Category: Central Route Coordinator News

The Run for the Wall is about healing and for those that are continuing on the Sand Box Route, this will become evident when you are at the Middle East Conflicts Wall; as it is a living wall, with more names being added each year to honor our fallen.

In light of recent events, my thoughts and prayers go out to our military personnel who lost their lives in service to our nation as well as their grieving families during this darkest of times.

Unfortunately, their names will now also be added to that Wall in Marseilles and I will look for them, as I do for all my friends and acquaintances on that Wall. Please remember and honor them.

Prayers also being said to those that were wounded; that they heal quickly and become whole once again and that their families have the strength to see them all through this.

Finally, prayers of safety to all our military personnel, some of whom are in harm’s way and of course to their families who keep the home fires lit waiting for their return.

May they all return home safe.

 

 

March is here!

Remember to set your clocks ahead next Sunday (except Arizona). It is now 73 days to KSU from Ontario!

Registration for the Run is now $120. For those riding 3 days or less, $100.  We currently have 313 registered with 90 FNG’s!

There has been a flurry of activity over the last month, and your Central Route leadership has been busy.  Our Platoon Coordinator is still assigning and adjusting Platoons, and some Platoon leaders have started meeting with their platoons. Our itinerary just needs a few more tweaks before it can be released.

As a note, all Route itineraries will be released on the same day.

 

Kansas Turnpike

IMPORTANT: All riders and support vehicles on Central Route that register online after April 30th MUST notify the Registration team at time of check-in so they can correctly enter your vehicle’s State and license plate number.  Otherwise, you may receive a toll bill from the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

If you have a DriveKS or KTAG account, you will need to deactivate the tag of the vehicle you will be using for RFTW before May 18, or you may get a toll charge.

A huge thank you goes to CVMA 21-4 for covering our tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.

 

Pre-Paid Fuel

This year the Central Route will be having Pre-Paid Fuel again and for 2026 the cost will be $65.00 per motorcycle or trike.  The Fuel sticker takes care of your fuel costs during your riding day on the Run. The money collected will cover your RFTW fuel stops from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC.  A heartfelt thanks goes out to our many donors across the country, whose generosity allows us to keep our fuel costs down. Without them our prepaid fuel costs would be much, much higher. Unless you have an electric engine or hydrogen fuel cell, I don’t think you’ll find a better deal for premium gas.

The Pre-Paid fuel fee also helps defray the cost of fuel for our support vehicles, like the Chase Truck Team drivers, Last Man Vehicle, Hydration Vehicle and support vehicles.

There are two ways to pay for the Fuel sticker prior to April 30th:

ZELLE –  email addresses for Central Route is: central.route@rftw.us

It is important not to miss the . (period) before “route”

CHECK – Checks should be made out to “Run For The Wall, Inc.” Make sure you enter ”Central Route Prepaid Fuel” in the check’s memo section on the check or by accompanying paperwork.

The RFTW Treasurer Official mailing address is:

Run For The Wall Inc.
Central Route Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403-8169

Your fuel sticker will be waiting for you at check-in.

After April 30^th, you will need to wait until you check in at registration desk and purchase a fuel sticker, using CASH, when you pick up your registration materials in Ontario, or any of our overnight stops where you register and check-in.   You will then receive the sticker to put on your bike.

Exact change only. No change will be given at the registration desk.

REMEMBER, AFTER APRIL 30TH, NO CHECKS, CREDIT,  DEBIT, or GIFT CARDS ACCEPTED! THIS ALSO INCLUDES FT’S,  NFT’S, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY!

A daily prorated rate for day riders will be determined at a later time.

All Riders please remember to fill up your motorcycles each evening on your own, at your own cost, before arriving at staging in the morning (Spot checks will be happening).  If you don’t have a full tank in the morning, you will be sent away to fuel, possibly missing breakfast and the morning rider meeting.

If you miss the morning rider meeting, you cannot ride with the pack for that day.

 

Morning Meetings

There have been some questions from those that do not wish to ride in the pack but want to participate in the RFTW activities.

If you have registered for the Run but choose not to ride with your assigned platoon, you must stay at least ¼ of a mile behind the last man vehicle. If you decide to ride ahead of the pack, you must do so at least 2 miles ahead of the Road Guard Captain and/or the police escort (if they are in front). By riding outside of the pack, you will not have the support of the chase vehicles, in case you have a mechanical issue or medical emergency.

