Category: Midway Route Coordinator News

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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

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Midway Route Fundraiser Army/Navy Football Board

Game Day is Fast Approaching.
Don’t Miss out on Supporting Your Branch!   Buy your Ticket by 1 December for Game Day on December 9th 

All welcome to participate!  Cash doesn’t know which route you may ride, whether veteran, patriot, spouse or supporter.

The winning square at the end of each Quarter will receive a $100.00 Walmart Gift Card. End of game score is the fourth quarter, no overtime. All entries must be received by 1 December.

BUY!!!!:
One Square ($25)
Five Squares ($100)

Purchase YOUR Squares, ZELLE or mail your Check payable to “Midway Route”

Send to: Lily Lieux, 6426 Bridgeport DR., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 (NLT: 1 December)

or

ZELLE to: Midway Route, @ Midway.Route@RFTW.US  (NLT: 1 December)

Be sure! your Phone Number and Army/Navy is on the MEMO Line of your check or ZELLE.

IS it May yet?

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Midway Route Coordinator October News Letter

Well, here we are already the middle of October—-It will be 2024 before we know it.  I wanted to focus this newsletter on the importance of CONTRIBUTIONS and PROMOTIONS!

This is how your 2023 money was spent along with fuel purchases.

1.            Rebels with a Cause                                                                 $2,000
2.            Milan School                                                                                $3,000
3.            Veterans Homeless Shelter Albuquerque                       $3,500
4.            M25 Amarillo                                                                                $2,000
5.            Ft Sill Museum Building Fund                                               $1,000
6.            Red Rock Behavioral Health Services                                $1,000
7.            USO K-9 Fund                                                                                $   500
8.            Tommy Franks Leadership                                                      $1,000
9.            Shawnee Veterans Memorial                                                  $1,000
10.          Ridgewood Baptist Church Forrest City                             $2,500
11.          Western  TN Veterans Cemetery                                            $  750
12.         Sunbright Memorial                                                                    $1,000
13.         Romans Warrior Foundation                                                     $1,000
14.          Wilson County Veteran’s Musuem Lebonon                       $1,500
15.          Ridgecrest Church                                                                          $2,500
16.          TN Veteran’s Home Murphreesboro                                       $1,500
17.           Wilson Elementary School                                                         $3,000
18.           Falcon Children’s Home                                                              $3,500
19.           Moose Lodge #1472 Hopewell                                                  $  750
20.           National Musuem of the US Army                                           $1,500
21.           Wheel Chairs for Warriors                                                           $3,000
22.           Operation Family Fund                                                                $8,000
23.           Combat Bike Build                                                                         $5,000
                                                                  TOTAL for 2023:                           $50,500

I want to talk about a few of the contributions so everyone realizes the impact we as a group have on the communities we visit.

First, Operation Family Fund and Red Rock Behavioral Health Services are nonprofits focused on PTSD and helping any and all veterans.  Operation Family Fund managed by Michael Cash partnered with RFTW in the sponsorship of Homes for Troops Program where 10 veterans across the country are receiving a free custom-built home designed around their specific handicap.  One is being presented in San Marcos, Ca on 28 October at 2PM.  If you can or would like to participate, please read Nick’s, Central Route RC, newsletter for exact times and locations.

Next, look at the schools where we shine a light on service and country along with a small amount of financial help.  The schools that we contribute to are in very economically strained communities and do not enjoy the benefits of excess funding.  For example, 65% of the students at Wilson school still do not have running water in their homes.  Some still have dirt floors also.  The school itself helps to cloth, feed, and teach these children.  I am so glad we went there last year to adopt this school as an annual Midway Route stop.  We will return this year hopefully with the ability to provide more support through your generosity!!

Then, there are the VA facilities like the Veterans Resource Center in Lawton, OK that provide a temporary home for up to 12 homeless veterans and their families, while providing them the opportunity to get job training.  They help with searching out jobs for the training veteran as well as housing after the Resource Center stay.  They provide both support and training to help them get a job, a home, and a respectful life back.  Then we have the Va Homes where Veterans are in residence due to physical or mental issues.  Most don’t have family or friends close by able to visit.  They look forward to our visit for a momentary glimpse back toward THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

Last, look at the Elks, VFWs, American Legions, and Communities that open their doors to us with food and community involvement.  They all support their local veterans with 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 on raising money and support for our annual return.

