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2018 Day -1 Ontario, CA

An easy day today.   Many more people arriving.  Many more familiar faces to see and hugs to receive.  I started by collecting gear for my platoon leadership and applying numerous decals to strategic locations on my Harley.  Place decals in the wrong place and folks like our Staging Crew will not be happy.  They need to know what platoon you are in and expect to see your platoon number in basically the same place on all bikes.  I hope we all follow directions.

At our Midway Leadership meeting in the afternoon Bandit gave a very warm brief.  He says this is our run.  It’s for all of us.  Bandit wants us all to make it safely to Washington DC.  We as leadership to help our riders be safe and treat them with respect.  We have no idea the “baggage” they carry.  We should be kind in all our conversations with all our riders. Bandit really cares about all those we meet along the way.  Bandit also would like us to honor our hosts at each venue by sticking around for meals provided and the following presentations and not leaving the route to head directly to the hotel.  Very appropriate stuff I think and just what we all need to do.  Bandit mentioned that our State Coordinators do an amazing job arranging all the details regarding venues where we stop.  They deserve our utmost gratitude and respect for the job they do behind the scenes.  It’s a tiring job that takes many hours of their volunteer time and it’s all devoted to the riders on Run For The Wall.  If you meet a State Coordinator make sure to thank them.  Without their effort we could not make this trip.  Thank you to all our State Coordinators.  You are loved.

Bandit told us our Combat Veteran Sargent Dylan Gray (please forgive me if I misspelled his name) was on the way from the airport.  Our Asst Route Coordinator, Glenn Waggoner quickly left to greet him when he arrived.  When Glenn announced Dylan and his lady and escorted them into the conference room we all stood and cheered.  What a privilege I felt to be in the room as Dylan humbly walked to the front and spoke a few words of appreciation and gratitude.  This is why we ride.  We love our veterans and we love our military.

Tomorrow we have several significant events happening.  Check the Pre-run itinerary.  I’ll just mention a couple.

First Jim “The Mayor” Frost is leading the traditional run to Riverside National Cemetery.  Although this event is primarily for FNGs, all are welcome.  I’ll be going there again.  I have spent many hours traveling in escort with the Patriot Guard Riders to RNC.  It is a marvelous place.  It’s a hallowed place.  There is a feeling of peace and tranquility that cannot be felt many other places.  RNC is the busiest National Cemetery in the United States.  Here is a website where you can find more information about RNC.  https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/riverside.asp.  If you have not been, you need to go.  The riders meeting is at 0830 and the run departs at 0900.  Usually the line begins along the east curb of the hotel.  There will be Law Enforcement Officer escort.

Second, I’d like to mention something our Board Of Director President, Les Williams talked about at our leadership meeting. It’s called Warrior Pointe.  They have a website https://www.warriorpointe.org/.  It’s worth checking out.  Members from Warrior Pointe will be at the host hotel at 0830 to present a plaque to Run For The Wall for 30 years of riding, honoring and caring for our veterans, military, POWs, MIAs and our KIAs.  If you are not planning to attend the run to RNC, please plan to be there for this presentation.  We need more riders on Run For The Wall.  Veterans like us are not getting any younger.  Les says our hair is not getting any darker, only lighter like his.  I quit cutting my gray hair.  I’m afraid I won’t grow anymore.  Les says that maybe soon we will need to change our logo again to Run For The Walls.  He mentioned that a location across the Reflection Pond from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is being considered for the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts and that maybe soon there will be an additional Wall to Run to.  What a vision.  I can only imagine how RFTW will multiply attendance if veterans from other conflicts begin to think the Run is for them like it has been for us.  The run if for us all.  All need to know that.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  For those that have emailed me their comments, my thanks and my love to you all.

lystruptf@gmail.com

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Midway Route SitReps 2018

Day –2, Sunday May 13, 2018

Starting a couple of days early, hope that’s okay with all y’all.  Except I don’t have an awful lot to report, but here goes nothing.  I left St. George, UT this morning after saying goodbye to my wife.  She doesn’t ride much, but lets me go, if I complete all the honey-dos on her list, which I did and there weren’t that many.  I called her after church got out.  She said, “You miss me already?”  I said I did.  We talked about everything. My wife asked me if I was rooming with the same friend again this year and I said I was. She asked if I thought he would already be checked in at the hotel with a cold Diet Coke waiting for me like previous years and I said probably.  She laughed.  We both know friends like that are few and far between.  I’m the lucky one.

