Category: Midway Route Coordinator News

Greetings RFTW Midway family,

I attended the Board of Directors meeting that was called to discuss the Covid-19 virus situation and the effect on RFTW 2020.  Much discussion was had and after much consideration, I regret to inform you that RFTW 2020 has been cancelled.  It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you this because I know how important this mission is to everyone and how much work has gone into planning for this Run.  I am sure that you are all as disappointed about this as I am. 

I have been in touch with all the State Coordinators. Like most participants, some wanted us to continue and others did not think it was a good idea.  The CDC guidelines and many of the state’s government restrictions just made the planning for our route to go on practically impossible. 

The BOD is charged with the responsibility of making sure the Run for the Wall, as an organization, is protected and here to serve our mission for the future.  It was a difficult vote to make but was done for the benefit of RFTW’s future as well as for the safety of our RFTW family and supporters.  The 4 Route Coordinators understand and support their decision.  I hope you all will too. 

I want to thank everyone who put so much work into our mission for this year.  I am very grateful to all of you who put so much time and effort with me into this 2020 Run to make it, what I know would have been, such a special year. I do not want to single anyone out and it is not practical for me to list everyone. However, I must thank the State Coordinators and our Road Guard Captain!  An unbelievable number of hours were put in by these people. I also want to thank our ARC. He was thrown into this position at the last minute and was such a big help.  All our team leaders stepped up to the plate.  What a fantastic team we have put together!  I hope that you will all be here for us again for 2021! 

We realize that this mission touches and affects many communities across our country.  It was only right that we do not wait until the last minute to cancel this event this year.  In some areas, our State Coordinators were finding it very difficult to impossible to obtain the volunteers, supplies and donations to take care of us, and State’s restrictions would not allow our group to assemble.  We also must consider the impact we have on businesses, donors and volunteers.  For instance, we book hundreds of hotel rooms.  It would not be very respectful to the hotels to cancel all those rooms at the last minute.  They would probably be very reluctant to block rooms for us again next year.  Our Hosts will be buying all kinds of food and supplies for us, it would not be right to back out on them at the last minute and have them stuck with the expenses and wasted time put into this.

Our route was put together very well, and our leadership team represented RFTW very professionally.  We must cancel this event just as well and professionally.  We need time to contact the hotels, donors, hosts, Law Enforcement, community leaders, etc….   We must express our regret as well as our appreciation for their understanding and support.  We will ask for their continued support for next year as well! When cancelling your hotel reservations, please thank them and let them know that we look forward to staying with them next year. Please be a good ambassador for RFTW. It is a difficult time for them as well and we want them to look forward to working with us again.

I will continue to send out RC Newsletters with any updates that I can pass on to all of you to keep you informed as to what is going on with the Midway route. and our plans to prepare for 2021.

The BOD has asked me to return as Route Coordinator for 2021.  This route belongs to the Midway family.  If the Midway team will support my return, I would be honored to work another year as RC to serve the Midway Route for 2021.  I hope that we will be able to keep this fantastic team together!   I choose to not look at this as a negative thing but as a positive opportunity to begin work early for Midway 2021! God willing, this situation will pass soon. My trust is in God and if this situation changes soon enough, you never know, I may just show up at “The Wall” on my own for Memorial Day weekend. Maybe I will see some of you there!

I wish you all good health and happiness and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the reunions.

Have I told you lately?……………………………………I love my RFTW Midway Family!

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway Route Coordinator

Greetings RFTW Midway Family,

 I am writing this newsletter to give everyone an update concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) and RFTW.   Social media is exploding with posts and comments about this virus.  I understand that many of you have questions about how this virus will affect Run for the Wall.  I truly understand the desire to get answers.  Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball and the Run is still two months away.  This situation could change drastically by the time the Run begins.  However, I do want to let you know that the BOD and Route Coordinators are aware of the situation and are taking this very seriously.

Tonight, the BOD had a meeting and the coronavirus (covid-19) was the topic of discussion.  We will be monitoring the CDC’s recommendations and guidelines. The Route Coordinators will be staying in close communications with the State Coordinators to get an understanding of the situation in each state. We will be monitoring for any changes in our route status as well as reaching out to all our hosts that take care of us to monitor any changes that may affect them. 

Rest assured that I will do my best to keep you all informed of any changes that may take place, once said changes have been confirmed.  I will also keep you informed of any additional precautionary health and/or sanitary policies and procedures that may be implemented to address this concern.

