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August 2025 Southern Route RC Newsletter

SR August 2025 Newsletter

Run For The Wall Mission

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

To 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 stationed all over the world

Greetings, everyone!  I trust that everyone had a safe and celebratory Independence Day.  I had a very enjoyable holiday with my family.  The picture above shows we know how to honor, respect, and have fun.

As of 1 August 2025, we will have 283 days until KSU, so start planning your preparations for The Run.  Plan for any services your bike will need, check your tires, and start thinking of the items you’ll need to take with you.  You’ll also need to prep your body for the 10-day mission.  Start by taking rides with increasingly longer mileage as doing this will acclimate your body to the daily mileage we’ll be riding.  It’s never too early to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Hydrating will be a daily item in all meetings from platoon to Southern Route morning meetings

All those in leadership roles will need a GMRS radio for communication in the pack and in your teams/platoons.  If you have a GMRS unit and not in a leadership position, you can listen only.  And if you are monitoring, you’ll be able to anticipate what will be happening.  For more information about the GMRS radios, check out the good information shared by Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olsen and others on the RFTW forum.  You can find a link “here”.

If you are good with bookkeeping and maintaining a checkbook, we can use you to assist the route with expenditures and deposits, donations, etc.  Both the financial lead and an assistant are needed.  We are continuing to accept Volunteer Forms for Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders, and Tail Gunners.  We are also looking for qualified participants to fill the Medical Team positions along with the SitRep Writer.  Please submit your applications as soon as possible.  A big thank you for all those who have submitted the applications already.

Registration for all RFTW Routes will open 11 September 2025, with the fees being;
$100 Early Bird, $120 Regular Reg (starts 1 Feb 2026), Day Riders (up to three days) $100.  I strongly suggest the Early Bird.

The Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville is 26-28 September with a $40 registration fee.  Info is on the TX Riders Reunion Facebook page.

I am pleased to announce that Don “Doc” Wood will be our Road Guard Captain again this year.  Doc was my Road Guard mentor and continues being a mentor to me both as a Road Guard in 2024 and as the ARC in 2025.  Thanks, Doc!

I am humbled to be the Route Coordinator for the Southern Route in 2026.  My senior leadership team is solid and experienced.  Together, with all my riders in the Southern Route, we will continue the mission in 2026.

David “Buzz” Mullen
Route Coordinator
Southern Route 2026

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August 2025 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

August is now upon us and planning and preparations for the 2026 Run are underway. The inventory of our route equipment has been completed and a huge “Thank you” goes out to Tommy “Two Chains” Cranford for taking care of this mundane but necessary task.

The annual face to face meeting was held between the Route Coordinators and the rest of the Board of Directors. Be sure to read the President’s Message, which highlights some of the changes that were made to our operating procedures that affect the Central Route.

The Angel Fire Reunion will be held August 29-31, 2025. My message early in July described the work party and registration for this event can be found below.  If you plan on attending, please register sooner than later.

Angel Fire Registration Link

ARC, Todd “Horton” Taylor, Road Guard Captain, Ted “Boots” Kapner and I are putting together our Central Route Team for 2026 and volunteer forms have been slowly coming in for the Run.  As they come in, they will be forwarded to the appropriate team leaders.   If you are interested in a position on the Central Route, don’t be shy and please fill out a volunteer form. This ride takes a lot of people to be successful and anything you can do to help the Run will be much appreciated.

Platoon Leaders are still being vetted and when selected, we be working with the Platoon Coordinator for the selection of Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners.  Road Guards, Staging, Fuel, Ambassadors, Outreach, and Chaplain volunteers will be selected by those team leads, with RC approval.

Don’t be discouraged if a team is full as things always change between now and May.

There are many unfilled openings, specifically Platoon Coordinator, Raffle Rouser, 50/50 Rouser, as well as a Videographer.  If you’re interested in any position on the Central Route fill out the volunteer form or give me a call.

