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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – March 2026

RFTW Feature Midway Route

72 Days to KSU!

Can you feel it? We are getting close!

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.

Advice For New Riders

If you haven’t already started, this would be the time to get prepared for the run. Get yourself ready by exercising, walking and most importantly, riding. As the weather permits, try to get some long-distance rides, 100 miles or more at least. Also get used to hydrating by drinking lots of water and electrolytes each day. Make sure your bike is serviced and ready to go. Start going over your packing list and do a trial loadout on your bike. If you are an FNG (Fine New Guy/Gal) you are probably planning to bring too much stuff (we all did our FNG year).

Go over your bike and tighten down all nuts, bolts or connectors of any sort. Blue Loctite will ensure they do not loosen and will keep them from falling off your bike and becoming dangerous, heavy objects bouncing through the formation.

Prepaid Fuel

Yes, Midway is doing prepaid fuel again this year. The cost will be $160.00 and everyone gets to participate.   (That’s just a nice way to say prepaid fuel will be mandatory). There are three (3) ways to pay for prepaid fuel.

1) Use Zelle to send the money to Midway.Route@rftw.us (don’t forget the dot between Midway and Route). Be sure to annotate that it is for “Midway prepaid fuel”.  2) Send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc.  Put “Midway prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403  3) Pay cash at check-in either in Ontario or any day you join us on our way to DC. There are no credit card options. CASH ONLY! Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas

We are Still Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for some leadership personnel. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Promotions and Staging. If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any position, please contact your ARC at randy.sheets@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

John Philip Baca
John Philip Baca

Special Participant for 2026

John Philip Baca
Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

Heroic Actions

On February 10, 1970, during a night ambush mission, Baca’s platoon was attacked by enemy forces. In the midst of the chaos, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the group. Without hesitation, Baca covered the grenade with his helmet and then laid his body over it, absorbing the blast and saving the lives of eight fellow soldiers. His extraordinary act of bravery and selflessness directly prevented serious injury or death among his comrades.

John is also the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals for gallantry in combat.

John has decided he wishes to travel for the last time to the Vietnam wall with the Midway route.
Please take this opportunity to shake his hand and welcome him to the Midway family.
He will be working with the Outreach Team by attending visits to Veterans hospitals, Gold Star families, Children homes and many other locations our outreach team travels to extend our mission.

Welcome to the Midway family, John

New Merchandise

There is a Midway specific riding shirt now available in the merchandise store on the RFTW website. This is a pre-run item so it will NOT be available in the merchandise trailers. Please take advantage of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The 12th Anniversary of the Midway route and the 35th Anniversary of the Gulf War.

It is one of a kind and will remind you, through the years of this great 2026 Adventure.

MIDWAY ROUTE Fundraiser Shirt
MIDWAY ROUTE Fundraiser Shirt

Registration

We still have participants that have told me there are going on the run with Midway this year but have not registered. I understand that we are all busy, and as the time gets closer, we will get busier. However, please take 10 minutes of your time and register on line. It would help me and your leadership team works its magic at supporting all our family members on the run. Remember the old NIKE ad “Just Do it”

Americans are generally procrastinators and wait until the last minute to do things we know we need to do. However, in this case, the longer you wait the more impact it has on our great supporters across this great nation. So, PLEASE get it done. With that said, if you have potential conflicts that preclude you from registering now, you can register any time between now and checking in when you arrive in Ontario.

Registration Rates for Coast to Coast Routes

  1. Regular Registration – $120 per person
  2. Day Riders (up to 3 days on the road riding) – $100 per person

Route Itinerary

Your State Coordinators, ARC and I have just completed our final review of this years itineray and satelitte picture reviews of each stop during the route.
We found some very small corrections that were required and will be submitting our route itinerary to the Board shortly. When the routes are approved, they will be added to our Midway route page for your download and review.

Two things to remember about the itineraries. Paper copies used to be handed out at registration/check in as part of your registration package. The After Action Reports (AAR’s) and general comments led efforts towards development of a QR code capability for all riders.

You will be issued a card with a QR code on it that will go in your plastic carrier along with your emergency information form that you will be required to carry around your neck. This QR code opens up to a copy of your route itinerary. This will offer easy access to emergency numbers, chase vehicle information, if required or just a quick review of stops and events happening each day.The QR code on page 4 of the itinerary opens up to safety information you need to remember as a member of your route, so no more losing your itinerary, leaving it laying on a table at one of the stops or having it just fly out of your pocket while riding down the road. It will be easily available for your needs all the time.

Break outs on the Second day in Cookeville

You will have your choice of three break out rides on Day two of our stay in Cookeville, Tennessee. Each will be listed seperately in the published itinerary. When the itineraries are released, please take the time to review each break out and decide which one you wish to participate in. Just between you and me, they are all great!

Your platoon leader will be approaching you, In the future so we can get an idea how how many participants will be riding in each breakout. This will assist our supporters in preparing meals and other presentations/events in your honor. This is just a “Heads up”

Rolling to Remember (Formally Rolling Thunder)

We will be providing an opportunity to attend Rolling to Remember this year, probably shortly after the Sandbox route goes KSU on the 24th of May. Our initial contacts with Amvet coordinators are extremely positive and there may be a possibility we get to ride close to the front of R2R, which is exciting. Again, if you have never participated in this event, it is something to remember. More to follow!

After Action Reports (AAR’s)

You will be hearing about AAR’s in great detail as we get closer to KSU. However, I want you to know that AAR’s are a tool developed for you to give us your opinion or professional review of just “How we accomplished our duties” at providing you a safe, efficient, exciting, life changing adventure across our nation.

Even though it is named an After Action report, it is also your voice on what we have done and how we are doing. So you can use this tool as your voice to tell us just what is on your mind and your opinions.

