This will be a short newsletter to let you know that there will be a change in the Run For The Wall online store operation over the summer. I mentioned in my last newsletter that the online store will be closed 5/1 and reopen 6/15. This closure affects all products sold. There is an additional update that will take effect 6/15. Please see below.
5/1 – 6/14
Online store is closed.
6/15 – 8/31
Online store is open for shirts and head gear only. During this period, no other items will be available for purchase until 9/1, after which time the 2025 products will begin to roll out.
I am also happy to announce that a new men’s RED shirt will be available beginning in Ontario. There is not a lady’s option for this shirt. Prices range from $25 to $35 depending on size.
Finally, the USA Map patch has been refreshed to add Sandbox in addition to ribbons from Vietnam thru the current conflicts. Price is the same at $5.
Have a safe journey wherever you’re picking up the Run and I will see you on the road!
Alan “Xbox” Steiner Director of Merchandise
Board of Directors
Run For The Wall https://rftw.us
Please excuse me if this newsletter seems to jump around a lot. I had a lot of information I wanted to get out and it may seem a bit disjointed, but please read the whole thing!
Pre-Run Preparation Make sure you pack enough prescription Meds to get all the way back home. Get your Bike Ready. NO BALD TIRES!! Safety Chains are required for any Trailers. Time is running out to get your bikes in tip top shape! Get them serviced, get them inspected, and make sure your state registration, Motorcycle endorsement and insurance are all up to date and valid through the end of May 2024. If you haven’t already done so, pack up your bike with everything you are taking and get out on the highway or interstate on a test ride. Make sure you’re familiar with how your bike is going to handle with the added gear. Make sure you can safely control your bike, stop, start, and tight turns while loaded! Be sure that everything is safely secured and will not become a hazard to other riders.
As you prepare your bikes or other modes of transportation, you also need to prepare yourselves, mind, and body too! This is NOT a weekend ride. Be sure you have your Emergency Information Form filled out – completely! It will be checked daily by your Team Leaders and/or Platoon Leaders. It is MANDATORY and you cannot ride without it. If you take medication, be sure that you listed it on your EIF and that you have enough of your prescribed medications with you for your entire trip.
It is time for everyone to start hydrating! It is much easier to hydrate than it is to re-hydrate! Generally, it is recommended to drink a liter of water a day to stay hydrated. However, this can depend on your age, body, underlying medical conditions, and what physical exercise you are doing on that day. Being extremely thirsty, dry mouth, fast breathing, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure are all significant signs of dehydration, however, what many of us will likely feel first is fatigue – both mentally and physically! Be aware and stay HYDRATED!
West Virginia Motorcycle Service
In Rainelle, WV: J T Taylor is a Gold Star Father that has a motorcycle repair business on 6th Ave: tires, brakes, repairs, etc. He will be at the Veterans Memorial with numerous other WV Gold Star families and then will be available to work on any type of motorcycle after the Outreach ceremony.
His oldest son Jeffrey was a member of Seal Team 10 (“Lone Survivor” movie) – KIA in Afghanistan. His middle son Josh was severely injured by an IED.
His youngest son suffered a broken back on an aircraft carrier and now has TBI from an auto accident.
All Vietnam Era Vets on the Central Route:
If you are not familiar with them, the USA Vietnam War Commemoration is a DOD and Congressionally authorized national 50th anniversary commemoration. The primary objective is to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Commemoration is providing Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to military veterans who served during the Vietnam Era (11/1/1955 – 5/15/1975). For the purpose of the pin, there is no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period.
The pins can only be administered by Commemorative partners, and they are typically administered by attending a “Dignified Presentation”. You can read more about this here: https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/about/vietnam_veteran_lapel_pin/
(You can also opt to have the pin mailed to you. Please see their web site for details)
The exciting news for Vietnam era vets on the Central route is that we have worked over the winter with Sons and Daughters in Touch (www.sdit.org) and the Willing Warriors Foundation (www.willingwarriors.org) (they are Commemorative Partners) to administer the lapel pins to any Vietnam Era Vets at our Day 10 lunch stop in Marshall, VA.
The pinning ceremony will be quick – we are on a lunch stop, and have to keep on schedule to get to the host hotel. The only requirement is that Ed Wehner has your name before Sunday, May 19th (by the time we arrive at Junction City). Please email Ed at ed.wehner@rftw.us if you are interested in receiving the pin, or have any questions about this.
Order of Precedence at Fuel Stops/Lunch
#1 Road Guards and other advance teams (Fuel, Staging, Ambassadors, Outreach)
#2 Chaplains and Medics
#3 Other Leadership
#4 All Others
We are looking for a Marine to ride missing Man formation for Day one from Ontario to Needles. Any Volunteers should reach out to the Missing Man Coordinator (Listed on the website under contacts. These legs will be ridden in honor of Brian Alvarado, Sgt USMC. Brian served 2 tours in Iraq and sadly developed cancer from the “burn pits” and he passed a couple of months ago.
Despite his condition, he was still volunteering for whatever Veteran’s causes needed help. His wife and daughter are scheduled to be at the start, and I know it would mean a lot to them if he could be Escorted by a fellow Marine.
Pre-Paid Fuel
To be totally clear on this. PRE-PAID FUEL STICKERS WILL COVER THE ACTUAL ANTICIPATED COST OF THE NON-DONATED FUEL STOPS DURING THE DAY ON THE RUN. THIS TOTAL COST (ONCE DETERMINED) IS ONLY FOR THE NON-DONATED STOPS. WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR STOPS THAT ARE BEING GENEROUSLY DONATED.
Stickers will be available from our leadership support team in Ontario and each morning (During the hour prior to the scheduled Mandatory Meeting).
Riders must fill their motorcycles up each evening on their own before arriving at staging in the morning (Spot checks will be happening). We do have 3 very generous donors that will be donating fuel in the evening. Details will be passed in the Morning meetings about how to take advantage of the generous offers to fill our gas tanks up at night. Some Bullet Points below from the Town Hall Meeting
COVERS THE COST OF ALL NON-DONATED FUEL STOPS DURING THE DAY
ALL THE WAY COST WILL BE $90.00
WE WILL HAVE PRORATED AMOUNTS FOR THOSE NOT GOING ALL THE WAY . PAYMENT FOR THE FUEL STICKERS WILL BE CASH ONLY.
SPEEDS UP THE PROCESS BY ABOUT 75%
NON-PRE-PAID WILL PAY CASH AT THE PUMP (NO CHANGE GIVEN) ROUNDED UP TO $5.00 (EX. PUMP $8.25-PAY $10.00/PUMP $10.05-PAY $15.00.) NO $1.00 BILLS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE PUMPS/NO EXCEPTIONS.
