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Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 15 – From Breecher to Quartermaster

Run For The Wall Podcast

S2 E15 From Breecher to Quartermaster

The mission continues in this episode with Cliff “Breecher” Brumels who shares his experience from joining RFTW for the first time to jumping feet first into becoming a “roooot” Quartermaster

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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

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

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

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President’s Message – June 2026

Run For The Wall May 2026 Mission Complete

It is so quiet…No bikes starting in the parking lot at 4:00 a.m., no rush to get up, get ready, and get to staging, breakfast, and the morning safety meeting. No daily weather checks to see what we are riding into today. As life returns to “normal”, let’s reflect a bit on Run 2026 and what it means to so many people. Let’s again give thanks to the thousands of volunteers who were so instrumental in making the Run a success. Let’s remember the old friends, the new friends we made, and those who no longer ride with us. And please, send in your AAR!! After Action Reports (AARs) are your voice to the leaders of each Route and to the Board. Each one is read, reviewed, and cataloged so we can better understand what went right and what needs improvement. As we prepare for the annual Face-to-Face meeting, your input can affect the Board’s decisions in many ways. Once you have cleaned all the road grime off your bike, it is a good time to assess its condition and either repair it or note anything that needs to be done.

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.

Our new RCs for RFTW 2027 are ready to hit the ground running!!  At our monthly meeting on the 11th of June, the Board approved Central Route nominee Todd “Horton” Taylor, Midway Route nominee Randy “Stinger” Sheets, Southern Route nominee Kevin “Short” Short, and Sandbox Route nominee Sam “Polar Bear” Warner to become RCs for RFTW 2027.  The nominees spent the year between RFTW 2025 and 2026 “learning the ropes” of route leadership and are up to the challenge.  Please join us in congratulating them and get ready to help them in the upcoming planning process.  They will need the support of each of us to ensure a successful RFTW 2027.

As the official part of this year’s RFTW mission draws to a close, it doesn’t mean your support for our veterans, their families, and friends should wane.  We recently announced our partnership with the Red Star Foundation.  If you didn’t have time to research the Foundation or to get involved before the Run, this is a great opportunity to do so.  The Red Star Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities. They provide an avenue for you to contribute throughout the year.  Click here to learn more about the Red Star Foundation.  Click here to become an RFTW Red Star Rider.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW unique. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with individuals who have contributed to its development.  Check it out!!  They’ve already released a post-RFTW 2026 podcast!

Next month, our newsletter will include information from the Face-to-Face, including announcements of new RCs, ARCs, and RGCs, as applicable.  Stay tuned for more information.

With that, I leave you with a few thoughts regarding whom we ride for.

“If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.”

—- Major Michael Davis O’Donnell KIA 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

—-Michael Davis O’Donnell is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 12W, Line 040.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 2 June 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
2026 – CR Road Guard

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June 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

on the step of WV state capitol

I hope everyone made it home safely and enjoys the rest of your summer. This will be my last newsletter as RC. It has been an honor and privilege to take you across our great Nation and meet great people along the way.

For the last year, many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in making the RFTW XXXVI a success and I could not have done this without those people and those that mentored me along the way.

Thank you everyone, especially the past RC’s, for your support and help when I needed it most.

This year’s Run was a little different than those in the past. For the first time in since 2022, all three coast to coast routes left on the same day. We helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The Central and Southern Route joining together on the last day as we rode in together as one group, as one family into the National Capitol area.  We laid a brick in honor of a past RFTW Rider at Angel Fire.  The Central Route had a couple of special guests and even though the weather was a little soggy towards the end, we were able to get through it safely and without any major incidents.

To the Platoon leadership. Thank you all for instilling the Run for the Wall spirit into your FNG’s and teaching them the Run for the Wall traditions and way of riding.  For some riders, it was not an easy transition, but almost all stuck through it to the end.  This is in no small part due to your Platoon leadership and skill.  This Ride could not have been done without the orange hats!