I bring all of this to your attention 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 participation in the many fund raising activities and your contributions there would be no RFTW!

 You can send your checks to: Lily Lieux, 6426 Bridgeport DR., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 or ZELLE to: Midway Route, @ Midway.Route@RFTW.US

I want to thank each of you in advance for stepping up to help make RFTW  Midway 2024 a great success!
Don ’10-A-SEE” King

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Midway Route Fundraiser Cash Drawing $1,000usd

!!!! Cash Drawing – December 15th – $1,000usd

All welcome to participate!  Cash doesn’t know which route you may ride, whether a veteran, patriot, spouse or supporter.

BUY!!!!:
One Ticket ($10)
Seven Tickets ($50)
Twenty Tickets ($100)
Thirty Tickets ($150)

To purchase YOUR Tickets, ZELLE or mail your Check payable to “Midway Route”

Send to: Lily Lieux, 6426 Bridgeport DR., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 (NLT 1 December)
or
ZELLE to: Midway Route, @ Midway.Route@RFTW.US  (NLT 14 December)

Be sure your Phone Number and Cash Drawing is on the MEMO Line of your check or ZELLE.

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – September 2023

Run for the Wall

Welcome to the Midway Route 10th Anniversary Run For The Wall XXXIV, 2024. Since the last newsletter, I have met with the Midway leadership and State Coordinators who are already hard at work to create another successful Midway Run.  One of the major changes in progress is our Thursday afternoon dinner and awards ceremony normally held in Hopewell, VA. It will change to the Harley Dealership in Ashland about 3 blocks from our hotel. This will allow the entire pack to safely travel into Ashland rather than having everyone travel the 45 mile ride during Richmond rush hour traffic on your own from Hopewell.   The basic support at Fort Sill, Cookeville, and our visit to the Army Museum has all been confirmed. (Standby for other details as they are developed)

I would encourage anyone wanting to participate or attend the upcoming all hands reunion to do so.  You can find information and registration on Southern Route’s August Newsletters located on the RFTW website.  Kerrville is 27 Sep-1 Oct, on the near horizon so act soon to ensure your place.  Angel Fire by all reports I have gotten; everyone had a good time and it was a huge success!!   Good job Nick and Crew!!!

2024 Registration opens on September 11, 2023 @ 8:46 a.m.(EST)

Early Bird Registration
Sept. 11, 2023 through Jan. 31, 2024: $45 per person

LET’S Get REGISTERED!!!

All of the planning for 2024 and most of the changes were based on your input through the AAR Process. I want to continue to encourage each of you to fill out an After-Action Report (AAR) to help your leadership continue to make improvements to the Midway Route.  The Link is: https://rftw.us/submit-an-after-action-report/.  All input is important to me; the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.  I assure you, the leadership considers all suggestions and will make improvements where possible.

 Since this is the 10th Anniversary thought I would inject a team picture of the Road Guard Team from 2014.  Then a picture from 2023.  Interesting some of the same faces continue to support our MISSION!

Additionally, I wanted to introduce you to the Road Guard Leadership Team for this year.

The Road Guard Team is one of the most critical in getting us across the Nation Safely.  They are here to help each and every one of us in anyway necessary to accomplish that goal.

Remember the Red Hats!!

Promotions are handled by several people.  It is never too early to begin promotions for our Route and several have already been conducted.   If you have a donation that we can raffle/ auction during the Run, please contact one of the below listed people:

Promotion Team:  Kris & Randy “Mullet” Olguin     Randy.Ogluin@RFTW.US     (951) 541-8138

or Gina “Le’Spice” Cutrer   gina.cutrer@RFTW.US    (225) 202-5328

Promotions will run a World Series, Army/Navy, Super Bowl Board and a $1,000 Cash Drawing.

Pick your winning team!!!

