Category: President Messages

This year, July has a slightly different flavor than usual.  We celebrate our nation’s birthday every July, but this year marks the 250th anniversary of what was dubbed our “experiment in freedom.” I encourage you to take time to read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other relevant documents that outline the foundation of our democratic republic. I often hear people say that civics is a class that is missing from many of our school curricula; let’s take a moment to read these foundational documents so we have a better understanding of our Founding Fathers’ intentions.

The July Face-to-Face meetings in Dallas provided the Board, including the new RCs and ARCs, with an opportunity to meet and discuss the AARs and the processes and procedures that govern our Mission. As is the case this time of year, some of the directors’ terms were due to expire, mine included. The bylaws require that certain corporate officers be drawn from the existing Board of Directors. Accordingly, I am pleased to announce that Billie “Bugs” Dunlap will become the new President of the Board, and Corey “Sunbear” Lederer will become the new Vice-President. With these two appointments, we began the search for a new Secretary. The announcement has a very short deadline, so if you are interested, please refer to it for the particulars on submitting your application. Further information on some of the other discussions will follow, so please stay tuned.

We often hear from folks about how our Mission has evolved over the last 36 years.  There is truth in those discussions.  We should remember that when RFTW was formed, it was a way to bring a group of veterans across the country, picking up some along the way, to protest the government’s methods of dealing with veteran issues.  As RFTW evolved and became a 501(c)(3), the veterans participating in the Run were the focus of the charity.  Arranging safe travel, meals, and a place of comfort, compassion, and understanding for those veterans, while carrying the message about the needs of our veterans, was the purpose of the organization.  Showing strength in numbers with like-minded individuals was necessary.  While the National League of Families of American Prisoners & Missing in Southeast Asia was formed in 1970, responses from various government representatives were lukewarm at best.  The history of our government’s work on the POW/MIA issue dates back to 1933.  In 1988, RFTW was a call to action by concerned veterans to raise the voices of our nation, our veterans, their friends and families, to force our government to face this most difficult issue. Thirty-Six years later, we still need to call for an accounting of our POWs and MIAs; there are some 81,000 remaining from our collective engagements with the enemy.  But we’ve also shifted our focus.  Our focus on Gold Star families, the families of our POWs and MIAs, those families that live with loss each and every day, shows that our compassion and care extend beyond the call for accountability.  However, as our society shifts its attention and our POWs and MIAs are no longer at the forefront of our nation, we need to ensure that we don’t lose focus on honoring their memory and supporting their friends and families.  Let us not forget that we need to continue to provide and promote an atmosphere where all participants, regardless of their service status, can reflect and heal, whether on the journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Gulf War Memorial, the Middle East Conflict Memorial, visiting a VA Hospital or center, or any other memorial or cemetery we visit.  As the needs of our most recent veterans shift, we need to be sufficiently expansive and flexible to ensure we meet their needs with the same desire and dedication as we have for the last 36 years.  All of our veterans, friends, and families are important; all count.  Let’s keep that focus.

Recently, Palm Springs Harley-Davidson approached us with a great idea. They wanted to find a way to support our Benevolence Program through multiple fundraising events. While they could always ask potential donors to write a check, we met and put our heads together, and Boots and Captain America set up a process so electronic donations go directly to RFTW, targeted to support the Benevolence Program. This initiative came about through a suggestion from one of our riders. The rider took the idea to his RC, who brought it to the BoD. We appreciate our riders’ efforts to support our program and ask that you bring these ideas and suggestions to your RC, who, in turn, will bring them to the BoD. While this may seem a bit arduous, it is necessary to ensure we don’t get our wires crossed. By approaching these opportunities through the appropriate process, the BoD can protect the people and businesses involved and provide maximum support to our riders.

Speaking of the Benevolence Program, we would like to highlight this support mechanism. In 2008, RFTW launched a program to direct donations to charities whose missions and values align with our own. RFTW’s traditions and heritage emphasize service to our participants and fidelity to our Mission. As the program grew, we added support for our veterans, families, and riders. Oddly enough, we haven’t received a rider support application in over two years. Rider support applications are processed by the RC and submitted to the BoD in time for the February Face-to-Face meeting. Riders are eligible for support to help offset the cost of participating in the annual Mission. Priority is given to FNGs and current or recently separated service members. Award monies MUST be used to offset the cost of Mission participation. The amount awarded is prorated to a daily rate, based on the number of days the rider spends on the Mission. These daily amounts are determined by the Board during the February meeting. Let’s work together and take advantage of this opportunity.