This post actually started yesterday at Zion Harley Shop in Hurricane, UT.  I went to help with the weekly barbecue.  The Christian Motorcycle Association was there.  They are known for many benevolent activities, one of which is the annual Biker Blessing.  I talked with a lady named Maria and I mentioned that on this same day in the town I moved to Utah from, the Biker Blessing was being conducted so I would miss it.  Maria indicated that her husband Phil could help me, so I went and talked with him.  I told Phil about Run For The Wall, basically being a long ride across the country offering healing to all riders and promoting awareness to POWs and MIAs from all wars.  He indicated he would be happy to offer a blessing for me.  He proceeded with a fine prayer for my safety on the road.  Phil asked God to provide me and my bike with safety and for a safe return.  I was grateful for his words and I felt God’s watchful care over me and my bike.  As I rode toward Ontario, there were several times I thought God was helping me be safe.  Thank you God and please be with all the riders on Run For The Wall until we all arrive home safe in the and arms of our loved ones.

The weather riding into Ontario was beautiful and traffic not bad, being Mother’s Day.  As I rode past the host hotel, coming the other direction was a familiar face, one with a cigar protruding out his mouth.  Many of you probably know who I’m talking about.  I waved and he pointed at me recognizing me as well.  It’s already begun.  Run For the wall is an event that gets under your skin and it feels good.

I went to check into the hotel; only to find my roommate was already there and had a Diet Coke on ice for me.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  It was so good to see him again.  As I walked around the host hotel, familiar faces were everywhere and the hugs were nonstop.  It is so good to see so many of my friends again.  This is part of the reason I do Run For The Wall.  There are so many parts it would be a long list.  One of my friends showed me into Registration where more familiar faces with big smiles and more hugs greeted me.  Happy does not quite describe the feeling.  The Midway Registration Team is amazing and brought homemade cookies.  They got me checked in quick.  I saw quite a few friends from last year when I was Platoon 6 Leader.  They were back for more this year, but I was reassigned to another platoon this year.  No matter, we’ll still see a lot of each other.  One of my former platoon members mentioned he brought me a gift and went to retrieve it.  When he returned I was surprised to see he brought me a dream catcher made by Cherokee Indians and it was my color blue.  I was overwhelmed at such a thoughtful act, one that had particular significance to me.

All the route vendor trucks were set up outside and open for business.  Everything is there to help everyone interested in commemorating Run For The Wall.  Stop by and check out the Geedunk.

Here’s the Pre-Run Itinerary if you haven’t seen it already. https://rftw.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RFTW-Itinerary-2018-Ontario-Update-Rev3.pdf.  Please check out what’s going on.  Some stuff is mandatory.  Monday is a big day.  There will be hundreds of bikers riding in and there is a lot of coordinating that needs to happen.  All the activity in preparing for the Run kicks into high gear tomorrow.  We have been waiting and saying “Is it May yet”, for a long time.  Well it’s here.  Are you ready for Run For The Wall?

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – Platoon 5 Leader / Midway Route SitRep Writer

I’d appreciate your comments.  lystruptf@gmail.com

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Midway Route Coordinator News – May 2018

Fellow Riders;

We are about one week away from departure at Ontario, CA for an incredible and memorable ride, the 30th Anniversary of Run for the Wall. If you are an FNG you will not forget this experience as “1 Mission – 3 Routes” brings honor to all veterans of all conflicts. To keep an accounting of POW/MIA and the opportunity to heal and bring closure for many.

You will stand alongside brothers and sisters, Gold Star and Blue Star families, First Responders and several towns that want to honor you and our mission. Take in every moment and cherish your role on the Midway Route. Pay your respects to the people across our great nation who have taken the time to celebrate our journey together. Be grateful at every opportunity.

