Midway Route SitReps Archives - Page 10 of 31

Posted on February 28, 2023 by jerry.wilkins — Leave a comment

Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter March 2023

Greetings from hot, cold, rainy, sunshiny, Southern California! Piper has been releasing it fury as it heads across our Nation. Stay Safe!

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!

May is rapidly approaching, 79 days from this morning we will be departing Ontario, CA on our way to Flagstaff, AZ, our first night’s stop, as we continue with our Mission, Never Forget Their Sacrifice.

At this time there are 978 riders registered to participate. 236 of those registered are on the Midway Route. We are the smallest registered of the four routes, however, we are mighty, we are Family. Welcome to the Midway Family.

Congratulations and thank you are in order. Randall “Mullet” Olguin has volunteered as 2023 Midway Route Quartermaster. Dale and Ruth McCullough have taken on the very important task as 2023 Midway Route Merchandise Team Lead. Thank you, Randall, Dale and Ruth, for your support.

IMPORTANT HOTEL UPDATE

We just learned that the host hotel, Sure Stay Plus by Best Western in Albuquerque, NM is CLOSING FOR BUSINESS March 31^st, 2023. I have verified alternate hotels listed on RFTW website, i.e., Days Inn by Wyndham and Econo Lodge, and both have vacancies. We have designated the Days Inn by Wyndham as the new Host hotel. If you had reservations at the Best Western, you need to re-book your stay in Albuquerque ASAP!

Below are links to additional hotels on the “East” side of town within a reasonable distance of the staging area.

Congratulations to Super Bowl winners Michael Holas and Steven Cathey, 3^rd and 4^th quarter winners respectfully. Thank you, Gina Cutrer, for your diligent work in raising fuel donations. I am confident Midway riders greatly appreciate your efforts.

Midway Route Leadership is meeting monthly to ensure our trek across our Nation is tuned to perfection. Every turn is being analyzed, morning staging areas, daily fuel stops, meals, LEO support, etc. Your platoon leaders are working to ensure you will receive the latest information each morning.

Midway Route could still use volunteers in Platoons Leadership, Staging and Promotions. If you are looking to give back to the Run and you are not an FNG, here is a great way: go to the RFTW website, Midway Route Hub, click on “Volunteer Sign-Up”.

It is not too early to make sure your bikes are serviced and in good condition for a cross country trip. It is a good idea to get some saddle time in and get yourself in riding shape as well! Start exercising each day, make sure your medications are in order prior to departing home. Prepare yourself for the Run. Run For The Wall is not your typical ride, it can be physically and emotionally challenging.

Is it May yet?

Hope that all MIA and POW’s find closure
Honor all KIA
Healing for our Veterans and the 22 per day

Mission First.

Jerry “Corp” Wilkins
“Service Before Self”
RFTW 2023 Midway Route Coordinator
Email- jerry.wilkins@rftw.us
One Mission ~ Four Routes

Posted on February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by Paul Marshall — Leave a comment

Central Route Coordinator Newsletter February 2023

As of February 1, 2023, a total of 932 patriots have registered for RFTW XXXIII, this includes 357 Central Route registrants. Online registration is still available Register Here! , but at a slightly higher price ($60). And, if you’ve not already done so, check out the hotel/camping list on the RFTW website CR Hotels and Camping and make your reservations as soon as possible. Also, go to the forums and see if you can assist anyone with a room Share. Forum/Roommates Wanted

In mid-January, we met with all platoon leaders to review their experiences during the last RFTW mission. These – your platoon leaders – are the people who you will rely upon for guidance during RFTW XXXIII – your year. These are also the people who have committed themselves to your safety, and to their responsibilities for mentoring and caring for you as new RFTW riders.

Because of their crucial role in guiding a large group of motorcycle riders across this country, it was important to hear their observations of the last Run, and recommendations for the next mission – your mission. And, while it is impossible to overstate the importance of these discussions, some points of special concern to new riders include:

Riding preference: Riders will be receiving an email from CR leadership asking for your riding preference – side-by-side or staggered. This will help us accommodate rider preferences, and determine platoon compositions, before you even arrive in Ontario, CA. In addition, based on your contact information, platoon leaders may be contacting you soon and inviting you to a (Zoom) meeting, to introduce you to RFTW, and what you can expect on the ride across the country.
Rider support: CR has an especially competent and professional chaplaincy team, led by Duane Gryder. The team will accompany riders across the country. The chaplaincy team will deliver words of encouragement at rider meetings every morning, speak at all platoon briefings, and will make themselves available to all riders, individually, at any time, night, or day.