Registration for the 36th Annual Run for the Wall opens on September 11, 2025.  Registration fee for the Run will be $100 until January 31, 2026 and then $120 after that.  Insurance is a large factor for the increase in the registration fee.

The focus for the RFTW XXXVI will be commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the End of the Gulf War.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. Be safe out there and remember to hydrate!

See you at Angel Fire, New Mexico in a couple of weeks!

 

“…Bring ’em on home from ‘Nam

They’ve been a long time gone but still not forgotten

We’ll man this watch until they’re accounted for…”

From the song, “Bring ’em on Home from ‘Nam” by Reggie Gates & Tim Nowland

 

Remember their Names. Honor Them All.

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – August 2025

Run for the Wall®

286 Days to KSU!

I hope each of you are enjoying Summer and getting some good riding in. The weather gods seem to be generous with the sunshine and limiting the bad weather this year.

The Board of Directors have approved my recommendations for your Assistant Route Coordinator (ARC) and Road Guard Captain (RGC) for 2026. They are Randy Sheets, road name “Stinger” as ARC and Ryan Long, road name “Pipes” as RGC. Congratulations to both and I look forward to working diligently with this leadership team in developing and providing you the best Midway route experience in 2026. Please welcome these gentlemen to the Midway leadership team.

NEW NEWS

I have just returned from the annual F2F (face to face) Board of Directors meeting, and I learned quite a lot. There have been some changes to the SOP mostly driven by the increased requirements and cost of the RFTW Insurance policy company. They can be very restrictive and intrusive. Insurance costs have increased by over 50% in the last two years and have required the Board of Directors to develop additional safety protocols and internal procedures before they approve liability Insurance for the RFTW. For all you business owners, you are probably dealing with more restrictive insurance requirements also, so you know. There is really nothing you can do when the law says you are required to have insurance, right!

With this increased insurance cost in mind, a registration fee increase was voted on and approved by ALL members, me included, to cover some of the lost revenue due to the additional insurance cost.

Effective for 2026 all routes registration costs will be:

  • $100.00 early bird, Sept 11, 2025 – Jan 31,2026 (Please register early)
  • $120.00 starting Feb 1,2026
  • $100.00 Day riders for up to three days

Additionally, the problems of getting double support from Law enforcement, vendors, hotels and our great VFW in Ontario because Midway left a day earlier than the other routes was discussed. The insurance company was also asking why we needed an additional day of coverage just for one route at an additional cost. We first discussed the benefit of all three routes extending to an 11th day which the other routes did not agree with. This brought up the discussion of reducing Midway to a 10-day route. After much thought, I concluded that we needed to reduce Midway to a 10-day route with the understanding that we would not give up our second day in Cookeville. I remembered back to my FNG year and the excitement of sitting in Lot D with 1200 motorcycles roaring, riders talking excitedly about what was to come getting ready to leave on our individual route missions. The camaraderie of everyone who understood we were ALL supporting a great cause and mission supporting our veteran community and excited to see if all the patriotic stories of veteran riders were true. It was exhilarating and I would like our FNGs and returning riders to feel that excitement. Additionally, this will satisfy our additional insurance requirements.

With that said, I have asked the ARC to develop a working group to combine both day 10 and 11 from last year’s itinerary into one day. This probably means that Midway will not arrive in Springfield VA in the morning but in the mid-afternoon of Day 10. More to follow on the working group’s product.

Your state coordinators are beginning the process of contacting all daily stops within their respective states to ensure a seamless experience for you in 2026. These state coordinators are some of the unsung Patriots who quietly provide a lot of time in developing new experiences parades, museums, veteran homes, great lunches and dinners, etc. for you that support the mission of RFTW. They receive limited recognition for these efforts and carry out this crucial work to ensure the success of the Midway route. Their pay is a “Thank You”, so please give them that when you meet one.

All other Leadership is also starting the process of developing their teams and starting their training for a successful 2026.