Check your bike, gear and ensure your health is good for the journey. Attend all mandatory meetings as posted and scheduled. Pay attention to the demands of our Road Guards who are protectors along the route. We look forward to meeting you in Ontario, CA.

Glenn “Wombat” Waggoner
Midway Assistant Route Coordinator
U.S. Army – RVN ’68-’70
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Central Route Coordinator News – May 2018

As I write this, we are exactly 16 days away from our departure from Ontario, CA.  I also see that 672 people have registered for the Central Route.  Yeah! Gulp!

Your leadership teams have been busy for the last 11 months preparing for the May 16th departure and the 10-day journey across this great country to call for an accounting of those still Missing In Action from all wars.

All the leadership teams are in place and ready to perform their duties to make this a successful Mission.  I look forward to the challenges of leading the Central Route and have spent many hours in preparation, exploring details, anticipating what could or could not go wrong.  My real concern is your safety.  I ask that you also think in terms of making this a safe journey.

I want to make a special call out to our State Coordinators who have been working hard to coordinate activities within their respective states. As of now, I know of three areas of road construction.  The first being just north of Raton, NM, the second is near MM 405 on I-70 in western Colorado and the third is in West Virginia on I-64 between Milton, WV and Nitro, WV.

This year you will have the capability to use your computers and smartphones to track us, as each of the three routes will each have GPS trackers on their motors.  When you go to the soon to be published web site you will see labels that will begin with as CR, MR and SR.  For Central Route the ones you will be interested in is CR1 and CR2.  CR1 is me in the front leading the Pack and CR2 is the Last Man vehicle.  The other two are assigned to Eamon the Assistant Route Coordinator and the fourth is assigned to Nick Nickolas who is leading the Gold Star Family outreach.  I have been told that the web link won’t be activated until Tuesday May 15th.  I have been lobbying to have it turned on now so folks can get familiar with it.  If you agree please send an email to kirk.olson@rftw.us

I’ve been stopping by the local parking lot when I’ve been out riding to practice tight turns.  I’ll find a spot in the pavement and do figure eights over the top of it.  Remembering to turn my head because that is where the motor will go.  I follow that up with trying to make a U-turns inside two parking spaces.

So… what have you been doing to sharpen your riding skills?  Have you started a hydration program?

May Safety Tip…  I mentioned this a few months ago, but it bears repeating.  Most accidents happen during a speed change maneuver, such as entering and exiting roadways.  When entering a highway, I will increase speed in small increments until I reach our maximum highway speed of 65 MPH.  When exiting the highway, I will begin the slow down process about 4 to 5 miles out.  This is when you need to bring your A-game. You need to be watching beyond the motor in front of you to anticipate a sudden slow down.

I was in a Ride Like A Pro class last Sunday morning, which was being taught by two motor officers.  One of the officers told us of a study where seven cars were lined up and traveling in a line.  If the lead car reduced its speed by 5 MPH, in a short period of time the last car would have to come to a full stop.  They went on to say that a mere tapping of the brake (brake light flash) sends a ripple slow down effect rearward.  The message is…. use small accelerator (throttle) control corrections when making speed changes to correct interval spacing.  If throttle control isn’t enough, then down shift, using brakes as a last resort.

All for now.  See you in Ontario.

My Wall is Your Wall,

Harlan

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President’s Message – May 2018

These messages from me, started in July 2017 as RFTW continued the planning process for this 30th Annual Run For The Wall. In a blink of an eye it is now May. I wanted to give a loud shout out to all the volunteers across the country for their tireless work to make our mission successful. To the leadership of all the routes, state coordinators, riders, and all the American citizens who support us across the nation, you have our undying gratitude for your support. We could not accomplish this mission without you. If anyone looks deep into the heart of Run For The Wall, they will find the above patriots working diligently throughout the year to make this mission stronger each year.

