Good evening Midway Route followers and family. The day is done, the sun is set, the wheels and motors are all still, not only for the Midway Route, but for Southern and Central as well. All of the Sons and Daughters of the 2025 Run for the Wall have reconvened just outside of Washington DC, waiting to walk together as one down to the Wall in the morning.

The Midway family began their final day in Ashland, gathering together in the Walmart parking lot prior to the rise of the morning sun.

Moods were both high and low, anticipation of reaching our mission end after 11 long days of traveling on the road as a group. But at the same time knowing that the time to separate and go our own ways once again is also growing near.

The final Military Challenge results; Army in 1st, Air Force a very close 2nd, Navy came in 3rd, Marines in 4th but not last, Coast Guard hadn’t even registered on the board.

Our final Hero’s bio to be read aloud this morning was that of Maj Lee Dufford “Duff” Harley, a pilot who went missing on his way back to base after a mission.

A review of what to expect on the road traffic wise into The National Army Museum as well as the rest of the way into Springfield, which led us into the daily review of hand signals, however this morning had a twist. When Leo called for a volunteer to come up, the entire Midway Family stepped forward and gave the hand signals as they were called out.

Once turned loose to our platoons, each had their own safety meetings and set to get ready for the last legs of our journey.

With a slight chill in the air, the Midway Route Family set to the road north with no reservations holding them back, two columns of bikes perfectly in sync, bikes, trikes, and trailers rolling towards that goal.

Traffic started out somewhat light but soon became almost bumper to bumper, by which time the police escort brought us onto the expressway separating the group from the main traffic stream.

We soon arrived at the National Army Museum with excellent exhibits and even a very emotionally charged movie of an Army Soldier’s life. Now I’m Air Force, and although we have fun poking at each other and all services, this video depicts all soldiers in uniform, no matter what service patch they wear. It is really something to see.

Only a short distance up the road was American Legion Post 176 where we were met with open arms, a warm meal, and signs of Welcome Home and Mission Complete, well almost. Yes this is where all three routes will reconvene and send off the fourth, our mission will truly be complete once we’ve gone to the Wall.

As we were able to sit back, relax, and even talk about the different experiences each of of us had, we soon gathered at the roadside as word came in that our Brothers and Sisters on the Southern Route were inbound and due in any minute.

Not long after we began to hear the rumble of the engines, the chirping of the police escorts, and around the corner they came. Excitement could be seen on their faces just as we were happy to have arrived shortly before them. A long trip across the nation with the same goal in mind.

They were escorted to the parking garage where they soon emerged on foot heading towards the post to relax from their journey and begin the same routine we performed only hours before them.

Approximately an hour later, we were back at the street having received word that our third and final route, the Central Route Brothers and Sisters, were coming around the corner. As with everyone before them, you could see the wearing and tiredness with the excitement shining through as they too knew they had accomplished their final leg.

All three Routes have come back together, touching countless lives across the greater part of this great nation and completing something that most folks couldn’t even begin to image doing; spending 10-11 days on the road, on a motorcycle, visiting communities far and wide, visiting cemeteries, memorials, and even veterans in VA Homes, reminding everyone with every action performed, you are NOT forgotten.

Just like any American family, whether you are a part of the Central Route Family, Midway Route Family, Southern Route Family, or even the Sandbox Route Family, although we may be different, we still belong to the same Run for the Wall Family.

We all have the same mission and it does not matter if one family does it a little differently than the other, as long as it is getting done; riding for those who cannot.

Family means no one left behind, or forgotten.

Tomorrow our final destination and completion of our mission. Our final venture together before Sandbox Route as well as routes toward home for others.

Tomorrow’s venture awaits us all. To all the RFTW family, rest easy and we shall see you tomorrow.

Written by STITCH. Pictures by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. Once again the roads are silent from our thundering engines, wheels are still in the temporary homes for the night, and the sun is setting in a beautiful bouquet of oranges, reds, purples and blues; Day 10 of our 11 day journey has come to a close.

