a brief description of their Run experience, website content management and social media experience, and the names of three references we may contact. Veterans are also required to submit an SSAN-redacted copy of their DD-214 that shows Character of Service (type of discharge). Once selected, the successful candidate will also have to submit to a Character & Fitness Examination (CFE), essentially a background check at the Board’s expense. Additionally, the BoD reserves the right to interview candidates for positions on the Board of Directors during the selection process.

Those wishing to apply should submit their package to Secretary@rftw.us no later than 31 July 2026. Questions can be directed to President@rftw.us.

If you want to serve Run for the Wall, this is an excellent opportunity to impact the future of our organization. We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted on by

Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – July 2026

Randy "Stinger" Sheets

My name is Randy Sheets, and my road name is “Stinger”.

I was honored to be your Midway Route 2026 Assistant Route Coordinator and even more honored to have been confirmed by the BoD as your 2027 Run For The Wall – Route Coordinator. I’m happy to announce that my nomination for your Midway Assistant Route Coordinator is Mark Brundage, road name “Ox” and your Midway Road Guard Captain is Ryan Long, road name “Pipes” were confirmed by the Board of Directors.

A bit about me, I’m an Air Force Veteran who served from 1976-1980.  My career field was in Telecommunications.  After basic training in San Antonio, I did my technical school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS.  After tech school, I was stationed at Carswell AFB in Ft Worth, TX.  It was a SAC base at that time, and I always enjoyed watching the “Buffs” come and go as it meant freedom to me.  In 1978, I was stationed in Okinawa at Kadena AFB until I was honorably discharged in May of 1980.  After that, I turned my Air Force training into a career, first by working in the Cable TV field as a technician and eventually as the Technical Operations Manager with Comcast in Indianapolis for 17 years.  I then took a Sr. Sales and Engineering position in the field of video transport over fiber optics until I retired in 2023.

With respect to the Run, my FNG year was in 2014, the year of the first Midway route.  I rode in the pack in ‘14 & ’15 because, like a lot of our riders, I did not have enough vacation time to go “All the Way”.  In 2016 I gained another weeks’ vacation and my wife at the time asked me what we are going to do with that extra week and I replied, “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to Ontario”.  Once I recovered from the frying pan hitting me in the head I was able to go to Ontario.

2016 was my first year in Leadership.  I was a Tail gunner with the trailer platoon.  What an experience that was.  From 2017 on, other than the covid years, I was a Road Guard.  In 2024 & 2025 I had to tap out due to a hip replacement in April of ’24 and another medical issue grounded me in ’25.  I thought ’26 might be in jeopardy as I needed a redo of the previous hip replacement which I had done just 6 weeks before KSU in Ontario.  I was determined to ride, but hadn’t really ridden in 3 years as I was in some state of recovery from surgeries.  I must agree that it is true that if you don’t practice your skills by riding you lose them and this showed for sure during  the Run, so the moral of that is, besides hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, you need to practice, practice, practice!

You know that the Run, besides all the fun, camaraderie, seeing familiar faces, renewing friendships and meeting new folks, the Run, or as I like to say, the mission is to promote healing and demand a full accounting for our lost men and women who have not yet come home.

FNG’s – Friendly New Guys / Gals

Our FNG’s are the one thing that makes RFTW so meaningful.  Everyone is welcome to ride with us as having served is not a requirement.  If you go all the way or just a day or two you will find a caring and open atmosphere so, please keep coming back and tell all of your friends and family about RFTW and invite them to join us.

The 2027 route KSU is May 19th at 07:00 from Ontario, CA. Registration will open on September 11, 2026, and the hotel list comes out in early January.  The Midway Itinerary will be developed by our State Coordinators and released in early ’27.  Updates to follow on these important dates.  If you are interested in filling a Leadership position then go to the link and fill out the request form.   Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this month and as we move forward, we must all remember that “Freedom isn’t free”, it was earned and is maintained with the blood, sweat and tears of our soldiers, sailors airmen, marines and patriots who have made America what she is today, a bastion of freedom and the envy of the world.