To the Road Guards, who are an outstanding group of individuals, you kept our Run safe and moved us along efficiently. The Run would not be what it is today, without you and the leadership of your Road Guard Captain, Boots. Thank you!

To out Missing Man Coordinator, Bones did fantastic job and he has reminded us as to why we do this Run.

To the Outreach and Ambassadors, thank you for spreading the word to the General Public about the Run and meeting with Gold Star families, schools, the people on the roadsides and overpasses before we rode by.  Thank you Professor, Cow Pie and Old Girl!

To the Leadership support group, which kept the plaques and certificates flowing, paying for the gas, and helping generate financial support for our donors. This Run would not be successful without you.

To our FNG coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, and registration team, thank you for answering people’s questions and sorting out all the personnel issues involved in such a large group.

To our hydration team and merchandise team. Despite your mechanical and logistical issues along the Run, you always made it work and were able to provide the services we needed at our stops.

To the Chase vehicles, for without them, many of you Riders would not have been able to make it across the country.

To our State Coordinators. As I have said many times, these people are the reasons we have the public donations support, from food, gas, people, donors, and tolls. They are the reason why your fuel sticker was low as why you gained weight during the Run.

To our fuelers and stagers, the run would not start or end without you. You provided much-needed support and tactical weather reports of what was ahead to the main pack. Thank you!

To our Chaplains, you provided our Riders the spiritual guidance and support throughout the Run, even though some Riders did not think they needed it. Your prayers helped us all and you are all truly a blessing for the Run.

To the Medical Team and Risk Manager. I did not hear much from you guys, so no news is good news. Hopefully it was a mostly uneventful ride for you all.  Thank you!

Finally, to the Riders. The Run would not be the Run without the Riders. We met as strangers in Ontario coming from various parts of the country with different ways of doing things.  After 10 days across the country, we became friends and part of the RFTW family. Your patience and persistence paid off as we sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and laid the Mission complete plaque at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.

This ride probably tested most resulting in some making changes to their rain gear and riding styles. I am sure that for all “former” FNG’s, this ride impressed you in ways that words would never describe, and I hope you all decide to continue the RFTW mission and promote the Run.

Some of you will get the “fever” and decide to return, some may also volunteer for some added responsibility to support the Run. Some of you may not and that is OK. But all of you will have lifelong memories of the Run and can proudly say, “I went all the Way!” on the largest organize cross country motorcycle ride!

I would like to mention a few people who have expressed to me that they are stepping back, and volunteers are needed to help fill their shoes on the Run.

One is Tommy Cranford, our Last Man Vehicle. The Last Man Vehicle holds an especially important job during the Run of coordinating the chase vehicles to respond to those on the side of the road as well as reporting to the RC and others as well as the conditions of the pack during the Run.  Some of the other things he does outside of the Run, separate of being the Last Man Vehicle, is maintaining the Central Route inventory gear before and after the Run.  Tommy sustained an injury during the Run and is currently going through the healing process.  He indicated to me that 2026 would be his last Run, so if anyone is interested in one or both these important jobs, please let the Central leadership know.

Thank you, Tommy, for the outstanding work you have done!

The other is the State Coordinator position for New Mexico. Patty Finley has articulated to me several times that she can no longer do the job. The Central Route spends three days in New Mexico and Patty has been responsible for coordinating the activities in the State of New Mexico.  Much of our donated fuel, food, and activities are due, in no small part, to the tireless work Patty has done.  If you live in New Mexico and can help in anyway, please let the Central Leadership know.

Thank you, Patty, for the outstanding work you have done!

David Parkhill our Illinois State Coordinator, is also stepping back from the job. Chris Braden has been selected as his replacement. Thank you, David, for the great job you have done as Illinois State Coordinator and a hearty welcome to Chris.  Dave, we hope to see you at the Mt. Vernon lunch stop in the future.