As we plan for RFTW 2027, your support for our veterans, their families, and friends should not wane as we wait for May.  If you haven’t yet read about the Red Star Foundation, please check out our partnership with the Red Star Foundation.  If you haven’t had time to research the Foundation or to get involved before the Run, this is a great opportunity to do so.  The Red Star Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities. They provide an avenue for you to contribute throughout the year.  Click here to learn more about the Red Star Foundation.  Click here to become an RFTW Red Star Rider.

It is so quiet…No bikes starting in the parking lot at 4:00 a.m., no rush to get up, get ready, and get to staging, breakfast, and the morning safety meeting. No daily weather checks to see what we are riding into today. As life returns to “normal”, let’s reflect a bit on Run 2026 and what it means to so many people. Let’s again give thanks to the thousands of volunteers who were so instrumental in making the Run a success. Let’s remember the old friends, the new friends we made, and those who no longer ride with us. And please, send in your AAR!! After Action Reports (AARs) are your voice to the leaders of each Route and to the Board. Each one is read, reviewed, and cataloged so we can better understand what went right and what needs improvement. As we prepare for the annual Face-to-Face meeting, your input can affect the Board’s decisions in many ways. Once you have cleaned all the road grime off your bike, it is a good time to assess its condition and either repair it or note anything that needs to be done.

Our new RCs for RFTW 2027 are ready to hit the ground running!!  At our monthly meeting on the 11th of June, the Board approved Central Route nominee Todd “Horton” Taylor, Midway Route nominee Randy “Stinger” Sheets, Southern Route nominee Kevin “Short” Short, and Sandbox Route nominee Sam “Polar Bear” Warner to become RCs for RFTW 2027.  The nominees spent the year between RFTW 2025 and 2026 “learning the ropes” of route leadership and are up to the challenge.  Please join us in congratulating them and get ready to help them in the upcoming planning process.  They will need the support of each of us to ensure a successful RFTW 2027.

As the official part of this year’s RFTW mission draws to a close, it doesn’t mean your support for our veterans, their families, and friends should wane.  We recently announced our partnership with the Red Star Foundation.  If you didn’t have time to research the Foundation or to get involved before the Run, this is a great opportunity to do so.  The Red Star Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities. They provide an avenue for you to contribute throughout the year.  Click here to learn more about the Red Star Foundation.  Click here to become an RFTW Red Star Rider.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW unique. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with individuals who have contributed to its development.  Check it out!!  They’ve already released a post-RFTW 2026 podcast!

Next month, our newsletter will include information from the Face-to-Face, including announcements of new RCs, ARCs, and RGCs, as applicable.  Stay tuned for more information.

With that, I leave you with a few thoughts regarding whom we ride for.

“If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.”

—- Major Michael Davis O’Donnell KIA 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

—-Michael Davis O’Donnell is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 12W, Line 040.

Happy Easter! As I sit down to write this, we’re 44 days away from KSU. It’s getting closer… Can you feel it? If you sit back and close your eyes, can you hear it? Time seems to be moving faster, plans are being finalized, and hopefully, your hotel reservations are complete. Are you ready? Have you checked all your gear, updated your GMRS radio, and tested your headset? Is your bike ready – new tires, fresh oil, and all the nuts and bolts that tend to vibrate loose? Is your body prepared? Have you been exercising to handle longer riding days, weather changes, and altitude? Are you emotionally ready? Do you have a plan if your bike breaks down? Do you have clothing suitable for the weather you might face on your route? This is a mission, and for it to succeed, we all need to be prepared to do our part. Since before we finished the Run last year, our volunteer State Coordinators (SC) and others have been diligently working on the details for each route. It takes a coordinated effort of thousands to ensure the success of each route. I tip my hat to everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for Run 2026!

There are some updates to share. As you may have heard, RFTW and Am Vets have joined forces so that anyone registered as a rider for RFTW 2026 can receive priority staging for Rolling to Remember. Here are some important points to keep in mind: Rolling to Remember (RtR) is not an RFTW-sanctioned event. Participation is entirely voluntary. A group of riders familiar with DC traffic patterns will be traveling from the Springfield American Legion Post to the designated staging area for Rolling to Remember. Anyone who has previously taken part in this year’s Run for the Wall is welcome to ride with that group and stage in with the RFTW riders. RtR is separate from RFTW and should not be seen as an RFTW-sanctioned event. RFTW riders will need to display their ribbon on their left side, as always. It might also be helpful to keep your wristband on until after RtR, just in case. Am Vets requests that we arrive together, with no stragglers, please.