In closing, 2027 is going to be a remarkable year for the Run. We will continue the mission to promote healing among all veterans, their family and friends, to call for an accounting of all POW’s and those still missing in action, to honor the memory of those KIA from all wars and to support our military personnel all over the world.

Say their names.

Never forget.

This is why we ride.

Randy “Stinger” Sheets
Midway Route Coordinator 2027

Posted on by

Central Route Coordinator – Introduction

Horton and Boots

Greetings fellow Central Route Riders.

My name is Todd “Horton” Taylor, and I am honored to have been confirmed by the Board of Directors to be your 2027 Central Route Coordinator.

First off, I want to thank last year’s Route Coordinator, Jim “Who?” McDonough for his leadership and guidance. Secondly, I would not be able to take on this monumental task without a strong leadership team. With that being said, I would like to introduce your 2027 Central Route Assistant Route Coordinator, Ted “Boots” Kapner. Our focus is to make 2027 a safe and memorable year.

Stay tuned for my July newsletter as it will have information concerning our upcoming Angel Fire Reunion!

Horton

Todd “Horton” Taylor
RFTW 2027 Central Route Coordinator
West Virginia State Coordinator

Posted on by

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 15 – From Breecher to Quartermaster

Run For The Wall Podcast

S2 E15 From Breecher to Quartermaster

The mission continues in this episode with Cliff “Breecher” Brumels who shares his experience from joining RFTW for the first time to jumping feet first into becoming a “roooot” Quartermaster

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

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.

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

Posted on by

President’s Message – June 2026

Run For The Wall May 2026 Mission Complete

It is so quiet…No bikes starting in the parking lot at 4:00 a.m., no rush to get up, get ready, and get to staging, breakfast, and the morning safety meeting. No daily weather checks to see what we are riding into today. As life returns to “normal”, let’s reflect a bit on Run 2026 and what it means to so many people. Let’s again give thanks to the thousands of volunteers who were so instrumental in making the Run a success. Let’s remember the old friends, the new friends we made, and those who no longer ride with us. And please, send in your AAR!! After Action Reports (AARs) are your voice to the leaders of each Route and to the Board. Each one is read, reviewed, and cataloged so we can better understand what went right and what needs improvement. As we prepare for the annual Face-to-Face meeting, your input can affect the Board’s decisions in many ways. Once you have cleaned all the road grime off your bike, it is a good time to assess its condition and either repair it or note anything that needs to be done.

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.

Our new RCs for RFTW 2027 are ready to hit the ground running!!  At our monthly meeting on the 11th of June, the Board approved Central Route nominee Todd “Horton” Taylor, Midway Route nominee Randy “Stinger” Sheets, Southern Route nominee Kevin “Short” Short, and Sandbox Route nominee Sam “Polar Bear” Warner to become RCs for RFTW 2027.  The nominees spent the year between RFTW 2025 and 2026 “learning the ropes” of route leadership and are up to the challenge.  Please join us in congratulating them and get ready to help them in the upcoming planning process.  They will need the support of each of us to ensure a successful RFTW 2027.

As the official part of this year’s RFTW mission draws to a close, it doesn’t mean your support for our veterans, their families, and friends should wane.  We recently announced our partnership with the Red Star Foundation.  If you didn’t have time to research the Foundation or to get involved before the Run, this is a great opportunity to do so.  The Red Star Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities. They provide an avenue for you to contribute throughout the year.  Click here to learn more about the Red Star Foundation.  Click here to become an RFTW Red Star Rider.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW unique. 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!!  They’ve already released a post-RFTW 2026 podcast!

Next month, our newsletter will include information from the Face-to-Face, including announcements of new RCs, ARCs, and RGCs, as applicable.  Stay tuned for more information.

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

“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 2 June 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
2026 – CR Road Guard

Posted on by

June 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

on the step of WV state capitol

I hope everyone made it home safely and enjoys the rest of your summer. This will be my last newsletter as RC. It has been an honor and privilege to take you across our great Nation and meet great people along the way.

