Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message

President’s Message:

Run for the Wall - We Ride For Those Who Can't

I hope as we wrap up the “Virtual Run For The Wall” you all found some comfort in all the videos and pictures. From the feedback I have received and the number of hits on the website it was welcomed in all quarters. I want to thank RFTW BOD communications director Nick Hentges, webmaster Ted Kapner, Sitrep writers Jean Gault CR, Jim McCrain MR and Patti Brogan SR/SB for an outstanding job in making the “Virtual RFTW” happen.

I suspect there are many of you who would like some info on how this all ends for RFTW 2020. As you know we have continued a legacy of placing a plaque each year at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Obviously, this year the “Mission Completed” part did not occur, however today, May 23, at Approximately 1230 a plaque was placed at the apex of the Wall to honor this mission “…on behalf of all RFTW riders and supporters.” John Staub, our DC coordinator, and James “Gunny” Gregory, founder, were invited to conduct the final portion of RFTW 2020.

For those who would have ridden on the Sandbox look for the posts from Billie Dunlop as they head to Marseilles, Ill., via another Virtual RFTW Sandbox Route.   

It’s been awhile since I wrote about RFTW without a camera and the associated props. After the videos and the emails promoting RFTW merchandise our family responded with vigor. Thank you all for supporting RFTW in a big way. We are hoping the sales remain steady throughout the summer so I’ll be mentioning them from time to time. Right now, we are flush with pins resulting in great sales on this item.

In a normal year we would be asking routes to return pins that were left over and, in some cases, folks just showed up with bags of left-over pins. Frankly pins have always been a way for RFTW route staff to have a good will offering to our supporters on our ten-day journey to Washington and Marseilles. If we take a big loss this year it will be on these pins. I understand they are a small item but when we buy 30,000 or more it becomes a big problem. So, if I can ask our family, one more time, to purchase our heavily discounted pins we would be grateful. (https://rftw.us/run-for-the-wall-merchandise-shop/)There will plenty of opportunities this summer and fall to pass out our “good will” offerings to everyone you meet at the reunions and other summer outings. Ray has also started the 50 percent off Memorial Day sales on merchandise which should make your shopping much easier.

In other business the board met last week and elected John Staub, our Washington DC coordinator, to the Board of Directors. John lives in central Pennsylvania and recently retired as assistant fire chief of the Army. John will be taking over responsibilities of operations director and will begin his new position July 1 as operations director Doug Lyvere completes his final term of office. Doug has faithfully served RFTW for six years as a member of the board and a long-time road guard for the Southern Route. Doug will continue his road guard duties and we wish him the very best as he moves forward.

Now, that the COVID-19 virus seems to be waning we all must look ahead to the hidden consequences of this virus. As you all know we are all supported by our state coordinators who arrange stops at both commercial entities as well as schools/service-related organizations. The consequences of a national shutdown can and will cause RFTW to be vigilant of who is still in business and those who did not survive the draconian shut down. Good intelligence from our riders will be important in the coming days to keep your route leadership briefed on these closures so adjustments can be made for 2021. If you find one our wonderful vendors struggling, please make an effort to support them once they open up. This matters both for our friends and Run For Wall 2021.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and route coordinators we want you all to know how grateful we are for your support. Stand fast – this hidden enemy will be gone soon as we all work to get America on her feet again.

Is it May 2021 yet?

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
President Run For The Wall, Inc

Posted on Leave a comment

FROM THE PRESIDENT, RUN FOR THE WALL, INC.

March 20, 2020

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my sad task to announce that we are cancelling RFTW XXXII scheduled for May 2020, because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  This action reflects the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of all four Route Coordinators.  We felt it necessary to make this decision now so that riders will have sufficient time to take whatever actions may be needed, such as cancelling reservations, without incurring any penalties.  We also felt it was necessary so that our state coordinators could begin notifying the communities and organizations who support us as soon as possible.

The Board of Directors did not reach this decision lightly.  Each of us agonized over it and came to this conclusion with the utmost reluctance. We ask for your understanding and support.  Rest assured, our next regular Board meeting on April 9th will mark the beginning of our planning to resume THE MISSION in 2021.

From each of us on the Board, and from your Route Coordinators, thank you!