THIS PROCESS GIVES EVERYONE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 EXTRA MINUTES AT FUEL STOPS
ANY EXCESS $ GOES TO FUEL THE CHASE TRUCKS AND HYDRATION TRUCK. ANY $ LEFT AFTER THAT WILL GO TO A VETERAN CHARITY TO BE DETERMINED
ALL RIDERS MUST FUEL COMPLETELY THE NIGHT BEFORE AND SHOW UP WITH A FULL TANK OR YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY TO GO FUEL AND POSSIBLY MISS BREAKFAST AND THE MORNING MEETING (CAN’T RIDE IN THE PACK IF YOU MISS THE MEETING). LEADERSHIP WILL BE SPOT CHECKING.
Ontario Schedule The Ontario Schedule has been posted on the Route Hub. A brief list of meetings for the Central Route are below.
Communications (GMRS) assistance at the Holiday Inn from 1500 (3PM) until 1630 (4:30 PM) Monday (Conference Room) Point of Contact Harlan Olson (Leadership Support Communications on the contact list). We are looking for a few Radio Savvy Helpers (especially those familiar with the BTech GMRS pro) to Volunteer and help folks set their radio and headset up (Connect Radio to Headset/Load correct frequencies, help conduct “radio checks”, etc.). Please reach out to Harlan if you can assist with this.
Central Route Leadership Meeting at the Holiday Inn Meeting room Monday at 3:30 PM for All team leads and Platoon Leadership.
Riverside National Cemetery Ride on Tuesday AM. Stage at 0700 and depart at 0800. Need to be checked in with the registration team prior to the RNC Run. (MONDAY)
Communications testing at Lot “D” (WEST end) Tuesday at 1400 (2PM) to test GMRS Radio set ups
Central Route Leadership Meeting in Lot “D” (WEST end) Tuesday at 1500 (3PM) (MANDATORY FOR ALL CR LEADERSHIP/TEAMS (NOT JUST TEAM LEADS/ALL LEADERSHIP/VOLUNTEERS)
Central Route FNG Meeting in Lot “D” (WEST End) Tuesday at 1545 (3:45 PM) (Leadership and FNGS)
Central Route ALL HANDS MANDATORY Meeting in Lot “D” (WEST end) Tuesday at 1630 (4:30 PM) followed by team and Platoon Meetings
The Merchandise and Hydration Trailers will be available at the Host Hotel, Ontario Holiday Inn located at 2155 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764.
Check-in will be available at the Elks Lodge, 1150 W. 4th Street, Ontario, CA 91762. The Elks Lodge opened their doors to us and has welcomed RFTW with open arms. The Elks Lodge will have many volunteers assisting inside the building and in the parking lot. Please thank them for their generosity and be respectful. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated.
The Elks Lodge will also have Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner available for purchase on Monday and Tuesday (Taco Tuesday?). A Steak Dinner is also planned again with advanced tickets available on site.
Hydration will also be available at the Elks Lodge.
This year we will have a Shuttle Bus running continuous loops between the Ontario Convention Center, the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport Host Hotel, and the Elks Lodge. The shuttle will run from noon-8 pm on Sunday, May 12th; and from 7 am through 9 pm on Monday, May 13th and Tuesday, May 14th.
See the Message Below from the VFW in Ontario
My name is William Castellanos, I am the Quartermaster for the Ontario VFW Post 2085. I know that the Run For The Wall event is May 13th – May 15th and the starting point is in Ontario. I would like to invite all of you to our post to have somewhere to enjoy and prep before your ride begins. Please let me know if we can be of assistance. Our post phone number is 909-986-9066. My cell phone is 213-841-7634. Our post email is vfwpost2085@gmail.com
Respectfully,
William Castellanos
Sergeant – US Marine Corps Veteran
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post Quartermaster 2085 Old Baldy
1341 East D Street
Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: 909-986-9066
Email: vfwpost2085@gmail.com Instagram: @vfwpost2085
FB: www.facebook.com/ontariovfwpost
Fundraising Efforts
We will have a Table at the Elks near the Merchandise Trailer to showcase some of the Items we will be having a drawing for and we will be selling tickets for a Beautiful Afghan made By Daniel Slocum’s Sister. We will sell tickets for the Afghan to riders from ALL ROUTES and will continue to sell tickets during the Run. We will Draw the Winner on Day 10 (Lewisburg) in the morning and the winner will get the item in Arlington or it will be mailed to them after the Run. Proceeds from this drawing will be split amongst all 4 Routes (ONE MISSION FOUR ROUTES) based on participation.
Some Detail Below about this Afghan.
Size: 5′ 7″ x 8″ 3″
Colors: 5 unique colors
Stitches: 91.440
Stitch Type: Crochet
Backing: Sewn on cloth and border to help prevent fraying and preserve the Afghan through use.
Labor: ~700 from December 2023 – April 2024
Maker: Debbie Slocum Lockwood, Sheridan Oregon (huge Thanks to Debbie for all of the labor and love she put into this)
In closing I wanted to touch on something I feel is extremely important. During the last year I have been focusing on planning the Central Route with much support from many great people. In the last few weeks, it has dawned upon me that I have been focusing so hard on the planning and worrying about last minute details/glitches, etc., that I was not thinking about the MISSION. Please remember our Mission and try to keep that first and foremost in your mind.
At each stop along our way you will see Tom “Bones” Pogue on his knees next to his motorcycle writing the name and details about the Person we are riding for on that leg. Please go and read the name on your way back to your bike after fuel/restroom/lunch, etc. and remember that name during that leg (and after). That is a large portion of why we ride. When you are tired or hot or wet or cold or mad about something during the Run, take a second and say their name.
Be safe and I will see you very soon.
Is it May yet?
MUCH ALOHA TO MY ‘OHANA Nick “Richboy” Hentges
RFTW Central Route Coordinator 2024
We’ve had some great RC Motto’s over the years… “Mission > Self”, “Mission First”, “Remember the Mission” and “CHARLIE MIKE – CONTINUE the MISSION” among others. But what does “The Mission” mean to you? We should all be familiar with the Mission Statement of Run For The Wall:
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.
Since the first Run in 1989, our Mission Statement has expanded to ensure that everyone understands that we promote, honor and support all associated with our Armed Forces. But the fact remains that our Mission originated and still has a primary focus “To call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA).”