Please keep in mind that RFTW BOD, RCs or any other person with RFTW cannot assure your personal health this year or any year.  Your choice to participate in RFTW is personal and best decided based on your personal condition and consulting with your doctor.  Again, this is not unique to this year and this virus situation.  Your health decisions should be between you and your physician.

I believe that prayer is always the answer.  I invite you to join me in praying that this virus situation is over and gone very soon!

Until then, I encourage you all to follow the CDC’s recommendations.  You can find out more on their website, cdc.gov. 

Wishing you all good health and happiness.                                             

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway Route Coordinator – 2020

Greetings RFTW Midway Family!

There is so much going on right now and I have a lot to share with you.  However, first thing, I regret to inform everyone that the Cookeville, Lebanon and Nashville, Tennessee areas were hit tragically by severe Tornados.  The community of Cookeville has been a longtime supporter of our route and mission and received the most damage.  That community has adopted us, and they truly have become part of our RFTW family.  This year, we will have another breakout to Lebanon for a wreath laying ceremony, a visit to their museum and a donated fuel stop.  I am excited to announce that, for the first time, we will have a breakout team visit the VA hospital in Nashville.  All three of these communities have become a part of our RFTW family and I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle through this tragic situation.  If you find it in your heart to help, I will be doing something on the route for us to collect money for RFTW Midway to donate to help with this disaster.

Now, on to more pleasant Ontario topics.  Carol Olmstead, our Ontario Coordinator, has made arrangements for our RFTW family to have some social time on the Sunday prior to our departure.  This will take place at the Gateway hotel during and following the Leadership Registration time and will be held by the pool.  There will be some finger foods and a cash beer and wine bar. There will also be a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday in Lot D after the meeting for $10.00 and all proceeds will go to RFTW.   If you will be in Ontario that Sunday and will attend this event and/or will want the Tuesday spaghetti dinner,  please email our ARC Jerry Wilkins at Jerry.Wilkins@rftw.us so he can get the headcount  for both events to Carol.  Please email Jerry ASAP.  Late Monday afternoon Chaffey College students earning their catering and baking degrees will have a cake baking contest.  We get to be the judges and eat the cakes! The bike wash this year at the Gateway will be in the front to the right as you enter the parking lot off of Holt.  Carol has been busy and we appreciate all her hard work.  A lot is going on in Ontario!

Life has been a little crazy for Midway planning lately.  We have had major changes in North Carolina. The Itinerary has been taken down from the website and the draft copies of the books are being printed. Once reviewed and finalized, the revised itinerary will be posted back on the website.  I would encourage everyone to read the new itinerary prior to arrival in Ontario.  Several changes and additions have been made.

As a reminder:  All animals, no matter what their designation, must be kept on a leash while around others.  A posting of RFTW Animal Leash Policy has been added to the Itinerary.  Also, everyone is welcome!  However, if you are a member of a motorcycle club, you must comply with all RFTW ‘s rules, policies and procedures. For the safety of the pack you will be assigned to platoons and may or may not be riding together.  With all due respect, this Run is not about anyone’s club or organization. It is a time for us all to become one RFTW family serving one mission. Thank you for your understanding.

RFTW will have the opportunity and honor to participate in the washing of the Korean Memorial Wall on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day.   I am looking for 6 more volunteers from Midway to serve on this detail.  I will also need 2 Midway Road Guards to assist with this mission.  If you are available on that Sunday for this and would like to participate, please email me as soon as possible.

We now have an opening for a Camping Coordinator.  If you are a camper and are interested in taking on this position, please let me know. 

Leadership, please review your team’s list on the website contact page to make sure it is accurate.  Let me know if any changes or additions are needed.

Hotel Raffle update: Your odds of winning the $1000 hotel raffle are still good.  Currently you have a 1 out of 32 people chance of winning!  Good news is that we have covered the cost of the prize plus a fuel stop with this raffle!  The 2-5 free tickets for purchasing the raffle tickets before the end of February has ended.  However, I believe we can get another fuel stop paid for with this raffle.  What do you think?  If interested, the cost per ticket is $10.00 or you can purchase 10 tickets for $50.00.  If you purchase $100.00 worth, you will get 25 tickets!    If you purchase 10 tickets or more before the end of April, you will receive 1 extra ticket (per 10) for free.  The tickets will be capped at 27 per person. Get your tickets early.  There will be no free tickets and the tickets capped at 25 after April!  If you would like to purchase the Hotel raffle tickets, please make check out to RFTW and send to:
Ken Dugas
9849 Loblolly Pines Lane
Denham Springs, La. 70726
You may also electronically send the money through Zelle.  Use my phone 225-405-2735.  Please send me an email at ken.dugas@rftw.us to let me know if you are sending money

What an awesome team we have on Midway!  So many people are doing so much work to make sure our 2020 route is a safe, successful and meaningful experience for everyone.  I thank you all for all of your hard work, dedication and support. I cant wait to see everyone again and I am looking forward to meeting all the FNGs. Welcome Home!