Staging for the RtR event will be at the AL post parking lot, starting at 0715 with a 0745 departure. Please do NOT enter the parking lot until SB has departed. We will likely divert ALL traffic from the AL parking lot after 0600 so SB can safely hold their mandatory all riders meeting. Important note for SB riders: you MUST be in place and attend the 0600 mandatory riders meeting.

Itineraries for both pre-Run Ontario events and Springfield and D.C. are now available on the RFTW website. Just navigate to your route and make the appropriate selection.

On Monday, May 11, from 0900-1100 and again from 1500-1700, Bernadette “Flat Tire” Staples and Lance “Batman” Wheeler, both certified instructors, will host a Riders Skills practice session at Lot D. We cannot accommodate everyone, but if you are an FNG or need to practice your slow riding skills—such as those needed when pulling into or leaving gas pumps, maneuvering around the staging area, hotel, and similar situations—please sign up by emailing risk.management@rftw.us. Space is limited, so I suggest signing up early.

As we move from planning and preparation to actually executing our Mission, our Platoon Leaders and Road Guards step up to meet their responsibilities on the Run. They work with a group of riders who may have never ridden together before, let alone in formation, and help turn the group into a cohesive team. You might also see the Platoon Leaders working closely with the Road Guards to guide you across this great nation safely. Like the morning meetings held by the RCs, the Platoon Leaders will also hold morning meetings, usually with a Road Guard present. These morning meetings are MANDATORY—you must attend to ride with the pack that day! If you’re not comfortable riding in a certain formation or if you’re unsure about doing so, talk to your Platoon Leader or Assistant Platoon Leader. They are there to help and guide you. The same applies if a PL or RG offers guidance or asks questions; they do so out of concern for your safety. The PLs and RGs are experienced riders and have your best interests at heart. Your safety and the safety of those around you depend on listening to their guidance.

As the RCs are preparing to select FNGs who will enter Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, there are some key rules we must follow. All riders approved to ride into ANC MUST enter and leave together—NO EXCEPTIONS. Please do not rap your pipes; doing so is disrespectful to other visitors and to those interred there. This is a place of peace, quiet, and reflection.  Please do NOT deviate from the scheduled event. Those chosen to ride into ANC cannot take time to visit other graves, go on tours, or do anything else. We are there for one purpose only—to lay a wreath and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you want to visit other graves or take a tour, please return to the visitor’s center AFTER you have left with the group.  Our standing with the ANC Operations group and our future entrance into ANC hinge on our respect for their rules.

Unfortunately, the Gulf War memorial will still be under construction when we arrive. That prevents us from holding a ceremony this year, but we’re closely monitoring the construction so that next year we may be able to pay homage at that memorial. Stay tuned over the coming year as more information becomes available.

We are still seeking a unique individual to join the Board as our new treasurer.  The announcement can be viewed here.  In the meantime, we are also seeking someone to serve as an assistant to our treasurer.  If you are interested, please send an email to treasurer@rftw.us with a brief outline of your knowledge and experience with standard electronic tools, such as spreadsheets. This could lead to a position on the Board if you are interested.

The route shirts fundraiser went very well. If you weren’t following the fundraiser, each route designed a shirt that represented its route, and each shirt sold raised a donation for that route. I don’t yet have the final numbers, but initial figures show that the Central Route sold 190 shirts, the Southern Route sold 113, the Midway Route sold 95, and the Sandbox Route sold 81. A $10 donation per shirt is added to each route’s account for use on that route. Angie announced the upcoming mailing dates, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW a unique organization. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with individuals who have contributed to its development.  Check it out!!

As you pass through the food line at your stops, remember that an entire group of people took time out of their lives to make sure you get sustenance. Look for a donation jar nearby and drop a few dollars in to help cover the cost of whatever service they are providing. Each route goes through towns where locals are often barely getting by, yet they still donate to our mission. Even if we find ourselves in the wealthiest town in America, show appreciation by saying “Thank you”, picking up your trash, and if you can, by making a donation. Your kindness makes a difference. And keep in mind, nothing is truly free. We often receive donated gas and food, but nothing comes without a cost, and somebody paid for it. Each of us is an ambassador for RFTW.

A few final points. RFTW does not endorse any political candidate, stance, or opinion. We are a veterans’ support charity, and we ask everyone to respect that. There is no place for politics during the Run; there will be time for that later. Lastly, our world is always changing. Events can attract people whose ideas and beliefs might not match ours. Stay alert, and if you see something wrong, speak up. Don’t just ignore it; inform a leader.