These are read by the Board of Directors and handed to the Route Coordinators for review, comment or direct contact if further conversation/knowledge is required so rest assured these are taken very seriously. None of us is perfect and all opinions are taken very seriously so we collectively work towards making this mission the absolute best we can, year to year. Please use this capability at your discretion.

I will remind each of you to please submit one at the completion of the run to tells us what you think of “How we did” and what we can do better.

Donations

We can still use more donations to support this years run. Please reach out to all individuals who can support this mission to assist veterans, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, POW families, veterans currently residing in care facilities, and schoolchildren who, through no fault of their own, experience food insecurity and borderline malnutrition.
I just had a conversation with someone who just received a $15,000.00 grant from the Stater Brothers grocery chain. All she did was ask!!!!!

So let’s try asking. The worst one can say is no!!

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission. If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way. Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings. All of this fundraising allows us to operate the Midway Route and keep costs down.

If you can find it within yourself to ask the question, please use either Zelle that most banks have available and submit the donation to: Midway.route@rftw.us.

If you prefer to pay via check, please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Route 2026
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Ontario/DC Schedule of events

The events and meeting schedules are being developed as we speak. The Elks lodge in Ontario has once again stepped up and meals are being planned, meetings and registration will be conducted at the lodge. Many meetings and gatherings are additionally planned for the host hotel. Midway will be the first route to begin the run on the morning of 13 May at 0700 from Lot D.
Refreshments and coffee will be donated and available at morning staging prior to the morning schedule and KSU.

In DC, we will again be hosted by the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA with meals and meeting rooms. Registration will be conducted at the ALP, times and rooms will be forthcoming.

We again will be selecting riders to take their bikes to Arlington National Cemetery, take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial, have a ceremony for the end of RFTW 2026 at the apex of the Vietnam Memorial.

Please stay tuned and as these events formalize, I will get you the information immediately so you can plan to participate.

Think about who you are riding for.

“We ride for those who can’t”

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

I get more excited each day as we get closer to May. I interact daily with your leadership team and want to assure you that they are working diligently to make Midway 2026 the best experience for you, whether you are an FNG or a returning rider. They deserve your gratitude!

We are in the “two digit” territory. That is military lingo for, time is getting short! The closer we get, the faster time will fly so I strongly recommend that you get those things that you know you need to accomplish completed or they can rapidly turn into last-minute emergencies.

“Stop Procrastinating” It is time to re-energize and re-engage

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

Is it May yet?

 

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

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 11 – Chaplain Brushstroke

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 11 – Chaplain Brushstroke

Chaplain Boyce “Brushstroke” McKinney joins Boots and Hitch to share his experiences on the run for over a decade. He is currently serving as Midway Chaplain and NC State Coordinator.

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

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Your stories keep RFTW alive. Whether you have ridden with us, supported us, or simply want to ask Boots and Hitch a question, we would love to hear your voice.

Share your experiences, memories and questions by writing to us at pod@rftw.us. Together we can continue to Ride For Those Who Can’t.

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President’s Message – March 2026

RFTW BoD President John "Turkey" Staub

RFTW Mission Statement

To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

RFTW Philosophy

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

Okay, so Punxsutawney Phil and the other rodents couldn’t get their winter-versus-spring predictions aligned. Darn rodents, anyway. But do not despair. May is right around the corner, and each of us needs to be ready. This is just another friendly reminder to get yourself, your gear, and your bike ready. The BTech GMRS-Pro radio has a new firmware release, 0.9.2, released January 29, 2026. Now might be a good time to check your radios, headsets, PTT buttons, and the rest of your gear.

This year, we recognize the 35th anniversary of the start of the Gulf War. I remember where I was and how old I was that January night. While reviewing our most recent rider statistics, it was interesting to see the current average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans. After some research, I was surprised to learn that the average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans is currently 50-55. Most Gulf War-era veterans (specifically those serving in 1990-1991) were in their 20s or 30s during the conflict, placing them in the 45–54 or older age range today. When we consider those ages, it helps explain why we are struggling to attract those veterans. People in those age groups are generally in a “family and career-focused” stage of life, with a focus on work and family activities, rather than taking almost 3 weeks to participate in an event such as RFTW. That was one of the reasons we started the Day Rider program: so that people who don’t have time to go all the way can still participate. When we speak about RFTW, we need to remember that while it is a C2C and Wall2Wall mission, we also welcome Day Riders. All the Way is great, but our Mission is to be as encompassing as possible. The Day Rider program is a great way for a parent or grandparent to introduce youngsters to our organization and what patriotism really looks like.

In the November 2023 newsletter, we presented information on Navy Capt. Royce Williams, the Korean War hero who, in 1952, led his squadron on a mission resulting in 4 confirmed kills out of seven Soviet MIGs in an engagement that remained classified for decades. The Navy originally awarded him the Silver Star in 1953; on January 20th, 2023, it upgraded his Silver Star to the Navy Cross. As early as 2014, many senior leaders believed his actions warranted the MOH. In 2022, the MOH upgrade action received approval by the House through the Defense Authorization Act. The House then forwarded the approved amendment to the Senate. The good news is that the upgrade action was finally approved!!  Capt. Williams will be receiving the Medal of Honor!

On February 21st and 22nd, we held our winter “Face-to-Face” (F2F) via Zoom. These meetings are critical to planning and executing a successful Mission, as we ensure that all RFTW leadership is up to date on plans, changes, and new items, and we also share thoughts and ideas. While the Mission of RFTW has remained consistent and solid over the years, the organizational structure has remained quite dynamic. These changes are often driven by increased demands from our riders for improved and expanded automation and information-sharing technology, as well as changing societal expectations and contributions.  When one considers the reduction in volunteers, the struggles to secure donations, and the decline in riders, balanced against the need to conduct a safe, well-organized Mission, I strongly believe our leaders and volunteers deserve a big thank-you for all they accomplish.  I can report that our planning for RFTW 2026 is coming along quite nicely. We’ve even started discussing how to capitalize on some additional opportunities for 2027.  But first, we need to get through 2026!

