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President’s Newsletter: Town Hall Info for October 21st

RFTW Town Hall

Greetings from Weatherford Y’all!

The best riding weather of the year is always early Fall and Early Spring and right now we are right in the middle of the first.  I’m itching to put some more miles on the bike since the great weekends spent in the reunions.  But right now, I want to drop the jiffy stand and have a visit with the Family!  Since last week’s announcement about the Town Hall, I’ve been working with our VP and the on-line experts to develop a process for the “Captain’s Call with Bugs”.  After testing a few different options, we settled on Zoom Webinar as the best, most easily accessible option for this meeting.  Below you’ll find a link and some instructions on how to get logged in to join the meeting.

RFTW Town Hall – Captain’s Call with Bugs

The RFTW Town Hall will start promptly at 7pm Central time on Wednesday evening October 21st.  Your RFTW BoD Vice-President, Corey “SunBear” Lederer and I are looking forward to presenting an informative agenda including current events, status of planning, Run Safety topics as well as some issues of concern that folks have brought to us.  If one person is asking, there must be at least 10 more that are wondering!  Joining is seamless—with Zoom Webinar.  The link is provided below so that you can give it a try now to see if your system is ready to join the meeting.  At most, may have to load Zoom to gain access to the viewer.  The link should work with PC, Mac, phone or pad.

RFTW Town Hall Zoom Link

Sign In and Participate!

After the Agenda Presentation items, you’ll have the opportunity to submit questions or comments via Chat.  We’ll have a Webinar Moderator reviewing the questions and comments to bring forward for discussion – we’ll get to as many as we can.  The only ground rule is that we address only Run related issues and that we are all respectful of each other’s dedication to the Mission and sincerity in working toward its long-term success.

Door Prize Drawings!

When you sign in to the event, please enter your real name.  At the end of the Town Hall, there will be drawings for Door Prizes for those signed in with their name.  To be eligible for the drawing, your name must appear on the sign in list which will be used for selecting the winners.  Prizes will be front line items from the RFTW Merchandise store including shirts, hats and patches.  There may even be a bonus prize to winners who are already registered for next May’s Run!

I hope to see you all there!

The capacity for this Town Hall is huge, so there should be no problem getting as many people on board as would like to join.  Corey and I are looking forward to a great visit and an informative session for ALL of us.  If this works well and is well received, I plan to do a quarterly on-line Town Hall like this and possibly a live session in Ontario if we can fit it into the already bulging schedule of events there.  You can let me know after this one if you want to see more.  Until then, if you have questions, comments or suggestions for this first Town Hall event next week, please write me at town.hall@rftw.us.

Remember, all roads lead to all roads, so wherever you go, Together We Ride!  See you on the road!

Sincerely,
Bugs

Bugs
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Sandbox Route Coordinator October Newsletter

Wow, October is already here! The leaves are turning and the weather is getting cooler here in Maryland. Soon we will have ghosts and goblins knocking at our door on Halloween. Please enjoy your fall weather!

Registration is open! Register as soon as you can to help leadership plan better. Remember, we need to let volunteers in each state know how many riders to expect so they can plan to assist us with our journey and mission. Fuel, food, lodging, and escorts all require a head count so their organizations can plan how to assist us in getting everyone to the Middle East Conflicts Wall safely.

Be sure to watch Hitch & Boots on the RFTW Podcast each month. They dive into Why We Ride with bios of fallen Heroes, introduce key members of each route and Organization Leaders, and provide excellent advice and information, including Tech Tips with Ted, as well as other fun facts and tidbits. Links can be found at RFTW.US in the ‘Scuttlebutt’ tab. In the “Connect” tab, you can also access RFTW sites on YouTube, X (Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and even Facebook.

FNGs, WELCOME!! You are the future of the RUN. Your participation, ideas, and commitment to the organization are essential to keeping the mission going. Please do not shy away from asking questions, participating in everything you can, and becoming part of the family. Please reach out to our FNG Liaison Officer, Roger ‘Bullseye’ Ford, at roger.ford1234@gmail.com with any comments, questions, or concerns.

Volunteers are still needed for Staging, Fuel Team, and Road Guard positions. As volunteer forms come in, they are sent to the respective team leads for review. All Platoon leadership positions require GMRS communications. Please fill out your Volunteer form on the RFTW.US website.