Speaking of Leadership, I have some key positions that are open and need dedicated professional individuals who are willing to provide some of their time in the development of a team that supports the mission and the Midway family.

They are currently:

Promotions Team Leader, Registration team members, Chaplains, Medics, Chase vehicle drivers (requires a pickup with a trailer for hauling motorcycles), Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders and Platoon Tail Gunners. Of course, we can always use more fuel, staging and road guard team personnel.

If you are interested in these positions or any position in leadership, please submit a volunteer form and I will contact you. (Please Hyperlink to the form here)

It is not too late for returning riders from last year to submit an after action report (AAR) discussing their thoughts on the 2025 Midway route. All comments are welcome and can only help me to provide a better experience for the 2026 Midway route. So please take advantage of this opportunity. (Please Hyperlink to the form here)

I would like to welcome Tai Harmon, road name “Hitch” who cohosts the famous “Boots and Hitch” Podcast for RFTW. She will be riding the Midway route this year and is very excited to meet you all. She has also graciously accepted my offer to be the social media lead for the Midway route for 2026.

Any ideas any of you may have to improve Midways social media footprint please feel free to contact me at ed.brundage@rftw.us with your idea and I will discuss it with our new social media lead. All ideas are welcome!!!!

WELCOME HITCH to the Midway family!!!!

Please keep walking , running, swimming, hiking, going to the gym or maybe playing a lot of golf (No cart). Just keep moving. The bulk of our riders are 60 plus and closing on retirement or are already there.

This 10-day journey starts early and ends late daily. If your body is not used to that it can be very difficult and hard to do your laundry.

Winter is getting closer, and it routinely drives us inside to warmth. Additionally, the Holidays brings on lots of goodies and they are delicious. So please stay active.

Much more to follow !!!!!!!

Enjoy your Summer!

“Tell their stories”  “Say their names”  “Never Forget”

“We ride for those who can’t”

“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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President’s Message – August 2025

RFTW Feature Midway Route

As I sit down to write this, we are 292 days away from KSU.

RFTW remains an ongoing planning process, and the Board must continually look strategically across the organization while our RCs and ARCs focus on operational planning for the upcoming Mission. Our focus remains on our Mission, as outlined in our Mission Statement.

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.

Our Mission does not end with Mission Accomplished at both DC and Marseilles.  Our veterans, families, and friends may need our love and support throughout the year.  Before we go too far into this newsletter, if you haven’t yet had a chance to donate to our Texas Flood Victim fund, please click here for more information on what this is and how you can help.  This effort will remain open through 31 July.  We will then stop our fundraiser so we can transfer the funds to those in need.  Our thoughts and prayers continue for those not only in Texas, but also those still affected on the East Coast (think Asheville, NC) and the California wildfires.

We recently returned from our annual Face-to-Face meetings. There was a lot on the agenda, and I’ll cover the main points.

  • RFTW has traditionally been a 10-day Coast to Coast (C2C) and a 3-day Wall to Wall (W2W) mission; all C2C routes are returning to 10-day schedules. With careful planning, this should not affect Midway’s ability to support its charities. Our original plan was to try an 11-day mission to see if and how it might impact our support and infrastructure. Only one route expressed interest in an 11-day run, while the other two strongly opposed changing to the 11-day format. Having routes depart on different days caused difficulties for those supporting us in Ontario, and it also divided our efforts to build strong relationships and camaraderie among the routes. It also puts pressure on our supporters, especially the LEO efforts, to ensure safe and smooth departures. It strains the organizations that provide essential support and services for our departures.
  • We also updated our general qualifications for leadership roles and RC qualifications, emphasizing the role of the Platoon Coordinator to improve the RC’s span of control and responsibility.
  • Next, we imposed restrictions on support vehicles traveling with our teams due to critical safety concerns. Support vehicles for teams can no longer travel within 1/4 mile of a team. We received too many reports of support vehicles “riding in formation” with a team. We intentionally limit the proximity of support vehicles to the pack to ensure team safety.
  • Finally, we also replaced all references to CB radios and completed the switch to GMRS radios.

