Category: Midway Route Coordinator News

260 Days to KSU!

Now that the ‘DOG Days of Summer” are subsiding and as we celebrate Labor Day, back to school and football season we need to start thinking of what we need to do between now and next May to be prepared for the Midway Mission.

Hello FNG’s and Returning riders

Welcome to the Midway family! Let’s do a quick review of what our RFTW Organization is all about.

You do not need to be a veteran to ride, everyone is welcome! The ages of the participants range from eight to eighty. These include mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers! Among the ridership you will find veterans, active-duty military, patriots, supporters, friends, and family.

“Is It May Yet”?

The Run occurs every May with the three coast to coast routes beginning around the middle of the month and culminating on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. The fourth route “Sandbox”, begins on Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend. You will often hear members of the RFTW family lament, “Is it May yet?” because we are excited about this great ride and experience that we are preparing for you and wish it were May already.

Coast to Coast 2027
Ontario, California to Washington, D.C.

Midway Route:   Central Route:   Southern Route: All leave on Wednesday, May 19 – May 29 (10 days)

Wall to Wall
Washington, D.C. to Marseilles, Illinois

Sandbox Route:  May 30 – June 1 (3 days)

We Ride For Those Who Can’t

Run For The Wall began in 1989 as an effort by a couple of Vietnam Veterans who traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles, talking to local radio, television, and newspapers about the fact that we had thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all our wars.

The need for this awareness continues, so RFTW riders maintain this tradition every May by riding their motorcycles from “coast to coast”, and since 2022 from “wall to wall” honoring the men and women who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice from the gulf war conflicts.

RFTW does not give political speeches or stage demonstrations. Run For The Wall emphasizes its message by traveling through the United States in a safe and orderly manner, obeying traffic laws and treating all citizens with respect. Our motto is, “We Ride For Those Who Can’t”.

Raising public awareness is only part of the Mission of Run For The Wall. RFTW also gives veterans (from Vietnam and all wars and conflicts) the opportunity to receive the Welcome Home they so richly deserve, and an encouraging environment where they can further their healing process.

Many who have served our country, especially in combat, return with issues that may be unresolved. This can also extend to friends and families who have experienced the range of emotion and trauma associated with having a loved one go off to serve. RFTW riders find healing and camaraderie in the Run For The Wall family. They can finally start settling issues that have been put away for years.

Together We Ride

Run For The Wall is a motorcycle ride like none other. It is definitely not a party, but rather a mission of honor and an odyssey of patriotism and respect through the heart of the United States of America. On the Run we ride side by side (and in some cases staggered) in parade formation all the way. Each Route is led by a Route Coordinator and an Assistant Route Coordinator. At the head of the pack is the Missing Man formation.

The Missing Man Formation
The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route we honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack and we SAY THEIR NAMES so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  Once again Midway’s MMF will be led by James “Juice” Brown so be sure to contact him at James.brown.cbrr@hotmail.com with potential MM riders contact information so that he can get their spot reserved.

You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.

The main pack of motorcycles is divided into platoons. Each platoon is headed by a Platoon Leader and an Assistant Platoon Leader as well as one or two Tail Gunners to help pace the group.

While most of the vehicles are conventional two-wheeled motorcycles (of all makes and models), there is also a healthy contingent of trikes and three-wheel vehicles such as Can-Am Spyders – and even a few motorcycles and trikes who tow trailers. That said, we do allow 4-wheel vehicles to register and drive the route of their choice, with the proviso that 4-wheelers drive 15 minutes (give or take) ahead of the pack and not interfere with the parking or staging of the pack at any of the stops. (Alternatively, 4-wheel vehicles may drive behind the pack, behind the last man vehicle and any chase trucks/trailers, but we prefer that you drive out ahead….) Four-wheel vehicle participants will still be able to take part in all the RFTW activities, but you must remain safely out of the way of the motorcycle pack. Please consider that some fuel stops and/or lunch stops are quite compressed and room to maneuver any 4-wheel vehicle around the 300-400 motorcycles staged in tight quarters could be challenging. (Polaris Slingshot – Our Official Policy on Polaris Slingshot’s is that these vehicles are the size of and essentially a “small car” and will follow the aforementioned protocol of other 4-wheel vehicles.)