Future leadership candidates: RFTW and CR are always looking for new riders who would like to be considered for a leadership position. Platoon leaders will ask riders to complete a platoon roster, which asks for rider contact information, and a rider’s desire to seek a leadership position for the next Run. It is from platoon rosters, along with platoon leadership observations, that selections for leadership positions for the next year will come.

As planning continues, CR leadership will hold its formal route planning meetings on February 14, 15 and 16. These meetings, involving virtually all CR leadership, will lead to the development of the official route itinerary for RFTW XXXIII. During these meetings, working our way from Ontario, CA to Washington, D.C., we’ll discuss in detail our route through several states. To make these meetings work, state coordinators have actually been planning since the end of RFTW XXXII. They have met with station managers for fuel, community leaders for lunches and dinners, memorial directors and law enforcement organizations for escorts, among other things.

It is truly amazing how much work our state coordinators can get done between Runs. You might think that a year is a lot of time, but consider the complications they are likely to encounter working with local government/law enforcement organizations, state government/law enforcement organizations, and even federal government organizations (e.g., Veterans Hospitals). So, as I suggested in the October 2022 newsletter, in Ontario, and while on the Run, please seek out these state coordinators – the folks with brown hats – and thank them for their hard work.

Finally with respect to route planning, all route coordinators (RCs) will meet with the BOD at the end of February. In addition to RCs briefing the BOD on the status of their respective routes, this is typically the meeting at which the BOD gives the official go-ahead for the RFTW mission and all routes. We will report back to CR riders in March 2023 regarding any changes to the route, as well as the BOD’s final decision.

It’s hard to believe we are only a little over 100 days before we launch RFTW XXXIII from Ontario, CA on 17 May 2023. So, get ready – prepare your motorcycle and ride it, prepare yourself physically and mentally, and stay healthy.

Paul “Brush” Marshall
CR RC RFTW XXXIII

Posted on January 3, 2023January 3, 2023 by Paul Marshall — Leave a comment

Central Route Coordinator Newsletter January 2023

Well, it’s a new year, and we’re on the downhill slope leading to RFTW XXXIII. I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year celebration. Now, it’s time to recuperate from the family get-togethers, huge meals, parties, and maybe a drink or two. Seems like we go through this cycle every year. Anyway, it is time to get moving again – to plan what comes next.

As of January 1, 2023, 657 patriots have registered for RFTW XXXIII (244 on Central Route). Congratulations to all you early registrants – you saved yourselves some money. Remember, the cost of registration goes up on 1 February, so there is still time to save. Register online for the Run now.

Central Route (CR) leadership has continued to plan for the Run, even through the holidays. In early December, the assistant route coordinator and I met with several members of the leadership team, including all state coordinators, the road guard captain, route planner, and the fuel and staging team leaders. We discussed possible changes to the next Run – changes that may affect such things as community events, fuel stops, meals and memorial visits. And, in all cases, the number of riders we are planning for factored into these discussions.

State coordinators have wrapped up work securing hotel rooms for RFTW riders, and they have negotiated the best room rates possible. So now it’s time for hotel and camping reservations! Check out the hotel list on the RFTW website (Hotel List Link), and make your reservations as soon as possible. Hotel rooms and camping spaces will fill up quickly. If you are interested in finding a roommate for hotels across the country, consider checking out the RFTW Forum for roommate postings (link to RFTW Forum).

After making hotel or camping reservations, it’ll be time for you to think about your ride to Ontario, CA, where you will join RFTW XXXIII. This is a good opportunity to practice your long-range riding skills, and confirm you’ve packed appropriately for a long ride. And, while many participants will ride to Ontario by themselves, others will ride with a friend or two, and some will join groups of several riders in rides called a “Run-to-the-Run”. If you are interested in riding to Ontario with a group of riders, check out the RFTW Forum (RFTW Forum and Runs to the Run) for Runs-to-the-Run postings. You can respond to a posting, ask about the route, and ask the organizer if you can join the group.

Consider also that a group of CR leadership (including me, two platoon leaders, a tail gunner and others) is planning a Run-to-the-Run, from Seattle, WA to Ontario, CA. We have not yet settled on the route, but it is likely to be down the middle of Oregon and California via Hwy 395, or, along the coast via Hwy 101. Our ride is typically four days long, we leave WA on the Wednesday before the ride, and we arrive in Ontario, CA on Sunday. You can join us in Washington, or join us along our route to California. If you are interested in joining this group, please email me personally @ paul.marshall@rftw.us.