Just a reminder that the Pre-Run Ontario itinerary is also posted on each of the “route hubs” on the website, click on Run Info. If you have any questions about the start of our mission, that’s the place to get answers. Since the days in Ontario are a dynamic time, we have made a few changes in the past week to that schedule. The only cancellation we have, as of this writing, is the First Aid class. All other events are still on. If you have signed up for the Riverside National Cemetery run, you will find it a great way to start RFTW 2018. It’s a solemn reminder of why “We Ride for Those That Can’t.” If you are a registered rider you can join this wonderful mission. It is scheduled for staging at 0730 on Tuesday, May 15. There will be a riders meeting at 0830, and you will depart at 0900. These events will be adjacent to the Gateway Host Hotel on E. Guasti Rd.

We have talked a great deal this year about safety and focus on rider skills. For those riding to Ontario and those joining at any of our overnight stops, use these “Run To The Run” trips to begin keeping safety and focus foremost in your minds. Although we cannot predict the weather, you can be sure to find anything from hot and dry, to cold and raining (or even a little frost) during this mission. Check the day’s weather on your mission and prepare yourself accordingly. Once your day begins on the routes, your leadership does not stop if it begins to rain. We only stop for fueling, meals and overnight stays.

Our mission officially ends at the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. However, an escort to Rolling Thunder will stage early Sunday morning for RFTW riders wishing to join in that demonstration.  See the back pages of any of the detailed route itineraries for times, etc.

Just a quick reminder to everyone: Our hotels and towns we visit are very important to RFTW. Be patient with hotel employees and keep these locations clean. Motorcycle parking at hotel overhangs is a violation of the fire codes in all towns we visit. Please do not park under these porticos.

Moreover, remember the donated meals and fuel are not free – patriotic American citizens work hard to provide these donated items to RFTW, so feel free to express your gratitude to those folks.

See you all in Ontario, or along the road and Welcome Home!

Les “Easy” Williams
President
Run For The Wall Board of Directors

P.S. Rumor has it Deano will be singing his “Nobody Knows” song that everyone loved last year and other songs in Ontario—look for him near the Merchandise trailer.

It’s MAY!!!  WELCOME HOME!

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Central Route Coordinator News – April 2018

As I write this, we are 45 days away from lifting our kickstands in Ontario, CA.  I also see that 561 participants have already registered for the Central Route to play some role in our coast-to-coast crossing of these United States to Washington, DC to show our solidarity to remember those who have given their all to protect our freedoms.

The State Coordinators are closing in on their responsibilities to arrange and plan within their respective states to make this a memorable year for you as a rider.  Our Advance Road Guard team, led by Chuck Brown, is mapping out our Route, planning freeway exits, entries and egresses at our fuel stations.  Our Fuel Crew, led by George Creacy, is working out specifics to quickly fuel all the motors in a safe and quick timeframe.  Our Staging Crew, led by Steve Berniklau, is working out details on where and how to park motors for morning staging, fuel stops, and evening stops.

Leadership, who are responsible for moving motors, has been meeting regularly since January to discuss and look at satellite views of each stop using GoToMeeting.com conference/video meeting program.

In addition, Eamon Tansey and I gathered your Platoon Leaders for an online conference meeting to discuss expectations, procedures, and safety concerns.

So what have you as riders been doing to prepare yourself for this tough and grueling journey?  Are you exercising to build your stamina?  Think about starting your hydration routine at least a couple weeks before the Run.  How are your riding skills?  Have you enrolled into a motorcycle riding class to sharpen your skills and break bad habits?  Find an open parking lot to practice tight turns.  Can you make a U-turn within 3 parking spaces?  If so, see if you can reduce it to 2 spaces.

Communications…. After much consideration. I purchased the Sena 30K and Sena Freewire system.  I am quite impressed by its’ performance and am thinking of new ways to apply it.  According to Bruce Bartolomeo, I understand Sena is offering some smoking deals for Run For The Wall riders.  If you are interested, check out this link which is on the  RFTW.us Forum

On Friday Evening, May 25, 2018 in Washington, DC, you have the opportunity to attend the Marine Corps Evening Parade, featuring: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and Cpl. Chesty XIV, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.

