Category: Midway Route Coordinator News

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Midway Route Coordinator August 2024 Newsletter

Greetings all.  I hope this message finds you well and the nation’s continued heat wave is not keeping you from enjoying some riding time!

It is hard to believe we are already into August.  I don’t know about you, but it seems like 2024 as a whole is flying by.  Planning for Midway continues to progress well.  The State Coordinators are diligently working on the travel and stops through their respective states ensuring we have yet another outstanding and safe year!  Java Joe Booktaub, Midway’s Platoon Coordinator, has finalized our 2025 Platoon Leaders and continues to work through assigning Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tailgunners.  Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage has been communicating with the State Coordinators on our various stops as well as with Gina “Le’Spice” Cutrer on the Staging.  Jerry “Corp” Wilkins continues working with the hotels and camping sites across the country.  Leo Rachmel is starting the preliminary review of updates for the route.  Zoe “Hugz” Martino is working with various people and organizations that are connected to the MIA and Gold Star community so that we can include as many of those families as possible during our stops from California to DC.  As you can see a lot goes on behind the scenes to make the Run a success.  This could not be done without a solid all volunteer cadre that Midway is very fortunate to have!  Speaking of all volunteers…no route can complete the mission without volunteers at every level.  If you think this is something you are interested in doing, please visit RFTW’s website – https://rftw.us/volunteer-sign-up/  The link will take you to the Volunteer page where you can find an overview of some of the positions and their respective prerequisites.  At the bottom of the page is the application where you can submit your information for consideration.  If you have any questions about a certain position feel free to reach out to me or Mike “Heavy” King.

If you have not yet seen the most recent message from Run for the Wall President John “Turkey” Staub you can find it on the website at https://rftw.us/presidents-message-august-1-2024/ .   John covers a lot of good and new information so please go check it out!  One that I would like to quickly highlight is AARs.  As you will see from John’s post, every AAR is received and read by all the Board members as well as the respective Route Coordinator and Assistant Route Coordinator.  Please keep them coming.  Your input helps us ensure we continue to make sure what is working does not slip while we focus on ways to improve areas where we fall short.   

You will also see mention of radio comms in John’s newsletter as well as a recent post provided by Central Route Coordinator Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson.  In late July the Board of Directors as well as RC and ARC’s met for our annual face-to-face meeting.  One of the key topics was communications.  As many of you know, Central Route ran a pilot test during the 2024 Run using GMRS radios vs CB’s.  The results were very positive and provided further range and clearer communications than CB’s historically have.  After much discussion, both pros and cons, all four Route Coordinators unanimously decided that this is the direction to move to for 2025.  As Kirk mentions in the post this means that ALL PACK LEADERSHIP WILL BE REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025, i.e. All Platoon Leaders, APL’s, Tail Gunners, Road Guards, Chaplains, Medics, and Chase will need a GMRS Radio. Pack riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen.  I would highly recommend reading Kirk’s post as there is a lot of information regarding recommended equipment, licensing requirements (for those that will be transmitting), and even the channels that we have the options to use (these are normally programmed by default in the radios) – https://rftw.us/2025-radio-comms-joint-statement-from-all-four-route-coordinators/ .  While not required, the BTECH GMRS Pro has been the most popular model chosen so far.  From reliability to functionality to price, this option seems to provide the most bang for the buck and received the highest recommendation from those who have tested them.  BTECH has been generous enough to put together a package deal for Run for the Wall.  If you use Coupon Code: RFTW you will get both the Radio and Wireless PTT button for $140.  This deal available only at the the BTECH website.

As many of you have heard 2025 marks the 35th annual run of Run for the Wall as well as the 50th anniversary of the end to the Vietnam War.  RFTW 2025 is the “Year of the Vietnam Vet.”  We will have several merchandise products such as shirts, pins and patches supporting this theme.  Central, Midway, and Southern routes will also be incorporating Vietnam Vet only platoons.  There are a few more announcements to come regarding this and we will be providing you with updates as the information is made public.

Lastly, I have recently announced an event that I am hosting that hopefully aligns well with this year’s theme.  If you have not seen it please go to  https://www.facebook.com/events/1018190793169145/ to find out more.  To highlight…on Wednesday 30 April 2025 I will be walking 58,276 steps, a step for every name that is on The Vietnam Wall.  I will also be walking an additional 1,575 steps as a reminder of those that are still missing and unaccounted for.  The first name is from 1959 and the last name is from 1975.  This represents 17 years of losses our nation, their families, and their friends suffered.  I will be wearing a 17-pound weighted vested during the walk to be symbolic of the weight this war bore on our nation.  There is no cost to participate.  I am simply asking those that would like to join me (I will be conducting this in Birmingham, AL) to simply make a donation to Run for the Wall.  The amount is their choice, and they can choose to make it to a specific route or the general fund.  If you would like to participate but are not local to the Birmingham area that’s okay.  Do it virtually.  If you would like to participate but for whatever reason you are unable to walk that many steps, that’s okay too.  Pick a year and walk a step for each name that was lost during that time.  Create a team relay and complete it as a collective.  The options are many but the goal in doing this is to remind the nation of the accountability of all POW/MIA while honoring the memory of those killed in action, two tenets within the Run for the Wall mission statement.  It is also a way to educate those who may not know about Run for the Wall and the role we play in support and healing.  If you would like more information on the event or how you can participate, please email me at eric.fort@rftw.us.  Also, general donations for support are accepted!!!