Another discussion focused on how we can keep our costs down while still safely conducting the Mission. One example is the Glo-Gloves our Road Guards use. Each year, we purchase and issue dozens of these gloves, not always to First-Year Road Guards. Starting in 2027, Road Guards must turn in an old pair of Glo-Gloves to receive a new pair. We don’t buy these gloves so they can be worn all year long; they are specifically for use while on the Run. If properly cared for, these gloves can last 4 years or longer.

As I mentioned last month, our Day Rider program was suggested by one of our “elder statesmen” and has been well-received. During the recent F2F, we discussed opportunities to fine-tune the program. While those changes won’t happen this year, stay tuned as we work to implement some suggestions to improve the program next year. On a very positive note, one question we’ve received several times asks whether our RCs are prorating the mandatory fuel stickers for Day Riders. The answer is a resounding YES! Each C2C RC will prorate fuel sticker costs for Day Riders. Sandbox doesn’t offer Day Rider, as they are only on a 3-day mission, much like a Day Rider on a C2C route.

You may have heard that we will not be able to participate in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Washing this year.  We were essentially bumped in favor of a group from the Secretary of Defense’s office.  We do anticipate being able to participate in Wall washing in 2027.

Carol recently reported on motorcycle shops available in the Ontario area. Here is the list we currently have:

HYR Motorsports
215 Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA
1-909-283-0080
Honda, Yamaha, Husky, Indian

Sales
Monday-Saturday: 9-6 p.m.
Sunday: 11-5 p.m.

Service
Tuesday-Saturday: 9-6 p.m.
Closed: Sunday-Monday

Mountain Motor Sports
1025 Mountain
Ontario, CA
1-909-988-8988
Honda, Can AM, Yamaha, Suzuki, Husky, Kawasaki

Sales
Monday-Friday: 10-7 p.m.
Saturday: 9-5 p.m.
Sunday: 10-5 p.m.

Service
Monday-Friday: 10-7 p.m.
Saturday: 9-5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Harley Riverside
7688 Indiana Ave
Riverside, CA
1-833-743-0518
Contact Raymond
raymondc@riversideharley.com

Sales
Monday: 10-5 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 10-7 p.m.
Saturday: 9-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10-5 p.m.

Service
Monday: 10–5 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 9-7 p.m.
Saturday: 9-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10-5 p.m.

BMW Motorcycles of Riverside
7740 Indiana Ave
Riverside, CA
1-951-353-0607

Sales
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 9-6 p.m.
Saturday: 8-4 p.m.

Service
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 9-6 p.m.
Saturday: 8-4 p.m.

Malcom Smith Motorsports
7599 Indiana
Riverside, CA
1-951-687-1300
Can Am, Slingshot, Husky, Ducati

Sales
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10-7 p.m.

Service
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10-7 p.m.

Did you know there is an organization in England like RFTW? Ride to the Wall (RTTW) is an annual UK motorcycle charity event held on the first Saturday of October, during which riders travel to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to honor over 16,000 fallen service members. It serves as a powerful, inclusive, and emotional act of remembrance, raising funds for the site’s upkeep. While RTTW.org and RFTW.us are different organizations, our missions are closely aligned. If you are interested, please visit the Ride To The Wall website. You can even register to receive their newsletter via email.

We often receive comments about the need to attract our younger veterans, often phrased somewhat differently, but that is the essence of the question.  The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to reach thousands of folks, and Boots and Hitch are looking to expand that reach. I don’t want to take away their thunder, but I anticipate them taking advantage of additional opportunities to “get the word out”.  Perhaps you’ve seen the latest ads on various social media platforms.  As Hitch begins to “dip her toe into those waters”, the number of those reached is promising. Look for more and even better ads.

Speaking of new things, have you seen the new route-specific shirts in the Merchandise Shop?  Designed by folks from each route, each shirt sale generates a donation to that route.  This is a great opportunity to support your route or to purchase one of the good-looking shirts from another route.  Angie has been working hard to make this a success.  These shirts are a one-time opportunity.  They will NOT be carried in the merchandise trailers; they can only be purchased through a pre-order process.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to support your route!

If you haven’t yet heard, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Paul Regional Office would like to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to attend an informative presentation regarding VA benefits and services, to include a special briefing on allowances available to Former Prisoners of War (FPOW). This presentation will cover a range of topics related to VA benefits.

Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST

Microsoft TEAMS Meeting Link

As a final thought, I’d like to share some thoughts on a very special group of people who are at the core of our Mission Statement – the Next of Kin and Gold Star Families.  All of us, especially our Outreach and Ambassador teams, encounter many people who have lost family members in service to this great nation.  A core tenet of our Mission is to honor them, help them heal, and ensure they know that their loss and the sacrifice of their family members are not forgotten but instead remembered by a grateful nation.  We believe it is important to emphasize to our leadership and teams that we use deliberate language when describing a Next of Kin family or a Gold Star family.  RFTW uses the definitions for each as outlined in long-standing public law.

    • Next of Kin: Approved by Congress in 1973, A Next of Kin family is one that has suffered the loss of a military member who died while on active duty or Reserve/National Guard drill status in circumstances other than KIA.  Next of Kin families may be presented with a “Next of Kin Lapel Pin” that looks like this:
Next of Kin Lapel Pin
  • Gold Star Family: Per Title 10 USC 1126, Gold Star family members are those whose immediate family member lost their life “while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force…” or “an international terrorist attack against the United States…” as well as other circumstances. Gold Star Families may be presented with a “Gold Star Lapel Pin” that looks like this:
Gold Star Lapel Pin

We do not suggest or advocate that anyone correct someone’s language when discussing this very sensitive subject. Still, we need to be careful with our own language to avoid perpetuating misinformation.  Our RCs have been asked to ensure that their morning briefings follow these definitions.  Please keep in mind that if you meet a member of the public who misidentifies a lost family member, it is not our place to correct them; instead, be compassionate and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 26 February 2026): The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  As of this update, there are still 1566 unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, along with six missing from the Gulf War and Libya. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those servicemembers are our friends, their families are our families, and they deserve our support.