During your ten days on the run, there are those that made a great impression on you during this Run. Try and maintain those relationships. Time is fleeting and as the Rolling Stones once said, “Time waits for no one and it won’t wait for me… Hours are like diamonds, don’t let them waste… Drink in your summer, gather your corn. The dreams of the nighttime will vanish by dawn.”

Talk about the Run with your friends and acquaintances. There may be some myths or misconceptions about what the Run is all about. Tell them about your experiences as you put a face to the Run.

The Run has changed dramatically over the years and continues to evolve as we strive to meet all the commitments and expectations from the public, donors and our riders. The Run is not perfect but each year we try to make it better much due in part to the comments provided by the Riders.

After Action Report – Run For The Wall®

It is your opportunity as a participant in RFTW to provide feedback about your experience on the Run, both good and bad. All AAR’s are taken seriously and read by the Board and Route leadership. AAR’s in the past have resulted in changes in operating procedures. So, your feedback matters.

The link to the form is here.

If you are up to the challenge, the Run needs volunteers to help in 2027. Fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in contributing. The hours may be long and the pay not so good, but the rewards are great!

The volunteer link is here. Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

It is bittersweet that I must relinquish this job and thank you all once again for your trust in allowing me to lead you across our great country. I have been humbled by all the support you have given me and will always remember the experiences you all have provided.  Please show the same level of support to the next RC!

As always, please remember our Mission Statement:

 

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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Southern Route June 2026 Newsletter

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter June 2026


Run For The Wall Mission

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

Greetings Everyone!  This will be a short newsletter this month.

I want to thank all my riders for a great Run this year!  I know that riding in the pack can be tedious at times and through it all, we Continued The Mission!

It was a good feeling of watching all of the planning we did through the year being executed and having to modify the plan to ensure that we made it across our country as safely as possible.

My thanks to our leadership teams, without their help in the planning and in The Run, I would have not been able to accomplish our mission.   Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders, and Tail Gunners all contributed time and energy in the planning of the Southern Route.

My Team Leaders started their planning in June of last year and continued the planning up until Kick Stands Up in Ontario.  My friend, Carol Olmstead, planned everything Ontario.  Without her dedication and hard work, the entire Run For The Wall experience would not have happened.  Thank you, Carol!

We had relatively decent weather this year.  I say that knowing we had the Tennessee Tidal Wave in 2017 and had 3” of hail outside of Odessa, I think it was in 2024.  So, we survived what little crappy weather we encountered and came out on the other side a little damp.  Oh!  Almost forgot the deluge we had pulling into Lynchburg Harley!  We got there just before the skies opened up and gave us a welcoming shower.  Such are the joys of riding a motorcycle!

Jerry “F-Stop” Lanier gave us an outstanding photo of us all sitting at the Linc.  Jerry said he took 36,000 photos on this year’s Southern and Sandbox routes.  He has begun his editing process, which will whittle that number to around 20,000 edited photos.  Thank you, my friend!

Thanks to the Platoon leadership throughout The Run.  They were instrumental to getting everyone into Springfield, VA, safely.  Stagers and Fuelers did an outstanding job getting us through the pumps as quickly as possible.  Yes, there are times when they were confronted with challenging situations.  They handled them on the spot and got everyone through as quickly and as safely as possible.  Remember, patience is a virtue!

Let’s not forget all of the supporters who cared for us along our route and the State Coordinators who ensured we had food and lodging

Again, thank you, riders, for your support throughout this year’s Run!  Without you being on the Run, it would have been just us colored hats, and that would be sad.

Say their names! Tell their stories! Never forget!  Live a life worthy of their sacrifice!

 

 

David “Buzz” Mullen
Route Coordinator
Southern Route
RFTW 2026

 

 

 

Some pics of just a few of the people who helped our Southern Route be successful.

 

 

 

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – June 2026

RFTW Rider Survey

I arrived home in southern California 5 days ago and it seems like yesterday.