Learning about The Mission
Very early in my participation with Run For The Wall, my RFTW big brother, James “Stoney” Stone introduced me to our Founder, James “Gunny” Gregory, USMC(Ret). Over those first couple years, I was honored to have the privilege of speaking with Gunny privately on several occasions to get a first-hand telling of the story of Run For The Wall and the issues, events and people that brought it together. If you haven’t recently, I strongly encourage you to (re)read the short History of RUN FOR THE WALL that you will find in the opening pages of your Itinerary Book or here.
How it Started
The primary motivator at that time was the MIA families looking for answers and doing their best to press our government to act based on intelligence that there were still living POWs in Vietnam. In 1988, Marion Shelton, the wife of Col. Charles Shelton, USAF was one of the early advocates. Col. Shelton was shot down on 29 APR 1965 flying a RF-101C Voodoo over Laos. Mrs. Shelton’s situation and her call for action to the veteran and biker community was an early instigator to set Gunny in motion. Read the history in your Itinerary for the rest of the story.
What’s being done now?
Per the DPAA, in 1973 when accounting started, there were 2641 Missing in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. As of today, there have been 1064 accounted for leaving 1577 still missing. The DPAA is still actively engaged in search and recovery operations and reported in an online article that “…in fiscal Year 2023, the agency recovered the remains of 127 service members: 88 from World War II, 35 from Korea, and four from Vietnam.” The defense.gov article by C. Lopez is worth a read and is linked here: DOD Won’t Stop Looking Until All POW/MIAs Are Home.
So, what does “The Mission” mean to me?
At the heart of every tenet of the RFTW Mission Statement you’ll find People. Promote healing among People. Honor the memory of People. Support our People. And most importantly, Call for accounting of our PEOPLE! In other words, LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND!
We promote healing by ensuring those veterans, families and friends know that there is a strong community of Patriotic Americans who love and support them and will NOT give up on accounting for the ones they love. We honor those killed in action by keeping the memories of their service and sacrifice at the forefront of our words and deeds. We support our military personnel with our positive, peaceful and focused Patriotic activism that highlights our CAUSE and not our emotion. Finally, all three of those statements come together as we commit ourselves and our Run to The Mission of ensuring the Accounting continues UNTIL THEY ARE ALL HOME!
What does “The Mission” mean to you?
We all experienced a great homecoming through one of our own a few months ago with the return of Capt. Ronald Forrester, USMC who was accounted for on 04DEC2023 after almost 51 years MIA. Those of us who were able to attend his Celebration of Life experienced an extraordinary event – Capt. Forrester’s presence in and around Karoni Forrester and the rest of the family was intense. There are many others in our RFTW family who deserve that homecoming and there are hundreds in our extended family who deserve the same. Our Mission – TheMission is to ensure our government “Won’t Stop Looking” until 1577 becomes 0.
Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator vice.president@rftw.us billie.dunlap@rftw.us TOGETHER WE RIDE!
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 certain skills to further the public persona of RFTW with an eye towards attracting new riders. We live and work in a hugely electronic environment, 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 required. Public Relations experience, including speaking with the media, is required. Effective writing is essential. 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 for:
Building 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. Included in this responsibility may be assisting the Director of Merchandise with managing the online store and credit card transaction processing.
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 relation 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 the 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 a minimum of 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 in person or via video teleconferencing. 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 30 June 2024. 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!
The Ontario Pre-Run Schedule of Events Has Now Been Posted
Find the Ontario Pre-run Schedule on our website under each route’s schedule of events, or you can view it by clicking here. Much appreciation to Carol and Todd Taylor for all the work getting this event organized. When you see Carol, please be sure to thank her and her team of volunteers.
There will be a shuttle in Ontario this year running continuous loops between the Host Hotel and the Elks Lodge. The hours of operation are:
May 12th…………….1200 to 2000Hrs.
May 13th…………….0700 to 2100Hrs.
May 14th…………….0700 to 2100Hrs.
Addresses from and to are:
Holiday Inn Ontario, 2155 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764
Ontario Elks Lodge, 1150 W 4th Street, Ontario, CA 91762.
The intrepid Carol has arranged for RFTW advertising, at no cost, on 6 billboards in and around the Ontario area, including the 210, 15, 10 and 60 freeways. These are in addition to the marquee at the Ontario Convention Center. Get the word out to the public!!
Bitchin’ Stitchin’ will be back doing patches, zippers, snaps, repairs, etc. this year. They will be located at the Elks Club. I would like to encourage you to use them as they donate a portion of their proceeds back to RFTW. Their hours of operation are:
The DC/Arlington schedule, contained in some of the Route’s itineraries, is as follows:
Saturday, 25 May
For those selected to conduct the wreath laying ceremony at ANC, staging begins at the Host Hotel at 0630 in the lower-level garage at the host hotel. Please be staged NLT 0730 so you don’t miss the mandatory safety meeting. KSU is at 0800. Please see your RC for more information on participation.
0900-1015 – Sandbox registration (host hotel lobby)
1100 – Begin assembling on the STEPS of the Lincoln Memorial (see additional comments below)
1130 – Photo
1215 – Mission Accomplished ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial apex
1300-1600 – Sandbox Registration (host hotel lobby)
1400-1530 – Leadership Equipment pickup
1430-1500 – SB Road Guard meeting
1500-1530 – SB Team Leads meeting
1530-1630 – All Leadership Meeting
1630 – 1730 – SB All riders meeting
1730-1800 – SB SNG Recap
As a reminder, at the Lincoln Memorial, there can be no chanting, singing, bullhorns, etc. Also, you must NOT climb or sit on any of the columns or pedestals; we are to remain on the steps. Please help us comply with this Park Service request. Our compliance will help us ensure we can obtain permits in the future.
As a reminder, at the Lincoln Memorial, there can be no chanting, singing, bullhorns, etc. Also, you must NOT climb or sit on any of the columns or pedestals; we are to remain on the steps. Please help us comply with this Park Service request. Our compliance will help us ensure we can obtain permits in the future.
Also, remember, there is to be no parking on the grass in and around the National Mall. Doing so may result in having your motorcycle towed and impounded. Being as this is a holiday weekend, getting it released from impound might prove difficult.
RFTW now has a Social Media Director. KC is working hard to try and take advantage of this year’s Run. If you would like to share your experience with RFTW via video footage or still photography, he will edit them to fit within the variety of social media parameters. We will include your name, road name, the route and location of the footage.
KC also offers the following: For those that will be using action cameras (GoPro, Insta360, or DJI’s), to save your battery life and keep your camera from overheating when riding and or losing your footage or worse corrupting the SD card, carry extra SD cards. KC also suggests turning off your Wi-Fi pairing when not in use. This helps if you are in areas where your cell services may go into roaming mode.