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

It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.

‘No one left behind’ is more than just a standard we strive to meet. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.

Back to Basics. Back to the RFTW Mission.

Is it May yet?

See you in Ontario!!!!

TurkeyJohn “Turkey” Staub
President, RFTW, Inc.
2011- CR FNG
2012 – CR Participant
2013 – CR Staging Team
2014 – 2015 – CR Staging Team Ass’t. Lead
2016-2017 – CR Staging Team Lead
2022 – CR Platoon Coordinator
2023-2025 – CR/SB Road Guard

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Important Note Regarding Camping In Ontario, CA

Important Camping Info

All Available Camping Spots at the Elks Lodge in Ontario, CA Are FULL!

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE ELK’S LODGE DIRECTLY. Camping space allocation is being managed by RFTW. Not by the Elk’s Lodge.

All available camping spaces have now been allocated. REPEAT: THERE ARE NO MORE SPACES AVAILABLE FOR CAMPING AT THE ELK’S LODGE.

The Elk’s Lodge has notified us that several Run For The Wall participants have contacted them directly to request (and in fact, insist on) camping there. If you did this, and you did not go through The RFTW CA Coordinator, Carol Olmstead and receive a confirmed camping spot, then YOU DO NOT have a spot at the Elk’s and you will be turned away.

If you want to get on a wait list for cancellations, you must contact Carol Olmstead. She is the single point of contact for camping at the Elk’s.

For more information contact
Carol Olmstead
805-368-7586
carollolmstead@ymail.com

ALTERNATE CAMPING OVERFLOW

Additional camping may still be available at Prado Regional Park – located at 16700 S. Euclid Avenue, Chino, CA 91708. For camping info and reservations CLICK HERE.

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Midway’s Mid-Month Roundup – February 2026

RFTW Leadership Positions

Why?

A simple question that many riders hear when they participate on the run, no matter what route. 

 

“Why ride across the country?”

There are many answers and reasons given; for my buddy or buddies, for a family member, it’s something I’ve gotta do…and they go on. 

 

But the one that is rarely spoken is

‘because it’s my responsibility’. 

Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle summed it up the best quoting “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer”, describing and honoring the courage, dedication, and selflessness of individuals who serve without obligation, often highlighting how volunteers may not have time, but they have the heart.

Every position within the Run for the Wall organization is performed by a volunteer, someone who willingly chose to inquire and perform or was asked and accepted the request. Each position, every task, all having different roles and responsibilities with a single common goal; to safely deliver all the participants, riders, drivers, and passengers alike, to their intended destination.

Although many participants are veterans from many different eras and backgrounds, and yet many more are patriots that have not served in the military but support the overarching mission. It would be easy for veterans to fall back into their past routines of leadership through mission necessity and success; however, a people-first approach is used focusing on empowering, supporting, and developing team members rather than exercising top-down control. 

During any given year more than a thousand riders attend the run and ride among the 4 different routes, but not every rider has the same experience or skills as the rider next to them. Being able to listen to one another and understand oneself and others situational context allows everyone of such diversity to come together as a group and organization. Many participants run to help heal wounds from the past while each volunteer will help to foster wholeness and personal growth within them and among all team members. These are just some of the key principles of being a Servant Leader.

From Staging to the Road Guards who manage. 

Platoon Leaders to the Ambassadors who keep.

Leadership Support to the Fuel Teams who perform.

Medical Teams to the Chaplains who provide.

Leadership unites and brings them all together.

Whether you are trying to close a chapter in your life or starting a new one, you will always have a family looking out for you.

Becoming a leader within the organization or route is completely voluntary, and very rewarding. Most positions simply need you to ask to be a part of. There you will be given the necessary tools, knowledge, and coaching to carry out the tasks. Other positions are more skills oriented where you are observed and invited into the position based upon your skill set and abilities. Any and all of them are still voluntary in nature and rewarding by the heart. All of them different with the same ending goal, to provide safe passage of all participants to their intended destination.

If you are thinking of doing more than participating in your platoon and have run your route in full, please consider volunteering as you won’t regret your decision. All you need to do is navigate to your Route Hub under the Routes tab on RFTW.us and fill out the questionnaire within Volunteer Sign-Up. 

It may just give you another reason to answer the question ‘Why?’ when someone asks again.

-FNGs! (Fun New Guys/Gals)

83 Days until KSU (kick stands up).  That’s 2 months and 24 days…

Have you been saddle training? What has been your longest ride? Are you riding consistently yet to get your body use to riding long distances? (i.e. saddle training)

We’ve discussed bike maintenance and riding gear preparations. How about rain gear?

Do you have specific rain gear for riding, a supermarket poncho, or maybe just an oversized trash bag with arm and neck holes?

Whatever the gear may be, have you worn it while riding, rain or shine? The importance of this is not only to be prepared for inclement weather that may or may not be encountered, but testing the durability of your gear is essential. Will it hold up to the wind whipping by while on the road? Will it shred and become a hazard to the riders behind you? Or will it simply be too annoying to wear or cumbersome to put on and discourage you from even using it?

Believe it or not rain gear can be used in several different manners while riding across country. Not only can it be used to shed water from you in a rainstorm, but it can also be used as a barrier in higher elevations, cooler temperatures, or even heavy fog. Having an effective barrier to prevent water, wind, and even cooler temps from your skin will help you stay dry, warm, and a whole lot more comfortable.

You also need to pay attention to your Road Guards and leadership at stops, morning meetings, or just about anywhere on the trip. If you see them putting on their rain gear, they know something is coming. You may want to follow suit and put on yours as well.

Stay safe, stay warm, stay informed.