It is still not too late if you have not submitted an After-Action Report (AAR). Please submit your report by clicking here. RFTW leadership reads every AAR to make the Run the best it can be, and we take AARs seriously. Do not be alarmed. The ExecBoD and the RCs read all AARs, but we do not respond directly to each submission.

We’ve begun compiling hotel lists, stops, and other key details along the way. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone. We have read the AARs and have heard about the issues you raise, and we are working to address the concerns that were raised. We are looking for alternative routes to get through Indiana.

Your Sandbox Route fundraiser shirts are coming soon. Once they are available, please go out and purchase one or ten if you like! For every shirt we sell, the Sandbox Route gets $10, and that amount goes into our route funds. You can purchase one by going to https://shop.rftw.us/ and clicking on 2027 Route Fundraiser shirts once they are available. While I’m on the subject of fundraising, we are looking for items we can auction off in St. Clairsville, Ohio. If you have skills or are willing to donate special items that we can auction off, please let us know.

If you are in the MD/DC/VA/PA area, please join the American Legion Post 72 in Warrenton, VA, for a Dice Run to benefit RFTW. Saturday, October 17th, at 10 AM. Lunch will be provided at the end of the Dice Run. See the flyer for details.

 

 

 

 

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or by texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

“It’s the personal connections we make and nurture that establish RFTW as a Mission of the heart and a memorable experience that brings the Spirit of America to the forefront of your soul.” – Billie “Bugs” Dunlap

See you in Springfield, VA in May!

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President’s Newsletter: Welcome to Fall Edition

Fall Ride Through Changing Leaves

Greetings from Weatherford Y’all!

As the summer heat starts to break and the leaves begin to turn across this great country, our thoughts naturally turn toward May. Autumn is always a special time for the Run For The Wall family. It marks the shift from reflecting on our last mission to actively building the next. While we are months away from lining up side-by-side on the highway, fall is where the foundation for our next Run is forged.

Why We Ride!

When you strip away the logistics, the fuel stops, and the miles, what are we left with? People. At the heart of every single tenet of our Mission Statement, you find People:

  • Promote healing among ALL veterans, their families, and friends.
  • Call for an accounting of our Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA)—LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND!
  • Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars.
  • Support our military personnel all over the world.

Every mile we log, every bridge we stand on, and every school or memorial we visit serves that singular, noble purpose to keep that focus on the people we call family. As we now step hard into this new season of planning, let’s carry that sense of shared duty, respect, and camaraderie into everything we do.

Registration Is Open — It’s Time to Make It Happen!

The gates are open, and the countdown to May is officially underway! Registration for Run For The Wall is now live at RFTW.us/rftw-registration.

  • PLEASE REGISTER EARLY! While May might feel like a long way off, early registration is critical to our Route Leadership Teams, Fuel & Staging Crews, Road Guard Captains and State Coordinators. Knowing our numbers early allows us to properly coordinate fuel stops, staging areas, meals, and lodging across all Routes.
  • To our FNGs (First-Time Riders): You are the lifeblood that keeps this organization growing and moving forward. Taking that first step can feel overwhelming but know that you are stepping into a family that will ride alongside you every mile of the way. Whether One Leg, One Day, or All the Way – come out to join this family of Veteran’s and Patriots. You’ll be glad you did.
  • To our Returning Riders: Welcome back. We all know someone who would benefit from the healing power of this Run. The Magic of the Run is real and you’ve all seen it work. Reach out to someone you know who needs this ride. If you know a veteran who is seeking healing, a family member looking for closure, or a supporter who wants to serve, guide them through the registration process and bring them into the fold.
  • Youth Registration: New this year is discounted registration for pre-teen participants. To encourage young families to join the Run, accompanied youth ages 12 & Under can be registered for only of $20 regardless of Route or number of days on the Run.

Leadership, Volunteers, and Off-Season Readiness

Run For The Wall is an all-volunteer organization. Right now, your Board, Route Leadership Teams and State Coordinators are working behind the scenes to secure permits, meal sponsors, staging locations, lodging support and Law Enforcement involvement to build another safe, impactful Run.

  • Step Up to Serve: If you can’t ride on two or three wheels this year, we always need dedicated hands on our ground support teams—chase drivers, staging detail, hydration, and medical crews. Your experience and dedication can make a difference!
  • Check Your Gear: Use these fall and winter months to inspect your bikes, complete routine maintenance, and make sure your equipment is mission-ready. Safety is non-negotiable.

