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Central Route Coordinator Newsletter July 2022

Run for the Wall Central Route

My name is Paul Marshall, and I have been honored by the Run For The Wall (RFTW) Board of Directors by being appointed as the 2023 Central Route Coordinator. This will be my first newsletter, with many more to follow, until we complete our mission for RFTW XXXIII.

Besides riding with RFTW for several years – sometimes in the pack, sometimes riding my own ride, and sometimes riding multiple legs – I’ve worked on the fuel team, and served as platoon leader for several years. For the past two years, I served as the Assistant Route Coordinator, working with Tom “Boomps” Miller, the 2022 Route Coordinator.

I joined the US Army in 1969. I served in Vietnam as an MP (1971-72), and in the Korean DMZ as an artillery surveyor and MP (1970-71).

After leaving the US Army in 1972, I joined the Sacramento Police Department in California. Over the next 30 years, I worked in two other police departments, and retired as a police captain from a police department in Southern California in 2004.

I was introduced to RFTW in 2002 by a fellow Vietnam veteran. Until that time, like many Vietnam veterans, I flew under the radar, seldom acknowledging my service, let alone my time spent in country. To say my first year on RFTW changed my way of thinking is an understatement. However, while it was an awakening of sorts – almost a rebirth of faith in Americans if you will – there remains a lingering feeling of guilt and loss.

Now, when I think of the mission of the RFTW (to promote healing among all veterans, their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all prisoners of wars and those missing in action to honor the memory of those killed in action from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world), I understand why two Vietnam veterans, James Gregory and Bill Evans, established RFTW in 1989 – to give all veterans a chance to find meaning in their service, and heal the deep scars left by that service.

In my first year (2002), I rode in the pack all the way from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. In those days, we rode in one long, continuously line of motorcycles, riding side by side next to riders we’d never met before. Fueling our motorcycles, and “staging” in preparation to leave a stop, was chaotic at best. When we left a fuel of meal stop, we shuffled into a side-by-side line as we entered the freeway. On the freeway, we often saw brake lights popping on, gradually making their way back through the pack – a very beautiful thing actually, until they got to one’s position. Things have seriously changed since 2002. RFTW is a well-practiced, and cross-country motorcycle ride.

When we launch RFTW XXXIII from Ontario, California on 17 May 2023, I will be joined by Assistant Route Coordinator, Nick Hentges, Road Guard Captain, Kirk Olson, and many more volunteer leaders.

Planning for the RFTW mission is underway. Since we completed the mission of RFTW XXXII in May 2022, state coordinators have been in constant contact with their supporters in eleven states. Several leadership teams are meeting to discuss the last run to Washington, D.C. Other volunteer leadership teams include road guards, fueling and staging crews, chase and last man crews, ambassadors, outreach volunteers, chaplains and medical personnel, to name a few.

Riding across this country, you will represent RFTW as we stop at VA hospitals, memorials, schools and community centers. And as a RFTW representative, you will be asked to be on  your best behavior by being courteous, showing respect and appreciation to the communities that support us on our ride to Washington, D.C.. After a day or two you will realize that RFTW is truly something special, and unlike anything you have ever experienced. By the end of this run, you will find that you have become part of the RFTW family.

As a new RFTW rider, you will be supported by a very large, and very experienced leadership teams that seek to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on your journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. – “The Wall”. Regardless of your level of experience, you will find this ride to be very challenging, and well worth the effort. That said, it is not too early to begin your preparations.

You are encouraged to go to the RFTW website (RFTW.us). There you will find a number of resources to help you plan your ride, including suggestions on how to pack for the run. New riders can also check out the “Forum” to see what other riders are saying in their chats, and read after action reports that will describe previous rides. Next spring, as planning progresses, new riders will be able to read about activities in Ontario before we launch, as well as the day-by-day itinerary for the Central Route.

Get curious. Ask questions. And, get ready!

I look forward to seeing you all in Ontario, California.