Your AARs provided us with numerous discussion topics, particularly regarding leadership. As a result, we are creating a Leadership Guide that will set the minimum expectations and qualifications for our leaders. We expect to have the guide ready soon. Similarly, we are working on an FNG Coordinator guide. We listened to our FNGs, and we need to ensure we create a welcoming environment across all routes, so they have a positive experience.

We received an astonishing 29% response to our survey.  We extend our thanks to all the 2025 participants for taking the time to answer our questions. The following is an overview of the responses:

Participation by route
All routes - Survey results

There is work yet to be done based on the survey results.  We will be releasing more information as this work progresses.

One of the most challenging topics was our registration fees. We are facing another likely 25-40% increase in insurance this year, and we simply cannot absorb these increases and other costs. We established the registration fee schedule for RFTW 2026 as:

Coast to coast routes

  • $100 early bird
  • $120 regular reg (starting Feb 1)
  • Day riders (up to 3 days on the road riding): $100

Sandbox Route

  • $40 early bird
  • $60 (regular reg) starting Feb 1
  • Day riders pay regular rates

Another challenge is replacing our Treasurer; no one has stepped up to volunteer. As a result, we will probably have to hire a bookkeeping firm. Our financials are vital to our IRS status and our charitable ratings. While we aren’t aiming to make a profit (since we are a nonprofit organization). However, we are required to file taxes and an annual Form 990, so maintaining financial integrity is essential.

We also had a detailed discussion about Sandbox leaving on Monday instead of Sunday. While the Sunday departure presents its own set of challenges, a Monday departure is even more difficult. The safety issues involved in traveling through Columbus, OH, and Indianapolis, IN, with limited law enforcement support, coupled with the heavy truck traffic in Indianapolis, led the Board to decide to stick with the Sunday departure.  We don’t believe we can safely execute the Sandbox mission through these two locations on a normal weekday.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW a unique organization. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with various individuals who have contributed to the development of RFTW.  Check it out!!

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

“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 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

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

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.

POW/MIA Recovery Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  Since the beginning of this Fiscal Year in September, they have accounted for 58 individuals lost in conflicts since World War II, with 43 identified from that war.  In addition, there were 13 accounted for from the Korean War and two from the Vietnam War – that leaves 1573 still missing in Vietnam, most of whom still have families looking for answers. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those 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!

Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.

Back to Basics. Back to the RFTW Mission.

Is it May yet?

See you in Ontario!!!!

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

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Sandbox Route Coordinator Mid-July Newsletter

Hello, my name is Leo “Clutch” Rachmel, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as your Sandbox Route Coordinator for Run For The Wall XXXVI.

I’d like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude and deep respect to my predecessor, Bill “COB” Brehler.  COB led the Sandbox Route with distinction in 2025, setting a high standard for all of us to follow.  While I know I have big shoes to fill, I’m grateful for the time and effort he spent preparing me to be a Route Coordinator.  I’m truly looking forward to the year ahead.

I retired from the U.S. Army in 2008 and began riding with Run For The Wall in 2015.  Since then, I’ve served Midway Route in various roles, including Staging Team, Road Guard, LEO Liaison, and, for the past three years, Road Guard Captain.  I was also proud to serve as the LEO Liaison on the Sandbox Recon in 2019 and the Inaugural Run in 2022.  Although I wasn’t able to ride Sandbox in ‘23 or ‘24, I was honored to return in 2025 as the Assistant Route Coordinator.