Our family has come closer than ever and trusting one another is second nature and given without hesitation.

We started this morning in Smithfield, NC at the Movie Theater parking lot where we gathered later in the morning. It was nice to have an 8am meeting time; a chance to sleep in, eat some breakfast, and still leave with the group at 9am. With only 189 miles on the schedule, it was a light day’s ride.

We started with a Roll Call recognition of all Vietnam Veterans by name and service, followed by the Gold Star Family Roll Call. The Arlington National Cemetery Riders were next on the Roll Call with those that were chosen to ride with a  passenger into the hallowed grounds, an annual tradition that only allows a certain number of RFTW riders, and no one else, to ride their motorcycle into the cemetery.

Today’s Hero bio read aloud was that of Corporal James C. Thomas, who went missing without a trace in Vietnam.

With the Military Challenge, the rankings this morning were Army in first, Navy second, Air Force third, and Marines continuing to trail in fourth.

As we fired up our rides and rolled down the pavement northward, Smithfield’s Fire Departments, Utility Services, Police Department and civilians were in every street corner, sidewalk, and overpass expressing their gratitude and support for our mission.

A couple of hours later when we arrived at our final fuel stop for the Midway Route in Halifax, NC, the very same response was received. Turning from the freeway and onto the back roads after fueling, we pushed towards our lunch stop in the small town of Weldon, NC at the River Falls Park and Weldon Mill Distillery. There we were met and served lunch by volunteers from Weldon Mills Distillery.

After lunch we had some leisure time to rest and relax in the shade or even down by the river, or even in the Distillery Gift Shop (absolutely no tasting or sampling of the product). Each Platoon and Support Team were called to the front steps where their photos were taken. A generally relaxing lunch stop, great to help everyone relax a bit before rolling up the 95 and into some stressful traffic.

I will say, for the most part our traveling up I-95 was not stressed in the slightest, however that all changed once we hit Richmond, VA. Once mid afternoon traffic merged into the lanes alongside us, we were in what seemed like a live version of the game ‘Frogger’. But with the Road Guard’s help as well as the skills everyone has learned and mastered in the previous 9 days with the ability to ride together tightly in the true RFTW fashion, riding through and navigating the afternoon rush hour was smooth and uneventful.

We were guided to the Ashland Harley Davidson dealership where an evening meal and event stage was awaiting our arrival.

Riders were able to shop the Harley Davidson store, get maintenance performed on their motorcycle if needed, and served a late afternoon meal. All of which were donated and volunteered by Ashland Harley Davidson, American Legion Post 176, as well as the American Legion Riders Post175.

Next was the Annual Awards Ceremony that recognized all of the Midway Route Leadership and teams. Without them, this run would not have happened in the smoothest and or efficient manner as the way the teams worked towards a common goal, getting everyone safely across our nation to fulfill our mission.

We were released to relax tonight in preparation of our final push tomorrow, into Washington DC.

Although an even shorter day, we shall see exactly what ventures tomorrow will bring. Until then, keep it shiny side up, welcome to the family if you have just recently joined the family, and most important aspect of all, Welcome Home!

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. This morning we found ourselves in a very thick overcast within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Heavy rain overnight had left the roads wet as well as any vehicles or bikes not under cover.

At our rally point, a few threats of rain drops were evident but never amounted to anything.

With the threat of rain this morning, extra emphasis on riding safety was expressed although today would not be anywhere close to the rain last night.

With the motors running and the wheels spinning up the road, we were off on a new venture and path up Interstate 81 to Fort Chiswell and then down Interstate 77 into North Carolina.

While traveling 81 and climbing higher into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cloud base grew closer to the ground surface until we were quite literally in the ‘thick of it’. Heavy mists and light rain coated the windscreens, however with the altitude, very little winds were encountered.