Paul “Brush” Marshall
RFTW Central Route Coordinator 2023

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President’s Message – July 4, 2022

President's Message

Good Morning to All the RFTW Family from Tennessee where the BBQ is going and the watermelon is already cold ready to be cut for a great 4th of July celebration!

As we celebrate our Nations birth there is no better time to reflect on the RFTW mission and our collective goal. As you all know RFTW’s mission is:

“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”.

The mission of RFTW continues everyday, as each of us, are given the opportunity to bring awareness and a helping hand to our veterans and their families to include Gold and Blue Stars. On July 9, 2022, Homes For Our Troops will present Lance Corporal (L/Cpl.) Kevin Honaker, USMC (Ret.) with the keys to his brand new home in Sparta, Tennessee. We hope to have a large RFTW presence at this event. The plan is to have riders assemble in nearby Cookeville, TN (one of our regular Midway Route stops) the morning of the 9th at 8:00AM and ride to Sparta in typical RFTW formation, where we will meet L/Cpl. Honaker and escort him to his new home for a “Key Ceremony”. For those who wish to gather in Cookeville the evening before, a special RFTW rate at the Country Inn & Suites is available for the night of 8 July. I encourage any of you that can make it, join your fellow RFTW riders on 8 July in Cookeville and participate. I would hope, we all look for these opportunities through out the year to carry on our quest to frost the “Mission “.

A big thanks goes out to all those that participated in XXXII ride in 2022. I look forward to seeing each of you in 2023. To those that rode in 2022, I would encourage each of you to complete an After Action Review (AAR). We want to hear you comments and recommendations on how to improve and make the run better. All the Leadership Team, BOD and RC’s, review each and every AAR, so your comments and recommendations are heard. Comment can affect the need for additional hydration stops, extending a particular fuel stop, or having a bullhorn available at times when PA systems are not available for better pack communication.

It is also important that you as a rider begin your preparation for 2023 now, too.

The 10-­‐day ride across the US is one of the most Challenging rides. It is both physically and mentally challenging. We have changing weather conditions: hot, cold, snow, and rain that will be experienced. One of our many challenges in Route Leadership is to help each of you regardless of experience make this journey as safely as possibly and accomplish our mission however you must do your part! Learn how to pack your bike, take some long day trips build your endurance and last but not least be sure your bike is mechanically ready for ten days of hard riding (Oil, Brakes, Tires). The four items you need for registration Check-­‐in, make sure they are available and current now and throughout the year so when you head to the Run nothing to do but show up. (Drivers License w/ motorcycle endorsement, title and registration, insurance, and Emergency Information Form)

Already, there are some changes on the horizon for 2023. Registration will be completely online and our goal is to begin 2023 registration on 11 SEPT 2022 (Put It On Your Calendar). It will be streamlined without the need to go to another site to complete your wavier unless it is a minor wavier. Your Route itinerary booklets will be readily available online prior to Ontario. As you can tell, we are attempting to make our online communication and operations more functional.

On a personal note, it is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as President of the Board of Directors for 2023, and the Run, and I especially look forward to meeting and talk with as many of you as possible. Have Great Day. God Bless you and your family. Ride safe till then!

Is it May yet?

Sincerely,
Ron ‘Sky’ King
President, RFTW Board of Directors

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – July 4, 2022

Greetings RFTW Midway Family.

Happy Independence Day! I want to begin by thanking all of our military, past and present, for their sacrifice and service for our country. You have fought to maintain the freedom given to us by our founding fathers. I will never forget! I hope you all will have a great day.

As I write this, my final RC Newsletter, I want to thank everyone who has supported me, our Midway route and RFTW mission. I am so proud of the team and family we have built on Midway. Our 2022 route was a huge success, and we had another accident-free Run! This could not have been done without the excellent teamwork on our route. Our riders and all the FNGs were amazing! Thank you for making this year so special.