“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.”  This is why we ride.  Together let’s make 2025 a year to remember and give our Vietnam Veterans the WELCOME HOME they so deserved 50 years ago.

Say their names.  Tell their stories.  Never forget.

Eric “Pitch” Fort

Route Coordinator – Midway 2025

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2025 Radio Comms – Joint Statement from All Four Route Coordinators

Some of you may or may not know that in May 2024 the Central Route piloted and tested a new communications system for on-road communications while underway during our Mission from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC. GMRS Radios were used, and a GMRS repeater was also tested. This technology has much further range than CB, and with clearer reception and transmission.

CB radio service was originally established in 1949 and their usefulness and heyday of the 1970s has been outlived. A new replacement was needed for the unique communication requirements of RFTW. Motorcycle manufacturers have been discontinuing installing or offering CBs, or if they do, they are very expensive. And third-party motorcycle CB radio manufacturers, like J&M have also stopped making and supporting them.

The purpose of the test was to see how well it worked for RFTW. The results of the test in May 2024 was positive and exceeded expectations in most cases. Communications were clear with no relays needed to pass messages and the comms range was significantly extended with no outside interference.

At the July 20, 2024 BoD meeting, the BoD changed the SOP to allow GMRS as an option, and then left it up to each Route Coordinator’s sole discretion and decision to use CB or the newer GMRS Comms for the Run in 2025 for his respective route.

On July 29, 2024 all of the 2025 Route Coordinators (Central, Southern, Midway, and Sandbox) met in a separate RC only meeting without the Executive BoD.  ALL FOUR Route Coordinators are in lockstep, and unanimously decided that GMRS Radio Communications is the way to go and decided that all routes will use GMRS in 2025 as the primary mode of on-road communications for RFTW.

This means that ALL PACK Leadership WILL BE REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025, i.e. All Platoon Leaders, APL’s, Tail Gunners, Road Guards, Chaplains, Medics, and Chase will need a GMRS Radio. Pack riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen.

Regarding outrider and forward crews and teams such as Fuel, Staging, Ambassadors, and Outreach, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you start to use and get on the GMRS bandwagon as you will be able to hear the pack miles before they get to your location.

There are numerous off-the-shelf radios available that can be made Bluetooth capable if you have a Bluetooth helmet headset, like a Sena or a Cardo. If you do not use a Bluetooth helmet set-up, there are some wired solutions available, as well.

Option 1: (This option is a HIGH recommendation. Bluetooth Capable)
The radio is available at the BTECH website, and at Amazon

BTECH GMRS Pro Radio: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro/ref/gmrs/
Get the wireless PTT Button, and maybe a spare.
https://baofengtech.com/product/bs-ptt/ref/gmrs/

Use Coupon Code: RFTW
You will get both the Radio and Wireless PTT button for $152.44.
Must Add Both items, GMRS Pro radio, and wireless PTT button to BTECH online cart.
Deal Available at the the BTECH Website, not Amazon and not an Amazon Cart.

This is an optional adapter cable for K-1 type accessories:
https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro-k1-adaptor/ref/gmrs/?campaign=OptionalAdapter

To get “More Range” out of this handheld, it’s all about the ***antenna quality.*** Consider a higher quality antenna, or even an external antenna.

https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-701g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=5.5inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-771g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=15inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-ut-72g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=mountedantenna

Other Great GMRS Antennas – Here

Midland MXTA26 Antenna – need an adapter, NMO mount and coax with this option. This antenna has the most GAIN.

Option 2: (Also a High Recommendation, but does take skill to install. Bluetooth)
Vero VGC VR-N7500 High Power 50W/40W Transceiver. This a PERMANENT MOUNT Bluetooth unit. It transmits at up to 40W on UHF (GMRS) frequencies. 5X the power of the above handheld.

Get the Bluetooth button for this radio – Here

This unit requires an EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna. I like this antenna for a permanent NMO Mount, (or a handheld radio with an Adapter).

An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.

Kirk Olson – Central Route RC is running this set-up on his BMW K1600GT. The radio is Bluetoothed directly to a Sena 50S helmet set-up. The included mic shown in picture is not used.
(See a Picture of the set-up here)

** Currently, the VR-N7500 DOES NOT Bluetooth Connect to a Harley Branded Sena. It does connect to a regular, non-Harley Branded Sena. It must be something to do with the HD Firmware.