Welcome home to all and “Happy Father’s Day”. Can you believe how fast time is just flying by.

This year’s run leaves me with so many fond memories. Some of profound joy of seeing old friends and meeting new ones and some of Immense sadness of loss and maybe the realization that time stands still for no one. But before I expound on these feelings and more let me express my profound gratitude to your 2026 Leadership team. The leaders and their respective teams worked tirelessly since the end of 2025 to ensure your experience in 2026 would be enlightening, memorable and healing for many. These volunteers were State Coordinators, Road Guards, Missing Man Coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, Platoon Leaders, Asst Platoon Leaders, Tail Gunners, Financial services, Risk Management, Photographer, Sit rep writers, Hotel/Camping Coordinator, RC assistants and the many individuals from our local communities that welcomed us and fed us all across this country.

I would be remiss if I did not single out some individuals who went above and beyond in supporting me and giving me the ability to make this year’s run meaningful, fun, healing and hopefully a memory you will cherish and share with your children and grandchildren in the future.

Jerry Wilkins was not only my mentor this year, he was also the Midway routes California state coordinator, hotel coordinator, camping coordinator, Advance team Road Guard and Registration Team Lead. Thank you, Jerry for keeping me “On Track” and providing sage guidance daily. You were always there for me and the Midway family.

Michelle DeLa Cruz became my guiding light starting on day one. She always was ready to help with anything I needed assistance with including being the platoon leader for the leadership support platoon. “Thank you, Michelle”.

“Java Joe” Bookataub developed all Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners for this years run. He told me that sometimes it was like herding cats. All the Platoon participant’s succeeded in becoming more proficient daily at pack riding. Whether you were in Platoon leadership or a rider or an FNG, it became apparent that you were becoming a team as we got closer to Springfield.

Well Done to all!!!

Collectively, I hope the leadership teams made 2026 memorable and reinforced the true purpose and focus of just what in life is worth fighting for. We hope that you always remember that life is truly about “The Mission”!

After Action Reports

Please remember that we are always trying to make next years’ experience better and that is why the After-Action Reports (AAR’S) are very important. I have received many already and I want to assure you that they are read by not only me but by the Board of Directors. I have already made a list of items from your submissions to be discussed at our next directors’ meeting. You can find AAR’S on the Midway page, second from the bottom on the scroll down menu. Please take this opportunity to tell me how we did this year. The Good, the bad and the ugly.

We cannot as a family make it better if we do not have an honest evaluation of our process and procedure.

To truly make a better product we collectively must analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate continuously. Please use the After Action Report (AAR) as your personal vehicle to assist the RFTW leadership accomplish this mission.

Red Star Foundation

It saddens me to hear that our continued armed conflicts are afflicting our warriors with same guilt as I suffered and is potentially causing us to lose them at a rate of 20 -22 a day. We have developed a partnership with the Red Star foundation whose primary purpose is to never allow this nation to forget the cost of armed conflict and those who chose to offer that sacrifice.
If our combined efforts can save even a few, it was well worth the time, effort and money.

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

It was my honor to lead the Midway route across this great country this year. I look forward to seeing you all next year as your route Mentor.

“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 14 – Rain Boots/Tai Goes Midway

Run For The Wall Podcast
I rode with stash n' boots.

Run For The Wall® Podcast Season 2 Episode 14 – Rain Boots/Tai Goes Midway

RFTW XXXVI Mission Completed.

It’s time to submit AAR’s. Share the good, bad and ugly so we can continue to improve Run For The Wall for years to come.

In this episode Boots and Hitch wrap up Season 2 with their experiences on Central and Midway Routes.

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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SR Day 10 – Lynchburg, VA to Washington, DC

Fri, May 22, 2026

Lynchburg, VA

Tree of Life Ministries

Before Buzz Mullens presented plaques and certificates to many of the people who support Run For The Wall Southern Route, Gump Hudson and Big Spoon Miller gave an inspiring “Why We Ride” presentation.  