Registration

Registration for the 2027 Run For The Wall will open on September 11th, 2026 @ 8:46 a.m. (EST), 7:46 a.m. (Central), 6:46 a.m. (MST), 5:46 a.m. (PST)

Please put this on your calendar, make a cup of coffee and be ready when registration opens. We really need your support on this to gather data necessary for additional planning. Thank you, in advance for your support.

Pre-Paid Fuel                                                          

As in 2026, we will have the mandatory pre-paid fuel program for 2027. This proved quite successful and was well received by both the riders and our Road Guards and Fuel Team.  My leadership team and I are researching costs to come up with a fair cost that you can pay when you register or on siter in Ontario. If you’re a day rider and only have a few days to join us then your fuel cost will be prorated.  We hope to maintain the same cost as in 2026. This program is extremely important so that our road guards and fuel team traffic control personnel can get you quickly off the road, into the pumps and to the staging location as safely and efficiently as possible where you can get off your vehicle, get hydrated and use the facilities. If you are fumbling in your wallet for money to pay your fuel cost, it lengthens the time for each vehicle at the pump.

Opportunities

Are you interested in further supporting Midway Route this year? Do you like being a part of the planning process? So, if you are not an FNG and have gone all the way at least once then I have some awesome and rewarding opportunities for you.  Volunteer signup forms are on the RFTW web site or can be reached at this link.  Midway Route Volunteer Signup Form

Current team openings on Midway are:

Chaplain, Promotions, Ambassadors, Medical, Road Guards, Advance Team, Fuel Team, Staging, Asst. Arkansas State Coordinator, Asst. Oklahoma State Coordinator and Asst. North Carolina State Coordinator.

We would love to have you join us as a member of our leadership team!!  So fill out the Volunteer Signup From and we’ll get it to the team lead and they will be in contact.

Here we GROW!

Let’s all see if we can help grow our Midway riders for ’27.  Please reach out to your friends, family, riding buddies or anyone else who you think would like to be a part of the largest organized coast to coast ride in the world.   By convincing a fellow veteran to ride with you to acquire the healing this adventure provides to many veterans who are struggling with their service.

Feel free to promote the Run generally and Midway specifically.  Below are a few marketing collateral items you can use to help you “spread the word”.

• 2027 Large 11″ x 17″ Poster
• 2027 Small 8.5″ x 11″ Printable Flyer
• 2027 Rack Card
• Presentation Talking Points (Template)

Fund Raising

We can all help the Run by doing a little fund raising.  Feel free to solicit local motorcycle shops, VFW’s, American Legion Posts, local business, etc…  Anyone can help secure funds for Midway by interacting with any or all of those entities.  There are a few guidelines to follow so if you would like more information on the process please give me a jingle.   Randy.sheets@rftw.us.

RFTW 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.”

Please join our mission, get personally involved, pass the word and always remember the ones who went before us and some who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Say their names”  “Never Forget”  “Tell their stories”

IS IT MAY YET!

Greetings Midway Family,

I hope your summer is going well!  We’re almost to September which brings cooler weather, the beginning of Fall and Fall Colors and football!  We also have some exciting news to share regarding our current Board of Directors.  After 5 years, John “Turkey” Staub is cycling off the Board as President and Billie “Bugs” Dunlap has assumed that position.  Alan “X-Box” Steiner is also leaving the Board after 3 years as Operations Director.

Also in transition on the Board are a few current Board members who are moving into new roles as well.  Ted “Boots” Kapner is leaving the Board and his position of Public Relation Director of 5+ years to use his skills as Assistant Route Coordinator for Central Route.  Ted will continue to Co-Host our Podcast with Tai “Hitch” Harmon so keep looking for those informative and sometime funny postings.  The podcast can be reached here.  RFTW Podcasts

Please join me in thanking these three fine folks who have worked very hard at leading and improving RFTW as we continue to successfully plan towards completing our mission, and it is a mission.

