Hopefully it is at least above freezing where you are. First, I want to ask for your Thoughts and Prayers for those affected by the swarm of Tornadoes that descended on several Midwest states this week. If you have friends or relatives in these areas, Please check in on them to be sure they are Okay.
Secondly, I want to dispel any rumor that RFTW 2022 is or will likely be cancelled, FAKE NEWS! The Board of Directors along with ALL 4 Route Coordinators and Assistant Route Coordinators have pledged to make RFTW XXXII 2022 a successful Mission. Our Primary Plan is to do our traditional Route from “LA to DC”. Should that prove unfeasible, alternate starting and ending points are being considered and explored. We cannot control the pandemic politics that may arise, but we can surely work around them as best we can to “Continue The Mission”. We will not give up on the Mission and I ask you to also “Keep The faith”.
If you have been following the ordeal of one of our SR Road Guards, Mike “Ten Bears” Dobson, you’ll know that he is out of the ICU and on his way to rehab. He has put up one hell of a fight. I am sure that he would love some get well wishes from everyone. You can mail them to:
Cornerstone Specialty Hospital, 1900 S Gordon Cooper Dr., Room 212A, Shawnee, OK 74801
Prayers have been answered, Please continue to Pray for ALL who are struggling at this time.
Lastly, from Diane and I, we wish you Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL RFTW Riders and Friends.
In a little over a month, we’ll be into 2022. We have less than 180 days before Kick Stands Up. It is never too early to start preparing for the Run. It’s a good time to assess your personal health. It wouldn’t hurt to make an appointment with your doctor for that checkup you’ve been putting off. Be proactive.
In the past few months, I have had Friends, Neighbors and Fellow Riders who are suffering from accidents, cancers, neurological diseases, and complications from Covid. Some are in the battling for their lives, right Now. I have posted several Prayer Requests, which you all have answered, and I am very grateful for that. If God has graced you with good health, that is one more reason to give thanks.
To help you FNGs be better prepared, we have scheduled an RFTW FNG Town Hall on Zoom for December 16 starting at 4:30PM Pacific. All registered FNGs should have received an email invite. If you are interested in attending, drop me an email and I will send you an invitation.
We are still looking for some more volunteers for the Southern Route 2022 Run. Visit Southern Route Volunteers for the Prerequisites and Volunteer Form.
On this Thanksgiving Day I am also thankful for the Hard Work and Dedication from ALL of our Volunteer and Supporter Patriots that work throughout the year to make the Run happen. A HUGE THANK YOU from My Family to Yours.
Calling ALL FNGs from ALL Routes. Save the Date, Thursday December 16, 2021. Starting at 4:30 PM Pacific Time, the 2022 Run For The Wall Route Coordinators and Assistants from ALL 4 Routes will host an FNG Town Hall on Zoom. This is a great opportunity to find out more about RFTW and get your questions answered. Please send your questions in advance to help us give you the best answer. You can ask your questions anonymously, so feel free to ask what’s on your mind.
An invitation link will be emailed this weekend to all registered FNGs. If you have not yet registered, no problem. Just send me an email and I will be happy to send you the link. If you have questions but cannot attend, please send them along anyway, others may be looking for the same information.
Check your Spam / Junk email Folder sometimes the good stuff ends up there too.
Depending on the number of participants, it may be a bit chaotic. Sometimes unintentional background noise wreaks havoc on the system. I will ask you in advance to mute your microphone unless you are speaking.
We plan to have another FNG Town Hall in late January – early February timeframe.
November, 2021 FNG Special
Calling ALL FNGs from ALL Routes. Save the Date, Thursday December 16, 2021. Starting at 4:30 PM Pacific Time, the 2022 Run For The Wall Route Coordinators and Assistants from ALL 4 Routes will host an FNG Town Hall on Zoom. This is a great opportunity to find out more about RFTW and get your questions answered. Please send your questions in advance to help us give you the best answer. You can ask your questions anonymously, so feel free to ask what’s on your mind.
An invitation link will be emailed this weekend to all registered FNGs. If you have not yet registered, no problem. Just send me an email and I will be happy to send you the link. If you have questions but cannot attend, please send them along anyway, others may be looking for the same information.
Check your Spam / Junk email Folder sometimes the good stuff ends up there too.
Depending on the number of participants, it may be a bit chaotic. Sometimes unintentional background noise wreaks havoc on the system. I will ask you in advance to mute your microphone unless you are speaking.