Les Williams
President, RFTW Board of Directors

Posted on Leave a comment

Statement Regarding COVID-19

For Immediate Release:

Statement of the Board of Directors Re: Corona Virus (COVID-19)

We are still two months out from the start of RFTW XXXII. All of us have many questions about the COVID-19 virus, and precious few answers. This is a very fluid situation. By the time we’re ready to go Kick Stands Up the virus may well have run its course, much like the normal flu viruses we’ve dealt with every year. At the other end of the spectrum, it’s possible we could be confined in quarantine zones throughout the country and subject to severe travel restrictions. Most likely, we’ll find ourselves somewhere in between. As of now, we simply have no way of knowing.

The Board of Directors is following the situation closely. At this time, we are still planning to conduct the Run as we always have. As a precaution, we have asked the Route Coordinators to develop contingency plans in the event any of our normal visits (schools, VA hospitals, community gatherings, etc.) are closed to us. We will continue to monitor events and make decisions as circumstances dictate. These will be announced to our ridership in a timely manner. In the meantime, we ask each of you to…

  • Be patient and remain calm.
  • Avoid speculating on social media… unsubstantiated rumors are not helpful.
  • Plan for the Run to be conducted as usual, unless you hear otherwise from the Board of Directors or your Route Coordinators.
  • Keep your plans flexible and be prepared for the unexpected.

For the Board of Directors,

Les Williams, President

Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message – March 2020

Run for the Wall - We Ride For Those Who Can't

President’s Message:

Included in this message:

  • Itinerary Wrap-up
  • Website pre-registration closing soon
  • Keep animals on Run leashed
  • Volunteers needed for DC Korean War Memorial washing
  • Rolling to Remember info

March is finally upon us but not in the sense of “the Ides of March are upon you” quote that is so often used at this time of the year. This reference is from the Roman calendar specifically March 15 when the Romans were known to “settle debts.” Julius Caesar became a victim that day when a large group of Roman politicians used swords and not words to quiet the Roman Emperor. Soon thereafter Shakespeare penned the play, “Julius Caesar” in 1599 when a soothsayer warned the Emperor of danger. March is also the beginning of spring and host of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

March is also great time to get back on the road where you hone your skills because we are only 70-ish days to KSU. I hope those of you who have recruited FNGs take the time to explain how we ride and invite them to ride with you for an early experience. If you are an FNG, I encourage you to seek out as much information as you can concerning how we ride on this mission. Once again please check out our “New Participant” tab on the website and read the article, “10 Days in May” – you will find it a wonderful way to learn about our mission and how it is done. Moreover, our FNG briefing this year will be held at 1300-1430 on Tuesday, May 12 outside at Lot D which is next door to the Gateway, the host hotel. This is a mandatory meeting for FNGs and a great time to learn how we ride. This FNG briefing will be route specific so look for your route’s signage when you enter Lot D. At 1500 we will roll into an “All Routes Safety Briefing” in Lot D which is mandatory for everyone riding RFTW 2020. (You can find this information on the Ontario 2020 Itinerary—check back often for updates.)

Just a few words now on our BOD face-to- face meeting conducted last month – a meeting that is mandated by our bylaws and arguably one of our most important meetings of the year.

This meeting included all of the board members, the route coordinators and assistant RCs.

We firmed up the planning process for the 2020 Run For the Wall, along with other BOD business.

A few topics discussed:

  • Route itineraries were to be submitted by the RCs before Mar. 1 so proof copies can be printed. Once the proof copies are ready, they will be reviewed for accuracy and then sent back for printing. Those now posted on the website are preliminary and subject to change. The RCs hustle to get them out so riders can plot their trips, but last-minute changes always occur. Check back often for updates.
  • Pre-registration on the website will end at midnight April 30. If you are planning on going with us, pre- register. The more accurate our numbers, the better the leaders’ planning. After April 30th riders can register in Ontario or other overnight stops noted on route itineraries.
  • A large number of animals are showing up on all four routes. Last year there many complaints of dogs that were seen without a leash and in some cases seen running into a crowd of children. After a lengthy period of debate, the board determined that the liability associated with unleashed animals on RFTW was too high and needed to be stopped. The board voted that all animals on the RFTW must be on leash and controlled by someone holding the leash at all times. RCs will have the authority to enforce this policy up to and including removing the owner from the mission. The policy will be included in the itinerary booklet for all routes for your review should you have an animal with you.