We have some new additions to the board as well.  They are “Branda “Baby Doll” Huddleston as Secretary and Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson as Public Relation Director.  Please check out the President’s posting on these changes and to get to know more about your Board members.  Here’s the link: RFTW Presidents Newsletter .

Finally, we have an open position on the Board which anyone can apply for.  It’s our Operations Director was recently vacated as Alan “X-Box” Steiners term has ended.  You can find out the requirements for this position at : Operations Director Application so if you are looking for a meaningful, but challenging way to support RFTWs mission and riders feel free to apply.

“Say their names”

“Never Forget”

“Tell their stories”

IS IT MAY YET!

My name is Randy Sheets, and my road name is “Stinger”.

I was honored to be your Midway Route 2026 Assistant Route Coordinator and even more honored to have been confirmed by the BoD as your 2027 Run For The Wall – Route Coordinator. I’m happy to announce that my nomination for your Midway Assistant Route Coordinator is Mark Brundage, road name “Ox” and your Midway Road Guard Captain is Ryan Long, road name “Pipes” were confirmed by the Board of Directors.

A bit about me, I’m an Air Force Veteran who served from 1976-1980.  My career field was in Telecommunications.  After basic training in San Antonio, I did my technical school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS.  After tech school, I was stationed at Carswell AFB in Ft Worth, TX.  It was a SAC base at that time, and I always enjoyed watching the “Buffs” come and go as it meant freedom to me.  In 1978, I was stationed in Okinawa at Kadena AFB until I was honorably discharged in May of 1980.  After that, I turned my Air Force training into a career, first by working in the Cable TV field as a technician and eventually as the Technical Operations Manager with Comcast in Indianapolis for 17 years.  I then took a Sr. Sales and Engineering position in the field of video transport over fiber optics until I retired in 2023.

With respect to the Run, my FNG year was in 2014, the year of the first Midway route.  I rode in the pack in ‘14 & ’15 because, like a lot of our riders, I did not have enough vacation time to go “All the Way”.  In 2016 I gained another weeks’ vacation and my wife at the time asked me what we are going to do with that extra week and I replied, “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to Ontario”.  Once I recovered from the frying pan hitting me in the head I was able to go to Ontario.

2016 was my first year in Leadership.  I was a Tail gunner with the trailer platoon.  What an experience that was.  From 2017 on, other than the covid years, I was a Road Guard.  In 2024 & 2025 I had to tap out due to a hip replacement in April of ’24 and another medical issue grounded me in ’25.  I thought ’26 might be in jeopardy as I needed a redo of the previous hip replacement which I had done just 6 weeks before KSU in Ontario.  I was determined to ride, but hadn’t really ridden in 3 years as I was in some state of recovery from surgeries.  I must agree that it is true that if you don’t practice your skills by riding you lose them and this showed for sure during  the Run, so the moral of that is, besides hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, you need to practice, practice, practice!

You know that the Run, besides all the fun, camaraderie, seeing familiar faces, renewing friendships and meeting new folks, the Run, or as I like to say, the mission is to promote healing and demand a full accounting for our lost men and women who have not yet come home.

FNG’s – Friendly New Guys / Gals

Our FNG’s are the one thing that makes RFTW so meaningful.  Everyone is welcome to ride with us as having served is not a requirement.  If you go all the way or just a day or two you will find a caring and open atmosphere so, please keep coming back and tell all of your friends and family about RFTW and invite them to join us.

The 2027 route KSU is May 19th at 07:00 from Ontario, CA. Registration will open on September 11, 2026, and the hotel list comes out in early January.  The Midway Itinerary will be developed by our State Coordinators and released in early ’27.  Updates to follow on these important dates.  If you are interested in filling a Leadership position then go to the link and fill out the request form.   Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®

As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday this month and as we move forward, we must all remember that “Freedom isn’t free”, it was earned and is maintained with the blood, sweat and tears of our soldiers, sailors airmen, marines and patriots who have made America what she is today, a bastion of freedom and the envy of the world.