** There is a rumor that BTECH is coming out with their version of this radio in the very near future.

Option 3: (Non-Bluetooth GMRS Radios, work and are approx $50 or less)
Any GMRS Radio like, but not limited to, these:
TID Radio H8 GMRS Radio: https://amzn.to/47klXzu
https://amzn.to/3tJSpxw **Recommended (Value Pack)
Video on the TID Radio H8: https://youtu.be/8HXSlHT84yQ
Baofeng UV-5RTP: https://amzn.to/3tHoUMI
*These radios ARE NOT Bluetooth capable to a headset from the manufacturer, so would best be used with a wired set-up, and an earpiece or earbud (not ideal).

A company called Rugged Radios are the BEST wired harnesses for those that do not have or want a Bluetooth helmet set-up, and they also offer Bluetooth for any radio, and are built for motorcycling.

Wired & External Bluetooth harnesses options from Rugged Radios. These harnesses work with almost any GMRS handheld radio.
https://www.ruggedradios.com/collections/motorcycle-two-way-radio-helmet-communication-kits

Option 4:
If you are an Amateur Radio Operator (HAM), you may be interested in the Anytone ATD878UVII Plus. This is a HAM radio, and can be unlocked for GMRS use, and has Bluetooth built-in that will pair to a Bluetooth helmet set-up. This option does require very good to advanced computer skills to program the radio. The radio is also not IP67 (water proof), but the bluetooth piece is great.

Option 5:
Any Four-wheel vehicle can use a GMRS handheld or any Mobile Car/Truck Mounted GMRS radio.

Manufacturers of these are: Midland, Wouxun, to name a few.

These also require:
An EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna
An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.

The bottom line is, we are not going to tell you which brand to get.  You just need a radio to get GMRS frequencies into your helmet and your ears.  The above are options that work well, and there are and will be others.

Licensing:
Lastly, listening to a GMRS radio does not require a license from the FCC.
Transmitting on a GMRS frequency currently does technically require a license from the FCC and is easy to get, and is $35 for 10-years.
One license can be used per family.

Video on How-to get a GMRS license:
https://youtu.be/xOuOIB1KCQ4?t=73
Click here to establish your FCC FRN Number: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
Click here for the FCC Universal Licensing System: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system

Thank you.
See you in May 2025

Kirk Olson – Central Route Coordinator
Eric Fort – Midway Route Coordinator
Ken Ley – Southern Route Coordinator
William Brehler – Sandbox Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator July 2024 Newsletter

Photo Credit to Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

 

Fellow riders and supporters, let me be the first to welcome you to Run for the Wall Midway Route 2025!  I am extremely honored to have been selected by Don “10-A-See” King and appointed by the Run for the Wall Board of Directors to humbly serve you as the Route Coordinator for the coming year.  It is a position that I take very serious as the bar has been set high by over decade of extremely large Midway boots that I now step into.  Collectively with your support and dedication we will make it another great year.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank Don “10-A-See” King for all that you have done over the last year to help prepare me for serving Midway as the RC.  You are an outstanding example of what a servant leader is.  I truly appreciate the countless hours of mentoring, input, and conversations that we have shared over the last twelve months.  Most importantly I thank you for the friendship…It’s all good brother!

I would like to thank the Board of Directors for approving my nomination of Mike “Heavy” King as Midway Route’s 2025 Assistant Route Coordinator.  For those that do not know Mike, he has served Midway Route as the Oklahoma State Coordinator and a Road Guard LEO Liaison.  Mike is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army with 29 years of military service and currently serves as the USAG Fort Sill Director of Emergency Services & Provost Marshal.  He is also a Blue Star father to a daughter serving in the Navy and a son in the Army.  Mike brings of wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to RFTW and I am excited to have him as part of our team.  Please join me in congratulating him in the new role!

As many of you know, 2025 is a monumental year for Run for the Wall.  It not only marks the 35th Anniversary since the ’89ers went kickstands up starting this journey but it is also the 50th Anniversary of the official ending to the Vietnam War.  Having just attended the Face 2 Face meeting with the RFTW Board of Directors, RC, and ARC’s I can tell you that the a great deal of effort has been put into “The Year of the Vietnam Vet.”  Much more information will be released in the coming weeks so if you have not yet done so please go to the Contact page on the RFTW website and sign up for email updates.   I would also encourage you to “surf” around the website if you have not done so in a while.  The BOD has been updating several things that I believe you will all find beneficial.  Stay tuned for more to come…

Thank you to everyone that has provided an After Action Report (AAR) so far.  I can assure you that each and every one received is read by not only myself and the ARC but also by the members of the Board of Directors.  We truly appreciate the input regardless of it being good, bad, or ugly.  Your comments not only help us ensure we continue maintaining what is working but also focus on improving the areas we are falling short.  If you have not done so but would like to provide an AAR please go to respective Route Hub and click on After Action Report.  For Midway you can find it at https://rftw.us/after-action-report/  These can be filled out any time of year as well as during the Run.  You are also welcome to reach out to myself, Mike, or the Board of Directors directly.  Our information can be found on the website.