Register Here for the Marine Corps Evening Parade – It’s Free for RFTW.

April Safety Tip…  We have a member on our leadership team who is responsible for communicating with truckers as we move the Pack along the freeway.  Our communications leader is Dave Talley, who is a trucker by trade.  He sent the following email to Eamon and me a few weeks ago, and I thought it appropriate to include here in my monthly update.

Dave writes…. For about four or five years I’ve been telling RFTW about the collision mitigation systems installed in tractor trailers.  I never had much information on these systems other than they existed and could cause the Run problems.  I have been driving with this system for ten months now. It is seriously flawed and we have been approaching it wrong.  First if an obstacle like a bike or several bikes is detected by this system it WILL slow the truck down, if a driver is using cruise control the system will back off the throttle (driver won’t notice until cruise shuts off due to loss of momentum).  If obstacle stay to close to the truck (1 second or less) the system will activate engine retarder system and brakes (again driver received no warning it just happens).  If obstacle slows braking occurs faster, and a report of unsafe following is generated to company safety department. Not our problem right?  Wrong!  Our pack is often 5 miles long and if passing the truck we will have riders behind it.  During initial slowdown there are no break lights. During collision mitigation there are brake lights, but the computer is basically panic stopping an 80,000 pound vehicle.  Our bikes to the front and side will be okay, but bikes behind it will also be in a panic stop and possible multiple chain reaction accident involving our riders and vehicles behind them.  In addition, some of the newer trucks and cars have lane departure anti yaw systems. These systems work by braking and steering vehicle back into lane…lane splitting causes drivers to swerve away from bike doing it, these systems counter the swerves, possible dead biker, or worse truck locks up brakes or runs off road.   Almost every truck with these systems have dash cam. I shudder to think of RFTW all over YouTube because we caused a wreck.

Solution 540 feet or six seconds before moving in front of any truck.  That is 8.5 truck lengths.  The average car moves over at 1 second in front of a truck, the average biker does it at .5 seconds. Neither is a problem if they keep moving away from the truck. The Run doesn’t always keep moving, someone waves at an overpass and we stop.   If we do that in front of a truck with a collision mitigation system our people in front of it are probably safe, but the people behind it ARE NOT.

We need to rethink how we do what we do I need 3 minutes a day every day to tell and remind people how far 540 feet is.  In the last five years I’ve gone to platoon meetings.  All of them some days because leadership has felt giving me 3 minutes isn’t worth it. Tell that to the family of an FNG who didn’t know when he bumper dives a truck that he is risking the lives of everyone behind him and the mission.

Thanks, Dave

That’s all for now,  let’s be prepared.

My Wall is Your Wall,

Harlan “Whitebirch” Olson
2018 Central Route Coordinator

 

We request that you learn how to use Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter. When Uploading your photos to these sites, PLEASE use the above  #hashtags in your posts/comments. If you don’t know what a #hashtag is, please ask your kids or grandkids, or Click Here.

Example: You are about to post a photo to Instagram or Facebook that you just took with your phone. Your description/comment might look something like: Here’s me in Washington, DC! #RunForTheWall #RunForTheWall2018 (#hashtags are not case-sensitive)

If you don’t have Instagram on your smartphone, you should. It’s a true photo sharing site, and you can link it to your facebook, too, so any pictures you post, go in both places.

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President’s Message – April 2018

Here it is April already and getting closer to the 2018 RFTW. We have talked a lot during this lead up to The Run about having your motorcycle and its rider in the best condition possible. Both of these items are very important to a successful and safe mission. It is not too late to get that much needed “update training” to sharpen all your skills for this awesome mission to Washington, DC. We have touched on slow riding being a skill that always needs sharpening. This mission requires a complete focus on slow riding, as we slow down to exit interstate highways to fuel our riders. The slow riding, and attention needed increases as we approach the fueling areas, and then exit to restage our platoons. Although slow riding is easier on trikes, focusing on the people all around you is just as important. Being wider adds another level of necessary awareness. Safety is everyone’s business, so if you are new to RFTW don’t be bashful—ask your platoon leaders questions at the mandatory all routes riders meeting Tuesday afternoon, May 15 at 1600 in Ontario. If you join us on any overnight stop, your platoon leadership will also be available to you at those times to answer questions.