I am still working on closing our 2022 route. I have additional plaques on order and they should be shipping soon. I also have some rockers that were missing on order as well. However, those may take a little longer to get because “Stitch-N-Bitch” is on the road right now and will not be able to get them made until she makes it back home. There are also a couple of caps that I am working on getting for a few people. I will be mailing some missing certificates once I receive the rockers. Just know that the Run may be over, but I am still on the job making sure I get everyone on our team what they deserve. I also want to give you all my private (non-RFTW) email. it is kdugas@pharmasafe.com. I hope to stay in touch with as many of you as possible.

As you all know, we faced and overcame many challenges this year. One of those being the loss of my right-hand man, our ARC Jerry “Corp” Wilkins, who had to leave the run and return home to California. Jim “Bruzer” Bruzewski, stepped up to finish our route as ARC. I want to publicly thank Jerry for all his hard work and dedication to our route and our mission. He worked side by side with me for 3 years and was such an important part of the success we had on Midway. Thank you Jerry, you were missed.

During and after the route, Jerry, Bruzer and I had several meetings discussing the future of Midway and the path moving forward. Considering the safety of the pack, putting mission before self, and Jerry having to leave the route, Jerry and Bruzer agreed and requested that I should nominate Bruzer as RC and Jerry as his ARC to the BOD. The BOD has approved this.

It is my honor to officially announce Jim “Bruzer” Bruzewski as the 2023 Midway RC! Bruzer is a Vietnam Veteran and was a POW in Vietnam. He is my RFTW hero and what RFTW is all about. He is also very knowledgeable in what it takes to lead this pack across the country. He has been a Road Guard and our Push Team leader for many years. Bruzer has made me a better man and I could not be more honored to be able to call him my friend. Jerry unselfishly will be Bruzer’s ARC making him the longest running ARC in RFTW history! I am confident that the future of the Midway Route is in good hands with these guys.

I cannot leave without also giving a special thanks to our Road Guard Captain, Rick “Taildragger” Schultz. We were FNGs then RIGITS together, and now, we leave together. It has been quite a ride my friend! Thank you for all of your support throughout the years. I am the rider I am today because of your teachings and time working with me. (So, whether you think I am a good or bad rider, it is on you! lol!)

I cannot list all our leadership and support positions individually, but I hope you know how much I appreciate the great jobs you all do, and I thank you very much.

Being a part of building our Midway route from the beginning has been such a labor of love and pride for me. I am so proud of the culture of servant leadership, mission before self, safety and family that has been built. The RFTW mission, and especially our Midway family will always have a special place in my heart. I will continue to support Bruzer and Jerry as needed to the best of my abilities. Thank you for giving me the privilege of leading this route. It is a memory that I will always cherish.

Have I told you lately?……………………… I love my RFTW Midway family! I will miss all of you.

Honor, Hope and Healing,

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway RC 2020-2022

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – JUNE 2022 – Bugs’ Last RC Newsletter

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

I would not have believed on 01 JUL 2018 when I became a Route Coordinator the first time that my last Newsletter wouldn’t be published for another 4 years – yet here we are.  It’s one of life’s mysteries.  But as the Admiral said, “The end is inevitable.”  But not till tomorrow.  So, I’ll spend my last night as an RC here at the keyboard, speaking to my RFTW and SandBox Route family one more time. 

Some notes about the Route…

Country Roads – Please raise your hand if you read or heard me say many times over the past three years that we’d be traversing some Pennsylvania country roads on this route.  Although some didn’t get the message, everyone did a great job on the crossing as we completed not only those segments, but every segment with no accidents and no major incidents.  That is a testament to your ability to adapt and to safely and carefully control yourselves and your bikes through challenging conditions.  I am very proud of all our riders who made that happen.

Flight 93 National Memorial – Some folks who talked to the Park Rangers were told they didn’t know we were coming.  What they didn’t tell you (because apparently, they didn’t know) was that your SandBox Planning Team had months earlier attained a coordinated and fully approved Special Use Permit with the National Park Service for staging in front of the Visitor Center and a formal Ceremony at the Memorial Plaza at the south end.  The NPS never coordinated that permit with the on-site Rangers, which resulted in our dismal parking situation.  Now you know.