We plan to have another FNG Town Hall in late January – early February timeframe.
Riders have asked me why Nevada is the Battle Born State. Well it’s because it was the only state admitted into the Union during the Civil War, October 31, 1864.
First, I would like to announce that the Southern Route Volunteer Portal is open. If you are interested in being a part of one of our support teams, just click in the link. There you will find descriptions of the qualifications for each specific team. Keep in mind that FNGs are barred from volunteering, as we feel it would spoil the first-year experience. Some teams currently have few or no openings. History has told us that roster changes are inevitable as time passes, so standbys are important.
Secondly, stop by the RFTW Merchandise Shop new things are being added and there are Closeout items offered at a discount.
I also want to remind everyone that we are still working on and planning Plan A. Which is to run the Southern Route as we have in the past from LA to DC. Our only change is our Day 1 evening stop is now Casa Grande, AZ. Alternate plans are being discussed, but our primary focus is stillPlan A. Any alternate plan would include the majority of our traditional route. Like it or not, we must comply with governmental restrictions in the areas we travel. Compared to May, the situation is much improved, and I am optimistic that over time it will be even better for us.
Remember to be Semper Gumby (Always Flexible)
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy & Happy Halloween
Greetings and Happy Nevada Day,
Riders have asked me why Nevada is the Battle Born State. Well it’s because it was the only state admitted into the Union during the Civil War, October 31, 1864.
First, I would like to announce that the Southern Route Volunteer Portal is open. If you are interested in being a part of one of our support teams, just click in the link. There you will find descriptions of the qualifications for each specific team. Keep in mind that FNGs are barred from volunteering, as we feel it would spoil the first-year experience. Some teams currently have few or no openings. History has told us that roster changes are inevitable as time passes, so standbys are important.
Secondly, stop by the RFTW Merchandise Shop new things are being added and there are Closeout items offered at a discount.
I also want to remind everyone that we are still working on and planning Plan A. Which is to run the Southern Route as we have in the past from LA to DC. Our only change is our Day 1 evening stop is now Casa Grande, AZ. Alternate plans are being discussed, but our primary focus is stillPlan A. Any alternate plan would include the majority of our traditional route. Like it or not, we must comply with governmental restrictions in the areas we travel. Compared to May, the situation is much improved, and I am optimistic that over time it will be even better for us.
Remember to be Semper Gumby (Always Flexible)
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy & Happy Halloween
Greetings and Happy Nevada Day,
Riders have asked me why Nevada is the Battle Born State. Well it’s because it was the only state admitted into the Union during the Civil War, October 31, 1864.
First, I would like to announce that the Southern Route Volunteer Portal is open. If you are interested in being a part of one of our support teams, just click in the link. There you will find descriptions of the qualifications for each specific team. Keep in mind that FNGs are barred from volunteering, as we feel it would spoil the first-year experience. Some teams currently have few or no openings. History has told us that roster changes are inevitable as time passes, so standbys are important.
Secondly, stop by the RFTW Merchandise Shop new things are being added and there are Closeout items offered at a discount.
I also want to remind everyone that we are still working on and planning Plan A. Which is to run the Southern Route as we have in the past from LA to DC. Our only change is our Day 1 evening stop is now Casa Grande, AZ. Alternate plans are being discussed, but our primary focus is stillPlan A. Any alternate plan would include the majority of our traditional route. Like it or not, we must comply with governmental restrictions in the areas we travel. Compared to May, the situation is much improved, and I am optimistic that over time it will be even better for us.
Remember to be Semper Gumby (Always Flexible)
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy & Happy Halloween
October, 2021 Part 2
Greetings and Happy Nevada Day,
Riders have asked me why Nevada is the Battle Born State. Well it’s because it was the only state admitted into the Union during the Civil War, October 31, 1864.
First, I would like to announce that the Southern Route Volunteer Portal is open. If you are interested in being a part of one of our support teams, just click in the link. There you will find descriptions of the qualifications for each specific team. Keep in mind that FNGs are barred from volunteering, as we feel it would spoil the first-year experience. Some teams currently have few or no openings. History has told us that roster changes are inevitable as time passes, so standbys are important.
Secondly, stop by the RFTW Merchandise Shop new things are being added and there are Closeout items offered at a discount.