For the last year, many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in making the RFTW XXXVI a success and I could not have done this without those people and those that mentored me along the way.

Thank you everyone, especially the past RC’s, for your support and help when I needed it most.

This year’s Run was a little different than those in the past. For the first time in since 2022, all three coast to coast routes left on the same day. We helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The Central and Southern Route joining together on the last day as we rode in together as one group, as one family into the National Capitol area.  We laid a brick in honor of a past RFTW Rider at Angel Fire.  The Central Route had a couple of special guests and even though the weather was a little soggy towards the end, we were able to get through it safely and without any major incidents.

To the Platoon leadership. Thank you all for instilling the Run for the Wall spirit into your FNG’s and teaching them the Run for the Wall traditions and way of riding.  For some riders, it was not an easy transition, but almost all stuck through it to the end.  This is in no small part due to your Platoon leadership and skill.  This Ride could not have been done without the orange hats!

To the Road Guards, who are an outstanding group of individuals, you kept our Run safe and moved us along efficiently. The Run would not be what it is today, without you and the leadership of your Road Guard Captain, Boots. Thank you!

To out Missing Man Coordinator, Bones did fantastic job and he has reminded us as to why we do this Run.

To the Outreach and Ambassadors, thank you for spreading the word to the General Public about the Run and meeting with Gold Star families, schools, the people on the roadsides and overpasses before we rode by.  Thank you Professor, Cow Pie and Old Girl!

To the Leadership support group, which kept the plaques and certificates flowing, paying for the gas, and helping generate financial support for our donors. This Run would not be successful without you.

To our FNG coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, and registration team, thank you for answering people’s questions and sorting out all the personnel issues involved in such a large group.

To our hydration team and merchandise team. Despite your mechanical and logistical issues along the Run, you always made it work and were able to provide the services we needed at our stops.

To the Chase vehicles, for without them, many of you Riders would not have been able to make it across the country.

To our State Coordinators. As I have said many times, these people are the reasons we have the public donations support, from food, gas, people, donors, and tolls. They are the reason why your fuel sticker was low as why you gained weight during the Run.

To our fuelers and stagers, the run would not start or end without you. You provided much-needed support and tactical weather reports of what was ahead to the main pack. Thank you!

To our Chaplains, you provided our Riders the spiritual guidance and support throughout the Run, even though some Riders did not think they needed it. Your prayers helped us all and you are all truly a blessing for the Run.

To the Medical Team and Risk Manager. I did not hear much from you guys, so no news is good news. Hopefully it was a mostly uneventful ride for you all.  Thank you!

Finally, to the Riders. The Run would not be the Run without the Riders. We met as strangers in Ontario coming from various parts of the country with different ways of doing things.  After 10 days across the country, we became friends and part of the RFTW family. Your patience and persistence paid off as we sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and laid the Mission complete plaque at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.

This ride probably tested most resulting in some making changes to their rain gear and riding styles. I am sure that for all “former” FNG’s, this ride impressed you in ways that words would never describe, and I hope you all decide to continue the RFTW mission and promote the Run.

Some of you will get the “fever” and decide to return, some may also volunteer for some added responsibility to support the Run. Some of you may not and that is OK. But all of you will have lifelong memories of the Run and can proudly say, “I went all the Way!” on the largest organize cross country motorcycle ride!

I would like to mention a few people who have expressed to me that they are stepping back, and volunteers are needed to help fill their shoes on the Run.

One is Tommy Cranford, our Last Man Vehicle. The Last Man Vehicle holds an especially important job during the Run of coordinating the chase vehicles to respond to those on the side of the road as well as reporting to the RC and others as well as the conditions of the pack during the Run.  Some of the other things he does outside of the Run, separate of being the Last Man Vehicle, is maintaining the Central Route inventory gear before and after the Run.  Tommy sustained an injury during the Run and is currently going through the healing process.  He indicated to me that 2026 would be his last Run, so if anyone is interested in one or both these important jobs, please let the Central leadership know.

Thank you, Tommy, for the outstanding work you have done!