As recently as two days ago we received a mission from the National Park Service approving RFTW to wash the Korean War Memorial on Sunday morning. To complete this mission we will need 30 volunteers. The Southern Route raised 10 volunteers on Monday. Now, I would like to get 10 volunteers each from the Central and Midway Routes to complete our work force. If you are riding on these two routes and want to join us cleaning up the Korean War Memorial please email your Route Coordinators. We will take the first 10 who contact their Route Coordinator from each route and maybe a few more. We will stage in front of the Holiday Inn host hotel, Sunday at 0530 and KSU at 0600. Work will begin at 0630 and expect to achieve mission success around 0800. We will have Road Guard support to escort the platoon to the Korean War Memorial and I’m hoping they will join us in the entire mission.

Speaking of the Korean War Memorial, many of you may remember our RFTW 2019 guest of honor, Captain Royce Williams USN (ret) who visited with many of our riders at the Gateway Hotel. Ross was a highly decorated Naval Aviator during the Korean war and was credited with shooting down 4 Russian MIG’s in one mission. I think this would be a great way to honor Royce by having a big turnout for this mission. Royce is fine and doing well and I think this will bring a smile to his face,  Google: https://homelandmagazine.com/?p=1994 for more information.

Moreover, we have received the details from the AMVETs regarding the demonstration “Rolling to Remember” also on Sunday. If you have signed up for this event the staging is set at 0600 with KSU at 0630 in the underground area of the Holiday Inn. The riders will be escorted to the Rolling to Remember staging area by RFTW Road Guards. Run For the Wall will have priority parking at the Pentagon parking area starting at approximately 0700. If you are on Facebook and plan to participate, please  go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RunForTheWall/?view_public_for=280980122905 and participate in the Poll so we can get a good headcount for AMVETS for their planning purposes.

Is it May yet? Respectfully submitted,

Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BOD
President

Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message – January 2020

While thinking about the time frame between now and kickstands up on May 13, I am astonished how fast time has gone by since our mission complete in May 2019.

January is normally the time we all begin thinking about getting our bikes in good running order. Most do this in January or February to beat the spring rush at dealerships or repair shops. Tires are an item you want take a good look at, as well as any curious noises you hear after starting up from a winter rest.  Last year I left town with a very curious electrical problem that seemingly was causing the oil pressure gauge to go lower than normal. I put a new sending unit on it and it increased but not to where it needed to be, while other electrical anomalies popped up.

My Harley did fine from Colorado to California holding an okay pressure so, patting myself on the back for doing a good job, I promptly stopped worrying. Later, on the Midway Route in Forrest City, Ark., the battery went dead and all the checks were not good! I missed two days of the Run riding around in a chase vehicle looking for a dealer who could install a new stator. (Thanks, Chase and Chaplain Corps! You went way above and beyond!) I guess the phrase from former President Ronald Reagan, “Trust but verify,” applies to this Harley.

We finally drove into Boswell’s Country Road Harley Davidson in Cookeville, Tenn., in front of the pack. This dealership—like most along all our routes—made our bike (and a few others) a priority. That afternoon and night we actually brought them eight bikes. Amazingly it was a Monday but the service manager called in extra help, allowing eight riders to continue the mission.

The next thing that needs attention is our own health. Run For The Wall is a grueling 10-day mission that takes a lot of stamina both physically and mentally. Starting to get in shape now will pay great dividends in May. If you are on any medications, it is prudent to discuss with your physician whether these meds could interfere with your driving skills in any way.

After the holidays is a great time to start walking off those extra pounds you put on. I already have started to peel off the five pounds I put on over Christmas and hope to reach my goal by end of February.

Walking 4-5 miles daily or swimming is a great way to improve your physical and mental strength. Here in Colorado I walk a lot and often have to dress like Nanook of the North to accomplish these goals but it seems to help make the RFTW mission a better experience for me and those around me.

These are just a few of the things that help you prepare for the mission of your life. Next month I’ll discuss a few of the other things you can do to help your planning process. Meanwhile, for those new to RFTW and those who want a refresher, check our New Participants tab on the website for many good tips on preparing for this mission.

If you have not seen the new RFTW updated website please go to rftw.us and check it out. There are many improvements and I am sure you will find it easier to use while enjoying the new videos. I would like to thank Central Route road guard Ted Kapner for the update and many donated hours to RFTW. Also, thanks to BOD Communications Director Nick Hentges for his help in the transition process.