Gump called out the names of each of the nine fallen soldiers of the 507th Maintenance Company which was ambushed during the Battle of Nasiriyah in the rapid advance towards Baghdad during the 2003 invasion of Iraq on 23 March 2003.

Say their names.  Tell their stories.  Never forget.
And live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

For several days I have been thinking about why and how Karoni “Hoops” Forrester is uniquely qualified to be RFTW SR Outreach Coordinator and part of the team that facilitates healing for the families of POW, MIA and KIA service members.

Fishersville, VA

Sheetz

Standing under the roof overhang outside at Sheetz, I overheard part of a conversation between  Karoni “Hoops” Forrester and Gold Star Son Bryan Knight.  It helped me to realize that one of the things they have in common is that they have been going through the grieving process for the loss of their Dad from an early age.  They also shared having to deal with the confusion that results when there is no clear answer to why the loss of their Dad is a mystery.

How can there be a US Flag and no casket or urn?  Why does the pledge of “No Man Left Behind” not apply to their loved one?  Well, those shared experiences are why Hoops can be so effective in helping others process their grief.

Front Royal, VA

DoubleTree by Hilton

After enjoying PBJ sandwiches and drinks passed out by the Hydration Team, we went to a conference room inside for our final All RFTW Riders Meeting of 2026.  Both Buzz Mullen and Santa Ed used the occasion of May 22 to remind us to “Give a Damn” about 22 veteran suicides per day and to reach out to any veteran we see who is struggling.

Marshall, VA

Northern Fauquier Community Park

We had been notified that RFTW Southern Route (SR) and Central Route (CR) would join together at this location and roll into Washington, DC with one police roadblock rather than two.  I’m not sure what I expected, but the front platoons of SR just rolled on by and it appeared that CR would fall in behind us.  In fact, it was a little more dynamic than that and our tailgunner reported that a number of the CR riders joined our platoon.

Springfield, VA

American Legion Post 176

The Southern and Central Routes arrived first and were greeted by a host of American Legion volunteers and many RFTW dignitaries including James “Gunny” Gregory and his wife Patty and Gold Star Son Rolando Montana.  

Some of us got coffee to warm up from the ride in the rain and started to take advantage of the food offered by the American Legion volunteers.  But knowing that the Midway Route riders would be arriving soon, Gunny encouraged us to leave our refreshment long enough to give them the same welcome we received.

This SitRep is a work in progress.

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SR Day 9 – Wytheville, VA to Lynchburg, VA

Thu, May 21, 2026

Wytheville, VA

Withers Park

A group of riders gathered just outside of Withers Park to join a new Outreach to Narrows, VA.  RFTW SR Outreach Chaplain, Lee “Moses” Thacker led the ride.

Narrows, VA

Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Park for Giles County is a  public park that was dedicated in 2004, and founded by Randall W. Fletcher, a friend of Chaplain Moses.  It is located on Kimberling street in Downtown Narrows, VA.

VFW Post 6000 developed a design for the park which features five black granite monuments bearing seals in tribute to the five branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. Eight flagpoles surround the monuments, flying flags for each military branch, a POW-MIA flag, a Virginia state flag and the U.S. flag.

In 2015, the Veteran’s honor wall was completed for the 2015 Veterans Day service.  The black granite wall lists 1,236 names of servicemen and women. In addition, two memorial granite benches were constructed near the wall; one donated by the Ladies Auxiliary, and one by American Legion Post 68.  We placed a memorial wreath at the park.

 

Montvale, VA

Exxon

The Outreach group got to the next fuel stop, the Exxon station in Montvale, VA, before the main pack.  Several minutes later they arrived and after fueling up, we proceeded to Montvale Elementary School

Montvale Elementary School

At Montvale Elementary School, we were greeted by loud chants of “U S A, U S A, U S A.”  A group of JROTC cadets lined the entranceway to the school.