The other is the State Coordinator position for New Mexico. Patty Finley has articulated to me several times that she can no longer do the job. The Central Route spends three days in New Mexico and Patty has been responsible for coordinating the activities in the State of New Mexico.  Much of our donated fuel, food, and activities are due, in no small part, to the tireless work Patty has done.  If you live in New Mexico and can help in anyway, please let the Central Leadership know.

Thank you, Patty, for the outstanding work you have done!

David Parkhill our Illinois State Coordinator, is also stepping back from the job. Chris Braden has been selected as his replacement. Thank you, David, for the great job you have done as Illinois State Coordinator and a hearty welcome to Chris.  Dave, we hope to see you at the Mt. Vernon lunch stop in the future.

During your ten days on the run, there are those that made a great impression on you during this Run. Try and maintain those relationships. Time is fleeting and as the Rolling Stones once said, “Time waits for no one and it won’t wait for me… Hours are like diamonds, don’t let them waste… Drink in your summer, gather your corn. The dreams of the nighttime will vanish by dawn.”

Talk about the Run with your friends and acquaintances. There may be some myths or misconceptions about what the Run is all about. Tell them about your experiences as you put a face to the Run.

The Run has changed dramatically over the years and continues to evolve as we strive to meet all the commitments and expectations from the public, donors and our riders. The Run is not perfect but each year we try to make it better much due in part to the comments provided by the Riders.

After Action Report – Run For The Wall®

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.

The link to the form is here.

If you are up to the challenge, the Run needs volunteers to help in 2027. Fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in contributing. The hours may be long and the pay not so good, but the rewards are great!

The volunteer link is here. Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

It is bittersweet that I must relinquish this job and thank you all once again for your trust in allowing me to lead you across our great country. I have been humbled by all the support you have given me and will always remember the experiences you all have provided.  Please show the same level of support to the next RC!

As always, please remember our Mission Statement:

 

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

Posted on by

Southern Route June 2026 Newsletter

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter June 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

Greetings Everyone!  This will be a short newsletter this month.

I want to thank all my riders for a great Run this year!  I know that riding in the pack can be tedious at times and through it all, we Continued The Mission!

It was a good feeling of watching all of the planning we did through the year being executed and having to modify the plan to ensure that we made it across our country as safely as possible.

My thanks to our leadership teams, without their help in the planning and in The Run, I would have not been able to accomplish our mission.   Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders, and Tail Gunners all contributed time and energy in the planning of the Southern Route.

My Team Leaders started their planning in June of last year and continued the planning up until Kick Stands Up in Ontario.  My friend, Carol Olmstead, planned everything Ontario.  Without her dedication and hard work, the entire Run For The Wall experience would not have happened.  Thank you, Carol!

We had relatively decent weather this year.  I say that knowing we had the Tennessee Tidal Wave in 2017 and had 3” of hail outside of Odessa, I think it was in 2024.  So, we survived what little crappy weather we encountered and came out on the other side a little damp.  Oh!  Almost forgot the deluge we had pulling into Lynchburg Harley!  We got there just before the skies opened up and gave us a welcoming shower.  Such are the joys of riding a motorcycle!

Jerry “F-Stop” Lanier gave us an outstanding photo of us all sitting at the Linc.  Jerry said he took 36,000 photos on this year’s Southern and Sandbox routes.  He has begun his editing process, which will whittle that number to around 20,000 edited photos.  Thank you, my friend!

Thanks to the Platoon leadership throughout The Run.  They were instrumental to getting everyone into Springfield, VA, safely.  Stagers and Fuelers did an outstanding job getting us through the pumps as quickly as possible.  Yes, there are times when they were confronted with challenging situations.  They handled them on the spot and got everyone through as quickly and as safely as possible.  Remember, patience is a virtue!

Let’s not forget all of the supporters who cared for us along our route and the State Coordinators who ensured we had food and lodging

Again, thank you, riders, for your support throughout this year’s Run!  Without you being on the Run, it would have been just us colored hats, and that would be sad.