Your Route Coordinators are taking care of last minute issues, and leadership staff of all routes are in place. State Coordinators from California to Arlington, VA, have their hotel arrangements and other duties completed, making this magic work across the country. Each year we meet-and-greet American citizens in all the cities and towns that we stop in. They work hard all year long to raise money to feed our riders and, in some cases, fuel them. None of this is “Free.” Someone has worked hard on your behalf, so please thank them for what they do for us. At each stop our Route Coordinators honor these American patriots with plaques and recognition. This is often done while we are eating, so we ask that you do not get up and leave during these ceremonies. Courtesy goes a long way.

Our hotels are very important to RFTW. Their friendship and locations are hand picked to keep our operations on-time and running smoothly. Often there will be a waiting line to check into the hotel. Please be patient with the clerks. Last year RFTW nearly lost one of our premier hotels in Arlington, VA, because one rider became abusive to a clerk who was trying to help. Folks, we need these hotels! So, behavior is important! Moreover, RFTW discourages pets on the mission, and hotels will need to know about any service animals that you may have, and will ask for VA registration for Service Dogs.

Carol Olmstead, California State Coordinator, has told us the USMC Band will return on Tuesday in Ontario before the mandatory rider meeting. For those who have listened to these Marines perform, you know it is an outstanding afternoon of great music. Carol also told me that she will have the Ontario itinerary ready to publish on the website early this month. She also will have a picture board honoring all those who have ridden with RFTW and have passed away. Please bring pictures and a bio of that person for Carol’s Honor Board. She also told me the vendor booths are all filled. She will also have the RFTW merchandise trailers open in the parking lot to handle your shopping needs.


Amazing moment at Lincoln Memorial with RFTW Riders Saturday, May 27, 2017!

Once RFTW arrives in Arlington, VA, our Mission is not over. There are several activities you will want to attend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Rolling Thunder). On Friday Evening, May 25, 2018, you have the opportunity to attend the Marine Corps Evening Parade, featuring: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and Cpl. Chesty XIV, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.

Register Here for the Marine Corps Evening Parade – It’s Free for RFTW.

If you are an FNG this year, you will be escorted over to Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday morning to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard and the wreath laying by RFTW riders picked by the Route Coordinators. After that ceremony, you will hop on your bikes to prepare to ride over to the Lincoln Memorial for a group picture. Once this is done, we will visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall where RFTW Route Coordinators will place our annual “Mission Accomplished” plaque at the apex of The Wall.

We are pleased to announce that on Saturday morning, RFTW has been selected to wash the Vietnam Memorial Wall—Early (likely 0600 staging). The RCs have selected the 30-person platoon (10 from each route) that will form up at the Holiday Inn in Arlington early Saturday morning. Gunny Gregory and Chuck Wright will lead the Wall Washing Mission. Fifteen riders will begin washing the Wall until they reach the apex. They then will hand over their washing tools to the next 15 riders who will complete the mission. The Park Service estimates the mission will take 25-30 minutes.

For those who will be traveling to Ontario or other locations to join RFTW 2018, please drive safely. You are all important to us.  And for those of you who have not yet registered, please know you are still welcome, including: Non-Veterans, Veterans,  Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard are encouraged to join us for 1-day or 10. Do as many miles and days as you’d like or can with us. Going ALL THE WAY, is not required to ride and participate.

We understand every situation is different and invite all to join us on this moving, memorable ride across America to pay tribute to our veterans and active duty military, to keep alive the mission to return our POW/MIA/KIAs from all wars.

To each and every one of you, Welcome Home and God Bless America.

IS IT MAY YET?

Les “Easy” Williams
President
Run For The Wall®
We Ride For Those Who Can’t™

 

…And if you Can’t Hardly Wait… Here is a very small taste of what’s to come in May 2018.