One more thing…

Many have asked about the AMVETs Rolling To Remember Run event that will take place on Sunday, May 24. We have not received any details yet but we are prepared to provide RFTW escorts early Sunday morning for those who would like to participate. After talking to their executive director, it appears this will be a very well managed event. I encourage RFTW riders to consider participating in the first Rolling To Remember Run. If you would like to read more about this and see the new patch check out https://amvets.org/rolling-to-remember-demonstration-ride/.

Is it May yet?

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BOD President

Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message – December 2019

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone this holiday season.

Connie and I, and the Board of Directors wish you all the very best during this holiday season and a very happy New Year.

We are looking forward to the 2020 Run For The Wall and working hard to make the 32nd RFTW the safest and most memorable mission for all our riders.

The planning process has produced several changes on all the routes including the first operational mission of our new Sandbox Route. Once again, I urge all riders to stay current by reading the monthly messages your Route Coordinators post on the website and RFTW Facebook. Moreover, I suggest that our new riders read the article “Ten Days in May” in the New Participant website hub. This day-by-day story of what happens on our 10-day mission will answer many, if not all, of your questions.It is this time of the year that we start getting inquiries about when the hotel list will be available. These lists much be checked for accuracy and other details before we publish them. Most of that has been completed and the Hotel Lists will be published at midnight January 1, 2020 on the website under each route hub. All the routes have three or more hotels at each overnight stop while four hotels will be available in Ontario and Arlington. So, there’s ample room for everyone who wants to use these hotels. We only ask you be polite and patient with the clerks who are trying to help you. Typically, we hear only a few complaints from hotels when some of our folks choose to lose their tempers which lets us know that the vast majority of folks are civil. Please help us on this issue because hotels who are confronted with bad attitudes respond by refusing to block rooms for us the following year or raise prices so high we have to go elsewhere. Remember: You always have the freedom to use other hotels at the overnight stops.

We are keeping an open line of communications with the American Veterans, better known as AMVETS, and their planning process for a new demonstration in Washington. They have secured a permit from the National Park Service for a rally from May 22-24, 2020. The AMVET demonstration will be known as “Rolling to Remember.” AMVET Executive Director Joe Chenelly told me the 2020 events will be held “to make the nation, especially our voters, aware of what is happening , what isn’t happening and what needs to happen to address our POWs, our MIAs, and our veterans and active-duty service members who are dying by suicide.”

Joe also told me that this will be a mission and not a party. RFTW has pledged to participate in the demonstration on Sunday and help where we can. I will continue to inform our riders of the details in these messages over the next few months.

Once again thank you all for making our mission – your mission.

148 days until May 1

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams, President
Run for the Wall Board of Directors

Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message – October 2019

Run for the wall

November is always an opportunity to focus on “We Ride For Those Who Can’t.” It’s an opportunity for all riders and supporters to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans by attending ceremonies on Veterans Day in your town or city. It’s also a time for us to remember those who served during wartime and other eras.

In past years I have tried to honor folks from WW2, Korea, Vietnam and more current conflicts in our events at Ontario and in these messages. This November I would like to honor PFC Carl J. Klemme USMC.

PFC Klemme enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on April 17, 1917 in Denver, Col. Carl Klemme was 18 years old and was on his way to Europe as the United States committed to enter World War I. Our nation entered this stalemated trench war three years after it began in 1914—as the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) commanded by Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing USA. Although Carl Klemme likely never met Gen. Pershing, he would see this war from a very different perspective.

After completing USMC basic training, PFC Klemme began his foreign service in France Aug., 22, 1917. Klemme participated in “active operations against the enemy,” Mar. 15-May 13, 1918 in the Toulon Sector, Verdun, France. From May 31-June 5,1918 he saw combat in the Aisne Defensive. Then from June 6-17,1918 the 5th Marine Regiment moved into the Chateau Thierry Sector and engaged the enemy in an unorthodox night attack in their trenches with bayonets fixed.

This victory was won at a place known as Belleau Wood, assuring Paris was safe, and where the Germans gave the Marines their nickname “Teufel Hunden” or “Devil Dogs.” Gen. Pershing later said, “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.”

The 5th Marine Regiment and PFC Klemme then cleared the sector of German soldiers making way for Gen. Pershing’s operation known as the St. Mihiel Offensive conducted Sept. 19-22, 1918. PFC Klemme and his fellow Marines then found themselves at the line of departure in the Meuse-Argonne Sector on Oct. 1, 1918. After several days of heavy combat PFC Klemme was wounded in action on Oct. 4, 1918 and was forced off the battlefield only to recover and serve out his foreign service as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany.