Long Days – As advertised!  I know that many folks were too spent to attend the after-dinner events on days 1 & 2, and I certainly don’t blame you.  However, those that still had the energy were treated to some of the most memorable ceremonies of the Route.  From the Morning Ceremony in St Clairsville that started our day to the Gold Star Family Memorial Ceremony in Lafayette, this will stand out as one of the most meaningful Memorial Days I have ever experienced.  But the thing that made it really special was experiencing those events with you, my RFTW Family.

Gold Star Family Recognition – We made the honor and recognition of Gold Star Families along the SandBox Route one of our highest Mission priorities.  Although I would like to have done more, and I had a few personal missteps along the way, I believe we as a Route were very successful in that regard.  “Say their names!” was a resounding chant each day as we stood to honor their memory by saying and hearing the names of those who made that ultimate sacrifice.  Those were some of the most special and heart-rending moments along the way.

Now for some Admin…

Leadership Rocker Patches – If you are due one and didn’t get it, please contact your Team Leader to see if they have yours.  If your Team Lead doesn’t have it, they’ll collect your name, and we will ensure you get one.

After Action Reports – Please keep them coming!  I have seen some very insightful comments with constructive ideas for improving our Route.  Those are the ones that your 2023 Leadership team will find the most valuable for their planning and preparation activities next year.

Now for some Recognition…

I spoke at length on the Route of how our Team Leads worked hard over the past three years to make this Route possible.  Then on the Road, they and their teams took all that Planning and Preparation and turned it into Performance to create this epic event.  I won’t try to list them all here (see the complete list at https://rftw.us/sandbox-contacts/) but there is one group that I failed to recognize on the Route, but would like to highlight now as they usually work in the background, and no one knows.  Those are our State Coordinators!

Our State Coordinators are AWESOME!!!  Gail Dippel (DC), Sam Warner (MD), Tom Schultz (PA), David Cain (WV), Brandon McCray (OH), Bryan Courtney (IN), & Ed Samuel (IL).  These folks and their assistants are responsible for coordination of all our stops and the support along the way and you all know we had some fantastic stops.  Thank you all for the hard work, the extra meetings, taking my occasional urgent calls, and for generally creating the framework for our successful Run.  Y’ALL ARE THE BEST!!!

The Mission…

The RFTW Mission Statement provides the base framework for what we do on all the 4 Routes.  The various Routes have their own ways of doing things in serving the Mission and one of our challenges on this melded Route was to bring the best of them all together to bear the load of our Mission.  As we go forward, I challenge all SandBox Route participants to keep in mind that all of us serve the same Mission with “All The Heart”, even if you’re used to seeing things done differently on another route.  Whether it’s Promoting Healing, Calling for an Accounting, Honoring the Memory, or Supporting our Military, all four tenets of that Mission Statement are important and will remain the focus and the binding tie between all our Routes.

Four Years Before the Mast

About an hour to midnight here in Texas now and time to wrap this up.  Whether across 9 years in command in the Navy, several years in civilian management or 4 years as an RC, my intended role has always been that of a Servant Leader promoting a Covenant of Trust with folks on my teams to know that my primary task is to support their efforts in making our organization successful and meaningful.  Another of my goals as a leader is to continually search for my replacement.  Despite the circumstances that led to his selection, I have full faith and confidence that Darin “Lurch” Koch will take up that mantle of leadership and be the SandBox Route Coordinator that this Route and that this Mission needs to be successful as we continue into the next 30 years.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my military and motorcycling experiences to have served with the great Patriots and Veterans of Run For The Wall as a Route Coordinator – I’m doubly honored to have served there twice on two separate Routes.  Tomorrow I step into a new role with new responsibilities but the same goal – to sustain our Run, support our Riders and most importantly, CONTINUE THE MISSION!

I look forward to seeing you all next May! Until then…

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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Homes For Our Troops Presentation – July 9th!