 

We request that you learn how to use Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter. When Uploading your photos to these sites, PLEASE use the above  #hashtags in your posts/comments. If you don’t know what a #hashtag is, please ask your kids or grandkids, or Click Here.

Example: You are about to post a photo to Instagram or Facebook that you just took with your phone. Your description/comment might look something like: Here’s me in Washington, DC! #RunForTheWall #RunForTheWall2018 (#hashtags are not case-sensitive)

Also, if you don’t have Instagram, you should. It’s a true photo sharing site, and you can link it to your facebook, too, so any pictures you post, go in both places automatically.

*Lincoln Memorial video footage by Joffrey Mason and used with permission.
*Aerial Video footage by Joffrey Mason and used with permission.
*Song Title: America’s Song
Featuring: Will.I.am, David Foster, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Seal, and Bono
by Songwriters: William Adams / David Foster / George Jr Pajon

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Midway Route SitReps 2018

March 23 – Hello Midway Route Family. I hope you are doing well and I’m sure you are with great anticipation looking forward to beginning the Run in another month and a half. I am as well. I have an idea I wanted to share with y’all. I spoke to Bandit about this idea and he concurred it was a good thing for us to do.

On Day 2, Thursday we cross from Arizona into New Mexico and stop at Milan Elementary School. Those of you that have been on the Midway Route previously may remember that we join with all the elementary school children and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together. This is a great event. You may also remember that after the pledge, the children recite the New Mexico Pledge as well as the Milan School Pledge. I was impressed with this act especially. The children wrote the school pledge themselves and they live it in their daily lives. My idea is to also join them in saying the New Mexico Pledge as well as the Milan Elementary School Pledge. The words are below. You can print this page and use it to help us join the children in saying these pledges together. I will also have copies to hand out at the Day 2 Mandatory Riders meeting in the morning. Please become familiar with these pledges. Perhaps memorize the words if you can and let’s join together as one with the children of Milan Elementary School in saying these pledges together. Let them feel the unity we share as a family of Riders who support our veterans, our military and our country, just as they do.

New Mexico Pledge –
“I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures”

(Clarification only – Zia symbol description – Zia is the name the Zia First Nation people attribute to the sun which they hold sacred and depict as a red circle with four rays emanating from it). All cultures depend on the sun. In that, we are all united and have something in common with the children of Milan Elementary school.

Milan Elementary Pledge –
“I pledge to be a person of character;
to help others when they need it;
to treat others the way I want to be treated;
to be caring, respectful, responsible;
be a good citizen;
be fair and trustworthy.
I count! You count!”

Let’s do this. Let’s show the children of Milan Elementary School we support them. Thank You!

Please email me with your comments or with anything you think needs correction or that needs inclusion.

“We Ride For Those That Can’t”

Tom “Twotone” Lystrup – lystruptf@gmail.com
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Central Route Coordinator News – March 2018

I checked the countdown clock on www.rftw.us a few minutes ago.  It shows that we are at 73 days, 20 hours and 32 minutes away from “kickstands up” in the Ontario, CA, parking lot on May 16th.  As I scrolled down a little further, I noticed that 481 of you have completed online pre-registration to participate in the Central Route in some way.  That doesn’t mean 481 will be departing Ontario on Wednesday.  We know that some of you will be joining at one of our overnight stops, and others will be dropping off to return home for work or other family commitments.

Your State Coordinators have been doing outstanding work to make the 2018 Run a success.  They have arranged and worked with local volunteers for our fuel and lunch stops.  They have negotiated hotel rates at our overnight destinations.  In addition, State Coordinators have worked with local law enforcement agencies to let them know we will be riding through their areas of Jurisdiction and advised them of our Mission statement.  In many cases, local law enforcement offers escorts to protect us.  In the days leading up to our May 16th departure, we will be depending on the State Coordinators to keep us apprised of road construction in our path of travel.  Be sure to seek out the State Coordinator volunteers and thank them for their hard work.

I spoke with Tom Pogue, Central Route Missing Man Coordinator, a few days ago.  He told me that he has a few slots available for those wishing to ride for someone in the Missing Man Formation.