I’m pleased to announce that the RFTW Board of Directors has confirmed Sam “Polar Bear” Warner as our Assistant Route Coordinator.  Sam has been an integral part of Sandbox Route since its inception in 2022, serving as the Maryland State Coordinator and, for the past two years, as Platoon Coordinator.  He’s also been a longtime rider on Southern Route since 2015 and has served on their Outreach Team since 2019.  Congratulations, Polar Bear—we’re excited to have you on board and look forward to working with you!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers and supporters who made Sandbox a success this year.  I look forward to seeing you all again in 2026 as we continue the mission.

Planning for RFTW XXXVI began the moment we completed this year’s mission.  We’ve been reviewing After Action Reports (AARs) and discussing improvements to make Sandbox even better next year.  Your feedback is incredibly valuable, so please continue submitting AARs—they help us refine what works and identify where we can improve.

As we prepare for the year ahead, I encourage each of you to remember why we ride:

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

There will be much more information in the months ahead as planning continues for RFTW XXXVI.  If you’re interested in volunteering for a leadership or support role, visit the Sandbox Hub on the RFTW website and fill out a Volunteer Application.  We’ve already received quite a few.  Please be patient as we sort through them and get the right leaders in place to handle them.  You’ll hear something from the leader of the team you’re volunteering for soon.

To learn more about Run For The Wall and the Sandbox Route, visit: www.rftw.us

Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
RFTW XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator

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Sandbox Route Coordinator Final Newsletter 2025

What a great year for the Sandbox Route. Leo, Cyborg, and I truly want to thank all the outstanding volunteers who made this such a good run. Our professional Road Guard Team, efficient Fuel Team, organized Staging Team, experienced Platoon Leadership Teams, caring  Chaplin Team, dedicated Chase, and Hydration Teams, the (thankfully) under worked Medical Team, insightful Leadership Team,  diligent Missing Man Coordinators, passionate FNG Liaison, super busy and talented Photographer, tenacious Quartermaster, super friendly Ambassador and Outreach Teams, very hard-working Registration and Merchandise Teams, and our incredible State Coordinators. You all came together as a single unit, putting Mission first, and succeeded in creating a welcoming and cohesive atmosphere on the Sandbox Route.

I also want to thank all the great folks at American Legion Post 176 for hosting and feeding us in Springfield. They truly went all out and made this major change a huge success.

Thanks to the efforts of several individuals (Arnie Harmon and Michael Cooper, to name a few), there were numerous overpasses with supporters this year as compared to prior years. From the feedback I have received, the buses at Flight 93 were also a big hit. The Sandbox route is growing and evolving, and will continue to get better in future years.

As I’m sure you are aware, there may be more changes coming to Run For The Wall. The best way to make your voice heard is to fill out an AAR, which you can find here. Even though they are called “After Action Report”, they can be used at any time to give your input to the BOD. Additionally, there is a survey available for you to give your opinion on possible changes for the coming years. If you haven’t already taken this survey, I highly encourage everyone to complete it as soon as possible and to be very thorough in your thoughts about changes that could affect the routes. The survey is called “RFTW Rider Survey 2025” and can be found here.

 

Think about who you are riding for.

We ride for those who can’t.

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

Freedom Isn’t Free

Say Their Name, Tell Their Story, Never Forget

Is It May Yet?

Bill “COB” Brehler
Route Coordinator
RFTW Sandbox 2025

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From the Chairman: Donate to support Texas Flood Victims

99 RFTW Family,

The RFTW Family extends beyond the riders – our dedicated supporters along the way are an important part of that family.  When Hurricane Helene struck Asheville, North Carolina less than a year ago, RFTW helped set up a fundraiser in support of local rescue and recovery operations.  To more effectively and quickly engage for large scale tragedies that may befall communities that mean so much to us, we are working to establish a process through which RFTW participants may safely donate to direct support operations in the areas affected.  We are enacting the first attempt to engage that process now…

The horrific tragedy that came upon folks around Kerrville on July 4th has touched people from around our nation, especially considering the many young lives that were so suddenly cut short.  Like you, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and the missing – very much like those we daily consider on our own Mission to support our nation’s KIA and MIA.  I believe this similarity is why the tragedy hits so close to home for so many of us.