President's Message

ATTENTION RIDERS!

As most of you are aware, Run For The Wall, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, recently donated $100,000 to Homes For Our Troops. HFOT provides custom built homes to severely wounded service members. These homes are constructed and specially adapted to these heroes’ specific individual needs.

On July 9, 2022, Homes For Our Troops will present Lance Corporal (L/Cpl.) Kevin Honaker, USMC (Ret.) with the keys to his brand new home in Sparta, Tennessee. We hope to have a large RFTW presence at this event. The plan is to have riders assemble in nearby Cookeville, TN (one of our regular Midway Route stops) the morning of the 9th and ride to Sparta in typical RFTW formation, where we will meet L/Cpl. Honaker and escort him to the site of his new home for the “Key Ceremony.”

For those who wish to gather in Cookeville the evening before, Ron King will arrange a special RFTW rate at the Country Inn & Suites there.

Reservation information is as follows:
Country Inn & Suites
1151 S. Jefferson
Cookeville, TN 38506
Phone: 931-525-6668
*Ask for the “Run For The Wall Rate” when making reservations.

I realize that this is short notice, but we’d like to get as many riders as we can to participate in this worthy event. Come witness RFTW’s Benevolence Program in action and meet L/Cpl. Honaker.

Respectfully,
Dave “Papa Smurf” Klemme
President, RFTW Board of Directors
“Freedom Isn’t Free”

NOTE: A detailed itinerary/schedule of events will be published on the RFTW website shortly.

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – JUNE 2022 – New RC Edition

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Greetings from Weatherford, Texas!

I would guess that most SandBox Route riders have been home about 3 weeks, but I know several are still on the road living their best life! I understand that! Even now, I’m looking forward to my next Run and spending those days with my RFTW family to experience the great revival and reunion as we kick off the Mission next May. But there is much to do before that day arrives. I’ll be writing one last RC Newsletter before I am officially relieved on 01 JUL, but the news of the next selected SandBox Route RC cannot wait until then…

Newly Confirmed SandBox Route RC for RFTW XXXIII

I am very honored to announce to you the selection and Board confirmation of Darin “Lurch” Koch as your next SandBox Route Coordinator. Lurch was a 2008 RFTW FNG and a steadfast All The Way Rider and Leadership Team member for the past 6 Runs.  He is a USAF SandBox Era Veteran who is all in for this Mission and fully ready to lead our Run to greater success. Lurch’s wife Tina, aka “Hand Off” is a US Army SandBox Era Combat Veteran and is all in for support to our Run and its Mission.

As I’ve said many times in Newsletters, Zoom meetings and in person, the SandBox Recon made introductions and the SandBox Route Inaugural Run built relationships. Now those relationships must be nurtured to grow by those who will tend to them in the years to come. Lurch has already started building his Leadership Team and is looking for Mission oriented RFTW Riders who put that Mission before route identity and share his dedication to see Run For The Wall and the SandBox Route take the next steps into the next 30 years of WALL 2 WALL support for the Mission. If that is you, watch for his call for volunteers in the next few weeks and then answer that call to support this new and growing Route.

Counting Down the Days

So let me be the first to note that we are only 340 days and a wake up away from KSU out of DC on 28 MAY 2023 – it’s never too early to start getting ready!

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

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RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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June 2022 Central Route Coordinator News

Run for the Wall Central Route

Greetings to all of our Central Route Family!

This will be my last official communique as 2022 Central Route Coordinator. When I started this process in 2019, I did not expect it to last so long. We were three years in the making, but in the ten days that we actually executed the run, I can state emphatically that those three years were worth it! I had so much help from so many people, it would be impossible to name everyone, as I would be afraid I would forget someone. I do want to give a shoutout to all the FNGs who started out with us in Ontario, and stayed with us all the way to Washington DC. Together we rode through the wind and rain and the snow in Raton Pass. We dodged both forest fires and snowstorms! You are a very special group, and I was proud to lead you across the country.