If you are wondering about the 2018 itinerary, it is in final editing and will be going out for review.  I am anticipating that it will be available online in the next 7 to 10 days.

According to Jimmie Royce, 50/50 Rouser, if you are not standing anywhere near the PA sound trailer during each morning gathering prior to the MANDATORY morning riders meeting this year, you will miss an excellent opportunity to purchase items provided by some of our major brand supporters.

If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to check out the online merchandise store.  The 2018 shirts are available.  My favorite is the purple polo.

March Safety Tip:   Last month I talked about our preferred “snake around” method of passing traffic.  I’d like to add a footnote to that.  When you are in a passing situation, you may see a Road Guard (yellow brassards) in front of a truck or car. He/she is there for a reason … to pace the truck/car.  You will safely return and move back to the traffic lane well in FRONT of the Road Guard.

My Wall is Your Wall,

Harlan “Whitebirch” Olson
Run for The Wall
2018 Central Route Coordinator

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President’s Message – March 2018

With only 74 days left before Kick Stands Up, Run For The Wall 2018 is closing in on many details vital to the mission. Route Coordinators are working to complete their itineraries that will be available in early April for printing and posting on the website. Their other duties are far too numerous to detail in this message. These Route Coordinators and their staffs have been doing outstanding work since June 2017 planning the 30th Annual RFTW. On behalf of the Board of Directors we want to commend Harlan “Whiteburch” Olson (Central Route), Mike “Bandit” Huber (Midway Route), and Chad “Slacker” O’Dell (Southern Route) for their service to our veterans and our supporters. RFTW is in good hands.

The numbers of registered folks continue to be very high, in fact, we are over 500 more registrations than at this time last year. These numbers are a good sign—especially the numbers of FNG’s which appear to be between 35-45 percent of registrations. We welcome every one of you for this 30th mission of RFTW. Please take the time to care for your motorcycle, so it is in top condition for this awesome mission and that your skills and physical condition are, too. All these tips make for a successful and safe operation.

In February, RFTW joined forces with M-25 and DRUSA, and completed our mission to restore seven veteran and other homes in and around Alvin, TX. (We actually made it to an eighth home to remove and replace the roof, and remove an out-building.) Seventy volunteers showed up at the Emmanuel Worship Center with tools, ready to work. I greeted many friends and made new ones during the week. I cannot thank the 70 volunteers who showed up more – they are folks who contributed to the fund raiser and furthered that with a week of skilled labor. I want to thank the FNG’s who came to Houston to work and become part of the RFTW family. Those FNG’s: Ric Castro, CO, Eva Wilson, KS, Mitch VanDever, OK, Doug Warren, MI, and Don Gagnon, OR (FNG 2017) all contributed to this mission’s success.

The entire project was planned by Bill Terry, DRUSA ops boss and his team, along with Gary “Shepherd” Burd and his M-25 team. Thanks to Terry Ray, CR Platoon Leader, for coming all the way from California in his Prius loaded down with his tools and ready to work! Thanks to Terry for also posting a video on FB of the mission – great job! Many women joined the mission and worked on or for one of the seven teams throughout the week (see attached pictures).

To everyone who participated and contributed through the fundraising, I am happy to report – mission complete for now. Many have asked if further hurricane relief will happen in the future. Bill Terry said they would like to return, and will keep us in the loop – so stand by for information. DRUSA is an outstanding organization, and I would not hesitate to work with them in the future.

Below are pictures and two videos – One long and one short – of the hurricane relief work effort – see FB or Instagram (evafromthefarm account) for more. From top to bottom, left to right – Gary Burd helps crew in replacing roof in Houston house; teams confer in Emmanuel Worship Center before work; Louann and Roger, veteran’s home—they have a catering business that was impacted by the hurricane and, after a few days of help at their house, brought hot lunch to workers at a trailer in Dickinson, TX —paying some back; new fence completed in two days at veteran’s home; and finally some of the women and girls (youngest was 13) volunteering through RFTW, DRUSA and M-25.

Les “Easy” Williams
President
Run for the Wall Board of Directors