I also want to remind everyone that we are still working on and planning Plan A. Which is to run the Southern Route as we have in the past from LA to DC. Our only change is our Day 1 evening stop is now Casa Grande, AZ. Alternate plans are being discussed, but our primary focus is stillPlan A. Any alternate plan would include the majority of our traditional route. Like it or not, we must comply with governmental restrictions in the areas we travel. Compared to May, the situation is much improved, and I am optimistic that over time it will be even better for us.
Remember to be Semper Gumby (Always Flexible)
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy & Happy Halloween
October, 2021 Part 2
Greetings and Happy Nevada Day,
Riders have asked me why Nevada is the Battle Born State. Well it’s because it was the only state admitted into the Union during the Civil War, October 31, 1864.
First, I would like to announce that the Southern Route Volunteer Portal is open. If you are interested in being a part of one of our support teams, just click in the link. There you will find descriptions of the qualifications for each specific team. Keep in mind that FNGs are barred from volunteering, as we feel it would spoil the first-year experience. Some teams currently have few or no openings. History has told us that roster changes are inevitable as time passes, so standbys are important.
Secondly, stop by the RFTW Merchandise Shop new things are being added and there are Closeout items offered at a discount.
I also want to remind everyone that we are still working on and planning Plan A. Which is to run the Southern Route as we have in the past from LA to DC. Our only change is our Day 1 evening stop is now Casa Grande, AZ. Alternate plans are being discussed, but our primary focus is stillPlan A. Any alternate plan would include the majority of our traditional route. Like it or not, we must comply with governmental restrictions in the areas we travel. Compared to May, the situation is much improved, and I am optimistic that over time it will be even better for us.
I realize that it is closer to Halloween than Thanksgiving but, I have some Thanks that I’d like to share. First Thanks goes to Cowboy and Sam for what I hear was an outstanding TX Riders’ Reunion. Sorry we didn’t make it. Secondly, I’d like to thank Kris Wood our Assistant Route Coordinator for handling the Route Leadership responsibilities.
We cannot Thank Lori and Bill Schaeffler enough. They invited us to stay at their place on our way to the reunion. While parking the rig a power steering hose fitting popped off. After popping it back in and adding a big ziptie for good measure, it leaked. After driving all over the greater Tucson area we found the part we were looking for. After putting it all back together, no leaks, Yay! Well, it lasted nearly 300 miles, leaving me with no power steering or brakes a battery light and high coolant temp warning. We made it off the interstate and on to a frontage road. Calls to roadside assistance were next. Special shout out to Chad O’Dell for his suggestions.
We owe a big Thank You to Arthur “Double A” Ambriz, when our RV broke down just outside Las Cruces, NM, he volunteered to get our 20’ trailer and store it at his place until we picked it up on Saturday.
Last and certainly not least, Hal “Grumpy” Du Puy and his lovely wife Susie for showing us True Texas hospitality, and by being our transportation and taking care of us during our 10 days stay in El Paso, TX.
Diane, Jasmine (our 13 year old puppy) and I made it home Sunday, the RV is still in the shop in El Paso awaiting parts. We appreciate all the help, concern and well wishes from everyone.
Now, I’ve said all that to say all this, OUR RFTW Family is the Best.
The most recent RFTW President’s Message https://rftw.us/category/president-messages/ has the details for our first, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, Homes For Our Troops event. It will be a Kickoff Ceremony for Marine LCpl Retired Kevin Honaker. It will take place in Sparta TN on the October 23rd weekend. If you are in the area and can attend, please register for the event using the link in the message.
Route Registration has been brisk to date, your enthusiasm is showing. As we look forward to May, 2022, Route Leadership is hard at work planning for a successful Run. Is it May yet?
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive….
Greetings RFTW Family,
I realize that it is closer to Halloween than Thanksgiving but, I have some Thanks that I’d like to share. First Thanks goes to Cowboy and Sam for what I hear was an outstanding TX Riders’ Reunion. Sorry we didn’t make it. Secondly, I’d like to thank Kris Wood our Assistant Route Coordinator for handling the Route Leadership responsibilities.
We cannot Thank Lori and Bill Schaeffler enough. They invited us to stay at their place on our way to the reunion. While parking the rig a power steering hose fitting popped off. After popping it back in and adding a big ziptie for good measure, it leaked. After driving all over the greater Tucson area we found the part we were looking for. After putting it all back together, no leaks, Yay! Well, it lasted nearly 300 miles, leaving me with no power steering or brakes a battery light and high coolant temp warning. We made it off the interstate and on to a frontage road. Calls to roadside assistance were next. Special shout out to Chad O’Dell for his suggestions.