Many of you know that Kerrville, Texas is the home of the Annual Texas Riders Reunion held each September to welcome and honor all RFTW participants who can attend.  Although not a stop on any route, the many hundreds of folks who have attended this Reunion over the past 20 years know that the people of Kerrville are as Patriotic as the best you would find at places like Wytheville, Rainelle, Cookeville, St Clairsville and the many other places along our various Routes.  Folks there are coming together to support their neighbors and to help people who have lost everything find a way to keep going, to start rebuilding their lives.

Knowing that there are RFTW Family Members in that area, I reached out to Roger “Cowboy” Mead, Kerrville resident and former Southern Route RC for info on the current activity and gage the need for direct support.  There were dozens of large and well-known Charitable Support entities on site, but we wanted to seek out one that was 1) a Veteran support-based volunteer organization, 2) fully engaged in direct support to victims and 3) not a big name, fully funded operation.  Cowboy suggested that donations go to the Hill Country Veterans Center, located in Kerrville.  They are a 501(c)(3) operation actively serving and supporting the Veteran Community since 2013.  As a veteran support-based organization, Run For The Wall aligns with their Mission Statement which says:  “Dedicated to assisting veterans of the Texas Hill Country who have honorably served & sacrificed for our freedom.”

HOW TO DONATE:  RFTW has set up a link where you can provide donations to the Hill Country Veterans Center in support of the Texas Flood Victims in the area – Link Below:

Click here to donate to Texas Flood Victims through the Hill Country Veterans Center in Kerrville, Texas

Through this link, 100% of your donation will go to the Hill Country Veterans Center to support the victims there.  They are an all-volunteer organization that will ensure your dollars go to Veterans affected by this tragedy.

RFTW is kick-starting this fund with a donation $1,000 to get this process of support to Victims and Veterans in the flood area rolling.  If we all pitch in, we can make a significant difference in the ongoing operations to support folks who need help right now.  I’ll be throwing the first pitch with a $100 donation and a challenge to all current and former RC’s to do the same.

All roads lead to all roads, and right now they all go through Kerrville.  Together we can make a difference!

Sincerely,

Bugs

Billie "Bugs" DunlapBillie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
vice.president@rftw.us
billie.dunlap@rftw.us
TOGETHER WE RIDE!

 

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2025 RFTW Angel Fire Workday/Reunion and Dinner Registration

Registration for the Angel Fire Workday/Reunion is now open.

Registration link

Date:  Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st with Taco Bar on Friday night, and Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, August 30, 2025

Dinner Address: 51 E Therma Dr, Eagle Nest, NM (Laguna Vista Saloon/Restaurant)

All times are approximate and subject to change.

Thursday and Friday 29 August & 30 August:   

Preparation of grounds and Bricks. Location-Meet at the Memorial

1:00 PM Thursday-Volunteers needed to shovel and rake the base layer of sand.

9:00 AM Friday- General Area Preparations and Sorting of Bricks

Friday Evening 29 August, 6 PM

Reception at Laguna Vista Saloon

Saturday 30 August-At the Memorial

7:00 AM Pre-Program Activity & Set Up (Breakfast Burritos/Coffee Provided for workers)

8:30 AM Opening Ceremony. Followed by Brick laying of Westphal Foundation Bricks.

9:00 AM Medal of Honor Brick Laying.

12:00 PM (Approx.) Lunch provided to workers.

2:30 PM (Approx.) End of Workday – After last brick is laid the workday will conclude. Volunteers to help clean up and put away equipment will be needed and appreciated.

6:00 PM Dinner and Rider’s Forum (Laguna Vista Saloon/Restaurant) (Dinner cost is $45.00 per pre-registered person-Includes Reunion Patch). Any registrations received after August 18th will  be $55 per person (if the caterer can accommodate the addition).

