Category: Central Route Coordinator News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After Action Report – Run For The Wall®

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

The link to the form is here.

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

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

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

As always, please remember our Mission Statement:

 

Mission Statement

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

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

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

Well, it is finally May and some of you may be already on the road to Ontario, while others are still getting ready.  Whatever the case may be, it is RUN FOR THE WALL time!

In less than 2 weeks we will be kickstands up, “Riding for Those That Can’t,” heading east on our annual pilgrimage to our Nation’s Capital. The Central Route Team is ready and for 10 days we will be on the road together, where we will meet old friends, make new friends, have some awesome experiences, and tell some tall tales.

As always, please remember our Mission Statement:

 

Mission Statement

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

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

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world.

The final editions of the Schedule of Events for Ontario and Washington, D.C as well as the official 2026 Central Route Itinerary have been uploaded to the Central Hub. This is your 10-day schedule for May.  Read and understand it. A lot of time and hard work went into putting the events together.  Put it on your phone or print a hard copy for yourself.

Don’t forget about the these very important events:

Sunday, May 10^th   Mother’s Day.

Monday May 11^th    Mandatory FNGs meeting starting at 2 pm in Lot D

Tuesday May 12^th   Mandatory ALL HANDS MEETING  starting at 2pm in the Citrus Room at the Holiday Inn

Wednesday, May 13   Be at Lot D, packed up, fueled up, checked out of your hotel, and ready to go. Reville starts at 5:55 am

Ontario Registration and Check In

Check in for riders start at 0900 Monday, May 11^th at the Elks Lodge.  For those not starting in Ontario, the registration team will be available approximately 30 minutes before the pack arrives at the end of the day until 30 minutes or so after their arrival. I highly recommend you check in at registration in the evening. You can check in at registration in the morning, but you could be pressed for time trying to find your platoon, eat breakfast, get through all the introductions, and attend the mandatory morning meeting.

Remember, you will need to provide proof of a valid and current driver’s license, registration and insurance at check-in.

Emergency Contact Forms.  Although one is required, I highly suggest you have two. One on your person and the other somewhere in your bike.

If something happens to you and it requires you to be transported, the form that is on you will go with you to the hospital. The hospital staff will make their notifications but probably doesn’t know the status of your personal items or your bike.  With another form on the bike, RFTW representatives as well as Law Enforcement will know who to contact and what to do with your bike and personal items just in case you are incapacitated and are transported before a RFTW representative can arrive at the scene.

There will be alot of equipment to move around in Ontario. If you happen to arrive early and see people in RFTW hats carrying boxes, please ask if you can help. A tremendous amount of work has been going on behind the scenes since last July getting to where we are today. One aspect of the work is our equipment inventory.  Our last man coordinator, Tommy “Two Chains” is the ultimate pack rat since he inventoried and stored all the equipment you see in the photos below.

At least 8 boxes of plaques are also being delivered to his house.  Tommy cleans inventories and stores all this near his house, periodically checks on it and finally delivers it to Ontario in May. After the Run he brings it back to the LA area and starts the cycle all over again.

During the Run, there will be daily reports, known as SitReps written and posted by “Mama G” on social medial and the RFTW website.

To read the daily SitRep, and other important information about the Run, visit the Central Route Hub for more information. https://rftw.us/central-route-hub/

Volunteers

Staging is in desperate needs of volunteers as well as a Friends of Bill Coordinator! The work hours, pay and benefits package are probably one of the best on the Run.

One of our chase vehicles had to drop out due to mechanical issues. I know it’s late in the game but if someone has a truck and trailer able to haul a couple of motorcycles, please contact Tommy Two Chains at trcranford3@msn.com

If you are interested in volunteering to help on the Run, please let me know.

Donations

Part of what keeps this Run going is the generous Donations we receive from the Public and Run for the Wall family. RFTW is a 501(c)3 so if you know of anyone that wishes to donate, please direct them to our donation page. Donate – Run For The Wall®

During the Run, we have fundraising events to help our beneficiaries along the Run.  One of these events is our daily raffle where we have several awesome donated items to raffle off.

Bring cash for the Platoon Challenges, Service Bucket Challenges, 50/50 raffle and auction items. The money collected will all go to our charities along the way.