We owe a big Thank You to Arthur “Double A” Ambriz, when our RV broke down just outside Las Cruces, NM, he volunteered to get our 20’ trailer and store it at his place until we picked it up on Saturday.
Last and certainly not least, Hal “Grumpy” Du Puy and his lovely wife Susie for showing us True Texas hospitality, and by being our transportation and taking care of us during our 10 days stay in El Paso, TX.
Diane, Jasmine (our 13 year old puppy) and I made it home Sunday, the RV is still in the shop in El Paso awaiting parts. We appreciate all the help, concern and well wishes from everyone.
Now, I’ve said all that to say all this, OUR RFTW Family is the Best.
The most recent RFTW President’s Message https://rftw.us/category/president-messages/ has the details for our first, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, Homes For Our Troops event. It will be a Kickoff Ceremony for Marine LCpl Retired Kevin Honaker. It will take place in Sparta TN on the October 23rd weekend. If you are in the area and can attend, please register for the event using the link in the message.
Route Registration has been brisk to date, your enthusiasm is showing. As we look forward to May, 2022, Route Leadership is hard at work planning for a successful Run. Is it May yet?
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive….
October, 2021
Greetings RFTW Family,
I realize that it is closer to Halloween than Thanksgiving but, I have some Thanks that I’d like to share. First Thanks goes to Cowboy and Sam for what I hear was an outstanding TX Riders’ Reunion. Sorry we didn’t make it. Secondly, I’d like to thank Kris Wood our Assistant Route Coordinator for handling the Route Leadership responsibilities.
We cannot Thank Lori and Bill Schaeffler enough. They invited us to stay at their place on our way to the reunion. While parking the rig a power steering hose fitting popped off. After popping it back in and adding a big ziptie for good measure, it leaked. After driving all over the greater Tucson area we found the part we were looking for. After putting it all back together, no leaks, Yay! Well, it lasted nearly 300 miles, leaving me with no power steering or brakes a battery light and high coolant temp warning. We made it off the interstate and on to a frontage road. Calls to roadside assistance were next. Special shout out to Chad O’Dell for his suggestions.
We owe a big Thank You to Arthur “Double A” Ambriz, when our RV broke down just outside Las Cruces, NM, he volunteered to get our 20’ trailer and store it at his place until we picked it up on Saturday.
Last and certainly not least, Hal “Grumpy” Du Puy and his lovely wife Susie for showing us True Texas hospitality, and by being our transportation and taking care of us during our 10 days stay in El Paso, TX.
Diane, Jasmine (our 13 year old puppy) and I made it home Sunday, the RV is still in the shop in El Paso awaiting parts. We appreciate all the help, concern and well wishes from everyone.
Now, I’ve said all that to say all this, OUR RFTW Family is the Best.
The most recent RFTW President’s Message https://rftw.us/category/president-messages/ has the details for our first, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, Homes For Our Troops event. It will be a Kickoff Ceremony for Marine LCpl Retired Kevin Honaker. It will take place in Sparta TN on the October 23rd weekend. If you are in the area and can attend, please register for the event using the link in the message.
Route Registration has been brisk to date, your enthusiasm is showing. As we look forward to May, 2022, Route Leadership is hard at work planning for a successful Run. Is it May yet?
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive….
October, 2021
Greetings RFTW Family,
I realize that it is closer to Halloween than Thanksgiving but, I have some Thanks that I’d like to share. First Thanks goes to Cowboy and Sam for what I hear was an outstanding TX Riders’ Reunion. Sorry we didn’t make it. Secondly, I’d like to thank Kris Wood our Assistant Route Coordinator for handling the Route Leadership responsibilities.
We cannot Thank Lori and Bill Schaeffler enough. They invited us to stay at their place on our way to the reunion. While parking the rig a power steering hose fitting popped off. After popping it back in and adding a big ziptie for good measure, it leaked. After driving all over the greater Tucson area we found the part we were looking for. After putting it all back together, no leaks, Yay! Well, it lasted nearly 300 miles, leaving me with no power steering or brakes a battery light and high coolant temp warning. We made it off the interstate and on to a frontage road. Calls to roadside assistance were next. Special shout out to Chad O’Dell for his suggestions.