AGAIN, Regardless of where you ride, if you have REGISTERED for the RFTW and wish to partake in the RFTW EVENTS for that day, you must attend the Morning meetings!

There will be a mandatory rider meeting every morning.  This meeting is to inform the riders of any changes to schedule and any other issues that may have come up the previous day.

Again, this morning meeting is mandatory.

Merchandise

If you have been on the fence about our limited-edition Central Route shirt, pre-sales for this once in a lifetime shirt will end on March 15^th.  Some of the proceeds will go to the Central Route for our route expenses. This shirt will not be for sale in Ontario or along the Run.

The Schedule of Events for Ontario and Washington, D.C, will soon be published.

 

Parking in D.C.

Unfortunately, no reserved parking is available this year.  I would recommend you take some form public transportation (Uber, Metro, etc.) to the Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Wall where our group photo takes place and where we honor our fallen at the Wall. If you decide to ride to the Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you must park in a legal parking area. Do not park on the grass, in no parking zones, on the sidewalk, etc. If you park there, you may be subject to your bike being ticketed or impounded.  Also, the LEO may notice your RFTW stickers, banners, etc. and make a report of that, possibly jeopardizing future RFTW events in the area.  There will be other Veterans and tourist groups present during the Memorial Day weekend in D.C. so it will be a busy, crowded weekend and parking will be limited.

A reminder that all Camping Spots are full at the Elks Lodge in Ontario. See the notice here

After Action Reports (AAR). You will be hearing more about this in the future, but 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.

If you are interested in volunteering to help on the Run, please let me know. I could use backups for all positions in case someone has to cancel or drop out from the Run.

If you are interested in being a part of the RFTW Safety committee, please let me know.

There will be several RFTW board positions coming open this year and the Board is always looking for new people to serve.  All the Board Positions, with their term expiration dates are listed here.

If interested in applying or have further questions, please email the Board secretary at secretary@rftw.us.

Here are some links regarding GMRS radios.

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

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

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

With the days are getting longer; spring being here in less than a month and the warmer weather; it’s time to get your bike out, get your service done and get ready for RFTW XXXVI!

And don’t forget your March Madness brackets!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There will be RFTW menu at the Holiday Inn.

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

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

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

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

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

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | Federal Communications Commission

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

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

Here are some links regarding GMRS radios.

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

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

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

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

GO SEAHAWKS!

 

Mission Statement

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

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

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world.

 

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

Our Route planning is on going with some minor changes.  Midway is coming back to the 10-day run.  While travelling through Arizona, we will help celebrate U.S. Route 66’s Centennial with a drive through Seligman, AZ and on Day 10, after lunch, we will join up with the Southern Route and travel together into Springfield, VA.

FNGs!  In the next couple of months, expect to be contacted by our FNG Coordinator, Platoon Coordinator and/or Registration team.  We intend to pre-assign platoons before you join us in Ontario, so you will know who your platoon leader will be and what platoon you’ll be in before you arrive.

Events: Looking for an RFTW event near you?  Events can be found here.

Volunteers: Volunteers are still needed for positions!  If you’re interested, please sign up here!    Here are some positions that need to be filled:

Staging is still in need of people.

If you have skills with Route Planning, like making GPX files or are adept with Google Earth, please contact me directly.

Medical Team members are needed.  No specialized medical skills are needed.

Friends of Bill Coordinator.

Some of our positions need backups in case the primary person needs to drop out.

 

So, if you have any questions about any of the positions on the Run or about the Run itself, please reach out to me.  I’m only a phone call or email away.

As said before, RFTW XXXVI is honoring the 35^th Anniversary of the Gulf War with Operation Desert Shield which started on August 2,1990 and ended with the transition into Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991.  The Air Campaign prepared the battlefield for the ground operations which lasted about 100 hours ending on February 28, 1991.  US casualties during this conflict were 382 personnel in theater with 6 persons still missing and 6 persons unaccounted for.

Also, January 28 marks the 40^th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Incident.  Those that were around back in 1986 will probably remember where they were that day when a tragedy occurred 73 seconds after liftoff.  I was at NAS Sigonella, Italy, with my squadron preparing to fly aboard the USS Coral Sea to plan and take part in Operation El Dorado Canyon, which happened a few months later. But that is sea story for another time.