It is upon arrival in Ontario, CA, that your participation in RFTW XXXIII really beings. Here, on Sunday and Monday, before we begin the Run, riders will “check-in” with the Registration Team, lead by Kathryn Ewing.

Unlike previous years, where riders checked in at the host hotel, this year check-in will take place at the Elks Lodge, located at 1150 W. 4^th Street in Ontario, which is a couple miles from the host hotel. Check-in for all routes leaving Ontario will take place in the same room and the Lodge .

During the check-in process, riders will be asked to produce several documents, to include proof of (1) on-line registration for RFTW XXXIII, (2) current driver license, with the proper endorsement if riding a motorcycle, (3) current registration for your motorcycle or other vehicle to be used on the Run, and (4) current motorcycle insurance for your motorcycle or other vehicle to be used on the Run. In addition to these documents, it is highly recommended that riders carry at all times during the Run, their medical insurance and roadside assistance (e.g., HOG Club, AAA RV and Motorcycle Insurance, etc.) documents. And finally, before you leave the check-in room, you will meet with the Platoon Coordinator, Correen “Squirrel” Wood who will ensure you are assigned to the proper platoon.

When you leave the check-in room, you will have a handful of paperwork and other materials associated with the Run, and ultimately. We expect you will also have many questions, such as, “What do I do next”, or “Where can I find my Platoon Leader? To help riders with these and other questions, CR has created a new leadership position – the “FNG Liaison”. Because of his many years of RFTW experience (e.g., as platoon leader and member of the Board of Directors) Mike “Tanker” McDole has been appointed to this position.

Prior to leaving the check-in room, new riders will be directed to meet with Tanker, who will be located just outside the check-in room. Tanker will introduce you to the RFTW Mission Statement, and brief you on next steps. This includes explaining the schedule for mandatory meetings for new riders and platoon orientation. The meeting with Tanker is crucial; it is the time for initial questions and answers. We know you will find the meeting with Tanker both helpful and informative.

Finally, we continue to encourage riders with at least one year of RFTW experience to consider volunteering for a leadership position. The CR maintains a list of riders who have expressed an interest in a leadership position, and it is from this list that most appointments are made. changes in leadership positions are very common, both before and during the Run.

As I said, it’s a new year. And, already I can feel the energy and anticipation building for RFTW XXXIII. We look forward to meeting you all in Ontario. Keep up the good work, and stay healthy.

Paul “Brush” Marshall
CR RC RFTW XXXIII

Posted on December 28, 2022December 28, 2022 by jerry.wilkins — Leave a comment

Midway Route December 2022 Newsletter

My name is Jerry Wilkins, and I have been honored by the Run For The Wall (RFTW) Board of Directors by being appointed as the 2023 Midway Route Coordinator. This will be my first newsletter, with many more to follow.

I ride this year in memory of my Father, my Hero, Robert B. Wilkins, WW II Army Veteran.

In early 2004 Glen “Wombat” Waggoner, 2019 Midway Route Coordinator, told me about Run For the Wall. I participated in 2004. Upon my return I told my wife, Patti, I had participated in an event greater than anything else I have ever been involved in. I am not a Veteran. I knew in my heart and soul; this is a manner in which I could say thank you to those who have given so much to our Freedoms. Due to work restrictions, I was not able to go All The Way until 2011. Since that time, I have volunteered 2010 – 2013 as Central Route Fuel Team, Tailgunner and Fuel Team Lead, 2014 – 2019 Midway Route as Fuel Team Tailgunner and Fuel Team Lead, Asst. Advance Team Lead, Advance Team Lead, 2020 – and 2022 Midway Assistant Route Coordinator.

The Midway Route is not just a route but is a FAMILY. We have developed a family culture over the years and I intend to carry on that tradition. We don’t just say the words; it is part of our culture. We have a “servant leadership” that is there to help you get safely across the country. Everyone, whether in a leadership position or not, is here to answer your questions. The route is about you and the Mission and not about leadership. Everyone’s safety is of utmost importance.