If you are using a GMRS radio, we recommend you not have your cameras connected to your phones. This may cause a disruption in communications or generate a very loud squelch-type noise.
Our YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/c/rftwus. Both X (Twitter) and Instagram are @RunForTheWall (https://twitter.com/RunForTheWall and https://www.instagram.com/RunForTheWall). When you make posts to ANY social media platform, please use #runforthewall. We ask that you do not use other naming conventions (i.e., #rftw-midway, or #runforthewallsr, etc.) as those will negatively impact our efforts to bring viewers to our posts and platforms. Remember we always want to post pictures and videos that honor our Mission.
KC is working on bringing the roughly 11 Run For The Wall non-FB social media sites under one “cover” so we can all easily post contributions.
Please remember, RFTW does not support any political candidate, position, or opinion. We are a veterans support charitable organization, and we ask that each and every one of you respect that. There is no room for politics on the Run; there will be enough time for that later. As we all know so well, our world is ever changing. Events are sometimes magnets for those whose ideas and ideals do not align with ours. Keep your eyes open, and if you see something, say something. Do not just shrug it off; let a leader know.
Finally, before we go to KSU, I believe it is proper to remember why we ride. It is not about any of us, it is not about the color of the hat one wears, it is not about taking a cross-country motorcycle ride. It is about our Mission. We need to keep in mind that “We Ride for Those Who Can’t” is more than just a motto. This Mission is about calling for accountability of those 1577 still missing; it is about supporting those families still seeking answers. Our Mission is also about reflection, healing, educating, and reminding America of the sacrifices our veterans, their families and friends made in defense of our Nation. It is about thanking those who served, those who are serving, and those who paid the ultimate price. Our Run is also a joyous annual reunion as we all regroup and set our sights toward that Mission. And though our Annual Run is certainly an event worth celebrating, please keep in mind that our Mission is real and should be treated with Honor and serious Commitment. It must not be treated like a party.
No one left behind is more than a standard we all live up to. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know find themselves struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1 or text 838255 and speak or chat with a qualified responder.
KSU is in 22 days. Let’s all get our heads in the game and put the Mission in our sights.
Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.
Back to Basics. Back to the RFTW Mission.
Is it May yet?
John “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 – CR and Sandbox Road Guard
2020 – Present – RFTW BoD member
Additional Ontario Motorcycle Service Information
Harley-Davidson®
Riverside Harley-Davidson
7688 Indiana Ave, Riverside, CA 92504 Phone: 1-951-785-0100 OR 1-833-743-0517 Hours: M-F 10AM-7PM – Sat 9AM-6PM – Sun 10AM-5PM
Note: The service manager has requested to call ahead and schedule all service appointments. This will help the service manager to better staff the shop to get all service appointments done in a quick and timely manner so as to cut down on delays. If you show up without scheduling an appointment you will be serviced but BE PREPARED TO WAIT!!!
Honda – Yamaha – Suzuki – Kawasaki*
The following dealer will be providing (limited) service…
*NOTE: For Kawasaki motorcycles they will only be performing basic oil/filter changes.
Mountain Motorsports
1025 N. Mountain Ave, Ontario, CA 91762 Phone: 1-909-988-8988 Hours: M-F 10AM–5PM – Sat 9AM-4PM – (CLOSED SUNDAY)
Note: The service manager has requested to call ahead and schedule all service appointments. This will help the service manager to better staff the shop to get all service appointments done in a quick and timely manner.
Indian
HYR – Honda/Yamaha of Redlands
215 E Redlands Blvd, Redlands, CA 92373 Phone: 1-909-793-2833
Hours: Tues – Sat 9AM-6PM (CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY)
Note: The service manager has requested to call ahead and schedule all service appointments. This will help the service manager to better staff the shop to get all service appointments done in a quick and timely manner.
This is the 5th Edition of theSay Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never Forget!
SGT Joseph Andrew Matejov, USAF, MIA 2/5/1973 – Laos
SGT Joseph Matejov was born on 2 February 1952, in Fort Sill, OK to Stephen and Mary Matejov. Joe was the 3rd of ten children born to Stephen and Mary and graduated from East Meadow High School, East Meadow, NY in 1970.
SGT Matejov enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on 14 July 1970, completing basic training at Lackland AFB, TX and Morse Code technical training at Keesler AFB, MS. After technical training, SGT Matejov was assigned to Misawa AB, Japan. On 12 April 1972, he was assigned to Det 3, 6994th Security Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.
Sgt. Joseph Matejov celebrated his 21st birthday in Southeast Asia three days before his EC-47Q reconnaissance plane was shot down over Laos.
On February 5, 1973, about a week after the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement, an EC-47Q aircraft, call sign “Baron 52”, was shot down over Saravane Province, Laos, about 50 miles east of the city of Saravane. The crew of the aircraft consisted of the pilot, Capt. George R. Spitz; co-pilot, 2Lt. Severo J. Primm III, Capt. Arthur R. Bollinger, 1Lt. Robert E. Bernhardt, Sgt. Dale Brandenburg, Sgt. Joseph A. Matejov, all listed as crew members, and Sgt. Peter R. Cressman and SSgt. Todd M. Melton, both systems operators. The families of all aboard the aircraft were told the men were dead and advised to conduct memorial services.
It is known that Cressman and Matejov were members of Detachment 3, 6994th Security Squadron from Ubon, Thailand. The aircraft, however, was flying out of the 361st TEW Squadron (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron) at Nakhon Phanom Airbase, Thailand. Primm, Melton, Spitz, Brandenburg and Bernhardt were assigned to the 361st TEW Squadron. Bollinger’s unit is unknown.
The men in the 6994th were highly trained and operated in the greatest of secrecy. They were not allowed to mingle with others from their respective bases, nor were the pilots of the aircraft carrying them on their missions always told what their objective was. They were cryptology experts, language experts, and knew well how to operate some of the Air Force’s most sophisticated equipment. They were the first to hear the enemy’s battle plans.
In a letter written to his brother on February 2, 1973, (after the peace treaty was signed), Joe wrote: “I’m still flying in the C-47’s over here – 134 flights as of now. I’m shooting for 150, but I don’t know if I will reach that mark or not. So much for this war that’s still going on. Peace? My Ass. Can’t wait until they release all the POW’s too – I’ll be really happy to see that.” The letter continues. “Right now I only have 52 days left.”