So, next time you visit the Arlington National Cemetery please honor their memory by stopping by the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial in Section 46.

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

The leaves dropping from the giant maple tree in my backyard is reminding me that November is here, time to rake and clear the gutters and to get ready for the Holiday Season.

There are only 52 shopping days until Christmas, 59 days left in 2025 and before you know, it will be May.

Your leadership team is hard at work trying to get all the pieces in place for a successful run.  But Staging and Fueling Teams still need volunteers, and I am seeking someone for the Raffle Rouser role.

Our State Coordinators are diligently working on hotels rooms, fuel stops, and donors for the run.

Registration

If you have not registered yet, please do so now.  It is important to register early so that our leadership knows how many people to plan for.  These numbers are critical for things like our donated fuel stops, blocked hotel reservations, and donated fuel.  We do not want to over or underestimate what we need for the Run.

We currently have 119 registered participants for the Central Route, which is down from 151 this time a year ago.  We still only have one rider with a trailer registered.

I would like to welcome the 18 FNG’s that have registered so far for the Central Route.  I know you will have a lot of questions, be sure to reach out to our FNG Coordinator, Bernadette Staples, for answers.

Remember, you are all ambassadors for the Run so please get out and recruit for the run. Please get the word out.

Information flyers are available at: https://rftw.us/rftw-brochures-flyers/

Donations

Public Donations help keep our costs down on the Run.  Donations can be made to the RFTW General Fund or specifically to one of the Routes.

Options to donate:

The DONATE Button – on the rftw.us website.  Donors can direct the donation to any Route or RFTW General Fund.

ZELLE –  email addresses for the Routes are: central.route@rftw.us for Central. It is important not to miss the . before “route”

CHECK – Checks should be made out to “Run For The Wall, Inc.”  Be sure to write what route or purpose the money should be allocated to in the memo section of the check.  Checks should be mailed to the RFTW Treasurer for depositing and proper accounting.  Any checks received by others should be forwarded to the Treasurer right away.

The RFTW Treasurer Official mailing address is:

Run For The Wall Inc.
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403-8169

As a reminder, if you happen to get a cash donation or check from someone please do not hold onto it, rather send it into the Treasurer for proper accounting.  If you need a donation letter, just contact me.

Camping in Ontario:

There is no camping at the Ontario Elks Lodge without prior approval.  Their lot has spaces allocated for vendors and other designated activities.  You cannot just show up and expect to pitch your tent on any open space.  If you wish to camp in Ontario, send me or our camping coordinator and email for options.

November Events

There are several RFTW get togethers scheduled for November in Arizona, Colorado, and Northern California.  Check out the events page for more information.  https://rftw.us/events/

 

Also, 250 years ago, on November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines.  Nicholas went to Tun Tavern, located in Philadelphia, and appointed Robert Mullan, then the tavern proprietor, as the Chief Marine Recruiter.  Men flocked to the tavern to take up arms as the first Continental Marines fighting for their new country in the American Revolution.  As they say, the rest is history.

Remember that Tuesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day.  Take a moment to remember and appreciate those veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

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

 

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts, forums, Facebook page for up-to-date information.

I wish you and your family to have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and Holiday Season.   Remember only male turkeys gobble, female turkeys (hens) cackle and don’t call 911 to ask the dispatcher how to cook your turkey, call the Butterball hotline instead.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

It’s 221 days to KSU and counting. Laura and I have returned from our European tour, although the same can’t be said of our luggage.  Our travels took us to areas where we could see firsthand and reflect upon the sacrifices that were made by Allied Forces in Normandy; the uncertainty of the Cold War in the former East Germany and Berlin; and finally standing on a small hill in Estonia looking east, less than 60 miles from the border with Russia. Where the threat of an invasion always looms in a country established in the 13^th century, yet with about a combined total of 56 years of independence since the 1700’s.

Registration is now open, but we are down slightly in numbers compared to a year ago.  Even though it is early in the registration cycle, one concern is that we have no Trailers registered for the Central Route. I am sure this number with change but as a result there is currently no leadership identified in the Trailer platoon.

Please get the word out for people to register so that we can determine how many platoons we require.

Early Bird registration fees for the Cross Country Routes are $100 per person until January 31, 2026, when it will then increase to $120 per person on February 1^st. The Sandbox Registration fee is $40 per person and goes up to $60 per person after February 1, 2026.