Sunday 31 August

TBD

Please Complete the registration form and register for the Reunion. Payment of $45.00 per attendee needs to be received NO LATER than August 18, 2025. After August 18th, 2025 contact jim.mcdonough@rftw.us (360-731-0808) directly. ALL PAYMENTS MUST  BE RECEIVED BY THE 18th of August.

REGISTRATION LINK

NOTE: This is not an official Run for the Wall event. This is a gathering of individuals to support the Brick Laying and to get together. Riders and supporters from all Routes are Welcome.  You are responsible for your own lodging and transportation.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – July 2025

Wind Dog

Welcome to the 36th Annual Run for the Wall and “Happy 4th of July”

Wind Dog

My name is Ed Brundage, and my road name is “Wind Dog” and yes, if you were a participant of the Midway route 2025, it’s me again.  I am honored to be your 2026 Run for the Wall, Midway Route Coordinator.  My thanks and appreciation goes out to the RFTW Board for my selection. The board is currently reviewing my nominees for Assistant Route Coordinator and Road Guard Captain. I will post the results in next months newsletter.

Just a little about me, I am a US Marine Veteran having served around the world and in two conflicts, Vietnam and Desert Storm and served primarily in Infantry combat units.  I retired from the USMC in 1991. I completed a second career in Law Enforcement in Southern California and fully retired after 17 years.

My first year on the Run was in 2008 and I’ve ridden “All the Way” on both the Central Route and Midway Route every year since minus the Covid years.

I have held various positions on the Run, most recently as the 2025 Midway Route Coordinator.

I am very aware of the healing properties of this run. It has helped me heal from the survivors guilt I suffered from for many years after Vietnam. The lastest numbers released tell a sad story of up to 44 veterans per day losing their lives to hidden demons they brought home with them from our continued “War on Terror”. If this run can heal and save just one of these hero’s, then the time, cost and effort is worth it. So, please get the word out to all you know about this runs purpose and goals.

For all you FNGs (Friendly new guys/gals): Everyone is welcome to ride with us, whether you have served or not

The Run leaves Ontario, CA on May 13, 2026 and rest assured planning is already underway for this incredible journey.

Whether you ride for one day or one leg, it is important to be involved and support the Run. You will find that this Ride will change you both emotionally and spiritually.

We Ride for Those Who Can’t

The Mission of Run for the Wall 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”. This is why we ride.

We are one team and one family

The time begins now to start recruiting participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run.

Additionally, we need people to volunteer for the various positions of the Run, whether it be in a leadership or support role.  Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, there may be things you can do to help us out.  Please visit the volunteer page and sign up. Any and all positions are open until they are filled. First come, first served.

Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

Registration for the XXXVI Run for the Wall will open on September 11, 2025

In Closing, as we celebrate the founding of our nation, always remember, that 250 years ago, a very large group of very unhappy Colonialists rebelled against the sovereign King of England and wrote our “Declaration of Independence” It proclaimed to all humanity that as a new nation:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Preamble to the Declaration of Independence

“Freedom is not free” Men and women have been fighting our countries battles since its founding to ensure our hard-fought freedoms are not lost. Let us not forget but remember those serving who are still in harm’s way, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to those who are still unaccounted for in service of our country.

RFTW Midway Route

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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July 2025 Central Route Newsletter

Wall Mural, Concordia Ray Harvey Art

The Dog days of Summer are upon us and to the riders, newcomers, and supporters (especially the FNG’s or friendly new guy or gal) welcome to the 36th Annual Run for the Wall!  The Run leaves Ontario, CA on May 13, 2026 and rest assured planning is already underway for this incredible journey.

My name is Jim McDonough, and my road name is “Who?” and I am honored to be your 2026 Run for the Wall, Central Route Coordinator.  The Board of Directors has also approved Todd “Facetime” Taylor as the Assistant Route Coordinator.  My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out to the RFTW Board for our selection.