For lunch we had Chick-fil-A sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks.

MVES Program for RFTW

Highlights from the program included:
– American Song – PK, K, 1st
– Thank a Vet – 2nd and 3rd
– A Grateful Nation – 4th and 5th
– Sacrifices Made – All
– Taps – Mr. Steven Williams
– Essay Contest Winner – Grace Stevens
– JROTC Presentation

The JROTC presentation was based on the Bill Murray and crew training exercise from the movie Stripes.

Bedford, VA

National D-Day Memorial

We placed a wreath beneath the Overlord Arch.

Overlord Arch
National Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden
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2026 SandBox Route – Day 3

Run For The Wall, Sandbox Route 

SITREP May 26, 2026 

Written by Mary (Peppermint Patti) Bogan

The morning started with the most beautiful sunrise with orange colors blended together like a melted creamsicle.
At the all-hand meeting a roll call was done with a list of names. They were Navy and Coast Guard names from 2004. Operation Iraqi Freedom. All killed. Say their names. Never forget.
Another name. Kevin Ellenburg. Kevin’s mom and dad came to the run and are FNGs this year.  His mom, Amy, spoke to us. He was a rescue swimmer and she said he had three characteristics.
Determination. Kevin was in Little League. His mission was to be a catcher for his brother, a pitcher, Andrew. Mission complete.
Resilience. He was a product of divorce. She is his bonus mom. His sister was his confidante, a bond like no other.
Loyalty. When he joined the Army his dad told him bring pride to the name Ellenburg on your chest.  He was always the first to volunteer.
Amy closed by saying there were two who died for us …
One carried the flag.
One carried the cross.
One died for your freedom.
One died for your soul
Private First Class Kevin James Ellenburg.  Say his name. Never forget.
We got on the road and went to the Indiana Veterans Home, which hosted us for breakfast. As we approached the lengthy driveway, it was lined with large flags. There’s also a cemetery for the veterans and their spouses who have resided at the home. Each headstone had a small flag at its base. The grounds are beautiful with a fountain and a memorial. Cut green grass extends for a long way. But always the best part is seeing the veterans. A few were out to meet us, but the morning was still cool.
Jim, a Marine, is the home mail carrier. He’s been here eight years and was asked if he’d do this job. They pay him $3 an hour. So he’s still working.
Ralph was a Navy man. He liked the little dog, Chipper. He was a Yeoman (male Secretary) for a weapons officer.  He served on the USS Arcadia, a tender ship, and on the USS Josephus Daniels.
Visiting the VA homes can be hard, but we do so much good by visiting. Occasionally, you run into someone who doesn’t want a pin, and when you say thank you for your service, they respond with, “Whatever.”  We are told not to take it personally, but you wish you had time to really make a difference for that one person. Most are so happy to see someone, to get a pin, a hug, or a handshake, and a few minutes of your time so they feel like part of the community again.
The last fuel stop of Sandbox is in Watseka, Illinois. The noise. The fuel team flaggers are directing bikes this way and that way to open pumps. The bikes are moving. It truly is chaos that quickly gets several hundred bikes fueled up and moved out to the staging area. It’s an art to getting it done.
They tried to break their record. The words, “C’mon. Pump!!!” were heard. The 9 minutes and 47 seconds for about 260 bikes didn’t break the record of 8 minutes and change, but it’s sure impressive.
One of the best parts was that the fuelers were all wearing swim shorts, providing some levity for a very solemn mission.
The group went to Legion Park in Watseka for lunch. And there, RC Clutch presented plaques and patches for the Leadership teams.
From lunch we headed to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois. The mission.
People looked up names, others made etchings, and some just needed a hug. It’s an emotional time for those with someone on the wall, and there are a lot of tears shed. Those tears mean someone loved is not forgotten. Say their names. Tell their stories.
Sandbox Route completed the mission by laying a plaque on the wall and making a flag presentation. Wall to Wall. Mission complete.
It’s the last day of the Sandbox Route. There’s a sadness as our riders, our family members, will now scatter to the winds. Safe travels.
Peppermint Patti
SITREP Writer
Sandbox Route
(For more photos, go to my FB page. Patti Bogan. All of the Sandbox days and Midway are there.)
“Make no mistake about it: Operation Desert Storm truly was a victory of good over evil, of freedom over tyranny, of peace over war.” — Former Vice President Dan Quayle
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Midway ROUTE 2026 – Mission Accomplished