Earlier this month, Midway Route long time supporters Bill and Cathy Clark, Merchandise Lead and Quartermaster informed RFTW they would not be able to participate in 2023. I would like to personally thank Bill and Cathy for many years of Service to Run For The Wall. For those of you interested in taking over this awesome task and giving back to the Run, feel free to contact me directly at jerry.wilkins@rftw.us

Midway Route needs you to consider volunteering to help with both Staging and Promotions teams. The Staging process will be changed for 2023. Staging has come into the modern era with changes to the platoon placement markings making the job physically easier and less stressful. We will improve hydration opportunities and provide medical support. Staging is such an important aspect of daily organization on the route and we need your help. Please contact Gina Cutrer by email at gina.cutrer@rftw.us or call her directly at 225-202-5328. If you would like to volunteer for any position on Midway Route, please fill out the Volunteer Request Form (CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER). Between now and May 2023 there will be openings on different teams. By volunteering now, you will be on the ready list to be asked to join a team.

It is my Honor and Privilege to announce Don “Ten-A-See” King as Assistant Route Coordinator, Leo “Rucksack” Rachmel as Road Guard Captain and Ryan ‘Pipes” Long as Assistant Road Guard Captain. I know each of them personally and we all ride for the Mission.

Hope that all MIA and POW’s find closure
Honor all KIA
Healing for our Veterans and the 22 per day

Mission First.

Jerry “Corp” Wilkins
“Service Before Self”
RFTW 2023 Midway Route Coordinator
Email- jerry.wilkins@rftw.us
Four Routes, One Mission!

Posted on December 14, 2022 by jerry.wilkins — Leave a comment

Midway Route Coordinator News Brief – December 2022

As your Midway Route Coordinator I am proud to announce Don “Ten-A-See” King as the new Assistant Route Coordinator for Midway Route 2023.

I am also pleased to announce that Leo “Rucksack” Rachmel will be the Road Guard Captain for Midway Route 2023.

We are all working hard to make RFTW XXXIII the best it can be in 2023! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Is it May YET?!?!?!!!!!

Your Midway Route Coordinator,

Jerry “Corp” Wilkins

P.S. If you haven’t registered for the 2023 Run for the Wall yet, what are you waiting for? Register today. Rates go up on Feb 1st!

*Also, RFTW Swag make GREAT holiday gifts! CLICK TO SHOP RFTW

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Run for The Wall — Leave a comment

Midway Route RC Update From the BoD

The Board of Directors wishes to share that Jim “Bruzer” Bruzewski has, for personal reasons, stepped down as the RC for the Midway Route for 2023. Bruzer has long dedicated his free time to advance the mission of RFTW, and as we move forward with our 2023 planning, his zest and energy will be missed. Jerry Wilkins agreed, and the BoD has approved, his appointment as Midway RC. Jerry will nominate his ARC and the BoD will act on that nomination as soon as possible.

Posted on December 6, 2022December 6, 2022 by Paul Marshall — Leave a comment

Central Route Coordinator Newsletter December 2022

Happy Holidays! Like our Thanksgiving celebrations last month, December is the time to gather with family and friends, to reflect on our lives and blessings, and to prepare for a new year of opportunities and hope.

Registration: As of 1 December, 528 patriots have registered for RFTW XXXIII. The cost of registration will increase on 1 February 2023. So be sure to register for the Run as soon as possible and save yourself some money.

When you do register, you’ll be asked to select the route you want to join. As you make your route selection, keep in mind RFTW recently added a fourth route, the Sandbox Route. This route is dedicated to veterans of gulf conflicts, and is in keeping with the RFTW mission. Sandbox riders will depart Washington D.C. on the Sunday following the arrival of all three routes from California, and will ride to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois. If you are a veteran of gulf conflicts, a friend or family member of these veterans, or a supporter of these veterans, you need to experience this ride. It is important to note, however, the number Sandbox participants is extremely limited. You can register for the Sandbox Route alone, or add it onto the end of one of the CA to DC routes, but you must register soon.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

In January 2023, you will be able to make hotel reservations across the country. State coordinators are working hard to finalize the list of hotels and camping locations available to riders. Their work will be completed by 15 December, and the final list of hotels and camping locations will be published on the RFTW website at midnight, 1 January 2023.