With that, I leave you with a few thoughts regarding why we ride.

“If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.”

—- Major Michael Davis O’Donnell KIA 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

—- Michael Davis O’Donnell is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 12W, Line 040.

Okay, so Punxsutawney Phil and the other rodents couldn’t get their winter-versus-spring predictions aligned. Darn rodents, anyway. But do not despair. May is right around the corner, and each of us needs to be ready. This is just another friendly reminder to get yourself, your gear, and your bike ready. The BTech GMRS-Pro radio has a new firmware release, 0.9.2, released January 29, 2026. Now might be a good time to check your radios, headsets, PTT buttons, and the rest of your gear.

This year, we recognize the 35th anniversary of the start of the Gulf War. I remember where I was and how old I was that January night. While reviewing our most recent rider statistics, it was interesting to see the current average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans. After some research, I was surprised to learn that the average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans is currently 50-55. Most Gulf War-era veterans (specifically those serving in 1990-1991) were in their 20s or 30s during the conflict, placing them in the 45–54 or older age range today. When we consider those ages, it helps explain why we are struggling to attract those veterans. People in those age groups are generally in a “family and career-focused” stage of life, with a focus on work and family activities, rather than taking almost 3 weeks to participate in an event such as RFTW. That was one of the reasons we started the Day Rider program: so that people who don’t have time to go all the way can still participate. When we speak about RFTW, we need to remember that while it is a C2C and Wall2Wall mission, we also welcome Day Riders. All the Way is great, but our Mission is to be as encompassing as possible. The Day Rider program is a great way for a parent or grandparent to introduce youngsters to our organization and what patriotism really looks like.

In the November 2023 newsletter, we presented information on Navy Capt. Royce Williams, the Korean War hero who, in 1952, led his squadron on a mission resulting in 4 confirmed kills out of seven Soviet MIGs in an engagement that remained classified for decades. The Navy originally awarded him the Silver Star in 1953; on January 20th, 2023, it upgraded his Silver Star to the Navy Cross. As early as 2014, many senior leaders believed his actions warranted the MOH. In 2022, the MOH upgrade action received approval by the House through the Defense Authorization Act. The House then forwarded the approved amendment to the Senate. The good news is that the upgrade action was finally approved!!  Capt. Williams will be receiving the Medal of Honor!

On February 21st and 22nd, we held our winter “Face-to-Face” (F2F) via Zoom. These meetings are critical to planning and executing a successful Mission, as we ensure that all RFTW leadership is up to date on plans, changes, and new items, and we also share thoughts and ideas. While the Mission of RFTW has remained consistent and solid over the years, the organizational structure has remained quite dynamic. These changes are often driven by increased demands from our riders for improved and expanded automation and information-sharing technology, as well as changing societal expectations and contributions.  When one considers the reduction in volunteers, the struggles to secure donations, and the decline in riders, balanced against the need to conduct a safe, well-organized Mission, I strongly believe our leaders and volunteers deserve a big thank-you for all they accomplish.  I can report that our planning for RFTW 2026 is coming along quite nicely. We’ve even started discussing how to capitalize on some additional opportunities for 2027.  But first, we need to get through 2026!

Another discussion focused on how we can keep our costs down while still safely conducting the Mission. One example is the Glo-Gloves our Road Guards use. Each year, we purchase and issue dozens of these gloves, not always to First-Year Road Guards. Starting in 2027, Road Guards must turn in an old pair of Glo-Gloves to receive a new pair. We don’t buy these gloves so they can be worn all year long; they are specifically for use while on the Run. If properly cared for, these gloves can last 4 years or longer.

As I mentioned last month, our Day Rider program was suggested by one of our “elder statesmen” and has been well-received. During the recent F2F, we discussed opportunities to fine-tune the program. While those changes won’t happen this year, stay tuned as we work to implement some suggestions to improve the program next year. On a very positive note, one question we’ve received several times asks whether our RCs are prorating the mandatory fuel stickers for Day Riders. The answer is a resounding YES! Each C2C RC will prorate fuel sticker costs for Day Riders. Sandbox doesn’t offer Day Rider, as they are only on a 3-day mission, much like a Day Rider on a C2C route.

You may have heard that we will not be able to participate in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Washing this year.  We were essentially bumped in favor of a group from the Secretary of Defense’s office.  We do anticipate being able to participate in Wall washing in 2027.