-Midway Leadership Messages

We are looking for a few good riders who are willing to step and support our mission in a leadership position. These are critical positions and require someone who truly supports the mission of the Midway route. You can find volunteer sign up forms on the Midway web page. The following positions are available: Promotions Team, Medical team, Staging Team, Chase vehicle (Midway will pay for gas from Ontario to DC), Honor Guard Coordinator, Oklahoma Assistant state Coordinator.

2026 Hotel List

The 2026 hotel list is available on the Midway web page.

Note* The host hotel rates are guaranteed with a contract, all other hotels rates are not guaranteed as time gets closer to KSU. They may change, which means you should make hotel reservations as soon as possible.

Registration

$120.00 started Feb 1, 2026

$100.00 Day riders for up to three days

Welcome to the family!!

If you find it within your heart to support RFTW Midway Route, please consider donating.  This will help make RFTW 2026 and the Gulf War Run a complete success. Ensure your donation is marked for the Midway route. Once again, and this is very important, please ensure “Midway Route” is marked on your donation.

You can also Zelle a donation directly to: midway.route@rftw.us
*Most banks now support Zelle transfers.

Or mail a check to:
Run for the Wall Inc.
Midway Route
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Run For The Wall® Inc. EIN 36-4125559
Run For The Wall® is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

PRE-PAID FUEL

The Route Coordinator (Wind Dog) has chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, he has increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If he finds that we are financially OK, he will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a Pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to state that your payment is for “Midway Prepaid Fuel” so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

Until next time,

Ride Smart

Ride Safe

Keep the rubber side down & the shiny side up!

 

~Is it May yet? Then again, every day is May if you let it.

Less than 3 months left….

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce

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February 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

It’s Groundhog Day!  A day when we let our superstitions get the better of us and allow a rodent to predict the future and according to Punxsutawney Phil there will be six more weeks of winter.

Whatever the prediction, we are Run for the Wall Riders!  Come rain, hail, sandstorms, snow, or tornados in 100 days we will start our pilgrimage east in order to remember and honor our POW/MIA/KIA’s as well as to will promote healing to all the lives they touched and to ride for those that can’t.

We have 290 people registered so far and heart felt “Welcome home” goes out to the 80 FNG’s that have registered so far for RFTW XXXVI. Registration fees have now gone up to $120 per person.  The Day Rider rate is now in effect (up to 3 days on the road riding) at $100 per person.

The Hotel and camping information have been posted on the Central Route page.  If you haven’t made your reservations, I would do so now.  The hotels will only keep our blocks of rooms with special RFTW rates for a short time.

Our leadership team is hard at work for the Run.  Your platoon Coordinator, Ed Humphries is compiling the list for platoons and trying to meet everyone’s requests.

I expect Fuel Sticker prices to be released shortly, I am confirming our donated stops and looking at my crystal ball to prognosticate the price of fuel for May.

The Route Itinerary is being fined tuned and should be out in a month or so. There are not many changes and remember that we are stopping in Nitro, WV this year.

Volunteers:  Volunteers are still needed for positions!  Here are some positions that need to be filled: Staging, Medical Team, Friends of Bill Coordinator.

Some of our positions also need backups in case the primary person needs to drop out. So, if you have any questions about any of the positions on the Run or about the Run itself, please reach out to me.  I’m only a phone call or email away.

Be sure to check out the RFTW Forum, Facebook pages, and Podcasts for the latest tips and information.

A few comments from one of our California State Coordinators, Carol Olmstead about Ontario:

“The Elks will start having food available for purchase on Sunday at noon instead of later in the day as in the past.  A menu will be completed in about a month.  There will be a bike washing station, patch sewing, as well as someone doing small repairs like last year. The layout of the parking area at the Elks is still being planned and will be available when ready.  Many campers are expected this year, and they will be staying in the RV section of the Elks parking lot.

There will be RFTW menu at the Holiday Inn.

If you are staying at the Holiday Inn and booked your room through the special link on the RFTW Hotel list, there will be a discounted breakfast coupon you can buy at the front desk during check-in.  Upon check in at the Holiday Inn, you should also be provided a bottle of water and a goodie bag for each room.”

If you get a chance to meet any other of our State Coordinators, be sure to thank them.  They work tirelessly throughout the year getting donations, food, fuel, hotel rates, and all the necessary permits to ensure a successful and safe Run.

In regard to communications during the Run.  GMRS is the way you will hear what is happening while on the road during the Run.  GMRS radios are not required for platoon riders and the primary communications within platoons are hand signals.

If you do have a GMRS radio, remember that the frequency we use for the Run is a restricted channel, meaning it is used for the safe conduct of the Run.

If you transmit over the radio, you must have an FCC license:

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | Federal Communications Commission

The license is $35 per family, no test is needed, and it is good for 10 years.  You can apply for one here:

Applying for a New License in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) | Federal Communications Commission

Here are some links regarding GMRS radios.

**See this post on Where and What to Buy, and all things GMRS for RFTW.**

**See this Post for Videos on how to Program the radios** or here.

REMEMBER TO DISABLE AUDIO RELAY ON THE RADIO AND MAKE SURE YOUR VOX IS DISABLED!

Get your Bike ready! Get yourself ready! Get your mindset ready!  It’s time to focus on the Run!

GO SEAHAWKS!

 

Mission Statement

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world.

 

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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President’s Message – February 2026

Motorcycle covered in snow

It was 4 degrees this morning, and I have been anxiously awaiting a favorable weather forecast. On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. I never did like groundhogs…

RFTW Mission Statement

To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

RFTW Philosophy

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

As we inch closer to KSU, I know you hear us time and again reminding everyone to get in shape for the Run and to ensure their bike is ready for this Mission. Yes, we have Chase trailers on each route, but they are only there to help you reach the next forward dealership. They are not there to get you to D.C. or to the Wall, so it is incumbent on everyone to help ensure you and your bike are ready!  Riders are responsible for their motorcycle, much like they are responsible for their lodging expenses.  While we are exceptionally fortunate to receive donations and the support of many volunteers along the way, each individual is still responsible for their own travel.

