Category: General News & Updates

Why We Ride

Run for the Wall designated parking areas at the Ontario Convention Center, Lot D and at the Ontario Elks Lodge.

parking

Download PDF version

As you have heard, Shawnee Oklahoma was hit by an EF-2 tornado on Wednesday April 19^th, 2023, just 30 days prior to RFTWs visit in May. Shawnee is Midway Routes Day 4/5 dinner, overnight stay, and morning staging and meeting.

Since then, RFTW Midway Route leadership has been in constant contact with our supporters and staff of the event locations.

There are still people and areas of Shawnee recovering from the damage. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with them, and their recovery.  As we travel in and around Shawnee, we need to be especially sensitive to the recovery needs of the local community.

With the information received from our Shawnee contacts for dinner at the VFW, hotels, etc. RFTW Midway Route Leadership in cooperation with the Board of Directors have determined to continue with the “Original Scheduled Itinerary” for Shawnee OK.

We want to offer a huge thank you to the people of Shawnee for their continued support of RFTW. “Shawnee Strong, We Care.

Please read this entire post/email.  Questions can be answered by Doug@Lyvere.com.

I suggest that you get to Marine Barracks by Uber, Taxi, etc,  and remember that you get back to your hotel on your own. Parking is extremely difficult near and around Marine Barracks and, if not careful,you can get a substantial parking ticket.

We will all meet at the corner of 8^th & I St (SE) at 1900. Note that the address MUST include SE (South East). The Barracks will have someone come over to get us in as a group and get us seated.  DO NOT bring weapons of any type – you go through a metal detector and at the very least, weapons will be confiscated.  This is nothing new so go with the flow, please.

Inclement weather – rain will not necessarily cancel the parade so if it looks like rain, wear your rain suit/coat.Lightning will cause the parade to be cancelled.

They usually have water available but in small quantities.  Better to bring your own.

Some of you that signed up with me are not from RFTW.  I did not realize that at the time and assumed that you were with RFTW or someone in RFTW.  This is not a problem in any way and you’re more than welcome.  If anyone reading this wants to sit elsewhere than with the group, you need to go online to get your own tickets.  (You may have to cut and paste the link)

www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/Friday-Evening-Parade-Schedule-Reservation/equesttickets

The Barracks is always excited and happy when we come.  We are a special group to them because of what RFTW represents. Please take the time to thank all of the Marines (that you can) for their Service to us all and for making our experience a memorable one.

I hope to see you all there or back at the Hotel or Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial for the group photo (0930) followed by our laying of a wreath and plaque at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.  We should have around 1500 or more for the photo.  For those of you not familiar with us – go to RFTW.US .  2023 is the 33^rd year for the Run.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jeremy Rousseau is joining us as the new Secretary.  Jeremy brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to the BoD.  Although he doesn’t officially come on 1 September 2023, we recently started bringing new members on early so they can attend and observe meetings and be ready to hit the ground running when the time comes.

Welcome to the Bod, Jeremy!

As most of you have heard, Shawnee OK was hit by a tornado last night at about 10 PM – – just 14 hours ago. Shawnee, OK is Midway Routes Day 4/5 dinner, overnight stay, and morning staging and meeting.

Since early this morning RFTW and Midway Route leadership has been aware of this. The immediate concern is with the people of Shawnee, OK. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with them and their recovery.

We know it is short notice, but please let Midway leadership work the issues. Once they have all the information together, hotels, dinner, etc. and can determine the appropriate actions for Shawnee & Midway Route, the riders, and all involved, we will communicate accordingly.

*** PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE HOTELS IN SHAWNEE AT THIS TIME! ***

Greetings again from Weatherford, Texas!

For those of you familiar with the writings of Douglas Adams, you know that the number 42 has very significant meaning.  It’s significant for me today because 42 years ago today (17APR1981), I signed on the dotted line of enlistment that led to becoming an Army Infantryman and then on to a flying career in the Navy.  But how does that apply to you?  It’s all about timing and taking advantage of an opportunity while it’s still available.  If you haven’t registered for Run For The Wall, your opportunity is now!

The “Regular Registration” period is still in effect through 30 APR 2023 with registration fees for CA to DC Routes at $60 and for the SandBox Route at $20.  On Monday, 01 MAY 2023, those registration fees will step again to the “Last Minute Joe” rates of $75 and $25, respectively.  Don’t put it off any longer!

Not only will your earlier registration save you some dollars, but it is also a huge benefit to our supporters who put so much heart into providing for you at every stop along the journey.  Your RC receives a Registration Report every week which is turned into updates to your State Coordinators and the participation planning for our supporters.  They can’t plan for you to be there if they don’t know you’re coming!

Finally, your early registration supports the Mission.  Opportunities abound for your participation in direct support to the Mission on the Leadership Teams, on Outreaches, and for projects that may just need your expertise for success.  When you register, the family then knows you’re coming, and you’ll be on the distribution for updates and opportunities as they arise.  So, get on board and get involved – you’ll get more out of your participation if you put more into it!

If you’re looking to participate for only a couple of days on the road, the “Day Rider” Registration may be your best option.  Day Riders may register for up to 2 full days on the road with RFTW and participate in all activities at the three locations that bound those 2 days.  The reduced Registration Fee is equal to the Early Bird rate that was initially offered when registration opened.  Look for the Day Rider option on the registration page where you select your route.  You can find more info on the Day Rider Newsletter here:  Day Rider Registration.

That’s all for now.  It’s almost May and first KSU out of Ontario is just over 4 weeks away.  Are you ready?

Sincerely,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
Run For The Wall
Vice-President & Chairman of the Board
RFTW XXXII SandBox Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXI Southern Route Coordinator
e:  billie.dunlap@rftw.us

Together We Ride