The Central Route leadership is currently reviewing the route itinerary and volunteer submissions.  Volunteers are still needed for several positions along the route.  As the forms come in, they are sent to the various teams leads for review.

Volunteer Sign Up

Shorter riding days are now upon us, especially in the northern latitudes and it would probably be a good time to figure out how to configure and/or mount your latest gadgets to your bike and test it out now rather than in May on I-40.  The RFTW forum is an excellent way to find out what others are doing to their bikes as well as configuring their GMRS radio.  Also be sure to check out our partners on the Merchandise page for deep discounts on riding gear.

RFTW Podcasts

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts. Hitch and Boots spend a lot of time and effort in the production of these informational discussions, and you might even learn something.  Be sure to subscribe to the RFTW channel on YouTube so that RFTW can earn some money.

Condolences and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of RFTW Director of Operations, Michael” Wizard” Turner as well as healing prayers to his wife, Linda, as she recovers from her injuries.

 

Celebrating the United States Navy’s 250^th Birthday.

On Friday, October 13th, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty men, and to send them out to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America.  This was the birth of what today is the United States Navy.  Over the course of the War, the Continental Navy sent more than fifty-armed vessels to sea.  These vessels were used to seize enemy supplies as well as carrying correspondence and diplomats to Europe, returning with much needed munitions.  If it were not for these supplies, the revolution would not have succeeded.

 

In closing, let’s remember our Mission Statement, Philosophy and Goals:

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

 

Run for the Wall 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.

 

Run for the Wall Goals

To guide the participants safely across America.

To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

 

Keep these things in mind going forward. Remember this is a mission of healing and politics does not play a role during the Run. Let’s all be nice to one another.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

I just returned from the Angel Fire Reunion and was thoroughly amazed and impressed at the RFTW support for this event.

Over 100 RFTW riders gathered at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial at Angel Fire, New Mexico to participate in this annual Veteran’s Brick laying event where over five hundred bricks were honored and placed. This event would not have been possible if not for the hard work of a few RFTW riders in the preparation and placement of the area where the bricks were to be placed.

Thank you to all that attended and helped with the event. I am sure many of the brick runners achieved their 10,000 steps for the day. A special thanks to our New Mexico State Coordinator, Patti “Yogi” Finley for arranging the meals, and to Kathryn “Literal E” Ewing and Kenny “Scooter” Keelin who set up this event. Scooter spent countless hours with his personal equipment preparing the base where the bricks were to be laid. A handful of RFTW volunteers worked with Scooter and did the challenging work of moving and setting the bricks in place. Some even stayed through Sunday, putting the finishing touches on the bricks after they were placed.

This event inspired one individual so much that he decided to write a poem about it.

The mist was thick this crispy morn,
like it was I’m sure back when.
How could they tell these stories?
Where would you ever begin?

They came from every background.
Winter, spring, summer and fall.
Willing to serve this great nation,
willing to answer the call.

Now, once a year they gather.
Not for the laud or the fame.
Simply to honor the sacrifice,
only to give them a name.

And so they call out each soldier.
Gratefully name them aloud.
So that angels and families and loved ones,
have reason and cause to be proud.

May the record’s in Heaven bear witness.
May the cause and the glory be true.
May we never forget why they did this…..
….. They did it for me and for you.

30 Aug’25 DRS

Registration for the 2026 Run for The Wall opens on September 11, 2025, at 0846 am Eastern Time.

Early Bird registration fees for the Cross Country Routes are $100 per person until January 31, 2026, when it will then increase to $120 per person. The Sandbox Registration fee is $40 per person and goes up to $60 per person after February 1, 2026.

If you didn’t recognize the significance of the date and time of when registration opens, that is when American Airlines Flight 11 impacted into the North Tower of the World Trade Center 24 years ago. Many of you remember where you were and what you were doing that dreadful day as it changed our lives forever. I knew the first officer of American Airlines Flight 11, Tom “Stout” McGuinness, from my days in the Navy.

Never forget the sacrifices and lives lost that day.

Please register early so we can determine platoon numbers and sizes.

Planning for the Run is progressing with many of the key positions being filled and as the countdown continues toward May 13, 2026, one can expect further openings and shuffling of jobs to occur.

There are still many spots to fill so please volunteer and help out the Run! It takes a lot of people to get all of us across the country.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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 36^th 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

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

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

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 249^th 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