Prepare: With the December holidays upon us, we all know that time will be limited, and mostly devoted to family. Still, it’s important that we find some time to begin preparing ourselves, and our motorcycles. That may seem an obvious next step, but it’s worth repeating. And, given the no-show rate for RFTW XXXII (about 40%), we thought it wise to discuss the probable reason for some of the no-shows, and review many important preparations that have proven effective in past Runs.
We know that COVID had a dramatic effect on RFTW. Cities, counties and states shut everything down, blocked community gatherings, and essentially made it impossible for RFTW to execute its mission. The RFTW Board of Directors (BOD) was forced to cancel the Run for 2020 and 2021. We believe these cancellations, and the possibility of a third year, may have caused some would-be participants to withdraw from the Run.
All that said, if you have been waiting for the right time to go on this Run, that time is now, and now is the time to begin your preparations. COVID is gone, and the restrictions on travel and gatherings were actually lifted before RFTW XXXII. Prospective riders can once again feel confident that RFTW XXXIII will continue the mission, and can now focus on preparations. How?

Your motorcycle – Ride it! Go on 100+ mile rides; gradually increase your distances. Plan overnight rides of two or more days, keeping up the miles each day. Pay attention to your bike’s performance. And, take your bike in for service and a safety check before you begin your journey to Ontario, CA, and then on to Washington D.C.

Equipment and clothing – bring the right kind, and the right amount. Check out the RFTW website for the recommended equipment list. If you know someone that has participated in RFTW, ask them about the clothing and equipment they brought. My recommendation – pack light. In selecting clothing for the Run, consider commemorating your ride, and supporting RFTW at the same time, by taking a look at the RFTW Store for T-shirts, hats, patches and many other items.

Click Here to go to the Store!

Personal – begin at least a moderate physical fitness regime. Riding your bike will help. Bring your prescribed and allergy medicines, vitamins and a first aid kit. Having done your best to plan and prepare for the Run, rest assured that your CR leadership team will do what it can to support all riders on their journey across this country. Typical rider support includes:

Chase vehicles (Team Leader – Tommy “Two Chains” Cranford): This a group of volunteers with their own vehicles and trailers. These team members pick up disabled motorcycles and/or riders who are unable to continue riding due to illness or some other condition. Keep in mind team drivers sometimes are unavailable because they are picking up motorcycles and delivering them to a repair shop. To avoid the possibility of long waits along the road, ensure you have a provision for roadside assistance in your motorcycle insurance.

Hydration team (Team Lead – Nathan “Big Foot” Masten): This team consists of several volunteers who, with their own vehicles and trailers, travel with the pack across country, picking up supplies and providing refreshments (drinks and snacks) to all riders at stops along the route.

Medical team (Team Lead – Wade “Big Country” Wills): This team consists of several trained medics, even a doctor, offer health guidance and/or first aid to riders.

Volunteer Positions: Thanks to all those who have volunteered to help the Central Route. We’re still inviting volunteers to help with the Staging and Fuel Teams. Keep the request forms coming.

Volunteer HERE!

Just like your Central Route (CR) leadership team, we realize you all have a lot of planning to do in preparation for the Run. Despite moving into the Christmas season, CR planning is actually accelerating. We are reviewing plans in some detail, and soon, we will finalize our hotel and camping list, and riders can begin making reservations. We are eager for RFTW XXXIII to begin, and we look forward to meeting you all in Ontario. Keep up the good work, and stay healthy.

Paul “Brush” Marshall
CR RC RFTW XXXIII

Posted on November 8, 2022November 8, 2022 by Jim "Bruzer" Bruzewski — Leave a comment

Midway Route November 2022 Newsletter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

With that said, I do want to celebrate the birthdays of all branches of service and hope that all of you have a meaningful VETERANS DAY. We need to continually honor our veterans every day of the year and this gives us a special day to honor them. All have given so much to assure that you and I have the freedoms that we do. It takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication and many have suffered individually as a result of that service and dedication. A great deal of you return home and you do not feel the same as when you left, and many of you are not the same person while still on active duty. These symptoms had different names over several centuries and in 1980 the behavioral health community developed diagnostic criteria and officially recognized POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD). The United States military and the Department of Veteran Affairs have developed programs to more effectively help active-duty personnel and veterans. Even with the availability of these programs, there are thousands of individuals still suffering. I am speaking in terms of military personnel here, however, PTSD can affect anyone. In several newsletters, my intention is to create more awareness about this problem. Part of the Run for the Wall mission is to “promote healing among all veterans, their families and friends”. The information presented below is from the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“(The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress) We are the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.

PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.

It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event (also called “trauma”). At first, it may be hard to do daily activities you are used to doing, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later, or they may come and go over time. If it’s been longer than a few months and thoughts and feelings from the trauma are upsetting you or causing problems in your life, you may have PTSD.