Have I told you lately?……………..I love my RFTW Family!
Is it May yet!

Honor * Hope* Healing

Ken “Six String” Dugas
RFTW 2020  Route Coordinator, Midway / ARC , Sandbox
Four Routes, One Mission!
Proud Father of a U.S. Marine and U.S. Sailor!
In God we Trust!”

Greetings RFTW Midway Family!

The excitement for RFTW XXXII continues to grow as we get closer to our departure to Ontario.  I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting all the FNGs!  I just returned from the Board of Directors meeting in Dallas.  RFTW is in good hands and all routes are progressing well with their preparations for this year’s Run.  Our Midway Route is dealing with some last-minute changes.  I regret to inform everyone, due to a change in command and security concerns, we will not be able to go to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.  With that said, our day 9 will be changing.  Good news is that we have another great day planned.  We will be joining AMVETS “Remembering on the River” event at River Falls Park in Weldon, NC.  Our North Carolina State Coordinators and our Road Guard Captain are working hard on the plans to adjust to this change.  It is possible that 2019 may be the one and only time any group will have had the honor and privilege to ride our motorcycles down the active runway of an Air Force base.  With that said, I have been asked about the SJ Air Force Base patches.  I had stopped selling that patch for fundraising.  However, with this turn of events and the fact that it may never happen again, I will place another order for the patches if anyone is interested in purchasing one to remember this awesome experience.  They are $25.00 and the profits go to our fuel.  You can get the ordering details on my previous newsletters on the Midway Hub on the RFTW.US website. (it is also the same as the hotel raffle tickets below)

Speaking of fundraisers, remember that the end of February is the deadline for getting your free hotel raffle tickets (up to 5 for early purchasing) when you purchase your tickets.  The prize is $1,000 for your hotel costs.  As of right now, if you purchased tickets, you have great odds of winning.  Currently, you are 1 of only 15 people to enter for this chance to win $1000! I don’t know of any other opportunity to win $1000 with those odds!  I encourage others to purchase your hotel raffle tickets for your chance to win!   Remember, all profits from this come back to our route in paid fuel.

The cost per ticket is $10.00 or you can purchase 10 tickets for $50.00!  If you purchase $100.00 worth, you will get 25 tickets.    If you purchase 10 tickets or more before the end of February, you will receive 2 extra ticket (per 10) for free.  The tickets will be capped at 30 per person.  If you would like to purchase the Hotel raffle tickets, please make check out to RFTW and send to:
Ken Dugas
9849 Loblolly Pines Lane
Denham Springs, La. 70726
You may also electronically send the money through Zelle.  Use my phone 225-405-2735.  Please send me an email at ken.dugas@rftw.us to let me know if you are sending money.

Make sure you and your bike are prepared for this cross-country journey.  It is not too early to start preparing.  Remember, the better prepared you are, the safer your journey can be.  I am feeling the torture of starting to exercising again. Just remember, no pain no gain! Ha Ha!

If you would like to be notified of these RFTW updates, please make sure that you sign up to receive email alerts.  Go to the bottom right corner on rftw.us and enter your email.  I will no longer be sending my updates via direct email.  They will be posted on the website and then you will receive an email notice if you have signed up for it.

Have I told you lately…………….. I love my RFTW Midway Family!  ????