Run for the Wall is a 10 day mission however we are very fortunate to have the BOD’s support for Midway to leave a day early in order accommodate the logistics around several stops we have along our journey to DC.  Our mission is no different than the other routes but we need the Board’s approval to depart from Ontario a day ahead of the others to make this work.  Please take a moment to thank them for the continued support of Midway’s 11th day!  That being said planning for 2025 is well underway.  The majority of last year’s leadership and State Coordinators are returning but just like Uncle Sam says “I WANT YOU”  Each and every volunteer position is critical to the safety of making it all the way and successfully completing our mission.  You can find out more about each position on the website as well as complete the online application under the Volunteer Sign Up page.  Over the coming months I will be highlighting respective Team Leader and what their crew does but in the meantime if you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out directly.

“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.”  This is why we ride.  Together let’s make 2025 a year to remember and give our Vietnam Veterans the WELCOME HOME they so deserved 50 years ago.

Say their names.  Tell their stories.  Never forget.

Eric “Pitch” Fort

Route Coordinator – Midway 2025

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Midway Route Coordinator’s July 2024 News Letter

Midway Route

Good morning from Hot and Balmy Middle Tennessee!!!

Hope everyone is home safe and sound and had a great 4th of July!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank; All the riders for supporting the 2024 Midway Route and especially the former FNGs.  Second, the leadership which did a spectacular job.  Third, the Chaplin Corp including Hydration and Chase.  Fourth, the Outreach and Ambassadors who represented us.  Fifth, the Road Guards which kept us safe all the Way. Finally, to my support team who was always there to pick up my shortfalls!!  Thank you all for a great job to ensure Midway Route Mission Completion in 2024!!!

I want to encourage all to write an AAR so we can continue to improve the Midway Route.  Leadership needs to hear from you on your thoughts for improvement as well as, the things we are doing right.  Please comment on the outreach day in Cookeville.

It was a great honor to have been the Midway 2024 Route Coordinator.  Without the support of the Midway Family, I could not have accomplished the Mission.  I thank you all for that support and the opportunity!!  I look forward to seeing you all in May 2025 and hope all Former FNGs will bring someone with you next year!!!!

I am excited that the BOD approved the Leadership team for Midway Route 2025.  Eric “Pitch” Fort is going to be an outstanding Route Coordinator and I ask you all to support him a 100%, as I will!!!

IS IT MAY YET!!!

Regards,

Don “10-A-SEE” King
Route Coordinator
RFTW Midway Route 2024

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Midway Route Coordinator’s April News Letter

Good morning from Wet Stormy Mississippi!  We are less than 40 days till KSU (Kick Stands UP).  I hope you are just as excited as I am!!  It will be here before you blink an eye.

Your leadership team is busy with the last-minute coordination to ensure a great experience for each rider. Outreach and the Ambassadors have finalized their outreach/visitation schedule.  If you would like to experience one of these opportunities? Then please, let your platoon leader or the FNG Coordinator know.   We have planned to allow a limited number of individuals to experience the interaction with families, veterans and the public, that the outreach and the ambassadors enjoy throughout the run. Being selected to be a member of the outreach or ambassador team is probably one of the most prestigious and rewarding positions on the Run

I want to remind everyone of some administrative issues for Ontario:  Be sure your prepaid fuel has been done via check or Zelle (Midway.Route@RFTW.us), so you can breeze through the registration process.  Additionally, only cash for the prepaid fuel in Ontario. We have no way to process personal checks there!  Checks received by Lily after 15 April will not be processed!  Those individuals will be contacted to be sure you are aware of your status.  You need to bring a hard copy of your bike or vehicle registration/insurance/and driver’s license for verification at registration.

Preprint your completed emergency data form from the website with all information.  The emergency data form is required to be on your person at all times while on the run.  Another thing you will hear over and over is—HYDRATE-HYDRATE. You can help that by starting to drink water now!!  Be sure you have an adequate amount of your required medications packed for the trip.  Almost, impossible to get prescriptions filled out-of-state.