There has been some discussion about why CR and SR are meeting at Marshall on the last day. As we experienced last year, the LEO escorts did a fantastic job clearing traffic for our ride into DC. Safe to say, at least for CR and SR, it was probably the best escort we’ve ever seen. For them to stop up to 6 lanes of traffic on Interstates so we could safely move through and merge across traffic was an incredible task. Following the Run, our D.C./Arlington coordinator, along with our RCs, met to discuss ways to make this part of the journey even safer. Our LEO escorts suggested we consider merging these two routes just before entering D.C., and Marshall was the natural place to do so. From Marshall into Springfield, we can maintain our Route identities and make our arrival into that wonderful Friday traffic even safer. Hats off to the planners.  Safety is always our top consideration, and we believe this adds another element to the safe completion of our Mission.

I’m sure you have seen in past messages that we are still searching for a new Treasurer.  Our difficulty in securing someone for this position reflects the challenges our RCs are also facing in securing qualified volunteers to assist on their Routes.  The Treasurer is a Board member and an officer of the corporation and is critical to the continued success of RFTW.  While we have looked at a couple of options, we constantly work to keep costs down.  If we must hire an accountant, or have someone act as a “bookkeeper” and then have our books audited regularly, along with completing our annual taxes and IRS Form 990, the costs could be considerable.  If you are interested in discussing this position, I encourage you to email the current Treasurer at Treasurer@rftw.us or me at president@rftw.us. Our current Treasurer’s term ends at the end of August, so we would like time to ensure a new person is thoroughly familiar with how the BoD works and how our finance and accounting procedures are structured.

In last month’s newsletter, we published a reminder about our Benevolence Program.    Back in October 2008, the BoD established a process “for the administration of gifts made by RFTW to selected charities whose mission and values are consistent with those of RFTW and to individuals in need whose personal actions reflect RFTW values”. As we have done in the past, once the “bills” are paid, we look towards helping other qualified charities and individuals who share our organizational values.  Recently, RFTW raised funds to support the Veterans Center in Kerrville, TX, which, in turn, was assisting veterans and their families affected by the floods.  Additionally, each year we ask RCs to submit the name and contact information of an FNG who may be eligible for a small monetary award to help cover the cost of participating in the Run.  The eligibility requirements for a registered individual are:

  • Should be an FNG. For individuals seeking monetary awards to offset the cost of participating in the annual Mission, the committee will give preference to first-time riders/participants.
  • Should be a current serving or recently separated from service.
  • Award money shall be used to defer costs for participation in the Run.
  • The amount to be awarded will be calculated on a daily rate, based on the number of days on the Mission.
  • Daily amounts will be determined each year by the Board of Directors.

Names must be submitted to the RCs, and the names are then sent to the BoD with the RCs’ concurrence before the annual February Face-to-Face.  This means the RCs will need to have names and nominations ASAP since the February Face-to-Face is less than three weeks away.  If you know of a deserving individual, please ensure they are comfortable with submitting their name and circumstances, and then move the nomination to the appropriate RC.  Nominations do not need to be extensive; name, contact information, intended route, and a brief paragraph describing the circumstances of the need. Time is rapidly running out to get a nominee into the RC!!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our See’s Candy Fundraiser.  We were able to raise just over $100 this year.  Every little bit helps, and we sincerely appreciate your support!!

As previously announced, our registration fees increased on February 1. If you have not yet registered, please do so soon. By registering before Ontario, you contribute to the planning process our State Coordinators (SCs) and RCs go through. Our SCs are still out there working with local communities to secure food and fuel donations, and our RCs are working to align platoon numbers. As of last week, our registered riders were down 14% from last year. This will likely result in fewer platoons on each Route. Interestingly, the 65-69 age group remains our largest group of participants, and the 60-65 year age group is our largest group of FNGs. We’ve had several discussions about how to attract more younger riders. Our RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch reaches an ever-increasing number of interested folks, and we’ve had many RFTW riders reach out to members of CVMA, VFW, AmVets, and the American Legion. We are confident we understand why younger riders are not riding, but we need your help to continue spreading the word. Our Day Rider program, suggested by one of our elder statesmen, continues to offer a viable alternative for someone who wants to ride for only 3 days or less on the road. Registration for a Coast-to-Coast route is now $120 per person; SandBox is $60 per person, and the Day Rider rate is $100 for C2C routes. For more details on Day Rider Registration, see the recently published Registration Newsletter here.

Speaking of our podcasts, the RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch: if you have a podcast idea, please email pod@rftw.us.  Boots and Hitch both welcome your ideas!!

As expected, spam and phishing emails continue.  I hope no one has fallen victim to these traps. Please keep a few things in mind: A leader in RFTW will NEVER ask you to buy gift cards for them. We don’t do business that way. Every invoice is processed through our Treasurer. Bob doesn’t handle gift cards. More importantly, check the sender’s email address. We conduct business correspondence ONLY using our official RFTW email. You can help reduce this spam. If you get a suspicious email, especially if it’s not from our official addresses, you should be able to report it as spam or phishing through your email system. We encourage you to do so. Also, as I often do, my preferred email reader lets me mark emails as junk, and if I get another from the same address, it goes directly to trash. Another issue not related to email: protect your online identity by ensuring your user ID is unique and that you’re not using the same password across multiple sites. Using your firstname/lastname as a user ID might be convenient, but that’s the first step someone takes to hack your account. Even using lastname/first initial—or some variation—is not enough to keep you safe.