Honor, Hope & Healing

Respectfully,

Ken “Six String” Dugas

Greetings Midway family!
As I write this November newsletter, I am reflecting on the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday and how truly blessed I am. I am so grateful for all of God’s blessings including the privilege I have of being a part of this Run for the Wall family. I am also very thankful to live in the USA and I thank all of you veterans and current military for all you have done to protect our great country and our freedom. I wish you all a Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service.
2020 plans for Midway are progressing well. Details are being worked on and our route should be finalized soon. All our night stops are confirmed including our new stop in Smithville, NC. Our leadership teams are looking good and I thank all of you for volunteering to serve our RFTW mission. Minor adjustments are being made to allow a little more quality time at the Stafford Air & Space Museum and the Marine Corps Museum.
I would like to thank all of you who support our fundraising activities. I am doing my best to get our fuel prepaid for the Midway route. I am pleased to announce that we raised $2,900 towards our fuel from our Seymour Johnson Air Force Base patch! That stop was a very special first for RFTW. If you would like one, please order now as they will no longer be made or sold after November 30, 2019.
2019 Midway left a permanent mark on the Stafford Air & Space museum. Last year we raised money to have a RFTW brick paver installed at the museum. The brick paver will be installed before we arrive there again in 2020 for us all to see. Glenn “Wombat” and I would like to thank the 2019 Midway riders for their support and contributions that allowed us to leave this permanent RFTW mark at the museum.
In recognition and remembrance of this occasion, we have made a patch for everyone on the 2019 Midway route to be able to purchase as another fundraiser for our fuel. I am hoping that we can, at least, duplicate the success we had for the Air Force base patch. I have attached a picture of the patch for you to see. This patch will identify you as a rider of the RFTW route that left its permanent mark at the Air & Space museum. We will do the same thing as the AFB patch. It will cost $25.00 per patch. $5 pays for the patch and $20 goes towards our fuel cost. With your support, we could pay for possibly more than 3 fuel stops from the sale of these patches! Keep in mind, your support of the patch and most of the cost comes back to you as prepaid fuel. Please consider purchasing this patch as everyone will benefit from the fuel stops. If you have not purchased the Seymour Johnson AFB patch, feel free to order both!
If interested, mail payment ($25 per patch) made out to RFTW to:
Ken Dugas
9849 Loblolly Pines Lane
Denham Springs, LA 70726
You may also send the money electronically transferred through Zelle. (the account is linked to my number (225-405-2735) If you send money through Zelle, email your mailing address to me at ken.dugas@rftw.us

If you are a volunteer, please make sure that you are checking the leadership list on the Midway Hub on RFTW.US. We are placing orders for caps and supplies. Make sure your name is on the list. If not, please get with your team leader about having you added.
We have a fantastic team on Midway and together, we will make Midway 2020 a special year. The Midway family is all about teamwork. It is why Midway is so special. We are better together!

I have I told you lately…………….. I love my RFTW Midway Family! ????

Honor, Hope & Healing

Ken “Six String” Dugas
RFTW 2020 Route Coordinator, Midway / ARC , Sandbox
Midway Road Guard Captain, 2016, 2017, 2018 / ARC, Midway 2019, ARC Sandbox Recon
Southern Road Guard, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Southern Route 2010, 2011
Cell: (225) 405-2735
Email: ken.dugas@rftw.us

Four Routes, One Mission!

Proud Father of a U.S. Marine and U.S. Sailor!
“In God we Trust!”

Hello Midway Family!

As always, I pray that all is well with you and your families.  I would like to give you my latest updates for our 2020 Midway route.

Our leadership team is now listed on the Midway hub .  Please review the list and let me know if there are any additions or changes that need to be made.  I am pleased that our leadership teams are almost complete. However, we would like to have a few more people for our fuel team and our road guard team.

My RC video is now posted on the Midway hub.  As many of you know, I had issues accepting the RC position because I am not a veteran.  I always felt that a veteran should be the one addressing the communities we visit.  With that said, I will do my best to represent you veterans well.  I hope you are pleased with the video and my representation of all of you and our Midway route.

We do have a few changes to the route.  Our Fayetteville night will be moved to Smithville, NC.  This will eliminate the backtracking we had to do from Fayetteville.  This change is confirmed and finalized.  Another change will be a move from Ashland, VA to Hopewell.  This change will eliminate the long ride to the hotel from Hopewell to Ashland.  There are a few details being worked on to finalize this change.

I am pleased to announce that we will be adding a visit to two VA hospitals in Tennessee as well as a wreath laying ceremony and visit to the museum in Lebanon, TN.  These additions will be visited by break out platoons. Lebanon will also be donating a fuel stop for us.

I want to thank all of you who have supported our Seymour Johnson AFB “Riding the Runway” patch fundraiser.  So far, we have raised over $2,900.00 towards our fuel stops from this patch!

The RFTW brick paver we purchased for the Stafford Air & Space Museum is completed.  It should be installed soon.

I asked the BOD for approval to add the KIA/WIA logo to the website to be included with the POW/MIA logo.  I am grateful for their approval and it has been added to the website.  Now that we have the Sandbox route, I thought this was another good step to help join the older and newer generation warriors together.

The route is getting close to finalization.  I thank our State Coordinators and all of you for your support and efforts.

Have I told you lately…………………  I Love my Midway Family!

Sincerely,

Ken Dugas
2020 Midway Route Coordinator