New Director of Operations

Darin “Lurch” Koch was installed last month as our new Director of Operations, and he hit the ground rolling at full throttle! The smooth-running operational readiness we enjoy in Ontario and Springfield doesn’t happen by accident. As a longtime RFTW rider and two-time former Route Coordinator (2023 & 2024), Lurch brings proven leadership and a deep understanding of what makes our Run successful and our RFTW Family special. His dedication to our Run, our Riders, and our Mission has been exemplary, and I look forward to working alongside him to keep us moving forward!

RFTW Town Hall – Captain’s Call with Bugs

I was fortunate to attend both the Workday Reunion in Angel Fire and the Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville, and those two events were outstanding! For me, Fall really kicks off with these two gatherings—they stir up incredible motivation and energy for May and the upcoming Run.
A highlight of both reunions was the Town Hall-style meeting, featuring updates on our current coordination followed by open, direct Q&A. Back in my Navy days, I held regular Captain’s Calls with my unit for the exact same reason: to give everyone face-to-face access to information and answers. While meeting in person isn’t always easy, the digital age gives us the perfect solution: the WebCast!
On Wednesday evening October 21st at 7 PM Central, your RFTW BoD Vice-President, Corey “SunBear” Lederer and I will host the first of our planned Quarterly Town Halls to keep you informed on current events and answer your questions directly. Joining is seamless—with Zoom WebLink, it should be just a few clicks to join and participate. The web link will be provided in a separate newsletter closer to the event. I hope to see you all there!

Looking ahead – Continue the Mission

Our original Mission was founded on the premise that our government should focus more energy and effort on recovering live POW/MIA service members in Vietnam – that Mission still lives though somewhat tempered by time and expectation to finding answers and bringing home the proof in dignified transfer. To that end, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is still hard at work. The DPAA reported reaching 250 identifications in FY 2026 surpassing the previous year by 19 (you can read the news article here.) Of the 2646 named on the initial list of Vietnam War unaccounted-for personnel following Operation Homecoming in 1973, over 1000 have been returned, but there remain 1566 People and many families still waiting their homecoming.
Welcome Home is not just a catch phrase or casual greeting to us. It comes from a place deep inside signaling a heartfelt embrace, to return something lost, to open a space where support is freely given and an admonition to those nearby to honor the arrival of one who richly deserves our gratitude.

I am truly honored to serve this Mission as President of the BoD, to advocate and uphold the Run that energizes it and to support you the Riders that make it all happen.  You are Run For The Wall and you make it all worthwhile!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads, so wherever you go, Together We Ride!  See you on the road!

Sincerely,

Bugs

Bugs
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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – October 2026

231 Days to KSU!

Halloween and the Holidays are just around the corner. Fall is here with its temperate weather.  Friends and families are beginning to think about the up coming holidays and before we know it 2027 will be upon us. My how time flies….

POW MIA Recognition Day was celebrated on Friday September 18, 2026.

While National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a public holiday, the United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Many Americans across the United States pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW), as well as those who are missing in action (MIA), and their families. All military installations fly the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation’s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing.

POW/MIA Recovery Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  Last year, 231 missing service members were accounted for, including eight from the Vietnam War, with the remainder from World War II and the Korean War. Most of the recovery sites are in Europe and Southeast Asia. There are currently 1,565 missing U.S. personnel from the Vietnam War.  Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those families are our families, and they deserve our support.

This is part of our core mission statement.

“Never Forget”

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.

Your Route Coordinator and his leadership Teams are deeply involved in the planning of Midway Route 2027. Midway State Coordinators have been very busy working on our 2027 Itinerary. There are a few proposed changes to some of the itineraries and I think 2027 will once again be very special as we meet up with old friends and make new ones on a daily basis as we travel from LA to DC.

Registration

Registration opened on Sept. 11th, 2026. Midway is doing well on getting riders registered. However, if you have not registered yet, please consider doing it as soon as possible. We need semi-accurate numbers to provide them to our fuel stops so they know how much 91 octane they will need to have available for us. Additionally, our lunch and dinner locations need to have a best guess so they can provide the appropriate portions and hotels and camping locations need to know how many rooms or camping sites will be required. I know there are a lot of moving parts but it is necessary to get this family across the country as safely and efficiently as possible.  You can register on our website just as you have in the past.  We encourage you to register early and take advantage of the reduced, “early bird” rate.  Registration rates are:

Coast to Coast Routes (Midway)