As we turned south on 77 and just before rolling down the pass into North Carolina, the clouds broke just enough to show the fog bank that we were above as it stretched out as far as we could see. And within a few hundred feet of pavement, we were going downward and allowing the fig to swallow us whole.

One we arrived at the bottom of the pass and inside North Carolina, the skies parted and the sun was shining. Our first fuel stop found us just at the base of the mountains where not only we received fuel, but coffee was on the house as well to warm any rider that wished to have some.

Folks also shed coats and any other rain gear as the path forward looked clear and sunny for the rest of the day.

Back on the road southward we found ourselves passing under overpasses that folks have gone all out to show us their support. Our next fuel stop was also just up the road from our lunch stop in Siler City and the Siler City Pentecostal Church where again the local townsfolk’s welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts, providing us with steaks, potatoes, green beans, peach cobbler and ice cream; all of which homemade.

Shoutouts were given to North Carolina’s Highway Patrol as well as the Siler City Police Department for the escorts. The Siler City Fire Department and ‘Sweet Mitch’ as well as the Siler City Pentecostal Church for hosting us each year and supporting our family and mission.

After a wonderful meal and a bit of time to allow for some processing, we bid our farewells and headed back on the road towards Falcon and the Falcon Children’s Home.

On the way through the back roads and absolutely gorgeous countryside and small towns, we arrived to a Hero’s welcome from the students and staff.

After greeting the kids, both old and new friends, we were ushered inside where a presentation was given on the mission of the Falcon Children’s Home, both here and in South Carolina. The kids choir sang a beautiful song that brought a standing ovation from the crowd, and the graduating students were introduced and each were presented with a gift card as well as asked what their future plans would be. I must say, after all these kids have been through, and each one is different with their own story, their dreams and ambitions are off the charts. I myself am thrilled to see that they are given a shot at aiming for the stars and supported. If a supporting message from this run could be quoted, ‘Shoot for the stars and succeed in life. And don’t let anyone slow you down or step in your way. You deserve it.’

It was also mentioned that our visit year after year is one of the highlights of the students. They talk about it year round and cannot wait for the day the Midway Route Family rolls up to their front door.

On the way out, each rider was presented with a token from the children of Falcon, a simple but powerful message of ‘Thank You’ to each family member of the Midway Route.

On the road again in the late afternoon heat we travel down I-95 where every overpass is filled with at least one fire truck, but usually two or more with the rest of the bridge packed with people waving, cheering, and even saluting as we roll underneath. The dedication and commitment by each person to show their support as we come by is overwhelming.

As we turned off the Interstate and on down towards our final destination, our path would bring us through many more small towns were the street passes right down the middle of town, many of which was the only street. Folks were pouring out in crowds to wave and cheer. Police and Fire were standing by saluting. The turnout and support from folks that don’t know us, never met with us, yet still make it a point to take their time and say thank you just by being present as we thunder on by.

Our final stop was at Bizzell Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church where we are served homemade spaghetti in the most peculiar way. It has been dubbed and officially known by Midway Route Family as ‘Igloo Spaghetti’, served from Igloo coolers by the heaping spoonful. Also known for their homemade desserts and they loving and generous hospitality, leaving here without the sense of being a part of a family or with full stomachs would leave something to question. These folks go all out every year and pour everything they have into making sure we are taken care of.

As you can see we have had a full and adventurous day. I still cannot believe that Day 9 has come to an end. Our FNGs are completely overwhelmed at this point in the overall trip and what folks have to offer in thanks. Most would go their entire lives without knowing this, but luckily our small Midway Route Family understands the importance and needs of these folks and vise/versa. Folks across this great nation m, helping and supporting complete strangers on a common and vital mission, riding for those who cannot, and bringing awareness and the need for accountability for our veterans, here at home, abroad, and those who haven’t made it home yet.

I say this again and quote Disney’s saying as it is very appropriate for what we are doing, “…family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.”

Let’s see what ventures tomorrow will bring us.