Lastly, your bike and you both need to be inspected and exercised in preparation for the run.  Most Harley Dealer’s offer a free safety check, I recommend that if you are riding a Harley. A few things to do on your bike prior to your arrival for the 3000 plus mile Run:   Make sure you don’t need an oil change.   Brake shoes need to be in good shape to ensure you can stop timely.  Tires have adequate tread for the trip and have no dry rot.  Check your tire pressure to ensure nothing is leaking.  Practice your group riding skills in a group ride if possible (keeping your spacing/ throttle control/etc).  Group riding is a perishable skill which needs practice to maintain a safe level of competence. Pack a bag — load the bike and go for a ride to ensure your stability/load security and you are organized the way you plan to ride. For those who don’t do long distance riding, the last item is very important— all bikes handle differently based on the load distribution of rider/passenger/and luggage. Many of these items will be checked daily by your platoon cadre. Your safety is of utmost importance to us all!!

We still have the $1000.00 drawing scheduled for Monday at the All Hands meeting in Lot D.  You can purchase your tickets through check or Zelle (see March News Letter).  After 1 May tickets will be available at the promotion table until noon on 13 May.  As also many other items will be for sale at the promotion table.  All need to check out the promotion table for items available, not going to give away that info you will just have to check it out!  The table should be located at the Holiday Inn close to the Merchandise Trailer in the parking lot.  Tee shirts and other items will be on sale at the Merchandise Trailer or you can preorder by going to the Store Tab on the RFTW web site.

We are still short on the Staging Team.  If you would like to serve on Staging, please fill out a Volunteer Form.

There are a couple of meetings I can announce today that will not change, they are required attendance:  Monday, May 13th—–FNG Meeting in Lot D, 1946 E. Holt Blvd. (just down the street from the host hotel) at 1 PM (1300) immediately, followed by the All Hands Meeting at 2 PM (1400).  We will stage in Lot D just like we will Tuesday morning so everyone gets an opportunity to see where they will be.  Staging will be by Platoon so look for the flag with your assigned Platoon Number on it.  Go to that flag and someone from staging will direct your parking.  You will get out of the meeting in time to go over to the ELK’s Lodge for the steak dinner they are preparing for us!!!  You may pay at the door or buy a ticket in Ontario.  They have purchase special ribeye steaks to cook on their grills, so they are especially good. Also, they decided to do it on Monday Night for Midway Route’s inclusion. Plan to go!

If you have visited the itinerary, you will see several schools on it.  You are encouraged to bring school supplies for the kids I.E.:  Pencils/Back Packs/etc.  Supplies you can carry easily.  Most people go to the store the night before the scheduled visit to make purchases to conserve space.  As an Example, I go to Dollar Tree and purchase $20.00 of pencils, twelve to the pack for $1.25 each. This activity is completely voluntary!

In DC there are a couple of significant activities:  We are going to visit Arlington Cemetery on Saturday Morning to lay a wreath.  The whole Run (All four routes) are allocated a total of 75 Bikes, for a total of 150 people. Which means only a limited number of FNG’s from each Route will be able to attend.  That number for Midway has yet to be determined.  I plan to start the selection process by levels of participation—-FNG’s who go all the way will have the first opportunity.  Please, plan on offering another rider a seat on your bike if you are riding single.  Don’t want any bikes going single which deprives someone of the opportunity.  Next don’t sign up if you are unsure if you want to participate.  We will probably stage at 630 AM Saturday morning for this event.  The actual schedule has not been announced yet.  Just a sneak peek!!  At the Lincoln Memorial we have been advised that there can be no chanting or loud noises.  The park Department is concerned about the deterioration caused by excessive sound waves.  No bull horns will be allowed.  Please, help us in this effort or we will not be able to obtain a permit from the park service for our annual group photo.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Since this is my last newsletter before KSU, I want to say it is an Honor to be your Midway Route Coordinator for the 10th Anniversary Run.  It has been a pleasure working with the leadership team who has done all the work to ensure a safe and successful Run. Without them and the State Coordinators, I would still be sitting on the start button. Your Servant Leadership Team is ready to deploy!!!  I look forward to seeing each & every one of you in Ontario or along the way.

 

I will have to say——IS IT MAY YET!!!!

Don “10-A-SEE” King
Midway Route Coordinator
10th Anniversary Run
RFTW 2024

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Midway Route Coordinator March News Letter

Well, here it is the Middle of March already!!!!  We are growing in numbers daily.  We now have about 90 FNGs and 255 riders signed up.

Spring has sprung for you I hope!!!  It is time to get your ride out and go over it from top to bottom in preparation for the run.  Tires/ Oil/ CB are important but you yourself is the key—-Please put a few miles on riding in preparation also.  Riding skills only improve by riding!!!  You also need to begin Hydration.  We ride through some very arid/hot and humid country over the 11 Days so HYDRATE_HYDRATE!!! You will hear that frequently.

Our State Coordinators are working hard to ensure we have the support we need across the nation.  They have done a great job!  If you have not registered, I encourage you to do so, as soon as possible.  We develop the daily meal plans based on registration.