  1. $100 early bird
  2. $120 regular reg (starting Feb 1)
  3. Day riders (up to 3 days on the road riding): $100

Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for a few good men or women. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Registration, Promotions, Staging, Fuel Team and an Honor Guard Coordinator. If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any of these positions, please go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. Here’s the link to the signup page. Midway Route Volunteer Signup You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

Riding Interval

Our riding interval has now been officially documented by the Board of Directors. For years, we’ve discussed our expected interval as “up to two seconds,” “one to two seconds,” etc., but now, through our SOPs, the Board has specified that our interval should be two seconds. Even when riding in a staggered formation, you will be expected to maintain a two-second interval from the bike in front of you. Additionally, the SOPs include a maximum highway pack speed. For well over two years, the SOPs have stated that the pack will not exceed the posted speed limit or 70 mph, whichever is less. I will ensure that you get adequate time for all riders to join the pack when entering the roadways, and that this maximum speed is not exceeded.

Please assist me in ensuring this is an enjoyable ride for all.

GMRS Radios

GMRS radios are now the standard for communication among your leaders. However, remember that while you all can listen in on the directions on GMRS, silence is golden. Unnecessary communications are disruptive to departure coordination and clog the channel, preventing critical messages from getting through. When someone is using the channel unnecessarily, another person might be trying to communicate a safety issue. With GMRS’s increased transmission capability, there’s no need to relay any instructions. Hand signals remain the primary way to communicate within the platoons, ensuring all riders receive critical info and instructions. Bottom line: Stay off the radio!!

If you have purchased a GMRS radio and are unsure about how to set it up, there are tutorials on the RFTW forum under “GMRS radio”. It will give you the opportunity to listen to the leadership of Midway making route decisions as we cross this great country.

Politics

As we move into our countries mid-term election season please remember that the Midway route and RFTW are non-political, and as such, political discussions are not allowed and will not be tolerated. These discussions can easily turn into arguments that hinder the Mission and create a hostile environment not conducive to Midway’s healing efforts. Please keep your political opinions to yourself while we are on the Mission. My sainted mother always told me there were three things that are never brought up in polite conversation. Sex, Religion and Politics because they are all personal/private and no one else’s business. We are focused on the Mission, not politics.

RFTW Podcast

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

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.

RFTW Monthly Gatherings

Phoenix area riders will meet on Oct 10 at What the Hell Grill located at 7303 E Main St. in Mesa at 11:00. All routes are invited. If you have any other meet ups planned in your area let me know and I will get the word out.

Let us dedicate ourselves and our efforts and remember to keep our focus on the Mission. It is why we ride!

Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.

Is it May yet?

Stinger

Randy “Stinger” Sheets
Midway Route Coordinator 2027

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Southern Route October 2026 Newsletter

Run for the Wall Banner

2027 Southern Route Coordinator Newsletter October

An early Happy Halloween to everyone! I hope you have lots of fun and kids Trick-or-Treating!

The Texas Riders Reunion took place September 24-26 and was another great success! Thank you to Phillip “Juice” Tutton and his beautiful wife, Belinda “Pickles,” for all the work that goes into making this event the success it is every year. The weather was perfect, and the roads were clear, which meant some great riding in the Texas Hill Country and, of course, PIE. Getting together with our Run family is the best part of the weekend. There are hugs, smiles, laughter, and yes, even a few tears, but they all represent the fantastic bond we share with each other.

The highlight of the weekend is always the dinner and auction on Saturday night. Without going into too much detail, on the advice of counsel, there are a few things that need to be shared. It seems there’s a backstory involving a certain former Mayor from Virginia, a rental car agency, a parking garage, and a moving barricade. No former Mayors were injured, but the story is great! I’ll leave the details to him and ask about it in Wyethville next May. There also seems to be a highly publicized photo array involving a certain ARC and a shopping cart…who makes these decisions? Then there was the auction highlighting the amazing work of Lynnette Handleson, Janice Wentworth, Jerry Lanier, and Billie Dunlap…yes, Bugs, you brought tears to the eyes of “Old School” in a great way. There are some great photos on the TX Riders Reunion Facebook page, but they don’t capture the laughter and love from the weekend.

Run For The Wall XXXVII – Southern Route 2027 Update

Planning for Run For The Wall XXXVII – 2027 is officially underway, and our leadership team is excited to begin preparations for another incredible year of honoring our veterans, supporting our riders, and strengthening our RFTW family bonds.