As a final thought, as you prepare for the upcoming Mission, please consider shopping at the RFTW Shop and take a look at what our sponsors have to offer.  Amsoil, Nelson-Rigg Gear, and Klim Riding Gear all offer substantial discounts in support of RFTW and our riders.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 1 February 2026): The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  As of this update, there are still 1566 unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, along with six missing from the Gulf War and Libya. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those servicemembers are our friends, their families are our families, and they deserve our support.

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

It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.

‘No one left behind’ is more than just a standard we strive to meet. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

TurkeyJohn “Turkey” Staub
President, RFTW, Inc.
2011- CR FNG
2012 – CR Participant
2013 – CR Staging Team
2014 – 2015 – CR Staging Team Ass’t. Lead
2016-2017 – CR Staging Team Lead
2022 – CR Platoon Coordinator
2023-2025 – CR/SB Road Guard

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RFTW Southern Route Newsletter February 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter February 2026 Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans, their family and their friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

Hello everyone!  I trust you all had a great New Year’s celebration with family and friends.  Blanca and I celebrated in our home with each other and woke up to balmy 49 degrees with a high of 69.  As of 1 February, we’ll have 102 days until KSU.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route thus far, taking advantage of the Early Bird pricing.  The regular registration fee is $120 as of 1 February 2026.  I recommend that you register before you arrive in Ontario (rftw.us), saving the hassle of doing it at the Registration Table.  Top Sarge and her team will be glad to help you with registration if you have to wait until you arrive.

While we’re talking about money, Pre-Paid Gas is a good thing and it will save you money, not to mention the hassle of reaching for $10 each time we stop for fuel.  I figured that if we have to pay $10 for each stop on The Route, that’s 24 x $10 = $240.  You’ll be saving $80!  I’ve used it for the past several years and to me, it’s well worth it!  To save you the trouble of doing the math, the pre-paid gas charge will be $160.

REGISTRTATION

I’m going to let everyone know that registering early makes it so much easier for all concerned.  As a rider, you’ll have comfort in knowing that you’re squared away before getting into Ontario, that your registration is done, and you’ll get to visit with Shirley’s Crew to pick up your packet and check in with Bravo 6 to confirm your platoon assignment.  Please remember that FNGs are not permitted in the Side-by-Side platoons.  If, however, you’ve demonstrated to your Platoon Leader your riding skills are exemplary, you can request a transfer to one of the Side-by-Side platoons.  The PL will chat it up with me and the Platoon Coordinator, who will assign you to a Side-by-Side if it’s agreed upon.

POSITIONS STILL OPEN

We have a few positions that still need to be filled.  We need a SITREP (SITuation REPort) Writer.  This position entails observing what we do on The Route on a daily basis and posting it on the RFTW Forum.  The SITREP Writer is a reporter for the route.  As a SITREP Writer, you’ll have the freedom to participate in outreach programs visiting Gold and Blue-Star families, interview leadership folks that interest you, and spend time with support teams like the Fuel Team, Staging, etc.  We also need a Social Media person who would post the day’s happenings on the various social media platforms.  These two positions are the ones that get information out to those who follow us as we cross our nation or can’t ride but like to know what we’ve been doing.

We also need a 50/50 Raffle person.  That person would supervise the 50/50 donations and the raffle and auction we have during our evening meal at our overnight stop in Wytheville, VA (the meal is killer!).  I’ve assisted the people who do this, and it’s a handful.  That’s why we have two slots for the 50/50 Raffle.  As last year’s ARC, I saw what a great job Lynette Handleson did last year.  We need a couple of people to step up and help us.  One more thing for the auction, if you have anything you want to contribute to the auction, please let us know about it asap so we can inventory it and be fully prepared.  We thank you!

COOL STUFF

Angie “Den Mother” Holterman came up with a fundraising idea and it’s really cool.  We are designing a Southern Route long-sleeve t-shirt.  The shirt will be Navy Blue (they don’t have Army Blue) with either white or black lettering.  We just sent our ideas to the t-shirt printing guy, and he’s going to send us his rendering of our ideas.  Once we settle on the design, we’ll be able to get an estimate as to the cost, and we’ll pass on the information.  We will be taking orders as to size, and we’ll make them for those who pay in advance.  We don’t want an overstock, as they will have a date on them.

Also worth mentioning, now that we are getting closer to KSU, this is a good time to start planning maintenance needs for your bike.  Whether it be tires, tune-up, fluid changes, or some other thing that has been bugging you, please start making the plans now.  We want everyone to be safe and not have any breakdowns or accidents due to a maintenance issue.

I would like to thank everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route and those who will.  Thanks to our State Coordinators, Platoon Leadership, Team Leads, and my Exec Team.  Without their support and guidance, we wouldn’t be this far along with our planning.

May will be knocking on our door real soon!  KSU In 102 days!  Ride safe!

 

David “Buzz” Mullen
RFTW 2026
Southern Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – February 2026

Run for the Wall®

102 Days to KSU!

Hello Midway family,

Is it February already. Where is the time going?

Friends and families are still recovering from some of the most devastating weather events of the year and in some areas, more to come. We need to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. The time goes by so quickly. Before we know it, May will be upon us. Check on your friends and family and ensure that they are OK.

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.

Registration

Registration has been open since Sept. 11th, 2025. Midway is doing well on getting riders registered. We now have over 180 personnel registered to ride with us. Still, if you have not registered yet, please consider doing it as soon as possible. We need semi-accurate numbers for 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.

Registration Rates for Coast to Coast Routes

  1. Regular Registration – $120 per person
  2. Day Riders (up to 3 days on the road riding) – $100 per person

Hotel rooms and Camping locations

As a friendly reminder, Hotel and camping locations are posted on the Midway page. If you have not made your reservations, please do so soon. The hotels will only keep our blocks of rooms with special rates available for a short time and then they need to open them up to other travelers at the standard rate. So, the sooner you get this done the better the chances you can take advantage of the RFTW special rates.

The same goes for the posted camping locations.