We have not had much response to our plan of remembrance.  You don’t have to be on the run to submit a name.  If there is someone that has passed away in 2023 that has participated on the Midway Route could you please forward their name and the date of passing to zoewhat1@aol.com.  Thank you and may we remember them always!!!  SAY THEIR NAMES!!

Again, I remind everyone that the itinerary will be out by the first of next month on the Midway Hub. It will not be published in a hard copy book this year.  I encourage all of you, to either create a file on your electronic device or print and laminate a copy prior to your departure from home.

We have one promotion running right now managed by Gina Cutrer and Randy Olgin.  It is posted on the Midway RFTW site and Facebook.   A $1000.00 cash drawing to be drawn at the all-hands meeting on Monday before our departure on Tuesday.  The tickets for the cash drawing are one for $10.00, Seven for $50.00, twenty for $100.00, thirty for $150.00.  You can use ZELLE Midway.Route@rftw.us to pay for the cash drawing tickets, prepaid fuel, or to make a donation.  Be sure to note in the memo line what the money is designated for (Prepaid Fuel / Cash Drawing / Donation).  If you prefer to mail a check, then make the check payable to:  Midway Route RFTW and mail to Lily Lieux. 6426 Bridgeport Drive, Greenwell Springs, la. 70739 no later than 20 April 2024.  Again, be sure to note in the memo line of the check what the money is designated for (Prepaid Fuel / Cash Drawing / Donation).  Any checks received after 20 April 2024 will be returned unprocessed.

Our number of FNG’s continues to grow and our FNG Coordinator, ROGER FORD, is planning another Zoom call for the 23rd of March at 7PM Central Standard Time. Be on the lookout for the announcement on the social media pages, as well as, your email inbox for the Link. If you don’t get an invitation, please call / Text / email Roger or Myself.  We are both listed in the Midway Contact Tab on the RFTW website. Plan to participate, it is your chance to meet the primary team leads and to ask any of your unanswered questions.  Look forward to seeing you all there.  Welcome to the Midway Family!

Another exciting event that has yet to be published is a wreath laying at Arlington Cemetery on Saturday, 25 May.  We have been authorized to bring 75 bikes (150 FNGs) into Arlington for that event. The BOD and Route Leadership from all four route are working on the details of how many riders from each route will be allowed to attend.  If you are an FNG going All-the-Way let Roger know if you would like to participate in this activity.  If you are a single rider you need to  let another FNG ride with you. We want to fill all of the allocated spaces.  This is a unique opportunity, we have not been allowed to do on the run since 2019.  We need to take advantage of it.  Please, don’t signup if you are not sure about going!!!

Finally, we are still short of volunteers on some of our teams.  Merchandise needs one or two people to help sell shirts and other items out of the Midway Merchandise Trailer.  Fuel and staging still has a need for volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer, please submit a volunteer form or contact me at: email- don.king@rftw.us or text/ call me at 662-229-8304.

Only 64 days till KSU for the 10th Anniversary Run for Midway Route!!!

I look forward to seeing you all in Ontario!!!

Don “10-A-SEE King
RFTW Midway Route Coordinator 2024

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Midway Route Coordinator February Newsletter

Well here we are already in February of 2024—-It will be MAY before we know it.  I would like to wish the Midway Family a Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!  We are now 220 strong with 75 FNGs.

After looking at the present cost of fuel, the prepaid number is One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00). One hundred fifty dollars for 2958 miles is cheap!!! You can prepay anytime between now and 5 May via Zelle to Midway.Route@rftw.us. Or  you can mail a check to Lily per the instructions below.  Be sure to put your correct name, registered under, phone number, and prepaid fuel in the memo block so we can include you on the spread sheet.  You can also bring cash to registration.  If you do not prepay your cost is Twenty Dollars ($20,00) per day.  To be very clear there are no exceptions to this policy.  The fuel team will be collecting the money at the pump from the non-prepaid participants. I am prepaying my fuel and I expect everyone to participate honorably. I like to use a phrase that defines this very well:  Discipline is doing what is right when no one is looking!! < SO PLEASE DO RIGHT >

Outreach has taken on a new task this year to try to collect and honor those who have fallen in the past year.  I asked Zoe our Outreach Coordinator to provide me with an announcement I could include here: The Midway Route has experienced the sadness of losing some wonderful family members in 2023.  We would like to honor the memory of these individuals during our Run this year.  They have all touched RFTW in one way or another.  If there is someone that has passed away in 2023 that has participated on the Midway Route could you please forward their name and the date of passing to zoewhat1@aol.com.  Thank you and may we remember them always!!!   Zoe

Hope everyone has made their hotel reservations and found a roommate if you were looking for one.  The itinerary will be out the last part of this month.  It will not be published in a hard copy book this year.  I encourage all to either create a file on your electronic device or print and laminate a copy prior to your departure for the Run.  Each of you need to review the daily stops and be aware of the efforts made by the communities along the way to host our group for lunches and dinners.  Additionally, the three outreaches for Cookeville are included.  Need to look at the different ones to determine the one you would like to participate in.  I will talk more about these outreaches later.