Tom "Boomps" Miller

I’d also like to thank those of you who composed and submitted an “After Action Report” (AAR). Know that those reports are read by every board member, and have served to make positive changes to the way we conduct the run. After all, its is your run. If you have thought about submitting an AAR, but have not done so, now is the time. The forms are available on our website. The board still has one more meeting in June, before the new board is in place in July.

Finally, I am happy to report that the board approved Paul Marshall to serve as our Central Route Coordinator for 2023. Paul has worked tirelessly for the last two years, as my Assistant Route Coordinator. The success of Run XXXll was due in no small part to the efforts of Paul. I know he will do an awesome job as our Route Coordinator in 2023.

I hope you have more fun planned for the rest of the summer. Mine includes six weeks camp hosting at Carpinteria State Beach. If you are in the area, stop by to say, “Hi!” I hope to see you in May.

God Bless the United States of America.

Tom “Boomps” Miller
2022 RFTW Central Route Coordinator

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Southern Route Coordinator News – June 2022 Epilog

RFTW XXXII 2022 RC Newsletter

June,  2022 Epilog

 

 RFTW Southern Route Family,

This is my last RC Newsletter for 2022.  (save the applause).

First, I want to Congratulate Kristine “Eyes” Wood on her BoD confirmation to be the Southern Route Coordinator for RFTW Mission XXXIII 2023.   Her work in support of the RFTW Mission, starting even before her FNG year, and especially as ARC these past 3 years, is proof that Kris earned this position.  Her patriotism stems from multiple generations of Military Service dating back to the Revolutionary War.  I have extreme confidence in Kris’ ability to Lead and Manage the Southern Route Mission.

Secondly, I would like to say what an Honor it has been to be the Southern Route Coordinator since 2020.  We, I mean ALL OF US, have been through a lot in the last 3 years to get Mission XXXII complete.

We started the pre-Mission festivities by celebrating the marriage of Santa Ed and Den Mother.

It was our first time in Casa Grande, AZ, and the folks there showed us great hospitality.

Hats off to the FNGs, overall, I would say that the vast majority adapted to platoon riding quickly and comfort levels increased daily.

Did everything go perfectly?  No.  Will it ever?  Doubtful.   We had to make several changes leading up to the start and they continued throughout the Mission.  The fact that most riders never knew about all of the behind-the-scenes juggling and hoop jumping actions, is a testament to the Leadership Team and State Coordinators commitment.  A HUGE THANK YOU, to ALL of you.  You deserve all the credit; I’ll take any of the blame.  I was blessed with the Greatest Bunch of Volunteers that money can buy. LOL.

*** For those of you who ordered the special 20th Anniversary T-shirts and have not picked them up, they will be mailed to you soon.  We are trying to get them mailed before the end of June.  Thank you for your patience ***

If you haven’t submitted your After-Action Report yet, Please do.  That is your opportunity to express your thoughts about this year’s Mission.   If you have ideas on how we can improve the experience, we would like to know.  Use this Link

Don’t forget the Angel Fire, NM Reunion over Labor Day weekend and the

Kerrville, TX Riders Reunion September 21-25, 2022, details on The Facebook page 

Only 333 days before Kick Stands Up May 17, 2023, I hope to see everyone there and many new faces too.

“Captain America, Out”

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Board of Directors Vacancy

Become a Board Member!

The Run for the Wall Board of Directors has an open position due to a last minute drop out. We are looking to fill this position ASAP.

If you are interested in a leadership position and helping to steer our organization to the future please submit your resume to president@rftw.us.

Please include your experience on Run for the Wall, any previous positions held and your unique qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for a Board of Directors position.

*The  deadline to submit your resume/interest is midnight June 19th 2022.

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Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter- June 2022

Greetings RFTW Midway family!

After 7033 miles, “High Maintenance” and I made it back home to south Louisiana.  Stayed dry the entire trip until rain finally got us about 5 minutes from home.  God has a great sense of humor!