Game Squares will be $25.00 each or 5 for $100.  Cash Drawing/Hotel tickets will be $10.00 each or 7 for $50.00 or 20 for $!00.00. Gina has agreed to run the Game Boards and $1,000.00 Cash Drawing again this year.  Gina’s Info: Gina Cutrer   gina.cutrer@RFTW.US    (225) 202-5328  Flyer’s and emails will follow with more information.  Remember, all riders, patriots, friends or family members regardless of Route are welcome to participate in these fundraising events!

I would like to recognize Don Bagwell who stepped forward to be our Quartermaster for 2024.  Thanks, Don!!!!   We still have some team shortfalls to fill.   We need a Registration Team (Must be Computer Literate).  The registration team must be available early in Ontario to facilitate group registration as well as their draw of equipment and training on the procedures and forms required for the registration process.  Also, the Staging Crew and Outreach Team has a few vacancies still.  Please, Contact me, Eric, or fill out a volunteer form on the RFTW website.  If you would like to be on one of these teams or serve on another specific team.   DO IT TODAY! This will help us develop the teams early to facilitate the Midway 2024 planning cycle.

Always remember the Mission.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of keeping that as our focus!!

The Run For The Wall mission is “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 – to support this mission!

IS IT MAY YET!!!

SERVANT LEADERSHIP & SAFETY
Don “10-A-SEE” King
RFTW Midway RC

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Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter August 2023

Run for the Wall

Welcome to the Midway Route 10th Anniversary Run For The Wall XXXIV, 2024.

I am proud to announce the Board of Directors approved Midway Route for another eleven-day run for 2024.  I want to express my personal appreciation for the consideration and support that the Board provided to Midway with this decision.  The Midway leadership and the State Coordinators have all been informed of the decision and have already started work to create another successful Midway Run.  We will again visit Fort Sill, have an expanded Outreach Day in Cookeville, and visit the Army Museum. (Standby for details as they are developed)

I would encourage anyone wanting to participate or attend an upcoming all hands reunion to do so.  You can find information and registration on Central or Southern Route’s August Newsletters located on the RFTW website.   Angel Fire is 1 Sep-3 Sep and Kerrville is 27 Sep-1 Oct.  Both are on the near horizon act soon to ensure your place.

Planning for 2024 has begun in earnest now that we have our Route Approval from the Board. The Hotel Coordinator is contacting our host hotels (Standby Changes are coming based on AARs.)   State Coordinators are now talking with both, the communities and organizations that support us.  The Road Guard Captain is reviewing last year’s itinerary and making changes based off AAR input.

Advance Team Leader:  Ed Brundage
Advance Team Leader:  Ed Brundage
Staging Team Leader: Gina Cutrer
Staging Team Leader: Gina Cutrer

We are reorganizing to try and facilitate some of the Bathroom issues at short fuel stops.  All these relooks are based on your input through the AAR Process. I want to continue to encourage each of you to fill out an After-Action Report (AAR) to help your leadership continue to make improvements to the Midway Route.  The AAR Link is:  https://rftw.us/submit-an-after-action-report/.  All input is important to me; the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.  I assure you, the leadership considers all suggestions and will make improvements where possible.

Always remember the Mission.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of keeping that as our focus!!

The Run For The Wall mission is “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 – to support this mission!

With Mission in mind the Board in the Face to Face developed a theme for 2024” BACK TO BASICS”.  The idea is to ensure we don’t lose focus on the fact that RFTW is primarily a motorcycle event in support of the Mission.  Leadership within the Routes should be participating as motorcycle riders to set that tone by example!

Opportunities for service within RFTW and the Midway Route are still available through the volunteer form on the website link: (https://rftw.us/volunteer-sign-up/).  If you would like to be in a leadership position or serve as a team member please submit your Volunteer Form today. This will help us develop the teams early to facilitate the Midway 2024 planning cycle.

IS IT MAY YET!!!

SERVANT LEADERSHIP & SAFETY

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

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Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter- JULY 2023

Welcome to the Midway Route 10th Anniversary Run For The Wall XXXIV, 2024.  I am  humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as the Midway Route Coordinator for 2024.  I want all to know the servant leadership of Midway is alive and well.  As a previous Route Coordinator  said, Servitude over Attitude Promotes Healing!  I told him the other day I was going to plagiarize him and use that phrase as our theme for Midway 2024. I think it says everything that Midway is about and has developed within the Leadership Corp. I would like to announce the approval by the RFTW Board of Directors of Eric Fort as the Assistant Route Coordinator and Leo Rachmel as the Road Guard Captain.  We are all available to each of you at anytime during the planning and execution of the 2024 Midway Route.  Our contact information and other leadership positions will be announce in the near future on the website.

I want to encourage each of you to fill out an After Action Report (AAR) to help your leadership continue to make improvements to the Midway Route.  The Link is:   After Action Reports  .  All input is important to me; the GOOD , the BAD, and the UGLY. Be sure to comment on the Fort Sill visit, as well as, your thoughts about the outreach day in Cookeville. I assure you, the leadership will consider all suggestions and make improvements where possible.  I am excited about the Midway 2023 expansion and the opportunities for improvement in 2024.  The events and schools added in 2023 will hopefully become a staple for Midway as we move toward future milestones.  The communities of Lawton/Fort Sill and Cookeville really outdid themselves.  The outreaches provided an opportunity for all riders to participate.  Every community with an outreach provided us with a lunch, as well as, outstanding community participation.

The Run For The Wall mission is “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 – to support this mission!

 The RFTW Mission is most important and should be the focal point for all leadership decisions and provide the bedrock for our planning.  With that in mind, opportunities for servitude within RFTW and the Midway Route is available through the volunteer form on the website.  If you would like to be in a leadership position or serve on a team please apply now. This will help us develop the teams early to facilitate the Midway 2024 planning cycle.  I guess you have figured out by now Planning for 2024 has already begun.

SERVITUDE & SAFETY

Don “10-A-SEE” King
RFTW Midway RC

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Midway Route Safety Briefing Info

Hello Midway Riders,

Bonehead here, posting for Corp. He and Six String have requested I make some links available to you via the website.

If you scan the QR code in your itinerary it will take you to this page.

On that page you will find the Midway Route Itinerary Booklet, the Critical Information Page, the unified (all routes) Safety Briefing, and the Midway Route Contacts page.

Thank you for riding with us, and thank you for what you do.

Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer

On behalf of Jerry “Corp” Wilkins

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RFTW Midway Route Coordinator May Newsletter

Midway Route Coordinator News

Hello RFTW Brothers and Sisters,

It is May! 12 days from this morning, we will be restless with anticipation of beginning our trek as we cross our Nation. As of this morning there are 1,181 participants registered for Run For The Wall! Outstanding!

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!!

We are 1 Mission, 4 Routes! Our Run For The Wall mission for all 4 Routes is “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.”

In the April Newsletter, we discussed fuel payments. We are now offering new pre-paid options:

1) $10.00 per day at the first fuel stop.

2) Pre-paid fuel – At “check-in” registration you will have the option of pre-paid fuel for a one-time cost of $100.00. You will receive a wristband and sticker. This process will expedite the fueling process. Riders will not need to search for the “$10.00.”

All “extra” monies collected will support fuel and our charities and the schools we support along the Midway Route during the Run.

It was fantastic to “see” everyone at the FNG orientation meeting. We introduced members of the Midway Leadership, various factors and conditions of the Run,  Staging and Fueling procedures, & Gina “Le’ Spice” Cutrer, Staging Team Lead, revealed her new staging team flags, and we discussed the expectations of the riders while on the Run.

Midway Route Leadership continues to work on the finer details. Cookeville Outreach registration/participation is continuing to grow daily. And the Ft. Sill visit is going to be phenomenal.

This will be my last newsletter prior to Ontario KSU. I pray for safe travels for everyone on your journey to join the Run. See you soon.

Honor
Hope
Healing

Jerry “Corp” Wilkins
2023 RFTW Midway Route Coordinator

Jerry Wilkins
2023 Midway Route Coordinator, Jerry Wilkins