We have two promotions running right now managed by Gina Cutrer.  Both are posted on the RFTW site and Facebook.   The super bowl is February the 11 and we are selling squares on a football board for $25.00 each or five for $100.00.  The payout is $100.00 Walmart Gift Card per Quarter with no overtime.  We are also  doing another $1000.00 cash drawing to be drawn at the all-hands meeting on Monday before our departure on Tuesday.  The tickets for the cash drawing are one for $10.00, Seven for $50.00, twenty for $100.00, thirty for $150.00.  For both promotions you can pay by Zelle to Midway.Route@rftw.us with a note in the memo line for the promotion your money is designated for.  For the super Bowl board Zelle no Later than 10 February.  For the prepaid fuel or the cash drawing  you can mail a check to Lily Lieux. 6426 Bridgeport Drive, Greenwell Springs, la. 70739 no later than 20 April, 2024. Please, make a note in the memo line of the check for what you are donating to.  Any checks received after this date will be returned unprocessed.

When you review the itinerary, Look at the schools, churches, VFWs, American Legions, and Communities that open their doors to us with food and community involvement.  They all support their local veterans though Programs, Memorials, and Museums.   Additionally, they provide honor guards and other support to their communities which cost money.  They start working the day after our departure  raising money and support for our annual return. I bring all of this to your attention again, so each of you understand the importance of your participation in the various fund raising events and how your leadership is trying to be good stewards of your generosity.  Without you the Riders and your contributions there would be no RFTW.

I want to thank each of you for stepping up to help make Midway 2024 our 10th Anniversary a great success!

Is It May Yet!!!!

Don “10-A-SEE” King
Midway Route Coordinator
RFTW XXXIV

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Midway Route Coordinator January Newsletter

Ruby and I wish for each of you that the New Year will bring much happiness and may each day bring you bountiful blessings!
 Happy New Year to all my RFTW Family!

Welcome FNGs!!  We now have 49 registered.  Our FNG Coordinator plans to hold another Zoom Call on the 13th of January at 5PM Pacific Time.  The announcement and zoom link is on the Midway Facebook Page.  Additionally, each of you should have received an email from Roger with the information.  Please, check your spam folder if you have not seen the invite.  Look forward to seeing all of you on the call!

This is the last month for early registration.  In reviewing the registration list there is a significant amount of our leadership who have yet to registered.  I received a volunteer form last week from a person who had not yet registered. Couldn’t even find a phone number to contact that person to discuss the position applied for.   Registration is important to give us contact information and accurate planning numbers for the State Coordinators.  I encourage all of you to register now!

The hotel list was published on January 1.  I have not heard of any issues or problems with making reservations.   Hopefully, all of you have confirmed your reservations.  The Hotel coordinators do the tuff job of lining hotel rooms up for the Group.  Carol Olmstead in Ontario, Ca, Jerry Wilkins for Midway Route, and Gail Dipple in Washington, DC—-Kudos to you all for a great Job!!!

Fund raising is ongoing.  Congratulations to Marcus “Watcher” Power on his win of the $1000.00 Cash Drawing in December.  We have two opportunities coming up.  Gina has published on our Facebook Page the information for the Super Bowl football board that we do every year as a fund raiser.  A square is $25.00 or you can get 5 for the bargain price of $100.00.  The winning square at the end of each quarter gets a $100.00 Walmart gift card.  The end of game is the fourth quarter—-NO OVERTIME!!!  All the money raised goes toward fuel for the Midway Route.  Additionally, we plan to do another Cash drawing for a $1000.00 to be drawn at the all hands meeting the Monday before our departure from Ontario. Watch for this flyer on the Face book page coming soon!!!!

The leadership is in the final phases of Route planning:  Equipment orders/ Itinerary publication/fuel stops/activities within each State.  Our Route is about 99% solidified in all of those areas.  The leadership can look forward to ZOOM CALLS TO START MONTHLY TO ENSURE COMMUNICATIONS AND ROUTE COORDINATION IS COMPLETE!

I am excited that we are only 125 days from Ontario!!!!  I look forward to all of you there!!!  Between now and then get out and ride to get in condition and most of all be safe & Healthy!!!

IS IT MAY YET???  

Don ’10-A-See” King

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Midway Route Coordinator December News Letter

 “MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!“

Ruby and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and safe travels for the season.  We hope each and every one of you will enjoy your time with family and friends!  Imagine, it is less than a month till 2024 and only 150 days to KSU for the Midway Route.
Time flies when you’re having fun….