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. Some factors can increase the chance that someone will have PTSD, many of which are not under that person’s control. For example, having a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event or getting injured during the event can make it more likely that a person will develop PTSD. PTSD is also more common after certain types of trauma, like combat and sexual assault.

Personal factors—like previous traumatic exposure, age, and gender—can affect whether or not a person will develop PTSD. What happens after the traumatic event is also important. Stress can make PTSD more likely, while social support can make it less likely.”

I want to thank Mike “Papa Mike” Cash and his foundation, OPERATION FAMILY, for providing us with this information and guidance on this very important issue.

Next month we will publish more on this subject.

—————————————————-

On another note, Midway Route needs you to consider volunteering to help with both staging and promotions teams. The Staging process will be changed for 2023. Staging has come into the modern era with changes to the platoon placement markings making the job physically easier and less stressful. We will improve hydration opportunities and provide medical support. Staging is such an important aspect of daily organization on the route and we need your help. Please contact Gina Cutrer by email at gina.cutrer@rftw.us or call her directly at 225-202-5328. If you would like to volunteer for any position on Midway Route, please fill out the Volunteer Request Form (CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER). Between now and May 2023 there will be openings on different teams. By volunteering now, you will be on the ready list to be asked to join a team.

I am pleased to announce the Midway Route will have two fundraiser activities for this coming year that were successes last year. Our Promotions Team Leaders for 2023 are Gina “LeSpice” Cutrer and Randy “Mullet” Olgion. The first is the HOTEL DRAWING. This was an awesome fundraiser in 2022 and we are doing it again. The prize is $1000 which is approximately the amount it will take to pay for most of your hotel expenses or anything you need. The money raised from this drawing will go to support our adopted schools and our fuel stops.

The cost per ticket is $10.00 or you can purchase seven tickets for $50.00! If you purchase $100.00 worth, you will get 20 tickets and $150 gets you 30 tickets. ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE. You do not have to be a registered rider for Run for the Wall. You can be a non-participant. You can sit at home or be on the beach in Cabo.

DRAWING IS JANUARY 1, 2023

If you would like to purchase HOTEL DRAWING tickets, please make a check out to RFTW Midway Route and send it to:

Gina Cutrer
33538 Nancy Drive
Walker, LA 70785

You may also use Venmo:

@Gina-Cutrer-1

Our next fundraiser is the SUPER BOWL DRAWING. It is early, however, we are beginning to make an effort to raise the money to support the fuel cost for every rider on the Midway Route this year by conducting various fundraising activities. So, we are offering a Super Bowl Football Board opportunity to support the Midway Route fuel costs. Winners will be receiving a gift card to use during the 2023 RFTW ride.

Buy a Super Bowl 2023 square for $25.00 or $100.00 buys you 5 squares or buy as many entries as you like! 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.

The Board will be filled out from the top to bottom and left to right based on the time and date of the receipt of your entry and payment. The numbers will be drawn from the hat after a board is complete, so there will be no particular order. All entries must be received by 31 January 2023.

How to enter:

Send check made out to RFTW Midway Route to:

Gina Cutrer
33538 Nancy Drive
Walker, LA 70785

Or pay via:

WWW.VENMO.COM (APP) to @Gina-Cutrer-1

Once the Board is filled and numbers assigned, the Board will be emailed prior to game start and posted to RFTW Facebook.

Those receiving gift cards will be contacted the day after the game to ensure we have the correct contact information for mailing the gift card to you.

Thank you all for your continued generosity in this fundraising effort and GOOD LUCK. We appreciate and need your support for the Midway Route. If you want to help but do not want to participate in these drawings then please send a check to Run for the Wall-Midway Route to Gina Cutrer at her address listed above. Please do note “Midway Route” on your check.

Please register for the RFTW if you have not done so (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER). Registration information helps the Midway Route in planning all the details necessary for a successful ride. If you register early, you save money. Registration is set up on a graduated system where the later you register, the more it costs. A good incentive plan for registering early.

“NEVER GIVE UP”

Jim “BRUZER” Bruzewski

Midway Route Coordinator 2023

Posted on November 2, 2022November 2, 2022 by Paul Marshall — Leave a comment

Central Route Coordinator Newsletter November 2022

Registration update: Nearly 400 patriots have registered for RFTW XXXIII since 11 September 2022. As I mentioned in the October newsletter, the sooner you register (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY), the sooner RFTW (and Central Route) planners will be able to accurately assess (and arrange for) the needs of the Run across the country. But there’s another reason you should consider registering early – saving money. To encourage early registration, the RFTW Board of Directors (BOD) has decided to establish a sliding scale for registration costs:

We understand that many riders participating in RFTW are operating on a budget – most of us are. So, register early and save yourself some money. And, don’t forget to complete the Emergency Information Form while you’re registering online (more on that form later). Be sure to make copies of your registration and emergency information documents, and bring them with you (along with your driver/motorcycle license, motorcycle registration and proof of insurance) to Ontario, CA in May 2023.