Carol recently reported on motorcycle shops available in the Ontario area. Here is the list we currently have:

Did you know there is an organization in England like RFTW? Ride to the Wall (RTTW) is an annual UK motorcycle charity event held on the first Saturday of October, during which riders travel to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to honor over 16,000 fallen service members. It serves as a powerful, inclusive, and emotional act of remembrance, raising funds for the site’s upkeep. While RTTW.org and RFTW.us are different organizations, our missions are closely aligned. If you are interested, please visit the Ride To The Wall website. You can even register to receive their newsletter via email.

We often receive comments about the need to attract our younger veterans, often phrased somewhat differently, but that is the essence of the question.  The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to reach thousands of folks, and Boots and Hitch are looking to expand that reach. I don’t want to take away their thunder, but I anticipate them taking advantage of additional opportunities to “get the word out”.  Perhaps you’ve seen the latest ads on various social media platforms.  As Hitch begins to “dip her toe into those waters”, the number of those reached is promising. Look for more and even better ads.

Speaking of new things, have you seen the new route-specific shirts in the Merchandise Shop?  Designed by folks from each route, each shirt sale generates a donation to that route.  This is a great opportunity to support your route or to purchase one of the good-looking shirts from another route.  Angie has been working hard to make this a success.  These shirts are a one-time opportunity.  They will NOT be carried in the merchandise trailers; they can only be purchased through a pre-order process.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to support your route!

If you haven’t yet heard, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Paul Regional Office would like to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to attend an informative presentation regarding VA benefits and services, to include a special briefing on allowances available to Former Prisoners of War (FPOW). This presentation will cover a range of topics related to VA benefits.

Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST

Microsoft TEAMS Meeting Link

As a final thought, I’d like to share some thoughts on a very special group of people who are at the core of our Mission Statement – the Next of Kin and Gold Star Families.  All of us, especially our Outreach and Ambassador teams, encounter many people who have lost family members in service to this great nation.  A core tenet of our Mission is to honor them, help them heal, and ensure they know that their loss and the sacrifice of their family members are not forgotten but instead remembered by a grateful nation.  We believe it is important to emphasize to our leadership and teams that we use deliberate language when describing a Next of Kin family or a Gold Star family.  RFTW uses the definitions for each as outlined in long-standing public law.

It was 4 degrees this morning, and I have been anxiously awaiting a favorable weather forecast. On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. I never did like groundhogs…

As we inch closer to KSU, I know you hear us time and again reminding everyone to get in shape for the Run and to ensure their bike is ready for this Mission. Yes, we have Chase trailers on each route, but they are only there to help you reach the next forward dealership. They are not there to get you to D.C. or to the Wall, so it is incumbent on everyone to help ensure you and your bike are ready!  Riders are responsible for their motorcycle, much like they are responsible for their lodging expenses.  While we are exceptionally fortunate to receive donations and the support of many volunteers along the way, each individual is still responsible for their own travel.

There has been some discussion about why CR and SR are meeting at Marshall on the last day. As we experienced last year, the LEO escorts did a fantastic job clearing traffic for our ride into DC. Safe to say, at least for CR and SR, it was probably the best escort we’ve ever seen. For them to stop up to 6 lanes of traffic on Interstates so we could safely move through and merge across traffic was an incredible task. Following the Run, our D.C./Arlington coordinator, along with our RCs, met to discuss ways to make this part of the journey even safer. Our LEO escorts suggested we consider merging these two routes just before entering D.C., and Marshall was the natural place to do so. From Marshall into Springfield, we can maintain our Route identities and make our arrival into that wonderful Friday traffic even safer. Hats off to the planners.  Safety is always our top consideration, and we believe this adds another element to the safe completion of our Mission.

I’m sure you have seen in past messages that we are still searching for a new Treasurer.  Our difficulty in securing someone for this position reflects the challenges our RCs are also facing in securing qualified volunteers to assist on their Routes.  The Treasurer is a Board member and an officer of the corporation and is critical to the continued success of RFTW.  While we have looked at a couple of options, we constantly work to keep costs down.  If we must hire an accountant, or have someone act as a “bookkeeper” and then have our books audited regularly, along with completing our annual taxes and IRS Form 990, the costs could be considerable.  If you are interested in discussing this position, I encourage you to email the current Treasurer at Treasurer@rftw.us or me at president@rftw.us. Our current Treasurer’s term ends at the end of August, so we would like time to ensure a new person is thoroughly familiar with how the BoD works and how our finance and accounting procedures are structured.