What can I say about RFTW XXXII Midway route?  Well, after two years of cancellations and countless obstacles to overcome, WE pulled off an amazing run.  I am so proud of our leadership team and our riders.  So many changes with new stops and so many people new to leadership and support positions, not to mention a lot of FNGs!   We lost our ARC, Jerry “Corp” Wilkins, to illness and our Mentor, Glenn “Wombat” Waggoner, who was taking care of Jerry.  I want to thank Glenn and his wife Laurie for driving Jerry back to his home in California.  We missed you all very much.  I am happy to say that Jerry is doing well and back at work.   What we lacked in experience, we made up in teamwork. 

I am so happy to say that we completed our mission without any accidents!  Although it was not perfect, the emphasis we made on riding techniques and doing our best to minimize the “rubber banding” was a contributing factor for our safety.  Each day got better, and I feel confident that the future leaders of Midway will continue to focus on this to make sure our route is run as safely as possible. 

Our RFTW mission was always our focus and the new additions of the patriotic music to announce the time for our morning meetings was received well and set the tone from them beginning.  The “Missing Man Honor Mat” gave new emphasis to the missing man formation and made it personal by the pictures and stories that everyone could see and know who was being ridden for each leg of the run. The flag carried across the country by FNGs made the FNGs feel a part of the family from the start and was ceremonially transferred at the missing man formation at each stop. 

The morning recognition of all the families and individuals that have served and sacrificed for our country is always a humbling moment.  We had so much talent this year on Midway that we just had to show off this talent by singing the National Anthem.  Siren, Quiet-1 and Snax, you all did a great job.  We had a FNG flautist play amazing grace and all the military branch songs.  We had “Curly” sign songs for us. And let us not forget, the morning readings of the BIOs.  This is why we ride, and we will never forget!

The culture established on Midway is something special.  It all starts with a philosophy of “servant leadership’.  Thank you to all the team leaders and support positions.  You all put mission before self and served our mission and riders well.  Our mission is to help those individuals and family members who need healing and support.   You did that!  I, once again, witnessed what I call “Run for the Wall Miracles.” This mission can have life changing, positive, effects on people’s lives.  I personally know a couple of people whose life was changed for the good because of our RFTW run this year.  It happens every year!  The family culture was alive and well.  We welcomed the FNGs with hugs every day.  I want to thank all the FNGs for joining us and being such an important part of our run.  Welcome to the family! FNGs are the life of RFTW.  Without FNGs, the mission cannot continue.  You all did a great job and I hope you all will return next year.  Our Canadian FNG friends told me that they could not get over how well they were received and welcomed into the RFTW family.  They had never experienced anything like it.  They are planning on coming back and bringing more with them!  I am looking forward to that.

I want to thank everyone for being such good ambassadors for RFTW.  You were all very kind, respectful, courteous and polite.  We had to start to rebuild Midway this year and you made a great impression on the people who supported and hosted us.  Even when we had the disaster at the hotel and they did not have rooms ready, you all represented RFTW well.  The hotel manager even commented on what a good group we had.  This is what it means to be a good ambassador for RFTW and putting mission before self.  I could not have been prouder of this group.

I also want to thank all the State Coordinators.  These people and their assistants have been working for years to make this 10 day experience happen for us.  Great job of adapting and overcoming!  Thank you so much!

I want to give a special thank you to our ARC, Jerry “Corp” Wilkins and our RGC, Rick “Taildragger” Schultz.  These guys stuck with me for years to make RFTW XXXII Midway happen.  We couldn’t have done it without y’all!

Well, my time is almost up as RC for Midway.  It has been such an honor for me to lead such a great group of people.  It will be a memory that I will never forget.  The RFTW mission and friendships made will always be special to me.  I hope I represented all of you and our mission well.  It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.  Thank you for all the love and support.

Have I told you lately?……………………I love my RFTW Midway Family!

Honor, Hope & Healing,

Ken ‘Six String” Dugas
RFTW Midway Route Coordinator, 2020-2022