Our primary focus this year is Safety First as we deliver an exceptional experience for our First-Time Riders (FNGs). We’re committed to ensuring every rider feels welcome, supported, and prepared for the journey from Ontario, California, to Washington, D.C. We’ve been working like busy bees! Through meetings, planning sessions, and check-ins with our team, we’re keeping everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction.

We’ve also begun reaching out to our State Coordinators as they start compiling hotel lists, stops, and other key details along the way. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone. RFTW 2027 is off to a great start with early registration. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan our stops and hotel accommodations. You can register HERE

There’s plenty more to come, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going! So much is already happening… is it May yet? 

Your Southern Route Fundraiser shirt is ready and in stock. Purchase now!!! $10 from each shirt sold will go to the Southern Route Fund. Thank you all for your support.

Shop.rftw.us

Then click on fundraising!!

 

 

 

“All the cool kids will be wearing them”

Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer

Hello, all 2027 Run For The Wall Southern Route riders! My name is Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer, and I, along with the Asst. Missing Man Coordinator Sam “Snake” Habhab and our Missing Man Chaplains, Vernie “Turnip” and Tanya “Stormy” Batten, am honored to coordinate the 2027 RFTW XXXVII Southern Route Missing Man Formation. We invite you to join us as a participant in a leg of the run this year as part of the Missing Man Formation, which rides at the front of each leg of our cross-country procession to help us fulfill our mission to “Ride For Those Who Can’t.”

Riding in honor of a deceased Military friend, family member, comrade in arms, or someone special from your community who served this Nation. This honor is reserved primarily for RFTW Southern Route FNGs (first-year RFTW participants), Gold Star (immediate family of those who lost their lives in the line of duty) and still-MIA family members, and Active-Duty Military personnel who are riding with us. All other riders are welcome to request to ride and will be considered after we accommodate the previous riders.

Let’s ride together to honor and remember their sacrifice. Your presence makes a difference—so ride with us and help keep their legacy alive!

If you would like to participate, AFTER YOU REGISTER FOR THE 2027 RFTW SOUTHERN ROUTE, please EMAIL srmmc@rftw.us. We will send you a brief questionnaire to get the process started.

Thank you.

RFTW Missing Man Formation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicky “Heels” Leonard
Greetings from the Southern Route Finance Team. Did you know there are more than 21 million veterans and active-duty service men and women in the United States, with half of them having visible or invisible wounds of war – a fact too great to ignore. Over the past few years, RFTW’s Southern Route and family have grown. However, the need for support has grown as well. With 2027 around the corner, the finance team is reaching out to all our riders, past and present, for help. RFTW SR has amazing sponsors and supporters across the country, but we need more… WE NEED YOU!!!

We currently have several active options for riders to participate in, such as Poker Runs, Breakfast Runs, and local chapter support, but the best option could be YOUR OWN COMPANY!!! We are reaching out to riders to check with your place of employment. Many companies offer VA support, matching gift programs, and sometimes match or even double a competitive donation for causes like ours. We are a fully vetted 501(c)(3) and can easily work with your employer on tax donation forms.

Your local group, school, or employer’s support could be instrumental in helping us reach our target over the next few months. Worried you don’t know how to ask your employer about a donation? No worries… we can help you with that! Simply check with your HR department, and we can handle the rest. Worried you won’t raise enough? Even $5 is a welcome donation!

Once again, our organization is a fully vetted, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization and can easily work with your employer. Please know that the finance team is available to help or answer any questions you may have about donation letters or forms. Why? BECAUSE IT TAKES A VILLAGE!

Then click on fundraising!!

 

 

 

 

Southern Route Camping

Our best-kept secret is camping on the southern route. All overnight stops are donated. We have several with nice buildings to sleep in. A/C is available, and one even furnishes cots. Tents are needed for only a couple of days on the run. Most of our overnights are at our dinner locations, so there is no traveling to the camp sites.

One of my favorite things is that we have become a really close group over the years. Hope to see more new campers this year. We have a nice place to camp in Wytheville, which is something to look forward to. Hope to see you in the run!!

If ya need any additional info contact me at Buffed44@gmail.com

 

 

 

Santa Ed

Leave no one behind does not end on the battlefield!

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or by texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

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

RFTW Southern Route Coordinator 2027

Kevin “Short” Short

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 3 Episode 4 – Let’s Talk Gear with Psych-O

Run For The Wall Podcast

S3 E4 Let’s Talk Gear with Psych-O

Michelle “Psych-O” McDaniel joins the RTFW podcast to talk all things gear. She has already started to outline her thoughtfully curated packing list and we have the honor of having her share some of these helpful tips.