Say their names! Tell their stories! Never forget!  Live a life worthy of their sacrifice!

 

 

David “Buzz” Mullen
Route Coordinator
Southern Route
RFTW 2026

 

 

 

Some pics of just a few of the people who helped our Southern Route be successful.

 

 

 

Posted on by

Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – June 2026

RFTW Rider Survey

I arrived home in southern California 5 days ago and it seems like yesterday.

Welcome home to all and “Happy Father’s Day”. Can you believe how fast time is just flying by.

This year’s run leaves me with so many fond memories. Some of profound joy of seeing old friends and meeting new ones and some of Immense sadness of loss and maybe the realization that time stands still for no one. But before I expound on these feelings and more let me express my profound gratitude to your 2026 Leadership team. The leaders and their respective teams worked tirelessly since the end of 2025 to ensure your experience in 2026 would be enlightening, memorable and healing for many. These volunteers were State Coordinators, Road Guards, Missing Man Coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, Platoon Leaders, Asst Platoon Leaders, Tail Gunners, Financial services, Risk Management, Photographer, Sit rep writers, Hotel/Camping Coordinator, RC assistants and the many individuals from our local communities that welcomed us and fed us all across this country.

I would be remiss if I did not single out some individuals who went above and beyond in supporting me and giving me the ability to make this year’s run meaningful, fun, healing and hopefully a memory you will cherish and share with your children and grandchildren in the future.

Jerry Wilkins was not only my mentor this year, he was also the Midway routes California state coordinator, hotel coordinator, camping coordinator, Advance team Road Guard and Registration Team Lead. Thank you, Jerry for keeping me “On Track” and providing sage guidance daily. You were always there for me and the Midway family.

Michelle DeLa Cruz became my guiding light starting on day one. She always was ready to help with anything I needed assistance with including being the platoon leader for the leadership support platoon. “Thank you, Michelle”.

“Java Joe” Bookataub developed all Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners for this years run. He told me that sometimes it was like herding cats. All the Platoon participant’s succeeded in becoming more proficient daily at pack riding. Whether you were in Platoon leadership or a rider or an FNG, it became apparent that you were becoming a team as we got closer to Springfield.

Well Done to all!!!

Collectively, I hope the leadership teams made 2026 memorable and reinforced the true purpose and focus of just what in life is worth fighting for. We hope that you always remember that life is truly about “The Mission”!

After Action Reports

Please remember that we are always trying to make next years’ experience better and that is why the After-Action Reports (AAR’S) are very important. I have received many already and I want to assure you that they are read by not only me but by the Board of Directors. I have already made a list of items from your submissions to be discussed at our next directors’ meeting. You can find AAR’S on the Midway page, second from the bottom on the scroll down menu. Please take this opportunity to tell me how we did this year. The Good, the bad and the ugly.

We cannot as a family make it better if we do not have an honest evaluation of our process and procedure.

To truly make a better product we collectively must analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate continuously. Please use the After Action Report (AAR) as your personal vehicle to assist the RFTW leadership accomplish this mission.

Red Star Foundation

It saddens me to hear that our continued armed conflicts are afflicting our warriors with same guilt as I suffered and is potentially causing us to lose them at a rate of 20 -22 a day. We have developed a partnership with the Red Star foundation whose primary purpose is to never allow this nation to forget the cost of armed conflict and those who chose to offer that sacrifice.
If our combined efforts can save even a few, it was well worth the time, effort and money.

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

It was my honor to lead the Midway route across this great country this year. I look forward to seeing you all next year as your route Mentor.

“IS IT MAY YET”

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

Posted on by

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 14 – Rain Boots/Tai Goes Midway

Run For The Wall Podcast
I rode with stash n' boots.

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 14 – Rain Boots/Tai Goes Midway

RFTW XXXVI Mission Completed.

It’s time to submit AAR’s. Share the good, bad and ugly so we can continue to improve Run For The Wall for years to come.

In this episode Boots and Hitch wrap up Season 2 with their experiences on Central and Midway Routes.

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.