We owe a big Thank You to Arthur “Double A” Ambriz, when our RV broke down just outside Las Cruces, NM, he volunteered to get our 20’ trailer and store it at his place until we picked it up on Saturday.
Last and certainly not least, Hal “Grumpy” Du Puy and his lovely wife Susie for showing us True Texas hospitality, and by being our transportation and taking care of us during our 10 days stay in El Paso, TX.
Diane, Jasmine (our 13 year old puppy) and I made it home Sunday, the RV is still in the shop in El Paso awaiting parts. We appreciate all the help, concern and well wishes from everyone.
Now, I’ve said all that to say all this, OUR RFTW Family is the Best.
The most recent RFTW President’s Message https://rftw.us/category/president-messages/ has the details for our first, in partnership with Operation Family Fund, Homes For Our Troops event. It will be a Kickoff Ceremony for Marine LCpl Retired Kevin Honaker. It will take place in Sparta TN on the October 23rd weekend. If you are in the area and can attend, please register for the event using the link in the message.
Route Registration has been brisk to date, your enthusiasm is showing. As we look forward to May, 2022, Route Leadership is hard at work planning for a successful Run. Is it May yet?
Here we are recovering from a hot but dry 2200+ mile round trip to New Mexico. In the middle was an Awesome RFTW Angel Fire Reunion. The planning was perfect, the weather was Cinderella, just right. Hats off to the Central Route organizers. Thanks to the hard work and preparation, we were able to place over 800 commemorative bricks along the pathways. That number is twice the normal. Bravo Zulu to ALL. More proof that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. It was nice to see many Southern and Midway Riders in attendance. If you haven’t already, pencil next Labor Day weekend for Angel Fire on your calendar.
Now it’s time to clean everything up to get ready for the RFTW TX Riders Reunion in Kerrville. Looks like some GREAT RIDES are planned and Good Eats. I hope to see All Y’all there. It’s not too late.
But before that there is one more thing to do. Saturday morning September 11, 2021, RFTW 2022 Registration opens. This day marks 20 years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon; and the day the passengers of Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save unknown others. I don’t care if it has been 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 years; that day and those images are burned into my mind. I can Never Forget. I’m sure that I am not alone.
We Ride For Those Who Can’t…… to Honor Our Fallen, Remember Their Sacrifice.
Until we ride again. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.
September, 2021
Hello from The Battle Born State,
Here we are recovering from a hot but dry 2200+ mile round trip to New Mexico. In the middle was an Awesome RFTW Angel Fire Reunion. The planning was perfect, the weather was Cinderella, just right. Hats off to the Central Route organizers. Thanks to the hard work and preparation, we were able to place over 800 commemorative bricks along the pathways. That number is twice the normal. Bravo Zulu to ALL. More proof that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. It was nice to see many Southern and Midway Riders in attendance. If you haven’t already, pencil next Labor Day weekend for Angel Fire on your calendar.
Now it’s time to clean everything up to get ready for the RFTW TX Riders Reunion in Kerrville. Looks like some GREAT RIDES are planned and Good Eats. I hope to see All Y’all there. It’s not too late.
But before that there is one more thing to do. Saturday morning September 11, 2021, RFTW 2022 Registration opens. This day marks 20 years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon; and the day the passengers of Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save unknown others. I don’t care if it has been 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 years; that day and those images are burned into my mind. I can Never Forget. I’m sure that I am not alone.
We Ride For Those Who Can’t…… to Honor Our Fallen, Remember Their Sacrifice.
Until we ride again. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.
September, 2021
Hello from The Battle Born State,
Here we are recovering from a hot but dry 2200+ mile round trip to New Mexico. In the middle was an Awesome RFTW Angel Fire Reunion. The planning was perfect, the weather was Cinderella, just right. Hats off to the Central Route organizers. Thanks to the hard work and preparation, we were able to place over 800 commemorative bricks along the pathways. That number is twice the normal. Bravo Zulu to ALL. More proof that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. It was nice to see many Southern and Midway Riders in attendance. If you haven’t already, pencil next Labor Day weekend for Angel Fire on your calendar.
Now it’s time to clean everything up to get ready for the RFTW TX Riders Reunion in Kerrville. Looks like some GREAT RIDES are planned and Good Eats. I hope to see All Y’all there. It’s not too late.