Over five years later, Joe Matejov’s mother, Mary Matejov, heard columnist Jack Anderson, on “Good Morning America”, describe a Pathet Lao radio communique which described the capture of four “air pirates” on the same day as the EC-47Q carrying her son was shot down. NO OTHER PLANE WAS MISSING THAT DAY. Anderson’s information indicated that reconnaissance personnel had 40 uninterrupted minutes in which to survey the crash site.
The report of the reconnaissance team, which was not provided to the families for over five years, showed that three bodies, which were thought to have been higher ranking officers because of the seating arrangement, were found strapped in seats. Four of the men aboard the aircraft were not in or around the aircraft, and the partial remains of the eighth man (Bernhardt) was recovered. No identification was brought out from the crash site, and no attempt was made to recover the three bodies from the downed aircraft. It is assumed that the reconnaissance team was most interested in recovering the sensitive equipment aboard the EC-47Q. The EC-47Q became known as the “Flying Pueblo”. Most of the “kids” in back, as some pilots called them, were young, in good health, and stood every chance of surviving captivity.
There were specific reports intercepted regarding the four missing men from the aircraft missing on February 5, 1973. Radio reports indicated that the four were transported to the North Vietnam border. None were released in the general POW release beginning the next month.
Peter Cressman enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1969 and after two years at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska he volunteered for service in Vietnam and left for Da Nang in June 1972.
In Da Nang, Peter spent his free hours at Sacred Heart Orphanage. His letters to his hometown priest in Oakland, New Jersey, resulted in the forming of “Operation Forget-Me-Not”. Community schools, churches, merchants and citizens joined the effort to help the innocent victims of war. The group eventually provided a boxcar of supplies to the orphans.
Peter was transferred to the airbase at Ubon, Thailand. He believed the secret missions being flown into Laos were illegal and had written letters to his congressman in that regard. His family has been active in efforts to locate information on Peter and the nearly 2500 others who remain unaccounted for. They founded the National Forget-Me-Not Association for POW/MIAs in St. Petersburg, Florida, the largest POW advocacy group in the country.
Joseph Matejov enlisted in the Air Force in 1970 from his home state of New York and went to Southeast Asia in April 1972. Joe’s father, Stephen, was a West Point Graduate and served in the Korean War. Stephen Matejov died in 1984 not knowing what happened to his son. Joe’s mother, Mary says, “Joe may be alive. If so, this government has a legal and moral responsibility to get him home. The next generation of servicemen should not have to wonder if they will answer the call to defend their country only to be abandoned. We must stop this tragedy now, and never allow it to happen again.”
Joe’s older siblings are Anne – civilian and Peace Corps and Stephen – retired Navy, disabled related to Agent Orange. His younger siblings are John – retired Marine; Kate – civilian – married to a Marine who passed away in 2019 due to Agent Orange related illness; Mary – civilian; Theresa – Army veteran, married to a West Point Graduate, has a son in the Navy waiting for a command on a nuclear submarine; Jim – civilian; Judy – married to a Marine for 29 years; and Mike – civilian.
Judy and Mike have both ridden with RFTW while John, Theresa, and her husband Terry, have all participated with RFTW at Riverside Cemetery and/or at the Southern Route stop in Front Royal, VA.
SGT Matejov’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously), Purple Heart (Posthumously), and the Air Medal (3rd OLC).
SGT Matejov is interred in a communal grave in section 34, site 4402, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. His name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall on Panel 1W, line 115.
The Matejov Community Center on Misawa AB, Japan was named in SGT Matejov’s memory.
In my recent newsletter I neglected to mention that the online store will be closed beginning 5/1 and reopening again 6/15. During this time, you’ll be able to shop directly from the merchandise trailers in Ontario, CA and all the way to Marseilles, IL via Washington, DC. There will be a merchandise trailer on each route. Here is the current schedule for Ontario and DC:
Date
Location
Hours
5/11
Holiday Inn (CA)
10:00 – 17:00
5/12
Holiday Inn (CA)
Elks (CA)
10:00 – 17:00
12:00 – 17:00
5/13
Holiday Inn, Elks (CA)
09:00 – 17:00
5/14
Holiday Inn, Elks (CA)
09:00 – 17:00
5/24
Holiday Inn (DC)
09:00 – 16:00
5/25
Holiday Inn (DC)
09:00 – 14:00
Please travel safely to Ontario or wherever you will be picking up the Run. Look me up in Ontario or, on either the Central Route (I’m the photographer) or Sandbox.
Is it May yet?
Alan Steiner Director of Merchandise
Run For The Wall https://rftw.us
Welcome to the April newsletter; Yes, April!! We all know what that means; KSU from Ontario is less than 30 days away and for many of us, KSU from our homes is much less. Please remember to travel safely from wherever you may start your journey and STAY HYDRATED!
Why do you ride or participate in the RFTW Mission?
Our RFTW Mission is:
“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.”
This is why we RIDE; This is why I RIDE!
Until they all come home, until they are all accounted for, we must continue to Live a Life worthy of their Sacrifice! Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, and Never Forget!
The preparation for the RFTW 2024 Mission continues even now and I cannot thank our State Coordinators enough for all their hard work and time spent preparing for the Southern Route. I also appreciate all the calls made to inform SR Leadership of construction etc. along our route. We will overcome these construction areas and complete our mission regardless!
If you still have not registered, please do so as soon as possible. As of the writing of this newsletter, we have a total of 371 riders and participants registered for the Southern Route. You can still register HERE. ALL registration is conducted on-line via this website link so please register prior to your arrival to make things go smoothly and quickly! If you are joining the Southern Route anywhere other than Ontario, CA, please meet us the evening we arrive in the city you are joining us and check-in with registration that night. This gives the registration team the opportunity to get everyone checked-in, assigned to a platoon, and any prepaid gas options etc. taken care of. We have a mandatory riders meeting every morning (see our Itinerary here). Mandatory means exactly that; this meeting requires the attendance of ALL riders. If you wait until arriving in the morning, you will be unable to stage until you check-in with registration and are given your registration packet, wristband, mirror ribbon, and emergency medical form. You can find the emergency medical form HERE and come prepared with it already filled out! You will need to provide a valid drivers license, license plate number, and current proof of insurance at check-in. Registration will not accept copies of driver licenses; you must present your actual license with motorcycle endorsement (if applicable based on state licensing requirements). Please make things easier for check-in by having these items ready when you see the Registration Team. All participants must register and sign a liability release online.