In closing, 2027 is going to be a remarkable year for the Run. We will continue the mission to promote healing among all veterans, their family and friends, to call for an accounting of all POW’s and those still missing in action, to honor the memory of those KIA from all wars and to support our military personnel all over the world.

Say their names.

Never forget.

This is why we ride.

I arrived home in southern California 5 days ago and it seems like yesterday.

Welcome home to all and “Happy Father’s Day”. Can you believe how fast time is just flying by.

This year’s run leaves me with so many fond memories. Some of profound joy of seeing old friends and meeting new ones and some of Immense sadness of loss and maybe the realization that time stands still for no one. But before I expound on these feelings and more let me express my profound gratitude to your 2026 Leadership team. The leaders and their respective teams worked tirelessly since the end of 2025 to ensure your experience in 2026 would be enlightening, memorable and healing for many. These volunteers were State Coordinators, Road Guards, Missing Man Coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, Platoon Leaders, Asst Platoon Leaders, Tail Gunners, Financial services, Risk Management, Photographer, Sit rep writers, Hotel/Camping Coordinator, RC assistants and the many individuals from our local communities that welcomed us and fed us all across this country.

I would be remiss if I did not single out some individuals who went above and beyond in supporting me and giving me the ability to make this year’s run meaningful, fun, healing and hopefully a memory you will cherish and share with your children and grandchildren in the future.

Jerry Wilkins was not only my mentor this year, he was also the Midway routes California state coordinator, hotel coordinator, camping coordinator, Advance team Road Guard and Registration Team Lead. Thank you, Jerry for keeping me “On Track” and providing sage guidance daily. You were always there for me and the Midway family.

Michelle DeLa Cruz became my guiding light starting on day one. She always was ready to help with anything I needed assistance with including being the platoon leader for the leadership support platoon. “Thank you, Michelle”.

“Java Joe” Bookataub developed all Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders and Tail Gunners for this years run. He told me that sometimes it was like herding cats. All the Platoon participant’s succeeded in becoming more proficient daily at pack riding. Whether you were in Platoon leadership or a rider or an FNG, it became apparent that you were becoming a team as we got closer to Springfield.

Well Done to all!!!

Collectively, I hope the leadership teams made 2026 memorable and reinforced the true purpose and focus of just what in life is worth fighting for. We hope that you always remember that life is truly about “The Mission”!

After Action Reports

Please remember that we are always trying to make next years’ experience better and that is why the After-Action Reports (AAR’S) are very important. I have received many already and I want to assure you that they are read by not only me but by the Board of Directors. I have already made a list of items from your submissions to be discussed at our next directors’ meeting. You can find AAR’S on the Midway page, second from the bottom on the scroll down menu. Please take this opportunity to tell me how we did this year. The Good, the bad and the ugly.

We cannot as a family make it better if we do not have an honest evaluation of our process and procedure.

To truly make a better product we collectively must analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate continuously. Please use the After Action Report (AAR) as your personal vehicle to assist the RFTW leadership accomplish this mission.

Red Star Foundation

It saddens me to hear that our continued armed conflicts are afflicting our warriors with same guilt as I suffered and is potentially causing us to lose them at a rate of 20 -22 a day. We have developed a partnership with the Red Star foundation whose primary purpose is to never allow this nation to forget the cost of armed conflict and those who chose to offer that sacrifice.
If our combined efforts can save even a few, it was well worth the time, effort and money.

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

It was my honor to lead the Midway route across this great country this year. I look forward to seeing you all next year as your route Mentor.

“IS IT MAY YET”

Midway Family, May is here!!!!!!!

We are now just 13 Days from KSU. Your leadership teams are putting the final touches on your Midway adventure.