I would be remiss if I did not express my heartfelt appreciation and gratefulness to RC Kirk Olson, Senior Mentor Nick Hentges and Road Guard Captain Ken Ward as well as the rest of the 2025 Central Route leadership for their support and dedication to the Run.

A little about me, my father served in the Navy and in the Vietnam War.  As a result, I moved a lot while growing up, but this allowed me to see this country and travel overseas.  I have lived the longest in the Puget Sound area and have now settled in the Bremerton, Washington area.  I am a Navy Veteran having served aboard several aircraft carriers, flying the venerable EA-6B “Prowler” and deployed around the world during the Cold War, Middle East Conflicts and finally in Afghanistan.  I retired from the Navy in 2014.

My first year on the Run was in 2022 and I’ve ridden “All the Way” and “Wall to Wall” every year since. I have held various positions on the Run, most recently as the Assistant Route Coordinator.

My ARC, Todd Taylor is also a veteran of the Run having served in Platoon leadership roles, Road Guard, State Coordinator and Director of Purchasing for the RFTW.

For Those New to the Run: Everyone is welcome to ride with us, whether you have served or not

You do not need to ride all the way from Ontario, CA to Washington, D.C. or from D.C. to Marseilles, IL to be a part of the Run.  Although, most will tell you it is a most fulfilling experience to go “Coast to Coast” and “Wall to Wall,” where you see first-hand the people, scenery, and splendor that our country has to offer.  Whether you ride for one day or one leg, it is important to be involved and support the Run. You will find that this Ride will change you in some way.

We honor and Ride for Those Who Can’t

The Mission of Run for the Wall, and you will hear this many, many  times, 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.

Angel Fire Reunion

RFTW Angel Fire Reunion and workday.  This reunion/work party will take place from Friday, August 29 to Saturday, August 30, 2025.  Most people arrive on Friday and then leave on Sunday morning.  If you wish to come a day early on Thursday, or stay later than Sunday, that is up to you.  This event is open to all and would love to have anyone from our other Routes or the public to attend.  Although it is not an official RFTW event, Angel Fire is a stop on the Central Route in May, and during this August event we lay memorial bricks along the walkways of the memorial. Road Guard, Kenny “Scooter” Keelin, arrives a few days early and preps the area where the bricks are to be laid. Each brick has the name and service dates of any service member, living or deceased. Before being placed, their name is read aloud and solemnly placed on the memorial grounds by an RFTW rider.  Lunch is provided by the Memorial on Saturday, August 30.  Your registration fee will include dinner on Saturday night.  You are responsible for making your own lodging reservations in Eagle Nest, NM or Angel Fire, NM.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial – David Westphall Veterans Foundation

Photos from last year’s event can be found here:

2024 Angel Fire Reunion – Run For The Wall

The registration fees will be posted once I am able to get the evening meal finalized.

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run.

It takes a village to get all those riders across the U.S. in 10 days.  We need people to volunteer for the various positions of the Run, whether it be in a leadership or support role.  Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, there may be things you can do to help us out.  Please visit the volunteer page and sign up, if you are so inclined. If there any questions about what you can do, please feel free to contact me.

Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

Registration for the XXXVI Run for the Wall will open on September 11, 2025

Thank you for your time and as we head out for the holiday weekend to celebrate the founding of our nation, it is time to remember, when almost 250 years ago, John Lind, Councilor during the reign of King George III and who greatly underestimated the upstart Colonialists, referring to the Declaration of Independence as  “…the most harmless piece of parchment that ever was sent forth into the world.”

But, John Adams, a signer of the Declaration declared, “The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

So be like John Adams and enjoy yourself in celebration our Nation’s 249th birthday but be safe and be responsible; and let us not forget but remember those serving who are still in harm’s way, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to those who are still unaccounted for in service of our country.

Jim “Who?” McDonough

XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

EA-6B break