The Midway team is hard at work to meet the schedule for the publication of the HOTEL List on 1 January.  For all the old timers you know what that means; for the FNGs be on the alert and act quickly with your reservation at the host hotels, especially in California and DC!  The itinerary is in the final stages and will be published as scheduled.

I am concerned about registration as well as the amount of donations to date.  If you are not registered, please do so as soon as possible.  We need our rider numbers for the State Coordinators to accomplish support planning for our meals along the way!!  Not to mention the fact that the early bird registration pricing is over on January 31, 2024.

The Army/Navy game and the hotel raffle has not generated significant funds as in the past.
Trying to figure out the problem??
Please, let me know any issue, if you have participated in the past but not this year, for what reason??  All these funds go to support rider fuel cost.  We have not generated enough so far to even pay for one fuel stop.  We have the Super Bowl Board coming up.  I’m asking all of you to participate.  It pays $100.00 per quarter and one square could get you the $100.00!
Last year we filled two boards!!!!

Leadership is busy accumulating the equipment requirements for each team, so our order can be placed.  The planning for our activities in both Ontario and DC are in the early planning stages.  As soon as, the schedule of events is solidified, we will publish the schedule, so you can make your plans accordingly. Midway is the only 11 Day route and we will depart Ontario on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024.

We still have leadership and support team member openings on Staging, Chase, and the Platoons.   Please fill out a volunteer form if you would like to participate on one of these teams.

I know this letter is short and sweet but be prepared for the New Year!  We need to start the New Year Running toward May!!  After 1 January things will begin to get hectic.  I ask that each of you please make time to participate in the Zoom calls that apply to your area of responsibility. Leadership needs your input!!
Without your participation something could be missed!! 

Is It May Yet!!!!!!

Don “10-A-SEE” King
Midway Route Coordinator

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MIDWAY ROUTE COORDINATOR November Newsletter

Hope all had a great Thanksgiving with both family and friends!  I know Ruby and I did visiting with my 93 year old mother and other family members.  Sorry for being late with this newsletter, but Ruby retired and we have moved into our fifth wheel and traveled from California to Mississippi SO FAR.

I need to remind all that our promotion for the Army/Navy game and the $1000.00 cash drawing is coming to a close on 1 December.  MAKE YOUR DONATION—NOW–DON’T MISS OUT!!!

Registration is ongoing with 115 registered so far.  I would encourage everyone to register before the fees increase on 1 Feb, 2024.  Our FNG Coordinator, Roger Ford, is preparing a  zoom meeting for the FNGs in early December.  Be on the lookout for the announcement of the date, time, and zoom link on both the website and face book.

The hotels and itinerary will be finalized soon.  There are several hotel changes so don’t try to get ahead of the publication for action.  One example is a new host hotel in Shawnee!!!  Itinerary changes are being solidified such as a new fuel stop in Memphis, Tx.

Cherry girl has been in contact with the Wilson Elementary Principal, Ashley Fisher, in Crawford, Tn for a Midway Pen Pal opportunity.  Principal Fisher suggested the best way to start the pen pal process would be for any riders wishing to participate to email her directly at:  afishefr@oc-sd.com with the following information:
Name
Mailing Address
Rider request IE:  Any certain grade level from 3 thru 8.

She would then select and assign a student who would correspond with the rider to initiate the ongoing communication.

I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE TO DO SO AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE PROCESS, PLEASE.

It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of one of our Midway Route Riders.  “Curly” (Phoebe) is the daughter of one of our Road Guards, Tim “Big Bopper” Bannister.  In 2022, “Bopper” and “Curly” rode the Midway Route and then also the Sandbox Route” together.  Sharing RFTW with her Father was one of Curly’s “Bucket List” items.  At the time of her FNG Run, she had been battling cancer for five years.  It was an honor for us, the Midway Route Riders, to help her fulfill this dream.  She brought so much joy to us all, and to see this father and daughter duo together was amazing.

But as much joy as we had sharing this dream with them, it meant even more to Curly and Bopper.  In a letter that Tim shared with us this year, Curly wrote: “You will never know what a difference you made in my life.  That week I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself and my problems.  I forgot about the cancer for the first time since I’d been diagnosed.  Life’s worries melted away as I focused on the mission.  I loved every moment of the journey and every one of you that was on it.”

The Midway Route would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Bannister Family, and we Thank them for allowing us to get to know and love such a courageous and loving Young Lady.
We love our Midway Route Family!

 

I have been in contact with our Outreach Team Lead to discuss ways to recognize our fallen from year to year.  There will be more to come on this IN UPCOMING NEWSLETTERS..

In closing, I would again ask you to register early, volunteer for a leadership position, and participate in the ongoing promotions.  Without you and your participation our ability to make donations across our Route will not be possible!!

IS IT MAY YET???

DON “10-A-SEE” KING
Route Coordinator
RFTW-Midway Route