If the stuff you won in the auction doesn’t fit on your bike, don’t worry we can get it to D.C for you.

Fuel

If you did not sign up for the prepaid fuel option before May 1st (applies only to 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles), you will need to purchase a fuel sticker at registration for $65 cash. No cash is accepted at the gas pumps.  If you don’t have exact change, no change will be given at registration, and we thank you for your donation.  The money collected will cover your RFTW fuel stops from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC.  Thanks 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.

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

Day Rider rate for fuel will be $15 per day payable at registration.  Subject to change.

Purchase of the Fuel Sticker is mandatory.

You will purchase a fuel sticker, using CASH, at check-in 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.

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 do not have a full tank in the morning, you will be sent away to fuel, possibly missing breakfast and the mandatory morning rider meeting.

When we leave Ontario, CA we have our first gas stop Barstow, CA The next gas stop is Ludlow, CA  where at last report, the price of fuel is over $8.00 a gallon.  The gas stop after that is in Arizona next to Needles, CA,  where fuel is much cheaper than Ludlow.

The distance between Barstow and Needles, CA is 150 miles. Because of the high price of fuel in California, if you are able to make it from Barstow to Needles without fueling in Ludlow, it would be much appreciated in order to save our limited funds.

Again, if you feel the need to top off your tank in Ludlow, please do so. But if you can safely make it to Needles, please consider not topping off in Ludlow.

 

Kansas Turnpike

IMPORTANT: All riders and support vehicles will need to verify their license plate at the  time of check-in.  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.

If you tap out and do not catch up with the pack or deviate off of the turnpike and return, you may receive a toll bill in the mail.

 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.

Morning meetings are mandatory.

 

Springfield, VA and Washington, D.C.

Friday May 22 Springfield Arrival

We arrive in Springfield, VA with the Southern Route and the Midway Route will arrive approximately 1 hour later. It is tradition and custom to greet the arriving riders,  so make yourself available to line alongside the road leading to the parking garage to greet the Midway Riders.

You will be allowed to check into your hotel after the closing ceremony at 5pm

There will be a shuttle from the host hotel in Springfield to the American Legion.

Saturday, May 23

A group Picture of all the cross-country routes will be in front of the Lincoln Memorial at 9 am.

After that we walk to the Vietnam Memorial to pay our respects and lay our RFTW Plaque at the apex.  We will then be “MC.” (Mission Complete)

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.  It is the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country, and 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.

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown

As in the past, RFTW has been granted access for 75 motorcycles to enter the Arlington National Cemetery and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Central has been allocated 28 motorcycles with 56 seats available to enter these  hallowed grounds. The priority for those to represent the Central Route will be FNG’s. If you are interested let your Platoon Leader or FNG Coordinator know. Depending on the numbers received we may have to have a lottery system to determine who will go.

If you are selected for riding into Arlington National Cemetery, remember that anyone over the age of 18 entering the cemetery on a motorcycle —to include both rider and passenger—must present a REAL ID-compliant identification at the security check point.

Visitors who arrive by vehicle and park in the Welcome Center parking garage, walk, take the Metro or use a ride share service to ANC will not be required to present a REAL ID, as they will be required to go through standard physical security screening within the Welcome Center.

REAL ID-compliant is a state-issued REAL-ID or these other forms of acceptable identification:

DoD Common Access Card

DoD Uniformed Services ID Cards (military retiree or dependent ID)

Local DoD Access Cards and Passes (i.e. Defense Biometric Identification System Card)

U.S. or Foreign Passport or Passport Cards

Transportation Worker Identification Cards

Veteran’s Health Identification Cards

Federal Personal Identify Verification Cards

Non-Federal PIV-Interoperable Cards

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).

No Weapons of any kinds including knives!

Do not bring your GMRS radio!

 

Rolling to Remember

Rolling to Remember previously known as Rolling Thunder.  For those not participating in Sandbox, Rolling is an event you may wish to participate in. This is not an RFTW-sanctioned event and participation is entirely voluntary.  Please read April 2026 President’s Message for more information about this and the wreath laying at ANC.

 

AAR’s

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.

 

REMEMBER TO HYDRATE!

CHECK YOUR GEAR!