These past 10 days have changed so many lives in so many ways. They have shown people just how far they are willing to go for complete strangers and a shared mission. We have been brought to our limits and even pushed past them. If we tripped along the way, our family members have been right there beside us to catch us and help along the way.

We have endured challenges along the way and faced them head on. Opportunities have been presented and accepted, capabilities and skill refined and polished, and for some emotions and feelings exposed to begin or even continue the process of healing.

From the very beginning stages of committing to the run, through the planning and preparation phases, even as a veteran rider to the run we still encounter questions and skepticism of ‘why do you do it’. The answers are simple for most, we ride for those who cannot. But if you dig a little deeper for many, it’s a calling in of itself, to help others along the way. And for FNG riders, they really can’t explain it other than an opportunity. It’s not until they experience the run and witness the magic of the run first hand to fully begin to understand the mission.

From the start I had not planned to finish out the run to DC and began looking for a writer to continue the SITREPs after my departure when I was introduced to an FNG studying to become a History Teacher, Miss Natalie Fielding, aka Guess Again 2. She immediately caught my attention with her attention to detail on interactions with riders, volunteers, and ability to tell her story and experiences within the first part of the ride. She never expected the opportunity that I was about to offer her, the chance to publish those experiences for the world to see. Her first SITREP from Shawnee to Forrest City nailed it with ease and you could tell she was hooked into sharing it with the world.

As we progressed across the nation, plans changed and the voice inside kept telling me that I still had more work to be done as the photographer/videographer. (pesky little thing, but it was right) So many memories were made on this run, some captured and preserved to see, others too delicate and remained simply with their owner.

When we arrived at Lincoln’s Memorial in the constant drizzle of rain, the look of the citizens and tourists, dressed in their rain coats and carrying their umbrellas, was partially of concern but more of confusion as a group of bikers, dressed in leathers and simple baseball caps, braved the rain without even batting an eye. Little did they know that we have weathered through it all, three different routes, each encountering different challenges and conquering them all. And the rain, this was child’s play.

After coming together for a group photo, all the riders proceeded down to the apex of the Vietnam Memorial Wall where the 4 Route Coordinators came together to lay the plaque and officially call out, Mission Accomplished.

 

From here, the FNG’s had their pins turned symbolizing their accomplishment while others paid their respects to friends and family on the wall.

Bio’s were matched up with those etched in the stone.

Prayers were said, and tears were shed.

Bag pipes were played in the rain on the grassy knoll, all while streams of water ran down the stone and through the names as if shedding tears of their own.

 

As we finish our missions and begin to go our separate ways once again, you’ll find yourself pushing the refueling time at the pump, looking in your mirrors for the bike behind you, even raising your head and looking at the sound of another bike to see if it is another RFTW rider. You will find yourself re-reading SITREPs and posts, telling stories to coworkers that will continue to look at you in the way for a straight jacket. And believe it or not, you’re already looking forward to next year, or even the next time you can ride with your RFTW family.

So pick up the phone, text a quick message, plan a get together or ride. If you need help, don’t hesitate to make that cry for help. Just remember, Ohana means Family, Midway is a family route, where no one gets left behind, or forgotten.

Until next time….

Keep the rubber side down,

Shiney Side Up!

And yes, I will ask it…

Is It May 2027 Yet?

 

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce