Category: Midway Route 2025 SitReps

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. The day is done, the sun is set, the wheels and motors are all still, not only for the Midway Route, but for Southern and Central as well. All of the Sons and Daughters of the 2025 Run for the Wall have reconvened just outside of Washington DC, waiting to walk together as one down to the Wall in the morning.

The Midway family began their final day in Ashland, gathering together in the Walmart parking lot prior to the rise of the morning sun.

Moods were both high and low, anticipation of reaching our mission end after 11 long days of traveling on the road as a group. But at the same time knowing that the time to separate and go our own ways once again is also growing near.

The final Military Challenge results; Army in 1st, Air Force a very close 2nd, Navy came in 3rd, Marines in 4th but not last, Coast Guard hadn’t even registered on the board.

Our final Hero’s bio to be read aloud this morning was that of Maj Lee Dufford “Duff” Harley, a pilot who went missing on his way back to base after a mission.

A review of what to expect on the road traffic wise into The National Army Museum as well as the rest of the way into Springfield, which led us into the daily review of hand signals, however this morning had a twist. When Leo called for a volunteer to come up, the entire Midway Family stepped forward and gave the hand signals as they were called out.

Once turned loose to our platoons, each had their own safety meetings and set to get ready for the last legs of our journey.

With a slight chill in the air, the Midway Route Family set to the road north with no reservations holding them back, two columns of bikes perfectly in sync, bikes, trikes, and trailers rolling towards that goal.

Traffic started out somewhat light but soon became almost bumper to bumper, by which time the police escort brought us onto the expressway separating the group from the main traffic stream.

We soon arrived at the National Army Museum with excellent exhibits and even a very emotionally charged movie of an Army Soldier’s life. Now I’m Air Force, and although we have fun poking at each other and all services, this video depicts all soldiers in uniform, no matter what service patch they wear. It is really something to see.

Only a short distance up the road was American Legion Post 176 where we were met with open arms, a warm meal, and signs of Welcome Home and Mission Complete, well almost. Yes this is where all three routes will reconvene and send off the fourth, our mission will truly be complete once we’ve gone to the Wall.

As we were able to sit back, relax, and even talk about the different experiences each of of us had, we soon gathered at the roadside as word came in that our Brothers and Sisters on the Southern Route were inbound and due in any minute.

Not long after we began to hear the rumble of the engines, the chirping of the police escorts, and around the corner they came. Excitement could be seen on their faces just as we were happy to have arrived shortly before them. A long trip across the nation with the same goal in mind.

They were escorted to the parking garage where they soon emerged on foot heading towards the post to relax from their journey and begin the same routine we performed only hours before them.

Approximately an hour later, we were back at the street having received word that our third and final route, the Central Route Brothers and Sisters, were coming around the corner. As with everyone before them, you could see the wearing and tiredness with the excitement shining through as they too knew they had accomplished their final leg.

All three Routes have come back together, touching countless lives across the greater part of this great nation and completing something that most folks couldn’t even begin to image doing; spending 10-11 days on the road, on a motorcycle, visiting communities far and wide, visiting cemeteries, memorials, and even veterans in VA Homes, reminding everyone with every action performed, you are NOT forgotten.

Just like any American family, whether you are a part of the Central Route Family, Midway Route Family, Southern Route Family, or even the Sandbox Route Family, although we may be different, we still belong to the same Run for the Wall Family.

We all have the same mission and it does not matter if one family does it a little differently than the other, as long as it is getting done; riding for those who cannot.

Family means no one left behind, or forgotten.

Tomorrow our final destination and completion of our mission. Our final venture together before Sandbox Route as well as routes toward home for others.

Tomorrow’s venture awaits us all. To all the RFTW family, rest easy and we shall see you tomorrow.

Written by STITCH. Pictures by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. Once again the roads are silent from our thundering engines, wheels are still in the temporary homes for the night, and the sun is setting in a beautiful bouquet of oranges, reds, purples and blues; Day 10 of our 11 day journey has come to a close.

Our family has come closer than ever and trusting one another is second nature and given without hesitation.

We started this morning in Smithfield, NC at the Movie Theater parking lot where we gathered later in the morning. It was nice to have an 8am meeting time; a chance to sleep in, eat some breakfast, and still leave with the group at 9am. With only 189 miles on the schedule, it was a light day’s ride.

We started with a Roll Call recognition of all Vietnam Veterans by name and service, followed by the Gold Star Family Roll Call. The Arlington National Cemetery Riders were next on the Roll Call with those that were chosen to ride with a  passenger into the hallowed grounds, an annual tradition that only allows a certain number of RFTW riders, and no one else, to ride their motorcycle into the cemetery.

Today’s Hero bio read aloud was that of Corporal James C. Thomas, who went missing without a trace in Vietnam.

With the Military Challenge, the rankings this morning were Army in first, Navy second, Air Force third, and Marines continuing to trail in fourth.

As we fired up our rides and rolled down the pavement northward, Smithfield’s Fire Departments, Utility Services, Police Department and civilians were in every street corner, sidewalk, and overpass expressing their gratitude and support for our mission.

A couple of hours later when we arrived at our final fuel stop for the Midway Route in Halifax, NC, the very same response was received. Turning from the freeway and onto the back roads after fueling, we pushed towards our lunch stop in the small town of Weldon, NC at the River Falls Park and Weldon Mill Distillery. There we were met and served lunch by volunteers from Weldon Mills Distillery.

After lunch we had some leisure time to rest and relax in the shade or even down by the river, or even in the Distillery Gift Shop (absolutely no tasting or sampling of the product). Each Platoon and Support Team were called to the front steps where their photos were taken. A generally relaxing lunch stop, great to help everyone relax a bit before rolling up the 95 and into some stressful traffic.

I will say, for the most part our traveling up I-95 was not stressed in the slightest, however that all changed once we hit Richmond, VA. Once mid afternoon traffic merged into the lanes alongside us, we were in what seemed like a live version of the game ‘Frogger’. But with the Road Guard’s help as well as the skills everyone has learned and mastered in the previous 9 days with the ability to ride together tightly in the true RFTW fashion, riding through and navigating the afternoon rush hour was smooth and uneventful.

We were guided to the Ashland Harley Davidson dealership where an evening meal and event stage was awaiting our arrival.

Riders were able to shop the Harley Davidson store, get maintenance performed on their motorcycle if needed, and served a late afternoon meal. All of which were donated and volunteered by Ashland Harley Davidson, American Legion Post 176, as well as the American Legion Riders Post175.

Next was the Annual Awards Ceremony that recognized all of the Midway Route Leadership and teams. Without them, this run would not have happened in the smoothest and or efficient manner as the way the teams worked towards a common goal, getting everyone safely across our nation to fulfill our mission.

We were released to relax tonight in preparation of our final push tomorrow, into Washington DC.

Although an even shorter day, we shall see exactly what ventures tomorrow will bring. Until then, keep it shiny side up, welcome to the family if you have just recently joined the family, and most important aspect of all, Welcome Home!

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. This morning we found ourselves in a very thick overcast within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Heavy rain overnight had left the roads wet as well as any vehicles or bikes not under cover.

At our rally point, a few threats of rain drops were evident but never amounted to anything.

With the threat of rain this morning, extra emphasis on riding safety was expressed although today would not be anywhere close to the rain last night.

With the motors running and the wheels spinning up the road, we were off on a new venture and path up Interstate 81 to Fort Chiswell and then down Interstate 77 into North Carolina.

While traveling 81 and climbing higher into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cloud base grew closer to the ground surface until we were quite literally in the ‘thick of it’. Heavy mists and light rain coated the windscreens, however with the altitude, very little winds were encountered.

As we turned south on 77 and just before rolling down the pass into North Carolina, the clouds broke just enough to show the fog bank that we were above as it stretched out as far as we could see. And within a few hundred feet of pavement, we were going downward and allowing the fig to swallow us whole.

One we arrived at the bottom of the pass and inside North Carolina, the skies parted and the sun was shining. Our first fuel stop found us just at the base of the mountains where not only we received fuel, but coffee was on the house as well to warm any rider that wished to have some.

Folks also shed coats and any other rain gear as the path forward looked clear and sunny for the rest of the day.

Back on the road southward we found ourselves passing under overpasses that folks have gone all out to show us their support. Our next fuel stop was also just up the road from our lunch stop in Siler City and the Siler City Pentecostal Church where again the local townsfolk’s welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts, providing us with steaks, potatoes, green beans, peach cobbler and ice cream; all of which homemade.

Shoutouts were given to North Carolina’s Highway Patrol as well as the Siler City Police Department for the escorts. The Siler City Fire Department and ‘Sweet Mitch’ as well as the Siler City Pentecostal Church for hosting us each year and supporting our family and mission.

After a wonderful meal and a bit of time to allow for some processing, we bid our farewells and headed back on the road towards Falcon and the Falcon Children’s Home.

On the way through the back roads and absolutely gorgeous countryside and small towns, we arrived to a Hero’s welcome from the students and staff.

After greeting the kids, both old and new friends, we were ushered inside where a presentation was given on the mission of the Falcon Children’s Home, both here and in South Carolina. The kids choir sang a beautiful song that brought a standing ovation from the crowd, and the graduating students were introduced and each were presented with a gift card as well as asked what their future plans would be. I must say, after all these kids have been through, and each one is different with their own story, their dreams and ambitions are off the charts. I myself am thrilled to see that they are given a shot at aiming for the stars and supported. If a supporting message from this run could be quoted, ‘Shoot for the stars and succeed in life. And don’t let anyone slow you down or step in your way. You deserve it.’

It was also mentioned that our visit year after year is one of the highlights of the students. They talk about it year round and cannot wait for the day the Midway Route Family rolls up to their front door.

On the way out, each rider was presented with a token from the children of Falcon, a simple but powerful message of ‘Thank You’ to each family member of the Midway Route.

On the road again in the late afternoon heat we travel down I-95 where every overpass is filled with at least one fire truck, but usually two or more with the rest of the bridge packed with people waving, cheering, and even saluting as we roll underneath. The dedication and commitment by each person to show their support as we come by is overwhelming.

As we turned off the Interstate and on down towards our final destination, our path would bring us through many more small towns were the street passes right down the middle of town, many of which was the only street. Folks were pouring out in crowds to wave and cheer. Police and Fire were standing by saluting. The turnout and support from folks that don’t know us, never met with us, yet still make it a point to take their time and say thank you just by being present as we thunder on by.

Our final stop was at Bizzell Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church where we are served homemade spaghetti in the most peculiar way. It has been dubbed and officially known by Midway Route Family as ‘Igloo Spaghetti’, served from Igloo coolers by the heaping spoonful. Also known for their homemade desserts and they loving and generous hospitality, leaving here without the sense of being a part of a family or with full stomachs would leave something to question. These folks go all out every year and pour everything they have into making sure we are taken care of.

As you can see we have had a full and adventurous day. I still cannot believe that Day 9 has come to an end. Our FNGs are completely overwhelmed at this point in the overall trip and what folks have to offer in thanks. Most would go their entire lives without knowing this, but luckily our small Midway Route Family understands the importance and needs of these folks and vise/versa. Folks across this great nation m, helping and supporting complete strangers on a common and vital mission, riding for those who cannot, and bringing awareness and the need for accountability for our veterans, here at home, abroad, and those who haven’t made it home yet.

I say this again and quote Disney’s saying as it is very appropriate for what we are doing, “…family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.”

Let’s see what ventures tomorrow will bring us.

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler

Good evening Midway Route followers and family. Tonight our riders are safely in the hotels and accommodations while rain and thunderstorms rolling over us, bouncing off the Blue Ridge Mountains and echoing off into the distance.  But it was kind enough to hold off just long enough for us to get into Bristol, TN. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Everyone met up in the early morning hours at the rally point were orange juice and lemonade as well as a variety of breakfast snacks and fruits were made available, graciously donated by Sam’s Club.

The Military Challenge was once again started with an announcement that as of yesterday, the Army was in the lead followed closely by the Air Force, Navy pulling up in third place with the Marines trailing in fourth.

A personal account of a Good Star Family Member and her memories of her father and her life after he went Missing in Action (MIA).  Her dedication not only as a Gold Star Family Member but also with Run for the Wall as not only inspired many folks to learn about the history and understand the true meaning of sacrifices, but it has also allowed herself and other team members to investigate and finally identify where and what may have truly happened to her father.  A possible mission in the near future is in the planning stages to hopefully find him and bring him home.

A Hero’s bio was also read aloud, William W. Bancroft Jr., father of Jessica ‘Blaze’ Bancroft and grandfather of our young’s FNG Matthew ’Toothless’ Bancroft.

A brief recap of our schedule was given, first stop was at one of our favorite schools, Wilson Elementary, followed by a lunch stop in Knoxville where another tradition would take place of walking through the fountain, however there was a catch to this. First the fountains were jets from under the concrete sidewalk that will spray upwards at random intervals, a huge hit with kids and other park goers to help ward off the heat of the day. Riders would interlock arms and walk into the fountains symbolizing veterans being sent off to Vietnam together, however on the other side, one person is now missing as they stayed behind in the fountains, symbolizing a veteran that did not come home. After a short period of time, they would re-emerge also symbolizing the repatriation of bring them home. From there we would change the map a bit due to Hurricane Helene hitting and completely destroying that area last year. So this year we would continue north to Bristol, TN where a surprise was awaiting the Midway Route Family.

Once on the road, our first stop was off the beaten path down the winding country road to Wilson Elementary. Students were gathered at the from walk, flags in hand, red, white and blue shirts, and all chanting and cheering ‘USA. USA. USA.’ As we paraded in front of them before parking.

Kids were then meeting up with their pen-pals (or email-pals today I guess) as well as meeting new riders while everyone funneled into the gymnasium. Kids and staff went to one side while all the riders sat on the other; home and visitors.

Before the show began, MAZZ grabbed the flag and began running around the court while the gym erupted in more cheering and chanting ‘USA. USA. USA.’  (Road Guards have a lot of energy…)

The kids then started live performances, one recognizing all of the services and their official song, finishing with America the Beautiful, another performance with Hallelujah, Hallelujah leaving no one in the crowd with dry eyes.

Appreciation awards were handed out along with a generous donation to help the school and the kids, with a report from the Principal dubbed ‘Firecracker’ last year that last year’s donation allowed the school to acquire and install security film for all doors and windows around the entire school, not only enhancing the school spirit but also increasing the children’s and staff’s safety.

We were shown the way to the cafeteria where coffee and breakfast sandwiches were offers before saying goodbyes and getting back on the road eastward.

Some riders were also getting notices on their phones of severe thunderstorms heading our way, but with our tires pointed east, we would contours stay ahead of them and out of harm’s way.

With a quick fuel stop south of Knoxville, we soon found ourselves heading into the city proper and to our lunch stop at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial where again we were met with folks from all over Knoxville lining the sidewalks and over passes, flag lines and ‘thank you’s’.

As we parked in the main road through the park, bubble machines and water fountains were all going as everyone headed to the fountains. Without much hesitation and only removal of electronic devices, many lines of riders interlocked arms and walked through the spraying jets of water; a wonderful way to cool off from the road heat as well as pay tribute and tradition to a time honored action. Pictures were taken, videos were shot and shared, memories and family bonds made.

Lunch of smoked bbq pulled pork along with homemade ice cream was served to all riders, wet and dry.

Recognition to all who made this possible was given in front of the memorial; East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Foundation, along with Knoxville PD and Tennessee State and Highway Troopers for escorting the pack through town.

Our wheels were then pointed Northeast once again while the skies darkened behind us. One more fuel stop just south of Bristol where many phones and devices began picking up the storm warnings. But our destination was still under blue skies as we continued tracking towards it.

Once we arrived in Bristol, TN, the skies had become overcast as we tumbled down the roads with local folks still occupying almost every overpass, not a fear of the storm that was inbound. The call to show their support outweighed the impending storm.

We arrived at the Bristol Speedway, and as we were pulling into the parking lot and staging to go inside, rain drops ever so slightly began to speckle the windscreens of the bikes. Everyone put their helmets away and covered their bikes, but not in a great hurry and walked over to the entry doors to The Bristol Club. Up the elevators and to the VIP sweet high absolve the speedway below, cushioned chairs and a fantastic view through the glass enclosures protecting us from the elements outside.

Dinner was served while everyone took their seats to watch the fury of the storm finally overtake us. At one point the rain and winds were so thick that the infield disappeared right before us. 30 minutes later, the storm was off in the distant Blue Ridge Mountains while blue skies opened up behind.

Another storm is forecasted to roll through overnight, but they stayed at bay allowing us to arrive safely and rest up for our next venture tomorrow.

Written by STITCH. Pictures by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema

You sometimes hear things, disturbing things about assisted living locations, retirement homes, or other Senior Citizens community homes. But you don’t hear much, or anything at all about a Veteran’s home, until you plan to visit one with a group such as RFTW.

If you have never been to a home before, prepare yourself for a mixed bag of emotions. It could be a great and cheery visit, or it could be a visit that someone doesn’t want anything to do with you. If so, that’s ok. Just keep one thing in mind, it’s not about you, it’s about them. (Thank you Rocketman for that advice)

I met with a couple of men when I first entered the dinner hall, George and Charles.

George, a fellow Air Force enlisted member, began talking about what it was like when he was enlisted and wanted to know what it was like during my enlistment. He then introduced me to Charles next to him as both men were wheelchair bound.

When I originally walked up to the table they were at, Charles had a distant look in his eyes and was not looking at anyone in the hall.

As I knelt down alongside his chair, I introduced myself. This man grabbed my hand with his only mobile hand and introduced himself, quite softly but still clear. The next request that came from him shocked me to my core.

Charles asked “Are you going to the Vietnam Wall with these folks?”

I replied, “why yes I am. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Yes,” he replied. “When you get there, I would like you to say hello to a buddy of mine.”

“It would be an honor to.” I replied

I spoke with a few others, one in particular that his daughter would come by everyday after work and hopes in a few months that he’d be able to move in with her.

I went outside to get some fresh air and soon realized many veterans were coming outside now that the rain had stopped. Then I noticed George again so I knelt down and started talking to him as he began to talk about his career.

After about 15 minutes, George wanted to go back inside as the heat was getting to him. On our way back inside I asked if he had any family of friends that would visit with him. Confusion swept over his face and I asked if his family would come and visit with him. He sat back quietly in his wheelchair and with a straight face and monotone voice replied “I have no family.”

I slowed the cart and he explained how his niece is the only one and doesn’t visit. “So you see, I have no family.” He finally stated.

“Sir, I really want you to know that we are family, maybe not from the same mother, but definitely brothers.” The smile and excitement that George expressed was undeniable. As I pushed him inside, I shook his hand and bid farewell, promising to return next year to see him again.

Back in the parking lot, everyone could see the different emotions after what they experienced.

My ride back to the hotel found me humbly quiet and thinking over what had just occurred.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but maybe to hear their stories so they wouldn’t be forgotten.

Tomorrow will take us to Bristol TN/VA since I40 was damaged by Hurricane Helene late last year. So we’ll see what venture awaits us tomorrow.

Written by STITCH

Good evening Mid Route followers and family. Today was a special and charged up ride. So buckle up for a long SITREP filled with a very busy day.

This morning we met up in the parking lot behind Waffle House and conducted an early morning Sunday service.

Can you believe it? This is already day 6 of our 11 day ride across this great nation; over half way done.

As we brought together everyone to include our 21 new riders to the family; YES 21! WOW!

The family meeting started with MAZZ reading a Missing Man bio of the late Peter ‘Greenie’ Green, a fellow Road Guard that became a part of the ‘22’ last year almost to the day. Emotions were high, stories were told, and memories shared. One of Greenie’s, or as others may have known him as ‘Gearshift’, his favorite pastime was to arrive at the assembly point in the mornings with ‘We are Family’ blaring from his speakers as he rode around the group and lined up in place.

For those that are unaware, our family meetings are to discuss the activities of the day as well as safety discussions, messages, and words of encouragement. Today’s safety topic was ‘stress’ and how folks are doing prior to, during and after each ride, especially as we get closer to our mission’s end. Emotional stressors as well physical stressors are a real concern with everyone on the ride as well as why it is so important to have family around that folks can trust. The hardest one of all is medical stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, also known originally as ‘Shell Shock’ is a real thing that so many veterans have for so many different reasons. Watching, supporting, and a simple ‘how are you doing?’ question can mean the difference between light and darkness. And for folks that do not understand 22 Veterans, the phrase “22 veterans” refers to the estimated average number of U.S. military veterans who die by suicide each day. Please spread the word and awareness on this. If you or someone you know is in a position and are considering suicide, help is available. Speak with someone today.

Please contact the Veteran Crisis Helpline by dialing 988 and press 1, chat online or even send a text to 838255 and speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, both English and Spanish.

Yesterday our family set 2 NEW speed records at the fuel pumps.

This first was the slowest record as the pumps were filling on average one bike every 3-5 minutes.

The second was the fastest time at the pumps with fueling 230 bikes in 8 minutes and 42 seconds. Now this time for Day 5 is really great! Way to go Midway Route!

As for the Military Challenge held  every morning, the Air Force has pulled ahead.

To lighten the mood the entire Road Guard Team demonstrated hand signals in front of the entire family, and once they got to an agreement of which signal everyone was giving at the same time, brought a great reminder as well as new information to all of our new riders. It was especially comical when the signal for help by performing jumping jacks with the entire team on the trailer while causing everyone else the need to hold as both trailer and truck looked as if going over a rough patch of potholes.

As a storm to our west displayed dark clouds and a few bolts of lightning, everyone mounted up and hit the road east, into clear blue skies and the rising sun.

Once the pack reached the Tennessee line at the  Mississippi River, Tennessee State and Highway Patrol along with Memphis PD met and escorted us over the bridge and through the major metro area, closing off all exits and on ramps to ensure a clean and clear ride through town.

Our first fuel stop was at Pilot Travel Stop with great hospitality in Stanton, TN, a brand new station built and placed into service within the last year.

As we crossed the Tennessee River and 122 miles later we arrived at the Love’s Truck Stop just before our favorite Baked Potato lunch stop at Dickson’s very own Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The skies had become overcast with temperatures hovering around 94 degrees, but the mood and spirits were high as we knew our next stop was in Dickson, TN.

As we were escorted through town in a parade with the townsfolk lining the streets, cameras were out both on the bikes and in the crowds, live Facebook and YouTube videos flooding the net.

The reception at Cumberland Presbyterian was overwhelming with Dickson Fire Chief, Police representatives and a very large gathering of the congregation to help and volunteer. Family reunions and first meetings, old friends and new, the love shown and shared throughout the entire town Dickson, this stop is truly a Good-Will Tour.

As we gathered to leave, bittersweet goodbyes, hugs and prayers, promises of keeping in touch as well as blessings of a safe trip were given.

With an eastern route taken back to the interstate with a continuous police escort we soon found ourselves in Nashville on a route up and around with full lane closures in effect.

One final fuel stop at Uncle Pete’s near Lebanon found ourselves heading towards our final stop in Cookeville, TN. With overpasses filled, flags waving, and a Sheriff’s helicopter flyover that followed us all the way into town brought such a feverish high in everyone both riding and watching.

The night just began at the newly built Putnam County Convention Center where food was served in a very well air conditioned meeting hall, welcome speeches delivered by the City and County Mayors, invocation by Pastor Bob Sotis, followed by Posting of the Colors with the Cookeville High School JROTC. A beautifully sung National Anthem by Kim Butler and Pledge of Allegiance led by Phil Friedli.

Ed Butler presented a RFTW Resolution from the State of Tennessee establishing the May 14th through the 24th, 2025 officially Run for the Wall Week in Tennessee.

Finally to everyone’s long anticipation, the Cheesecake was unveiled for auction. Last year’s record setting auction sold the cheesecake at almost $1800 with an intent to break the record again this year, and we were not disappointed.

As usual, the bidding started off slow, 200, then 300, 500, then 800. 1000 was reached and groups were starting to form within the hall, Outreach vs the Road Guards. All focus was on these two tables as the stakes were raised ever so slightly with each call.

1,200 turned to 1,300.

1,400, then 1,500.

1,600 went to 1,700. Then 1,800 was called with taunts given to each table of whether or not they would let the opposition outbid them.

It was also explained that all of the funds raised were being donated to schools and organizations along the route.

Folks were getting up now and jumping to one or the other groups, adding to the pot that each one had to keep the stakes raising.

1,900 went to 2,000, then 2,500, 3,000, and riding up to 4.

When it started to look like a winner was getting close, Ed Butler suggested combining the two groups for an all time record of $7,500 for the 2025 RFTW Cheesecake auction. Check out Facebook, many phones were out and recording the event, a video well worth watching.

Gibson Guitars, blankets, knives and many other items were also auctioned off, reaching a grand total of over $11,600.

Live entertainment was also brought in by Second Time Around Band that played to the likings of the crowd.

Today was a very, very full day to say the least.

Tomorrow will bring our second day in Cookeville as we breakout to three different outreaches; Sunbright Veterans Memorial, Southside Elementary School in Lebanon with a secondary stop at Wilson County Veterans Memorial, or a final outreach choice of Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro.

Sorry for the lengthy SITREP but I feel it is important in passing on everything that we do, impacts in the community and the stories made while on this mission.

Let’s see what ventures tomorrow will bring our family.

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler

Once again the bikes are silent, the sun is setting and the fireflies begin to light up  in the fields around Forrest City, AR. Day five for the Midway Route family has come to an end.

As the day began in Shawnee, OK in the Walmart parking lot, the Military Branch Challenge was passed around, raffles and donations for the ride were collected, and a very special guest was then brought on stage, a Vietnam Veteran and wife. She had brought with her a letter written by him in 1970 from Vietnam and read it to the riders with as much emotion today as if she were reading it for the first time. It went to show the love and support a military family had for each other then as they do now in every way.

As every morning begins, a bio of a Veteran Hero is read aloud and then asked for a volunteer to take to the wall, either in Washington D.C., or Marseilles, IL., reminding us why we ride.  Today’s Hero was Staff Sgt David A. Wyatt, United States Marine Corps of the M Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Once everyone got started up on the road, the sun showed the eastern Oklahoma countryside with the continuous rolling hills and oak trees that lined the roads.

Our first stop for fuel was in Sallisaw, OK after 122 miles of riding, our second longest leg of the entire trip. As we began the fueling process, we can definitely say that we set another record in refueling time, however it was not in the way of a speed record, but rather on how slow the pumps were running. But the station personnel helped us along by opening more pumps to help push folks through in a more efficient manner, well given the circumstances anyway.

After a delay on what was only supposed to be. 45 minutes stop, everyone was refueled and on the road again, this time towards Ozark and then Russellville, AR.

The most impressive aspect during the ride was once we hit the Arkansas border, just about every overpass had supporters on them and cheering us on. There was even one that had a lone individual standing with a flag from what looked to be from his front porch, holding it proudly and saluting as we rode under. Fire trucks, utility vehicles, even a tow truck was spotted, all with First Responders, civilians, children, adults, and folks from all walks of life, taking their time to come out and stand, wave, cheer, and even salute as we rode by. You couldn’t help but feel proud of the patriotism being displayed, even developing a lump in your throat as you rode by.

Once we arrived in Russellville, we were escorted to Veterans Park where lunch had been prepared for us by many volunteers of the community. Smoked chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, deserts, all homemade and prepared for us; an absolute overwhelming gesture of appreciation for what we are doing.

A special tribute and appreciation was paid to Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt, parents of today’s Hero bio David A. Wyatt as they attended today’s lunch in remembrance of their son.

As you walk the grounds of Veterans Park, you begin to see other Heroes and their plaques lining the sidewalks and a small monument at the entrance to the park paying ‘tribute to those members of the armed forces who served honorably in all wars and conflict’.

It was described this morning that we all had a sacred mission tasked with us. It was also discussed throughout the day in several different ways that these veterans on the Midway Route have long since laid down their arms, tools and armament, and now are seen and heard by the sounds of their motors revving by on their way to DC, the now ‘silent warriors’ on sacred missions; of healing, resolution, or just even the need for accountability.

Our family bid thank you and farewell until next year to the Russellville community and pressed on towards Little Rock for a quick fuel stop where folks learned that humidity comes with the heat in the southern and mid-southern states. Sleeves and shirts were doused with cool water while finding the rich commodity of shade in a parking lot.

A 100 miles down the road, Ridgewood Baptist Church of Forrest City, AR welcomed us with open arms, smiles and hugs as families reunited after a year of being away.

A huge spread of fried chicken, mash potatoes, corn, biscuits and desserts were waiting as we walked inside and were treated to posting of the colors by the Wynne JROTC, comments of gratitude and thanks from Mayor Larry Bryant and Fire Chief, Jeremy Sharp.

To wrap the evening up, Mr. Eric Horner performed a live concert with ‘Proud To Be An American’ and many other songs that were dear to the hearts and souls of everyone. This included the 21 new registered riders, yes you read that correctly, 21! Our family continues to grow.

So tonight I close this SITREP with a reminder, our Midway Route family is strong, compassionate, and forgiving. It will figure things out, make them work, and above all, it will make sure that no one gets left behind or forgotten.

Let’s see what kind of ventures tomorrow will bring us.

Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler.

Good evening Midway Route followers. I cannot believe another day of riding is finished, yet closer to our mission goal.

Friday started off at Tripp’s Harley Davidson with the Amarillo H.O.G. Chapter serving breakfast to all of the Midway family. Also being a Friday, our family represented the ‘RED shirt Friday’ very well symbolizing ‘Remember Everyone Deployed’. The morning meeting started off great with the ‘Military Challenge’ to see what branch could out perform the others in charitable donations. Between the Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Patriot branches, so far the  Navy is ahead.

Our family also grew by four new riders this morning, even as we were only expecting two.

Everyone is coming together strong in every way imaginable, on the road skills, at refueling stops, and even helping each other everyday with places to stay. Yesterday during a fuel stop, everyone (250+ motorcycles and trikes) were able to get fueled up and off to staging in 11 minutes 30 seconds.

This morning the 16 spouses of Vietnam Veterans, known by many as ‘The Silent Ranks’ were honored with the toughest job in military family, raising the kids, waiting for letters, and not knowing if the next knock at the door would bring a fearful word of their loved ones becoming one of the many either killed in action or even missing in action.

The Veteran Hero bio read was of Eric ‘Doc’ Warren who was killed in action in Iraq by an IED while responding to someone in need of help.

Shortly thereafter everyone took to the road as the sun rose up from the horizon and a cool breeze blowing gently with the riders, a welcomed change from the previous days of strong winds against the pack.

Shamrock, TX was the first fuel stop and rest stop in the heart of the small town. The local police and townsfolk had us parked in the middle of downtown in the middle of the street.

After a short rest we were on our way through Oklahoma countryside towards Weatherford. Another fuel stop and off to the Stafford Air and Space Museum where the staff and folks from Weatherford had lunch and ice cream waiting for us. Having been two years since stopping there last, the hospitality and generosity of these folks were overwhelming. Besides, they brought in an Ice Cream truck for everyone. How cool is that? A huge shoutout to the Weatherford Police, Sheriff, and Fire departments as well as Tony Franks Museum, Legacy Bank, Cornell Masonic Lodge as well as Oklahoma Highway Patrol for making this great stop happen. And none of this could have occurred if it were for one of our own, Mark ‘MAZZ’ Masman, the Oklahoma State representative as well as Larry Williams in his watermelon shirt, that were able to get all of this stop possible in only three months’ time.

As we said goodbye to our new friends at the museum and got back on the road, this time heading towards our final stop of the day in Shawnee, OK through some of the prettiest rolling hills of grass and wheat that looked to be dancing in the gentle wind. But before we could get to our destination, we had no choice but to ride through Oklahoma City traffic….. on Friday afternoon….. during afternoon rush hour.

We were welcomed with open arms and personnel standing with flags and salutes as we rode by into the Shawnee VFW Post 1317 parking lot. There they had ready a meal of pulled pork, fried chicken, and smoked bologna, a sight and smell of home cooking for everyone as we were spent from riding in the sun filled skies.

As we look back over these past four days, we have seen folks come together with new family members as well as old, build up strength and bonds, and work through everything that has been thrown our way thus far.

So I close tonight with a curiosity of what’s to come tomorrow. Only time will tell, and with our Midway family, we’ll meet everything head on and work through it, together.

Written by Stitch. Photos by Kim Butler