Here is the list of Packing Essentials from Michelle “Psych-O” McDaniel.

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!

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Southern Route Mid-Month Newsletter

Southern Route Spotlight

Allow me to introduce Dustin “Leatherneck” Taylor

Dustin is the Southern Route Lead Chaplain. Dustin’s responsibilities reach well beyond what one might think falls under the heading of Chaplain. The Chaplain Corps consists of about 30 individuals. They are there for the spiritual and emotional support of all our riders but also engage in a wide variety of responsibilities, ALL in support of our riders. Dustin maintains responsibility for each of the Chase Vehicles. The Chase Vehicles follow the pack and are there for any rider experiencing mechanical issues during the day.   Chaplains on motorcycles are alerted to riders on the shoulder of the road, and they assist the rider in loading their bike on the trailer. Transport is then provided to the next possible service location. If you’ve ever experienced a breakdown on the road, you understand why this is such an important service, provided through the support of Mission M25. His responsibilities don’t end there. Consider the Hydration Trailer providing drinks and snacks at each stop. The trailer is manned by members of his team and they work extremely hard to support our riders with all the donated supplies. Consider all the hard work our Chaplain Corps provides along the Run and give them a “Thank You” whenever you see them.

On a personal note, Dustin presents a large, perhaps even intimidating persona to those who have never met him. I can assure you his disarming smile and open heart make him the perfect person to lead this incredible group of Run For The Wall participant/supporters. Take a moment to say hello to Dustin, or any of his Chaplain Corps. They are always there for us.

Here are a few words from Dustin about Run For The Wall;

“My name is Dustin Taylor, road name “Leatherneck.” My FNG year was 2015. After a friend recommended it as a bucket-list item, I planned to do it just once, but after the first couple of days on the road, I was completely hooked. The following year, my faith led me to join Mission M25—a non-denominational Christian organization that has supported Run For The Wall for over 20 years—and serve with the Chaplain Corps. The mission and the deep camaraderie we build year after year are what keep me coming back.
As Senior Chaplain, I assemble and lead a dedicated support team. Our Missing Man Chaplains support those riding Missing Man, while our Platoon Chaplains offer moral and spiritual encouragement to all riders. The Chase Team handles broken-down bikes, assists with illnesses, and manages accidents, while the Hydration Team distributes snacks, drinks, and cooling ties at fuel stops ahead of the pack. What I love most about the Run is twofold: reconnecting with the friends and family I’ve made since 2015 while accomplishing this great mission, and participating in the outreach to families to assure them their loved ones are never forgotten—a connection that has personally changed my life.”

Captain Joseph Samuel Pirruccello, USAF

MIA 09/16/1966 – Laos

A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Captain Joseph S. Pirruccello was a Spad pilot in Vietnam.  On December 8, 1968, he was sent out on a mission near Muong Song in Sam Nuea Province, Laos.  During the flight, his A-1E aircraft was hit by enemy fire and crashed.  No parachutes were seen and no beeper signals were received. It was not believed at the time that Pirruccello survived.  He was listed as killed, body not recovered (KIA/BNR), but there was ample evidence that the enemy could give more information about his fate.

Throughout the rest of the war, families of the men missing in Laos were assured that “every effort” was being made to find them and return them home.  Unlike POWs in Vietnam, men whom the Pathet Lao held captive were not allowed to write letters home.  They were closely guarded and only a handful were known to the U.S. by name.

Ironically, Sam Nuea Province, where Pirruccello’s aircraft went down was the location of a huge cave complex where many Americans were known to be held, out of sight from aircraft searching overhead.  The caves were huge, and extensive. There was reportedly even a bakery exclusively for Americans to relieve them of a constant rice diet.

When the war ended, and 591 Americans were released from Hanoi in 1973, military officials were dismayed that hundreds of known or suspected to be held prisoner were not released.  There were nearly 600 Americans lost in Laos, only nine Americans held by the Lao were released at the end of the war.  The nine had been transferred to Hanoi for return to the U.S.  Laos did not independently release any POWs.