But before that there is one more thing to do. Saturday morning September 11, 2021, RFTW 2022 Registration opens. This day marks 20 years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon; and the day the passengers of Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save unknown others. I don’t care if it has been 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 years; that day and those images are burned into my mind. I can Never Forget. I’m sure that I am not alone.
We Ride For Those Who Can’t…… to Honor Our Fallen, Remember Their Sacrifice.
Until we ride again. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.
I am sad to have to report that we have lost another RFTW & Southern Route Rider, CVMA Brother, Leader and Friend. Jim “Taillight” Drieth. Taillight passed away on 7/31, he was a long-time member of our Southern Route Advance Team. Rest In Peace Brother, you will be Missed, but Not Forgotten.
Between the pandemic restriction, 100+ degree temps and the smoke from wildfires, it is hard to get any serious riding in. I see via Facebook that many of you have found ways to overcome, That’s Great. We need to keep our riding skills sharp, so ride when you can.
The details for the Angel Fire and TX Riders Reunions have been published. Confetti and I are hoping to see many of you there.
The Homes For Our Troops donations are in. With the $50k matching donation from the Operation Family Foundation we have raised over $100,000. These monies will be spread over several deserving Disabled Veterans to build homes adapted for their specific needs. There will be more information forthcoming. Also, there will be opportunities for us to participate in presentations at each home across the country. They are in states where the majority of our riders live. Just another reason to get together for an Awesome cause.
We have challenges ahead of us planning for the Run in 2022. The pandemic restrictions which caused us to postpone RFTW XXXII, are ever changing and impossible to predict. All 4 Route Coordinators, along with their leadership and the RFTW Board of Directors are fully committed to the Mission. “What can we do?”, you ask. I urge all of you to consult with your doctor to consider getting vaccinated. It may be the best thing for the greater good.
Just a reminder, Registration opens on September 11, 2021. Everyone needs to register. The registration process will be fully automated to make it easier and more efficient.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive
August, 2021
Greetings from Smoky Nevada,
I am sad to have to report that we have lost another RFTW & Southern Route Rider, CVMA Brother, Leader and Friend. Jim “Taillight” Drieth. Taillight passed away on 7/31, he was a long-time member of our Southern Route Advance Team. Rest In Peace Brother, you will be Missed, but Not Forgotten.
Between the pandemic restriction, 100+ degree temps and the smoke from wildfires, it is hard to get any serious riding in. I see via Facebook that many of you have found ways to overcome, That’s Great. We need to keep our riding skills sharp, so ride when you can.
The details for the Angel Fire and TX Riders Reunions have been published. Confetti and I are hoping to see many of you there.
The Homes For Our Troops donations are in. With the $50k matching donation from the Operation Family Foundation we have raised over $100,000. These monies will be spread over several deserving Disabled Veterans to build homes adapted for their specific needs. There will be more information forthcoming. Also, there will be opportunities for us to participate in presentations at each home across the country. They are in states where the majority of our riders live. Just another reason to get together for an Awesome cause.
We have challenges ahead of us planning for the Run in 2022. The pandemic restrictions which caused us to postpone RFTW XXXII, are ever changing and impossible to predict. All 4 Route Coordinators, along with their leadership and the RFTW Board of Directors are fully committed to the Mission. “What can we do?”, you ask. I urge all of you to consult with your doctor to consider getting vaccinated. It may be the best thing for the greater good.
Just a reminder, Registration opens on September 11, 2021. Everyone needs to register. The registration process will be fully automated to make it easier and more efficient.
It has been about a month since I asked all of our RFTW Prayer Warriors to direct the Awesome Power of Prayer to comfort and heal Will Schaeffler after a terrible motorcycle accident. If it was recorded as a drunk and drive case, then the DUI charges in Rochester are very heavy and it’s not going to be an easy task to clear his name. Will is the son of our Arizona State Coordinator Lori Ann “Leggs” and Bill “Jumper” Schaeffler. At that time, his survival was in doubt due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). By the Grace of God and the expertise of stellar Medical Staff, he is on the mend. He is still dealing with the effects from the TBI. The Road to Recovery will be a long one. Bills and other payments still need to be paid and his home will need some modifications to assist his rehab once he is allowed to go home. It is too early to say when that might be.