PLAN FOR RIDING IN COLD, WET OR HOT WEATHER!

GET YOUR SERVICE DONE!

It’s time to kick the tires and light the fires for RFTW XXXVI!

How far are we going?

See you all in Ontario!

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

It’s only 42 Days to KSU! Have you started planning your route to get to Ontario and back home? Have you checked your motorcycle and gear? Did you make sure you made all the necessary hotel reservations? Have you uploaded the latest updates to your phone, radio, and GPS?

The time will fly by, and before you know it, we will be in Ontario. Currently, the Central Route has 330 people registered with 96 FNG’s!

It’s starting to get real!  The Schedule of Events for Ontario and Washington, D.C as well as the official 2026 Central Route Itinerary have been uploaded to the Central Hub. This is your 10-day schedule for May. Read and understand it. Put it on your phone or print hard copy for yourself.

If you wish to print a hard copy BOOKLET for yourself, use the PRINT BOOKLET Option with Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

The March 2025 newsletter has instructions for viewing the itinerary on your Apple/Android phone.

Take the time to look at the information in the itinerary regarding times and places to be.  Pay particular attention to any item in Green which refers to the Central Route.

Registration and Check In

Check in for riders start at 0900 Monday, May 11^th at the Elks Lodge.  For those not starting in Ontario, the registration team will be available approximately 30 minutes before the pack arrives at the end of the day until 30 minutes or so after their arrival. I highly recommend you check in at registration in the evening. You can check in at registration in the morning, but you could be pressed for time trying to find your platoon, eat breakfast, get through all the introductions, and attend the morning meeting.

If you need to cancel your registration, please send an email to Lance Wheeler at risk.management@rftw.us.  It will help Registration adjust the Platoon numbers so that they are not grossly uneven, as well as the volunteer groups that feed us so that there isn’t any wasted food.

Go the Central Route Hub for more information.

Rolling to Remember

Rolling to Remember previously known as Rolling Thunder.  For those not participating in Sandbox, Rolling is event you may wish to participate. This is not an RFTW-sanctioned event and participation is entirely voluntary.  Please read April 2026 President’s Message for more information about this and the wreath laying at ANC.

 

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown

As in the past, RFTW has been granted access for 75 motorcycles to enter the Arlington National Cemetery and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Central has been allocated 28 motorcycles with 56 seats available to enter these  hallowed grounds. The priority for those to represent the Central Route will be FNG’s. If you are interested let your Platoon Leader or FNG Coordinator know. Depending on the numbers received we may have to have a lottery system to determine who will go.

Volunteers

Staging still needs volunteers!

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.

Donations

Part of what keeps this Run going is the generous Donations we receive from the Public and Run for the Wall family. RFTW is a 501(c)3 so if you know of anyone that wishes to donate, please direct them to our donation page. Donate – Run For The Wall®

During the Run, we have fundraising events to help our beneficiaries along the Run.  One of these events is our daily raffle where we have several donated items to raffle off.  We still need donated items to raffle off, so if you are able to gather any donated items from local motorcycle dealers or other businesses it would be much appreciated. Please send me an email if you do get any donated items.

Update

From Carol our RFTW California State Coordinator, “On your way to Ontario stop at the Spotlight 29 Casino and Shelee’s for fuel.  Both have yummy food and snacks they are rolling out the red carpet for RFTW SR on the first fuel stop. Media advertising at the pumps, digital billboards, etc. They are so touched with our Mission and want to do more each year. Take time to stop say hi and tell them that you are with RFTW and to thank them for their support!”

To reiterate items from last month.

Pre-Paid Fuel

Central Route will be having Pre-Paid Fuel for 2026 is $65.00 per motorcycle or trike.  The money collected will cover your RFTW fuel stops from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC.  Thanks 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.

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, and Hydration Vehicle.

There are two ways to pay for the pre-paid 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

After April 30^th, you will need to wait until you check in at registration desk.

You will need to purchase a fuel sticker, using CASH, at check-in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GMRS Radios Links

**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 body ready and start getting in the habit of HYDRATING!

If you haven’t already, start riding and get your service done!

Tolle moras. Semper nocuit differre paratis

(Avoid delays: procrastination always does harm)

Get ready for RFTW XXXVI!

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 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