I recommend printing a copy of the daily itinerary to bring with you or at the very least save an accessible version on your cell phone. Read it, then read it again! Read it or refer to it every morning, every night, and at every stop. Please refer to it before you ask questions where the answer is already in the Itinerary (do not ask, for example, when we are leaving? Or how long do we have at this stop?)! If you do have a question, find a member of your Platoon Leadership team, and start by asking them!
Preparation and Safety
Time is running out to get your bikes in tip top shape! Get them serviced, get them inspected, and make sure your state registration and insurance are all up to date and valid through the end of May 2024. If you haven’t already done so, pack up your bike with everything you are taking and get out on the highway or interstate on a test ride. Make sure you’re familiar with how your bike is going to handle with the added gear. Make sure you can safely control your bike, stop, start, and tight turns while loaded! Be sure that everything is safely secured and will not become a hazard to other riders.
As you prepare your bikes or other modes of transportation, you also need to prepare yourselves, mind, and body too! This is NOT a weekend ride. Be sure you have your Emergency Information Form filled out – completely! It will be checked daily by your Team Leaders and/or Platoon Leaders. It is MANDATORY and you cannot ride without it. If you take medication, be sure that you listed it on your EIF and that you have enough of your prescribed medications with you for your entire trip.
It’s time for everyone to start hydrating! It is much easier to hydrate than it is to re-hydrate! Generally, it is recommended to drink a liter of water a day to stay hydrated. However, this can depend on your age, body, underlying medical conditions, and what physical exercise you are doing on that day. Being extremely thirsty, dry mouth, fast breathing, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure are all significant signs of dehydration, however, what many of us will likely feel first is fatigue – both mentally and physically! Be aware and stay HYDRATED!
You will hear this mantra from now until we reach DC – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
If you have been reading my monthly Newsletters, you may be thinking that the previous paragraphs look familiar. Well, that’s because they are! On RFTW we repeat many phrases and directions. WHY?Because they are important! You will continue to hear many of the same phrases and directions until we are safely in DC or Marseilles. Again, it’s not because we don’t think you aren’t listening. It’s about safety!
Arlington Escort
We are still working out the total number of Motorcycles and people we can send into Arlington and who will get to go. I know everyone is excited about this opportunity, but please be patient and wait until we have it sorted and announce the details.
Pre-Paid Fuel
Pre-Paid fuel has been established to assist our Fuel Team and riders alike. Pre-Paid Fuel allows our fuel stops to flow more quickly and efficiently allowing riders to get through the fuel line, staged, and off their bikes so they can make the most of the limited time we have available at our fuel stops. The pre-paid fuel option will be available at registration in Ontario at a cost of $150 and at each subsequent night stop. Beginning on Day 5, the cost will be prorated as follows:
Day 5 beginning in Grand Prairie – $100;
Day 6 beginning in Monroe – $80;
Day 7 beginning in Meridian – $60;
Day 8 beginning in Chattanooga – $40;
The pre-paid fuel option will not be available for those joining us on days 9 and 10. Those will be cash at the pump the same as any riders choosing not to pre-pay.
We encourage everyone to participate in Pre-Paid fuel. If you choose to take part in the Pre-Paid fuel option you will be given a wristband and sticker for your windshield (if you don’t have a windshield, see your Platoon Leader to determine the best location). The sticker should be placed at the center-bottom of the windshield. This allows our Fuel Team members to easily see the sticker from their usual location between bikes. The wristband acts as a secondary verification.
Riders must fill their motorcycles up each evening/morning on their own before arriving at Staging in the morning. Random spot checks will be occurring and may be done by your Staging Team or anyone on your Platoon Leadership Team.
NON-PRE-PAID Fuel will be required to pay cash at the pump to the fuel team (NO CHANGE GIVEN). Each stop will be a minimum of $10. A determination will be made in Ontario if that cost will increase to $15 at some stops based on current gas prices.
Please remember that any excess fuel funds go to provide the fuel for the Chase Trucks, Hydration Truck, and Medical Team vehicle. I do not know 1 rider who has not taken advantage of at least 1 of these support Teams daily; not to mention just the comfort they provide knowing they are there for you should you need them!
The Pre-Paid fuel option is $150.00. You can take advantage of the Pre-Paid fuel option early by using the Zelle payment app and sending $150.00 to Southern.Route@rftw.usIf you use the Zelle app, please add “SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2024” in the Memo line. We will receive the notification of the payment and will have a list of those who have Pre-Paid at Registration in Ontario, CA.
You can pay Cash in Ontario, CA or
You can send a check to:
Run For The Wall Inc.
50 Fourth Ave #1445
Dayton, NV 89403
If you send a check you need to add a note about what Route you are on and what the check is for i.e. “Southern Route Pre-paid Fuel” and/or “Southern Route Luggage Fundraiser.” Also make sure you mail it with plenty of time to ARRIVE at it’s destination by MAY 1, 2024.
Pre-Run Ontario Schedule
The Pre-Run Ontario Schedule is almost done. We will make sure to let you know when it is done, or you can go to the Southern Route Hub and check to see if it has been posted yet.
We do have a few things that are already set for Ontario listed below (Subject to change based on external Factors/Check the Ontario Schedule in the SR Hub once it is published).
The Merchandise and Hydration Trailers will be available at the Host Hotel, Ontario Holiday Inn located at 2155 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764.
Registration and Check-in will be available at the Elks Lodge, 1150 W. 4th Street, Ontario, CA 91762. The Elks Lodge opened their doors to us and has welcomed RFTW with open arms. The Elks Lodge will have many volunteers assisting inside the building and in the parking lot. Please thank them for their generosity and be respectful. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated.
The Elks Lodge will also have Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner available for purchase on Monday and Tuesday (Taco Tuesday?). A Steak Dinner is also planned again with advanced tickets available on site.
Hydration will also be available at the Elks Lodge.
This year we will have a Shuttle Bus running continuous loops between the Ontario Convention Center, the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport Host Hotel, and the Elks Lodge. The shuttle will run from noon-8 pm on Sunday, May 12th; and from 7 am through 9 pm on Monday, May 13th and Tuesday, May 14th.
Ride into Riverside National Cemetery in California
(Copied from the President’s Message). “As you may have seen in a FB post, Carol is working on the possibility of riders going to the March AFB museum following the ride the Riverside National Cemetery. This is a Tuesday event, with KSU tentatively scheduled for 0815 from the Elks Club. The Elks will be serving breakfast so our riders can stage, eat, and leave from the same location. Right now, the cost of entrance to the museum is $10, but Blaze is trying to get that lifted. If you are interested in going to the museum, please email Carol at carollolmstead@ymail.com so she can provide a head count. Rumor has it that the museum is planning to rope off a parking area for us.”