DPAA has Captain Pirruccello’s case listed as “Active Pursuit.” He is remembered on Panel 37W Line 67 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Never Forget

Respectfully,–
Dave “Double D” Davies
2027 RFTW SR 
Assistant Route Coordinator

 

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Central Route Chronicles: September 2026 Edition

Stephen and Todd AF 2027

My son Stephen and I had an amazing time this past weekend in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico!  Our annual brick laying project at the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial was accomplished with over 100 volunteers from ALL ROUTES.  Every brick is inscribed with a name that was read before it was escorted by volunteers or family members.  Your 2027 Assistant Route Coordinator, Ted “Boots” Kapner, 2011 Route Coordinator, Harry “Attitude” Steelman, and I were honored to announce each name on the brick before it was escorted to its final resting place along the paths of the Memorial.

None of this would have been possible without the countless hours of prep work.  A special thanks to Central Route Road Guard Kenny “Scooter” Keelin, Registration Team Lead Kathryn “Dark Cloud” Ewing, NM State Coordinator Patti “Yogi” Finley for their hard work and dedication to this project.

As the seasons begin to change, we are just one day away from the opening of registration for the 2026 Run For the Wall.  On September 11th, 2026 at 0846 the online registration page will become live.  I encourage everyone to register early as this gives our State Coordinators valuable information as they begin to coordinate with the communities that host us in May.

We are still looking for volunteers for all teams.  As you are aware it takes a small army to move 300 plus motorcycles across this great country!  If you are not a FNG, and are willing to help, please fill out a Volunteer Application found here. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate team lead, and they will get in contact with you.

In closing, I would like to once again express my heartfelt thanks for allowing me to be your Route Coordinator this coming year.  Meetings are beginning to be scheduled, and the anticipation is beginning to rise.  Never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who are still unaccounted for, and those who are currently serving.

Till next month…

Horton - RFTW Central Route Coordinator

Todd “Horton” Taylor
Central Route Coordinator

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Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter – September 2026

Can you believe September is already here? Hope everyone had a great Labor Day! As the temperatures start getting cooler, we can enjoy getting out and riding a little more and enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons before winter arrives.

Registration

It’s almost that time!! Registration for the 2027 Run For The Wall will open on September 11th, 2026, @ 8:46 a.m. (EST), 7:46 a.m. (Central), 6:46 a.m. (MST), and 5:46 a.m. (PST). Please register as soon as you can. We use the information to plan our stops, let our supporters know rider counts so they can plan their support, and allow the Platoon Coordinator to assign riders to their respective platoons.

Southern, Central, and Midway Routes all leave on Wednesday, May 19 – May 29 (10 days) to go from Ontario, California to Washington, D.C.

Sandbox Route leaves Sunday May 30 – June 1 (3 days) to go from Springfield VA (Washington, D.C.) to Marseilles, Illinois.

Upcoming Events

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is coming up and will be observed on Friday, September 18. This day is for honoring those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing. NEVER FORGET

The Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville, TX. Sept 25-27 at the YO Resort.  Registration is $40 per person until Sept 15, then it’s $50 per person. Please see the Southern Route Coordinator August Newsletter for more information.

NOTE: This event IS NOT an official Run for the Wall event.

Planning

Your Sandbox Leadership Team has been working to fill the positions needed to make the RUN a success. Your State Coordinators are already out there, planning and coordinating with our supporters. We have read and heard what all the After Action Reports (AARs) have said, and we are looking at ways to improve the Route. With that being said, it’s not too late to let us know how we did last year. Thank you to all who have already submitted.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering to help out on the Run, we still have positions available. Please fill out the form at: RFTW.us > Sandbox Route > Volunteer Sign-up (https://rftw.us/volunteer-sign-up/). Some leadership positions require GMRS radios for communication. Keep in mind that FNGs are not permitted to volunteer for these positions, as we want them to fully experience the Run. Positions we are looking for include Risk Management Officer, Road Guards, Medical Team Members, Staging Team, Friend of Bill, Chaplains, Fuel Team, Asst Platoon Leaders, and Tail Gunners.

Pre Paid Fuel

This year, we will require pre-paid fuel again. As the Run approaches and we can better evaluate the ever-changing gas prices, we will set a final cost for you closer to the Run’s start. This will help speed up stops by eliminating the need to fumble for cash at the pumps and give you more time to use the restroom, hydrate, stretch, relax, and prepare for the next leg of the ride.

Let’s work together to make the Sandbox Route great! We will Continue the Mission safely and successfully! Remember, “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, and it sparks extraordinary results” (Wade Boggs)

Is it MAY Yet?