There is a fundraiser for William tonight, July 8th, starting @ 9PM – ?? at “Cowpony” located at 6510 E Tanque Verde Rd in Tucson AZ. If you cannot attend and would like to help Will’s Family, Lori said you can send donations directly to her. There are 2 ways: Zelle to lschaeffler@comcast.net or Apple Pay to 520-490-7612. Any amount will make a difference. Thank You.
While it was Great riding across this Wonderful Country of Ours, it Good to be back home in Nevada. Confetti and I just returned yesterday after 20 days, 6,896 miles, over 20 states on the road. Along the way we visited with many of our Southern Route supporters and pledged to return in 2022 with ALL of You SR Riders. We were also to present $1,000 Educational Grant checks to the 3 high school senior winners of our Southern Route essay contest. I will post pictures in my next newsletter. You will be pleased to know that your contributions will further the education of a future doctor and 2 engineers.
It was heartwarming to see how many of you made it to the Vietnam Memorial “Sister Wall” in Perryville, MO and the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles, IL. My hat is off to those of you who went from LA to DC.
Most of you are home now safely, I hope. All I heard of is some tire issues and broken parts. Oh, and some sunburn and something I’d never heard of before “rainburn”. I’m not sure how you get it or treat it. Hopefully all will recover.
Now it’s time to embrace the Reunion Season. I have talked a lot about The Kerrville, TX Reunion, but first comes the “Sunbright Veterans Memorial Tour of Honor” in Tennessee. The Midway Route folks have been working day and night to put this together for ALL RFTW Riders. I hear tell that there is a massive fireworks show planned for July 4th. The link below has a ton of details. Check it out and SIGN UP right away.
Well, It’s MAY! These last 2 years we have battled with this pandemic and tried to Stay Positive with the hope that soon we would see it in our rear-view mirrors. As in most battles, no one gets out without a scratch and many wounds are not visible. LOVE of our God, Country and Family along with the HOPE that better days are ahead is what keeps us going.
The Run For The Wall Family Bond is Strong. None of our Family should ever feel alone. With Family often comes tragedy. On May 12th Fred Marshall, the husband to Melissa “Angel” Marshall and Father to Jake passed away after a prolonged illness. Fred spent 76 days in the hospital in intensive care and hospice with very intense individual care and racked up quite a bill. If you would like to send donations towards those bills, you can send direct to Melissa, please at Melissa Marshall, 1730 Crowndale Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 Flowers are welcome although Melissa would prefer living plants as a living memory of Fred, send to her address.
Melissa and her Mom Wendy “Nurse One” are the Dynamic Duo of our Medical Team. Her Dad is Doug “Sgt Maj” Lyvere one of our elite Road Guards.
There will also be “FredFest”, a memorial celebration to be held on Saturday June 5. For any details, Please email Doug@lyvere.com
Though the “Run” was postponed, the Mission still goes on. We are a benevolent organization and are continually promoting and fundraising for Veteran Causes. Currently we are working on raising $25k which will be matched ($25k) by RFTW, which will be matched by another foundation for a total of $100k to Homes For Our Troops to build an adapted home for a severely wounded Veteran and his Family. We are currently at about 31% of our goal. For more details, see the latest RFTW President’s Message
RFTW Inc. does not have a large corporate office, or any corporate office or payroll, in fact. But there are still expenses and bills that need to be paid. Buying more Merch from the Merchandise Shop will help too.
Confetti and I plan to be in Perryville, MO, Friday the 28th to pay our respects at the “Wall” there. We hope to see many of you there also.
KLIM is offering sponsorship for all 2026 run for the wall participants. To register simply email Mark Kincart at [email protected] or call him at 602-369-1143 He will get you set up and also help you with any gear questions, from layering to outerwear.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available.
We apologize for this inconvenience.
We will post Midway Route Photos from 2025 here following this year’s run.
Sandbox Route Itinerary Archive
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
NOTICE: Previous year’s route itineraries are provided as archival reference/examples only. Specific details including exact route, stops, hotels, etc are dynamic and change from year to year. Current year route itineraries are typically released in March. Only the current year Route Itinerary should be used to plan your trip.
REGISTRATION LOGIN: Due to security and privacy concerns there is NO ACCOUNT created when you register for Run for the Wall. Account logins are for merchandise purchase ONLY. Registration is a completely separate system and we do not offer any level of user access to this system. If you have a question regarding your registration or you need to make a change, please email [email protected].
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 