You must be registered and CHECKED IN to go on this ride, so get to Ontario and get Checked in on Monday the 13th.
Fundraising
The Southern Route is offering a fundraising opportunity that may benefit all riders’ safety! Our newest fundraiser is the Luggage Fundraiser. The SR will have a dedicated enclosed trailer to transport luggage. This will allow riders to remove bags normally strapped onto their bikes and have them securely transported for them from our morning starting location to our nightly dinner stop. This adds to the safety of all riders by removing bags that could obstruct other riders’ view of bikes in front of them; preventing a rider from focusing on a loose item on another bike around them; removes the added weight allowing for better control of your bike while riding in formation. Riders will be required to drop off their bag(s) at the morning staging/breakfast location. Bags will not be available until our final night/dinner stop. Riders will be restricted to 2 bags per bike. A check-in/check-out procedure will be followed ensuring no-one absconds with a bag that is not their own. The cost will be $7 per day or $50.00 for all 10 days. A prorated rate may be available depending on your starting location. Ask at check-in! If you wish to take advantage of this new fundraiser, you can also prepay by using the Zelle app and Southern.Route@rftw.us Please add “Luggage Fundraiser” to the memo section when submitting your payment.
If you plan to purchase the Pre-Paid Fuel and the Luggage Fundraiser all in one transaction; please enter both “SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2024” and “Luggage Fundraiser” on the memo line. If you are paying for more than one bike, please note that as well.
Another Southern Route fundraiser this year will be this patch. They will be sold beginning in Ontario and throughout the 10-day mission or until we run out. Each patch will be $5.00, and proceeds will be used to support our Veterans along the way.
After Action Reports
RFTW Leadership encourages ALL riders to complete an After Action Report (AAR) to get a better understanding of your experience on the Run and to make improvements to future Runs based on your suggestions. However, did you know that an After Action Report (AAR) can be done at any time? Thats right; an AAR can be done anytime even during the Run. If you have any kind of feedback or if there is a specific incident you observe or are a part of, you do not have to wait until the Run is completed and you’ve returned home. If you wait, you may forget certain details so please, if you feel the need, please submit an AAR at any time! Also, so you know, you can submit as many AAR’s as you feel are necessary!
Leave no one behind does not end on the battlefield!
If you or someone you know find themselves struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1 or text 838255 and speak or chat with a qualified responder.
Well folks, as of this writing we’re 29 days from the start of the 34th annual Run For the Wall! This will be my final newsletter in preparation for the Run and I wanted to share several things with you.
First off, there is a 50% off closeout sale happening now thru the end of April on the Support Our Troops Red Shirt and USA Map patch. Quantities on both are limited so take advantage of these savings while supplies last.
Some other exciting news I’m happy to share with you is that we have purchased a brand-new trailer for the Central Route and we’re in the process of rolling out new artwork on all our trailers. This new artwork (refer to the image) has been designed with a focus on our mission. There are high contrast colors and backgrounds to enhance the messaging and make Run For the Wall and why we ride stand out. Some new additions include incorporating the Middle East Conflicts Memorial, our mission statement and adding a QR code that will take you directly to our website. This year you’ll see the new artwork on the Midway Route and Central Route trailers so look for them when you’re in Ontario or anywhere on the Run!
As we get closer to KSU the Store is in the midst of an inventory transition to CA to ensure the merchandise ready to be loaded into the trailers. As a result, you may find some products on the website showing no availability. While I’m doing what I can to ensure there is enough stock on hand, there may be an isolated case or two where the Store is out. Please be sure to check out the trailers as it’s likely you’ll find what you’re looking for there.
Regarding orders, I wanted to provide some insight into how your orders are processed. All shirts and head gear (hats, doo rags, bandanas, etc.) are drop shipped directly from our supplier. Everything else comes from our internal warehouse. So, for those of you that order items that include both shirts/head gear and say patches, stickers, pins, etc., they will come in two shipments. Shipments from the supplier happen twice a week, typically on Mondays and Thursdays. I try to send out everything else within 24 hours following your order. There may be times where this is a delay due to me being away and I will do my best to communicate to you if there are changes in processing orders. I have received emails on why only part of an order was received so I hope this helps clarify the process. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime about issues, questions, or comments. I am always reachable by email at merchandise@rftw.us or by phone. My phone number is listed under the Board of Directors on the website.
Finally, a few important things to note when buying merchandise from the trailers.
There is a no smoking policy within 50’ of the trailers. This is to protect the sales team as well as the merchandise in the trailers.
There is a no refund or exchange policy once you leave the trailer. I know that shirts sometimes are hard to tell what size fits so if you’re unsure, try it on at the trailer. You’ll have to put it over what you’re currently wearing but that will at least give you an idea of whether you feel it will fit or not vs. just buying it and walking away to later find out the size is wrong. Of note, women’s shirts tend to be fitted so you may consider sizing up one size for a looser fit. The Lilac 3XL shirt is the one exception because this comes from a different manufacturer so by design it’s a looser fit.
We accept cash or credit card. No personal or travelers’ checks will be accepted.
There is no sales tax on the merchandise we sell.
There will be the ability to make cash or credit card donations. Keep in mind that donations go into the general Run For The Wall fund. There is not currently a way to specify a specific cause or Route for directing the money.
I hope this newsletter finds you well and wish everyone safe travels on their way to Ontario or wherever you may be picking up the Run. Stop by and say hi. I will be around the trailers Friday thru Sunday. Monday, I pick up my photographer role and will be shooting pics as the Central Route photographer.
Best regards,
Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise
Board of Directors https://rftw.us
Greetings Sandbox Family! We can start the countdown to May by DAYS now! We are that close! Motorcycle and Physical Readiness
If you have not already, please attend to the mechanical readiness of both your bike and your body. Your bike needs a good once over, advisable before any long trip – and this is especially important for Sandbox because we are riding over Sunday and Memorial Day and there will be little to no maintenance support during our three days on the road (nothing is open until Tuesday)! So in the event of a breakdown, our chase vehicle can trailer you to the next overnight stop, but do not have any expectation of getting parts or service along the way. Nothing is open – it is one of the costs of riding over the holiday – it is what it is. So PLEASE pre-check your tire tread depth, electrical system and battery strength, oil level, lights, kickstands, and controls. Carry an extra key (and battery if using a fob), and be mindful of where you store the spare. Things do get lost on a long trip, including your keys, so having a spare can save the day. Lastly, check your comms, especially if you are in Leadership. As for you, get your body and mind “ride-ready”. If you haven’t ridden any distance for awhile, take some long rides on the weekend to get your saddle back. Start hydrating now, fuel your body with good nutrients, and get plenty of rest. Our days start early and go long, and you’ll want your body to go the distance.