In last month’s newsletter, we published a reminder about our Benevolence Program.    Back in October 2008, the BoD established a process “for the administration of gifts made by RFTW to selected charities whose mission and values are consistent with those of RFTW and to individuals in need whose personal actions reflect RFTW values”. As we have done in the past, once the “bills” are paid, we look towards helping other qualified charities and individuals who share our organizational values.  Recently, RFTW raised funds to support the Veterans Center in Kerrville, TX, which, in turn, was assisting veterans and their families affected by the floods.  Additionally, each year we ask RCs to submit the name and contact information of an FNG who may be eligible for a small monetary award to help cover the cost of participating in the Run.  The eligibility requirements for a registered individual are:

• Should be an FNG. For individuals seeking monetary awards to offset the cost of participating in the annual Mission, the committee will give preference to first-time riders/participants.
• Should be a current serving or recently separated from service.
• Award money shall be used to defer costs for participation in the Run.
• The amount to be awarded will be calculated on a daily rate, based on the number of days on the Mission.
• Daily amounts will be determined each year by the Board of Directors.

Names must be submitted to the RCs, and the names are then sent to the BoD with the RCs’ concurrence before the annual February Face-to-Face.  This means the RCs will need to have names and nominations ASAP since the February Face-to-Face is less than three weeks away.  If you know of a deserving individual, please ensure they are comfortable with submitting their name and circumstances, and then move the nomination to the appropriate RC.  Nominations do not need to be extensive; name, contact information, intended route, and a brief paragraph describing the circumstances of the need. Time is rapidly running out to get a nominee into the RC!!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our See’s Candy Fundraiser.  We were able to raise just over $100 this year.  Every little bit helps, and we sincerely appreciate your support!!

As previously announced, our registration fees increased on February 1. If you have not yet registered, please do so soon. By registering before Ontario, you contribute to the planning process our State Coordinators (SCs) and RCs go through. Our SCs are still out there working with local communities to secure food and fuel donations, and our RCs are working to align platoon numbers. As of last week, our registered riders were down 14% from last year. This will likely result in fewer platoons on each Route. Interestingly, the 65-69 age group remains our largest group of participants, and the 60-65 year age group is our largest group of FNGs. We’ve had several discussions about how to attract more younger riders. Our RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch reaches an ever-increasing number of interested folks, and we’ve had many RFTW riders reach out to members of CVMA, VFW, AmVets, and the American Legion. We are confident we understand why younger riders are not riding, but we need your help to continue spreading the word. Our Day Rider program, suggested by one of our elder statesmen, continues to offer a viable alternative for someone who wants to ride for only 3 days or less on the road. Registration for a Coast-to-Coast route is now $120 per person; SandBox is $60 per person, and the Day Rider rate is $100 for C2C routes. For more details on Day Rider Registration, see the recently published Registration Newsletter here.

Speaking of our podcasts, the RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch: if you have a podcast idea, please email pod@rftw.us.  Boots and Hitch both welcome your ideas!!

As expected, spam and phishing emails continue.  I hope no one has fallen victim to these traps. Please keep a few things in mind: A leader in RFTW will NEVER ask you to buy gift cards for them. We don’t do business that way. Every invoice is processed through our Treasurer. Bob doesn’t handle gift cards. More importantly, check the sender’s email address. We conduct business correspondence ONLY using our official RFTW email. You can help reduce this spam. If you get a suspicious email, especially if it’s not from our official addresses, you should be able to report it as spam or phishing through your email system. We encourage you to do so. Also, as I often do, my preferred email reader lets me mark emails as junk, and if I get another from the same address, it goes directly to trash. Another issue not related to email: protect your online identity by ensuring your user ID is unique and that you’re not using the same password across multiple sites. Using your firstname/lastname as a user ID might be convenient, but that’s the first step someone takes to hack your account. Even using lastname/first initial—or some variation—is not enough to keep you safe.

As a final thought, as you prepare for the upcoming Mission, please consider shopping at the RFTW Shop and take a look at what our sponsors have to offer.  Amsoil, Nelson-Rigg Gear, and Klim Riding Gear all offer substantial discounts in support of RFTW and our riders.

POW/MIA Recovery Update (as of 1 February 2026): The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  As of this update, there are still 1566 unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, along with six missing from the Gulf War and Libya. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those servicemembers are our friends, their families are our families, and they deserve our support.

Let us dedicate ourselves and our efforts and remember to keep our focus on the Mission. It is why we ride!

It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.

‘No one left behind’ is more than just a standard we strive to meet. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.