In Ontario, all your documentation will be verified during the check-in process, and you be assigned to a platoon. Later, probably on Tuesday 16 May, you will attend a platoon meeting where you will meet your platoon leadership team, and receive a comprehensive briefing about the mission upon which you are about to begin. It is in this meeting, I’m convinced, that you will begin to establish an important relationship, one which will last far beyond your arrival in Washington D.C. Let’s talk briefly about these platoon leadership teams;

Platoon leadership: Platoon leadership teams consist of a platoon leader, an assistant platoon leader, and two tail gunners. These teams are made up of women and men, veterans, and non-veterans – patriots all. All are dedicated to the RFTW mission and committed to the safety of the riders in their platoons. All have completed a RFTW mission at least once by riding all the way on one of the routes. Many have been in a leadership role for several years. These volunteers have decided to come back to RFTW, to help others complete their (your) own mission. You will recognize members of platoon leadership teams by, and hear them referred to as, orange hats.

After departing Ontario, CA, your platoon leadership team will continue to guide you on your mission across this country. They will be your direct and daily source of the information and guidance you will need to be safe and successful on this ride. You will be required to attend platoon meetings every morning, during which your platoon leadership will reinforce important safety tips, recap the previous day’s events, and brief you on the destination and expectation for that day’s ride. At these morning meetings you will also have the opportunity to hear from road guards and chaplains, who will offer their observations and encouragement.

This process is repeated every day. As I said before, by the time you reach D.C., you will get to know your platoon leadership team intimately, and likely develop a close relationship (and friendship) with each one of them. This special relationship, moreover, often leads to an invitation to come back the next year to participate in some RFTW leadership role – in the platoons or in some specialty team like fueling or staging. Having said that, if along your way to Washington, D.C. you begin to entertain the idea of coming back and volunteering to help RFTW the next year, just let your platoon leadership know – they’ll be compiling a list of potential leaders as we cross the country.

Planning continues: We recently met with all state coordinators to discuss where they were in their respective state planning efforts. These are the “planners” we introduced in the October Newsletter. At this point, all state coordinators are reporting that there will be little or no changes in the Central Route itinerary for RFTW XXXIII in 2023. So, if you can find an itinerary from a previous Run (e.g., 2022), it may help you get a sense for what to expect in 2023.

As some of you may know, or have heard, during the last Run (RFTW XXXII, 2022), Central Route experienced some significant route planning challenges. Confronted with massive fires in New Mexico, heavy snows in Colorado, and major construction at the West Virginia state capitol, Central Route leadership, supported (or “rescued”) by state coordinators, managed to re-route, re-fuel, re-stage and re-house about 350 riders, plus support vehicle operators. These changes were successful, and may have appeared seamless to most riders. However, I can assure you that in a very short span of time there were a great many urgent phone calls and map reviews, forward scouting missions and radio transmissions (and hair-pulling), before things finally fell into place. So, as I mentioned in the October newsletter, during the next Run, find a state coordinator and thank them for their planning efforts, and their dedication to RFTW and its mission.

Volunteer Positions: Finally, we have received a very good response in our call for volunteers. And as mentioned in that newsletter platoon leaderships positions are filled. However, the fuel team and staging team are still in need of volunteers. So, if you have completed the RFTW mission by riding all the way on one of the routes, please consider submitting a volunteer form. We will forward your request to the appropriate team leader, and someone will reach out to you and discuss the opportunities. And keep in mind that some volunteer positions do not require that you ride a motorcycle (e.g., the registration team, hydration, etc.). Keep the volunteer request forms coming. (CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER)

Posted on October 15, 2022November 8, 2022 by Jim "Bruzer" Bruzewski — Leave a comment