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. Tonight our riders are safely in the hotels and accommodations while rain and thunderstorms rolling over us, bouncing off the Blue Ridge Mountains and echoing off into the distance.  But it was kind enough to hold off just long enough for us to get into Bristol, TN. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Everyone met up in the early morning hours at the rally point were orange juice and lemonade as well as a variety of breakfast snacks and fruits were made available, graciously donated by Sam’s Club.

The Military Challenge was once again started with an announcement that as of yesterday, the Army was in the lead followed closely by the Air Force, Navy pulling up in third place with the Marines trailing in fourth.

A personal account of a Good Star Family Member and her memories of her father and her life after he went Missing in Action (MIA).  Her dedication not only as a Gold Star Family Member but also with Run for the Wall as not only inspired many folks to learn about the history and understand the true meaning of sacrifices, but it has also allowed herself and other team members to investigate and finally identify where and what may have truly happened to her father.  A possible mission in the near future is in the planning stages to hopefully find him and bring him home.

A Hero’s bio was also read aloud, William W. Bancroft Jr., father of Jessica ‘Blaze’ Bancroft and grandfather of our young’s FNG Matthew ’Toothless’ Bancroft.

A brief recap of our schedule was given, first stop was at one of our favorite schools, Wilson Elementary, followed by a lunch stop in Knoxville where another tradition would take place of walking through the fountain, however there was a catch to this. First the fountains were jets from under the concrete sidewalk that will spray upwards at random intervals, a huge hit with kids and other park goers to help ward off the heat of the day. Riders would interlock arms and walk into the fountains symbolizing veterans being sent off to Vietnam together, however on the other side, one person is now missing as they stayed behind in the fountains, symbolizing a veteran that did not come home. After a short period of time, they would re-emerge also symbolizing the repatriation of bring them home. From there we would change the map a bit due to Hurricane Helene hitting and completely destroying that area last year. So this year we would continue north to Bristol, TN where a surprise was awaiting the Midway Route Family.

Once on the road, our first stop was off the beaten path down the winding country road to Wilson Elementary. Students were gathered at the from walk, flags in hand, red, white and blue shirts, and all chanting and cheering ‘USA. USA. USA.’ As we paraded in front of them before parking.

Kids were then meeting up with their pen-pals (or email-pals today I guess) as well as meeting new riders while everyone funneled into the gymnasium. Kids and staff went to one side while all the riders sat on the other; home and visitors.

Before the show began, MAZZ grabbed the flag and began running around the court while the gym erupted in more cheering and chanting ‘USA. USA. USA.’  (Road Guards have a lot of energy…)

The kids then started live performances, one recognizing all of the services and their official song, finishing with America the Beautiful, another performance with Hallelujah, Hallelujah leaving no one in the crowd with dry eyes.

Appreciation awards were handed out along with a generous donation to help the school and the kids, with a report from the Principal dubbed ‘Firecracker’ last year that last year’s donation allowed the school to acquire and install security film for all doors and windows around the entire school, not only enhancing the school spirit but also increasing the children’s and staff’s safety.

We were shown the way to the cafeteria where coffee and breakfast sandwiches were offers before saying goodbyes and getting back on the road eastward.

Some riders were also getting notices on their phones of severe thunderstorms heading our way, but with our tires pointed east, we would contours stay ahead of them and out of harm’s way.

With a quick fuel stop south of Knoxville, we soon found ourselves heading into the city proper and to our lunch stop at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial where again we were met with folks from all over Knoxville lining the sidewalks and over passes, flag lines and ‘thank you’s’.

As we parked in the main road through the park, bubble machines and water fountains were all going as everyone headed to the fountains. Without much hesitation and only removal of electronic devices, many lines of riders interlocked arms and walked through the spraying jets of water; a wonderful way to cool off from the road heat as well as pay tribute and tradition to a time honored action. Pictures were taken, videos were shot and shared, memories and family bonds made.

Lunch of smoked bbq pulled pork along with homemade ice cream was served to all riders, wet and dry.