Pre-Paid Fuel
The pre-paid option for fuel was detailed in my March newsletter, and you can find that on the SandBox Route Hub, but it doesn’t hurt to go over it again. I strongly suggest you take care of this ASAP for another two more good reasons that I didn’t mention in March: 1) Pick-up your registration packet and GO without having to stand in yet another line to pre-pay for fuel. The check-in process for Sandbox takes place in both Ontario AND Washington DC. Anyone who is familiar with the check-in process in Ontario is familiar with both the reunion aspect (FUN!) and also the controlled chaos of many excited Riders packed into one room. You don’t want to be stuck standing in line when there are folks to greet and fam to hug! 2) Get your fuel paid for and out of the way, before all the other costs associated with cross-country riding start hitting your bank account. Sweet! As previously detailed, you can pay $60 for the pre-paid fuel at the Sandbox Route Hub, at the Sandbox Route Donation link. Or you can open your Zelle app, and send $60 to Sandbox.Route@rftw.us. Please be sure to annotate what the payment is for in the memo line such as Prepaid Fuel. An important point for emphasis: arrive at morning standing with a FULL TANK! Please fuel up every evening no matter what. We do NOT have any donated fuel stops on Sandbox, and the pre-paid fuel amount was kept as low as possible, with the EVENING TOP-OFF RULE in mind:
Riders must fill their motorcycles up each evening on their own before arriving at staging in the morning (PLs will be performing spot checks so please don’t show up with a half-empty tank!). With gas prices fluctuating as much as they have been, we do not have any wiggle room on this.
Itinerary
The official itinerary was published in the Sandbox Route Hub at the beginning of April, and my sincere thanks go to the ARC, Bill “COB” Brehler for his detailed work on the itinerary changes and updates, and to Billie “Bugs” Dunlap for the editorial oversight and publishing of the booklet. Please be aware that RFTW is no longer printing copies of the itinerary booklet, and it is only provided in a digital format which you can download to any PDF or book reader on your phone, or print a hard copy. However, I suggest you hold off on downloading or printing the itinerary until May. That’s because as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, there will be tweaks and changes between now and then! Guaranteed! So don’t frustrate yourself by printing too early and either riding off with an outdated version, or needing to reprint. During the Wall2Wall Run itself, please keep your digital or printed copy handy and refer to it often! And here’s a tip for you from the RC of Central Route, Nick “Rich Boy” Hentges: “DO NOT ask questions of anybody where the answer is in the Itinerary (do not ask, for example, when are we leaving? Or what is our next stop?)!!” * Please see the instructions for printing the itinerary booklet that were written by Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson, the ARC of Central Route, as I reproduced them at the bottom of this newsletter.
Meeting Schedule at Host Hotel in DC
There is a lot packed into Saturday after the EOM (End of Mission) of the other three Routes, so please be aware of the mandatory meeting schedule for Sandbox Riders on Saturday, May 25, 2024, and plan your day accordingly.. 9:00-10:15am & 1:00-4:00pm Check-in
2:00-3:30pm Leadership Equipment Pick-Up
2:30-3:00pm Road Guard Meeting 3:00-3:30pm Team Leads Meeting 3:30-4:30pm All Leadership Meeting 4:30-5:30pm All SandBox Riders Meeting 5:30-6:00pm FNG Recap
Leadership Support Team Members NEEDED!
Y’all, I need your help. We still do not have a 50/50 Rouser and Assistant. These roles are crucial for helping to raise funds during the Run itself. Since we got a late start in December, we have not had a chance to run any fundraisers, and this role cannot go unfilled. It is too important! This is a Leadership Support position, so you would ride in the 6-pack, and report directly to me. It would be helpful if you had prior experience in such a role, so that I can cut you loose to accomplish the job. If you are interested, please fill out a Volunteer Form, and also contact me directly at heidi.hansing@rftw.us.
Critical Info
Our critical info document includes rules and processes to be upheld during the Run, everything from proper check-in, standard of conduct, order of march, service animals, fueling guidelines and procedures, road conditions, etc. Please go over this info HERE.
Furthermore, our Safety Briefing is HERE for detailed instructions on how we ride during the Run itself. Familiarize yourself with the terminology, the procedures, and the expectations therein, please.
Questions and Inquiries
I’ve been getting a lot of questions that I can say would be better directed to the appropriate leadership within the Sandbox Route. The very first place you should look for general Route info is the Sandbox Route Hub. If I haven’t covered it in a newsletter, it’s probably already been answered in the RFTW FAQs or About pages. If you have questions specific to a certain Team, or role/function (like Missing Man, Honor Guard, Outreach, etc.) please go to the Sandbox Route Contacts and find the contact that can directly answer your questions/concerns. Other important contacts are listed on that page: if you are unsure about your Platoon assignment, please reach out to our Platoon Coordinator, Sam “Polar Bear” Warner. If you are an FNG, please contact our FNG Liaison, Bernadette “Flat Tire” Staples. If you have a question/concern about your registration, then our expert on the matter is Shirley “Top Sarge” Scott. If you ever need to contact me or our ARC, William “COB” Brehler, then email is the best way. Personally, I do not check social media very often (if ever), and will likely NOT see your message if you reach out in an online group, tag me in a comment, or send me a direct message through Messenger or any other messaging app. If there is urgency to your issue, phone calls are OK, but I work two jobs and cannot always answer, so texts are preferable so that I can reply when available. Usually, it is just best to email. Please.
WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T
WALL 2 WALL
In gratitude and joy, Heidi BLUE Hansing
* Instructions for printing the Itinerary booklet: Save and View PDFs to the Books app on your iPhone or iPad. Use Apple Books to save and view PDFs. 1. On your device, go to the Sandbox Hub to get the itinerary PDF 2. Tap the Share button
3. Swipe left over the app icons and tap Books.
If you can’t see Books, tap the More button. Then tap Books.
Your PDF will open and save automatically in the Books app. You can find it later in the Library tab.
If you own an Android, follow these instructions HERE.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
REGISTRATION LOGIN: Due to security and privacy concerns there is NO ACCOUNT created when you register for Run for the Wall. Account logins are for merchandise purchase ONLY. Registration is a completely separate system and we do not offer any level of user access to this system. If you have a question regarding your registration or you need to make a change, please email [email protected].
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
John “Turkey” Staub