Midway Route RC Newsletter — October 2022

A part of our Run for the Wall mission is to “support our military personnel” and to “promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends”. As an opportunity to fulfill these tenants, we are excited to announce that Midway Route is visiting the US Army Installation in Lawton, Oklahoma known as Fort Sill, the FIRES Center of Excellence. For those of you who may not know, Fort Sill is the home of Air Defense and Field Artillery for the US Army and the only US Marine Corps Field Artillery MOS School. Today Fort Sill is one of only four US Army basic combat training locations turning nearly 17,000 civilians into soldiers every year. Plans for the various activities there are all completed or nearly completed. We should have a full law enforcement escort from the time we enter Oklahoma to the time we leave Oklahoma. We hope to have active duty military personnel from Fort Sill ride with us as registered riders. What an honor that would be. Often civilians and military personnel living on or near large military installations in the U.S. become less sensitized as to how important their roles are in the big picture. We hope to bring more awareness to their importance in our daily lives and to honor them for their service to our country. A few of the planned activities are: The Tribes located within the Fort Sill area are planning to participate during our lunch at the Field Artillery Museum providing the Honor Guard, the presentation of an authentic tribal dance and, finally, the blessing of our bikes. A couple of Outreach activities are also in the planning process.

This year, we are blessed to have resources available to us at Fort Sill to plan and execute this event. This has been a collaborative effort with personnel at Fort Sill and the Tribes in the area and the City of Lawton community leaders along with our Oklahoma State Coordinators. I would also like to announce that Mike “Heavy” King has accepted the position as Mazz’s Assistant State Coordinator for Oklahoma. Thank all of you for your willingness to volunteer for the challenge of exploring and planning for new and exciting opportunities for our riders and to keep the mission viable. We hope to build on the possibilities of keeping the Run for the Wall relevant and meaningful for the future.

Speaking of opportunities and volunteers, I am pleased to announce that Gina Cutrer has accepted the position of Staging Lead and will co-lead with Promotions in 2023. Gina has had experience with staging and promotions over the last few years. She is asking if you would you consider volunteering to help with both staging and promotions. The Staging process will be changed for 2023. Staging has come into the modern era with changes to the platoon placement markings making the job physically easier and less stressful. We hope to improve hydration opportunities and provide medical support. Staging is such an important aspect of daily organization on the route and we need your help. Please contact Gina Cutrer by email at gina.cutrer@rftw.us or call her directly at 225-202-5328.

Click here for the volunteer link.

I am pleased to announce the Midway Route will have two fundraiser activities for this coming year that were successes last year. Our Promotions Team Leaders for 2023 are Gina Cutrer and Randy “Mullet” Olgion. The first is the HOTEL DRAWING. This was an awesome fundraiser in 2022 and we are doing it again. The prize is $1000 which is approximately the amount it will take to pay for most of your hotel expenses or anything you need. The money raised from this drawing will go to support our adopted schools and our fuel stops.

The cost per ticket is $10.00 or you can purchase seven tickets for $50.00! If you purchase $100.00 worth, you will get 20 tickets. There is no limit to the number of tickets you can buy. If you would like to purchase HOTEL DRAWING tickets, please make a check out to RFTW and send it to:

Gina Cutrer
33538 Nancy Drive
Walker, LA 70785

You may also use Venmo:
@Gina-Cutrer-1

How to enter:

Send check made out to Midway Route Fuel to:
Gina Cutrer
33538 Nancy Drive
Walker, LA 70785

Or pay via:
WWW.VENMO.COM (APP) to @Gina-Cutrer-1

Once the Board is filled and numbers assigned, the Board will be emailed prior to game start and posted to RFTW Facebook.

Those receiving gift cards will be contacted the day after the game to ensure we have the correct contact information for mailing the gift card to you.

The Homes For Our Troops Key Presentation Ceremony happened in Queen Creek, AZ on September 24,2022. RFTW was well represented at the event and I want to personally thank all of you who made the extra effort to attend this heartwarming event. Many of you traveled great distances and took time off work to be there. This home was presented to a well deserving combat wounded Marine and his family. Their daily lives will be made easier by having this fully adapted home. Thank you Yev Shenker and family for you sacrifices for our country.

The Cookeville, TN Slow Down/Outreach Day is planned with details forthcoming. There will be three Outreach opportunities that day with full law enforcement support and escort. Staging and Fuel Teams will have the day off. Remember, this is your day off to stay in town and relax or go on an Outreach and relax. It is your day, you decide. Eventually, we will need to know how many riders will choose to go on each Outreach so we can plan LEO support and Road Guard support. I want to thank everyone who participated in the creative nature and planning of this new experience and opportunity for our Midway Route riders.

“NEVER GIVE UP”

Jim “BRUZER” Bruzewski
Midway Route Coordinator 2023

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