We are Still 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 and a chase vehicle. The chase vehicle is required to be a pickup with a trailer capable of transporting 2 motorcycles. I will pay for the fuel used by the chase vehicle from Ontario to DC.  If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any of these positions, please contact your ARC at randy.sheets@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

Gulf War Veterans

The Midway 2026 family will be recognizing all Gulf War veterans on the 35th Anniversary of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm this coming year. This was the first war that America and her allies had won decisively Since World War II. More to follow on planned events

Pre-Paid Fuel

I have chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. The most recent check at our fuel stop in California had the cost of 91 octane at $6.40 per gallon. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, I have increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If we find that we are financially OK, I will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check, please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to include Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel in the For line so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTION!

Ontario/DC Schedule of events

The events and meeting schedules are being developed as we speak. The Elks lodge in Ontario has once again stepped up and meals are being planned, meetings and registration will be conducted at the lodge. Many meetings and gatherings are additionally planned for the host hotel. Midway will be the first route to begin the run on the morning of 13 May at 0700 from Lot D.

Refreshments and coffee will be donated and available at morning staging prior to the morning schedule and KSU.

In DC, we will again be hosted by the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA with meals and meeting rooms.

We again will be selecting riders to take their bikes to Arlington National Cemetery, conduct a washing of the Vietnam Wall, take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial, have a ceremony for the end of RFTW 2026 at the apex of the Vietnam Memorial and potentially something at the new Gulf war memorial.

Please stay tuned and as these events formalize, I will get you the information immediately so you can plan to participate.

Friday Evening Parade, Marine Barracks, 8th & I, Washington D.C.

There are plans being made to attend the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C Friday Evening Parade on 22 May. Time TBD. You will find this information posted on the RFTW website forum under “2026 Marine Barracks event registration”. If you have never attended this ceremony, you will miss something to tell your children about.

Rolling to Remember (Formally Rolling Thunder)

We will be providing an opportunity to attend Rolling to Remember this year, probably shortly after the Sandbox route goes KSU on the 24th of May. Again, if you have never participated in this event, it is something to remember. More to follow!

GMRS Radios

For everybody in a leadership position, make sure you check your communications equipment for connectivity and firmware updates.  There is a new version of the firmware for the BTech GMRS Pro, titled “0.8.12.”  The update is easy to install using the phone app that goes with the radio.

If you are using a Sena headset, make sure you update to the most current firmware using the Sena Device Manager version 4.4.17.  The headset needs to be plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with a charging cable that supports data transfer (not all do), then follow the on-screen instructions.  If the application doesn’t recognize your device, you can try different cables until it works.  Sena has a troubleshooting guide and you can contact them directly for specific guidance on how to resolve problems.

Fundraising

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission.  If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way.  Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings.  All of this fundraising allows us to operate the Midway Route and keep costs down.

RFTW Website

The RFTW website has a ton of information about the run, but there might still be questions you haven’t found the answers to. Two great sources of information are the RFTW Forum and After Action Reports (AAR).  I used to think that the AARs were only meant to give feedback right after the run. While that is the main reason for them, they can be used any time of the year. If you don’t know who you should direct a question to, fill out an AAR, and it will be sent to the right person to get you an answer. Also, if you have an idea that might help to improve the run, fill out an AAR. All AARs are read by the Board of Directors and directed to the respective Route Coordinators. Another outstanding source for information about the run is the new RFTW Podcast that is produced by Ted “Boots” Kapner and Tai “Hitch” Harmon. These Podcasts have a great amount of information about the run and are very entertaining.

General Information

Let’s continue to work on our personal preparations to get ready to complete the Run in May.  This includes (among many other things) motorcycle maintenance, mental and physical conditioning, and having a system for packing and unpacking your motorcycle repeatedly, day after day.  The more you practice, the easier it will become, which can reduce or eliminate any stress you may feel in anticipation of this amazing and demanding experience.

I personally change my tires each year. That is just me! It takes any concern about tire condition, bike control and performance off the table. If you can afford it!

Go over your bike with a “fine tooth comb”. Meaning closely check each bolt, screw or connector for tightness. There is nothing worse than having something fall from a bike and travel through a platoon with the potential of causing, at a minimum, damage to another bike. Blue lock tight is a very good solution.

If possible, get the bike out and ride. Nothing replaces experience, so get in the seat, on the road.

There have been years when we have had sunny days all the way across the country. However, we have also had rainstorms, hail and snow on one occasion. So, you need to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions. We will not stop because of different weather conditions unless it affects the safety of the riders. I will make that determination! With that said, if you ever feel personally unsafe, you can “Tap out” and join us at the next stop.

Pack riding is different than riding in small groups or in pairs. There is a lot of discussion about the differences in the RFTW Forum, and the SOP establishes policy to provide some controls, so you ride safely surrounded by other motorcycles that are impacted by your riding abilities. Practice Throttle control!!!!!

Think about who you are riding for.

“We ride for those who can’t”

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

I get more excited each day as we get closer to May. I interact daily with your leadership team and want to assure you that they are working diligently to make Midway 2026 the best experience for you, whether you are an FNG or a returning rider. They deserve your gratitude!

Shortly, we will be in the “two digit” territory. That is military lingo for, time is getting short! The closer we get, the faster time will fly so I strongly recommend that you get those things that you know you need to accomplish completed or they can rapidly turn into last-minute emergencies.

As the great American Philosopher, Forrest Gump, says “One less thang”

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

Is it May yet?

 

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

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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 10 – New Riding Standard!

Run For The Wall Podcast

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 10 – New Riding Standard!

Boots and Hitch discuss The Benevolence Program, a new riding standard, and key fobs and codes.

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

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Your stories keep RFTW alive. Whether you have ridden with us, supported us, or simply want to ask Boots and Hitch a question, we would love to hear your voice.

Share your experiences, memories and questions by writing to us at pod@rftw.us. Together we can continue to Ride For Those Who Can’t.