Posted on Leave a comment

Remember The Mission!

Remember the Mission

Why We Ride

Run for the Wall Mission Statement

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

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, DC, 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.

Safe travels to all those on their way to the start of Run For The Wall XXXIII.
Only a few more days…

WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T

1 MISSION – 4 ROUTES

Posted on Leave a comment

RFTW Merchandise Update

It’s now 10 days untill KSU for the 2023 Run For the Wall and the beginning of our mission. I want to take this opportunity to inform you that there will be several new items available for sale on all routes this year. Since taking this position in February, I have received a lot of feedback from you regarding the shirts and styles that we had been selling. I’m excited to announce that we have brand new shirts to offer everyone as well as a few other goodies. Below is a list of the new stuff you can expect when you stop by one of the merchandise trailers, either in Ontario starting May 13th or anytime along the four routes.

New men’s black long sleeve. RFTW motorcycle logo on the front and POW*MIA on the back.

New men’s RED shirt for red shirt Fridays. American Eagle on the front with RFTW flag logo and 4 stars representing each route. Back has the American flag along with Remember Everyone Deployed.

New men’s moisture wicking performance long sleeve shirt with our vintage logo on the front.

New Women’s V-neck in royal blue with the RFTW logo on the front.

New Run For The Wall logo hat.

In addition to the shirts and hat, there will also be a new back patch recognizing all four routes showing Coast to Coast and Wall to Wall, 2023 Run For the Wall wrist bands in forest green and four new campaign stickers adding Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism, Afghanistan, and Iraq to the Vietnam stickers that have always been available. Lastly, as a reminder, for those of you that would like to get your hands on the 2023 route itinerary, these will also be available for purchase at any of the trailers.

In closing, there are two additional topics I’d like to end with. First, there will be no smoking within 50’ of any of merchandise trailer out of respect for the merchandise team and the products we’re selling. And, just a reminder, that all sales are final as we do not offer refunds or exchanges.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ride to Ontario or to any of the stops along the way. Look me up if you have any questions or just want to say hi. I should be easy to find as the Central Route photographer.

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
RFTW Board of Directors

Posted on Leave a comment

Pre-Run Meals in Ontario

Run for the Wall

The Ontario Elks Lodge #1419 is hosting pre-run RFTW meetings and gatherings this year.  To further support RFTW, they are preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for up to 300 people at each sitting.  This year, thanks to the intrepid Carol, we will have full meal support at our meeting location.  Tickets will be sold at the Elks Lodge, and they will also have a table at the Holiday Inn (time TBD).  Let’s do all we can to support their efforts in supporting us.  The menu is as follows:

Elks Lodge/RFTW Pre Run Menu and Prices
Posted on Leave a comment

Midway Route Update Concerning Shawnee Oklahoma

As you have heard, Shawnee Oklahoma was hit by an EF-2 tornado on Wednesday April 19th, 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.

Posted on Leave a comment

UPDATES for Attendees to Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks (Friday, May 26, 2023)

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 8th & 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 33rd year for the Run.

Posted on Leave a comment

Welcome New Board Member Jeremy Rousseau

Jeremy Rousseau

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!

Posted on Leave a comment

Important Update Concerning Midway Route – Shawnee, OK

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! ***

Posted on Leave a comment

Online Store Update

Our online store will be closed May 1st – June 15th so the merchandise team can prepare and participate in the upcoming 2023 Run For The Wall. RFTW merchandise, including brand new items, will be available for purchase beginning May 14th at the Holiday Inn (host hotel) in Ontario. Look for the Run For The Wall merchandise trailer behind the hotel in the back parking lot.

In addition to the online store closing, all 2023 shirt sales will be suspended beginning this weekend so that the remaining inventory can be prepared for shipment to Ontario. The shirts will be available again in Ontario.

Please stop by and say hi or look for me walking around with a camera as the Central Route photographer. I hope to see you in Ontario!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
RFTW Board of Directors
https://rftw.us

Posted on Leave a comment

Registration Fees Increase on May 1st

Register for Run for the Wall

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