Recognition to all who made this possible was given in front of the memorial; East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Foundation, along with Knoxville PD and Tennessee State and Highway Troopers for escorting the pack through town.

Our wheels were then pointed Northeast once again while the skies darkened behind us. One more fuel stop just south of Bristol where many phones and devices began picking up the storm warnings. But our destination was still under blue skies as we continued tracking towards it.

Once we arrived in Bristol, TN, the skies had become overcast as we tumbled down the roads with local folks still occupying almost every overpass, not a fear of the storm that was inbound. The call to show their support outweighed the impending storm.

We arrived at the Bristol Speedway, and as we were pulling into the parking lot and staging to go inside, rain drops ever so slightly began to speckle the windscreens of the bikes. Everyone put their helmets away and covered their bikes, but not in a great hurry and walked over to the entry doors to The Bristol Club. Up the elevators and to the VIP sweet high absolve the speedway below, cushioned chairs and a fantastic view through the glass enclosures protecting us from the elements outside.

Dinner was served while everyone took their seats to watch the fury of the storm finally overtake us. At one point the rain and winds were so thick that the infield disappeared right before us. 30 minutes later, the storm was off in the distant Blue Ridge Mountains while blue skies opened up behind.

Another storm is forecasted to roll through overnight, but they stayed at bay allowing us to arrive safely and rest up for our next venture tomorrow.

Written by STITCH. Pictures by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

You sometimes hear things, disturbing things about assisted living locations, retirement homes, or other Senior Citizens community homes. But you don’t hear much, or anything at all about a Veteran’s home, until you plan to visit one with a group such as RFTW.

If you have never been to a home before, prepare yourself for a mixed bag of emotions. It could be a great and cheery visit, or it could be a visit that someone doesn’t want anything to do with you. If so, that’s ok. Just keep one thing in mind, it’s not about you, it’s about them. (Thank you Rocketman for that advice)

I met with a couple of men when I first entered the dinner hall, George and Charles.

George, a fellow Air Force enlisted member, began talking about what it was like when he was enlisted and wanted to know what it was like during my enlistment. He then introduced me to Charles next to him as both men were wheelchair bound.

When I originally walked up to the table they were at, Charles had a distant look in his eyes and was not looking at anyone in the hall.

As I knelt down alongside his chair, I introduced myself. This man grabbed my hand with his only mobile hand and introduced himself, quite softly but still clear. The next request that came from him shocked me to my core.

Charles asked “Are you going to the Vietnam Wall with these folks?”

I replied, “why yes I am. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Yes,” he replied. “When you get there, I would like you to say hello to a buddy of mine.”

“It would be an honor to.” I replied

I spoke with a few others, one in particular that his daughter would come by everyday after work and hopes in a few months that he’d be able to move in with her.

I went outside to get some fresh air and soon realized many veterans were coming outside now that the rain had stopped. Then I noticed George again so I knelt down and started talking to him as he began to talk about his career.

After about 15 minutes, George wanted to go back inside as the heat was getting to him. On our way back inside I asked if he had any family of friends that would visit with him. Confusion swept over his face and I asked if his family would come and visit with him. He sat back quietly in his wheelchair and with a straight face and monotone voice replied “I have no family.”

I slowed the cart and he explained how his niece is the only one and doesn’t visit. “So you see, I have no family.” He finally stated.

“Sir, I really want you to know that we are family, maybe not from the same mother, but definitely brothers.” The smile and excitement that George expressed was undeniable. As I pushed him inside, I shook his hand and bid farewell, promising to return next year to see him again.

Back in the parking lot, everyone could see the different emotions after what they experienced.

My ride back to the hotel found me humbly quiet and thinking over what had just occurred.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but maybe to hear their stories so they wouldn’t be forgotten.

Tomorrow will take us to Bristol TN/VA since I40 was damaged by Hurricane Helene late last year. So we’ll see what venture awaits us tomorrow.

Written by STITCH