At the risk of repeating myself, I must remind all of us about where our focus should be. What do we truly need to pack for our 10-day adventure. Just the essentials because there is not a lot of room on the bike for anything else. And always remember, there are stores everywhere. It has always helped me to prepare a checklist of necessary items: Prescriptions, toiletries, changes of clothes, undergarments, extra glasses, long-sleeved shirts, socks, warm clothing for those cold mornings, extra gloves for those cold mornings, etc. The more you pack, the more weight you carry.

Pre-Paid Fuel

The pre-paid fuel option is now closed.  You can only pay cash at check-in at Ontario. There are no credit card options. At registration your payment will be verified or cash accepted, and you will be issued a fuel sticker. This will go on your windshield, on the clutch side just below your platoon number. For individuals with windshield banners, clutch side, beside your banner. Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas.

Route Itineraries

Itineraries have now been published and are available on the Midway website. You can either print out a copy or use the QR code and download it to your phone or mobile device. This will provide you with a minute by minute, Day by day glimpse of exactly what you will be involved in. Additionally, I know many of you have friends that wish to meet you or stand on an overpass and recognize your personal adventure. The itinerary provides exact locations for you and your friends. Lastly, it also provides emergency Medical and Chase vehicle phone numbers to assist you with any issues you may face along the route.

Ontario and Springfield Schedule of events

A copy of both the Ontario and Springfield schedule of events are available on the RFTW website – Midway page on the menus on the left-hand side of the page. In addition, each of your team/Platoon leaders has been given a copy of the Ontario schedule of events. Please ensure you are where you need to be to attend your meetings to meet your fellow riders and have the most current information. Additionally, there is also a schedule of events happening at the Elks lodge including meals.

A shuttle schedule has also been published between the host hotel and the Elks lodge in Ontario, if you wish to use it.

Registration

Believe it or not, there are still individuals who have not registered for the run. The process for registration is new this year. Please be patient as we work within this new system.

Registration will be conducted each evening immediately after dinner for new riders.

Please register now. Our registration team needs to have you on their computers, so we know if you have made it to Ontario.

End of Mission at the Wall

The RFTW picture at the Lincoln Memorial will be on 23 May at 0900. You need to be there early to find a good location for the photo. Parking will be strictly enforced this so please park your bike only in designated areas or uber or cab to the photo. Immediately afterwards we will walk to the Vietnam Memorial and have the “End of Mission” ceremony” where all four route coordinators will lay the RFTW Mission plaque at the apex of the wall. This will occur at 0930 so you need to make your way to the wall with a purpose.

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown

Midway has been assigned 20 motorcycles with 39 seats available to ride to the “Tomb of the Unknown soldier” and observe a laying of a wreath on behalf of all the riders from RFTW. This is truly an honor. The only motorcycles allowed on Arlington National Cemetery grounds are those from RFTW.  FNG’s only will be allowed this year!

Friendly reminder for ANC riders

You are not allowed to have any weapons on you or a GMRS radio on your motorcycle. In addition, you must have your state “Real ID” or a passport on your person to enter a federal installation.

Please contact your platoon leader or FNG Coordinator for additional details

Rolling to Remember

RFTW group will depart ALP on Sunday, May 26^th after Sandbox Route has cleared the parking lot. Anyone who is registered for one of the RFTW C2C or Sandbox routes and, are not going on Sandbox, can come for the morning breakfast buffet at the ALP. Breakfast will end when Sandbox departs, RTR event staging area is at the Pentagon North Parking lot. Bring cameras, snacks, sunscreen and lots of water.

Always remember our primary reason for riding is our Mission:

“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.”

Donations

If you are working with any organizations that are contributing to the Midway route for 2026, please remind them that there are very few days left to process the donation and to be useful in support of this year’s adventure.

Pack and repack your bike. (You do not need as much as you may think). Walk, run, stretch, exercise!

Ride your bike, if possible. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Do NOT procrastinate. Do it today!!!

Lastly, please remember that we respect all riders and their opinions. NO ATTITUDES!

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.

Freedom Isn’t Free.

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

See you in Ontario. Be safe in your travels. Maybe practice Throttle control instead of using your brakes. Just saying!!!!