PFC Klemme was Honorably Discharged from the Marines on July 18, 1919 and awarded the “recognized wound chevron” (Purple Hearts were not awarded until 1932 and the recognized wound chevron was later exchanged for the Purple Heart), the Good Conduct Medal, WWI Victory Medal, and the German Occupation Medal. Moreover, an additional honor was awarded to the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments after WWI ended and was presented by the French government to these Marine regiments after having earned the Croix de Guerre with palm leaf three times during WWI.

PFC Klemme did not receive this award after he was discharged. The award is a green fourragere (braided cords) worn on the left shoulder that was permanent for anyone who fought in these campaigns and temporary for others who joined the units in the future.

On Oct. 18, 2019 PFC Klemme’s son, Dave Klemme, USMC Maj. (ret), attended formation of new troops joining the 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Dave, who serves as RFTW BOD chairman and Central Route road guard, showed the documents below to Commanding Officer Col. Rob Weiler of the 5th Marine Regiment who said he was delighted to see this history and will submit the appropriate paper work to award Dave’s father the fourragere.

During the formation, Col. Weiler held up the documents, explaining, “This Marine’s father served at Belleau Wood in WWI and these historical documents are why you all are being awarded fourrageres today.”

 

 

   

 

Please participate this Veteran’s Day—“To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for a full accounting of Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action, to honor the memory of those Killed In Action, from all wars, and to support our military personnel all of the world.”

Oh, and by the way, the 2020 planning process is progressing very well! However, there are some changes on each of the routes. I urge you all to read the monthly route coordinators’ messages found in the Route Hub so you are informed. I would like to urge everyone who is thinking about riding with RFTW 2020 to register early so route coordinators can get a feel for the numbers they will have in 2020. This is a safety issue, Folks, as well as an administrative one. If you are just thinking about riding with us but maybe not completely sure, you can register without paying. However, it is cheaper to pay when you register and we need early numbers to safely plan. Thank you and remember this is One Mission – Four Routes.

Is it May yet?

Respectfully submitted,

Les “Easy” Williams
President
Run For The Wall Board of Directors

P.S. According to sources reported by Wikipedia, the Army’s 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division AEF was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm three times, and awarded the French fourragere for service during WWI campaigns at Chateau Thierry, Aisne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne…. In total, 434 AEF officers and men were certified to wear the French fourragere as an individual decoration.

Posted on Leave a comment

President’s Message – September 2019

The Board of Directors had a busy month dealing with an array of issues that need completing prior to the 2020 RFTW. One of those issues goes on annually during August and September is to read the After-Action reports submitted by our riders. Those reports give us many new views on specific issues that often require changes to our Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs). Moreover, our entire SOPs are reviewed for elimination, modification or addition.

BOD director of operations Doug Lyvere is the lead on these issues and submits all the changes for the board to review. Needless-to-say, Doug is a busy guy and has his hands full for most of the year. After our October meeting the board will vote on the reviewed items both modified and new. All Route Coordinators participate in this process and add suggestions that make this process successful and our mission safer.

During our September meeting we received a monthly briefing from the Route Coordinators reporting that although some leadership positions remain open, most have been filled. There were some reports of location changes so please read your monthly RC messages to learn about these changes. The RC monthly messages are important to read each month because there is not only information about location changes but many other important issues that riders need to know. These messages can be read by clicking on one of the four routes noted on the Route Hub tab of the RFTW website.

Leadership Changes

Prior to these briefings the Board of Directors received a letter of resignation from Sandbox Route Coordinator Marcel “Senior” Miller. The board accepted his resignation and have appointed a new RC for the Sandbox Route. Billie “Bugs” Dunlap was appointed to lead the Sandbox Route for the 2020 RFTW. Billie’s Assistant Route Coordinator will be Ken “Six String” Dugas.

Special thanks to Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson for many years of service on the BoD. Kirk resigned the BoD Director of Public Relations & Communications position to assume the Central Route Road Guard Captain role. Nick “Rich Boy” Hentges was selected to fill the Director of Public Relations & Communications position for Run For The Wall.

Re: Registration

As you may have noticed there is a new registration form this year. This new form has some additional information that is easy to understand and will assist us in knowing during what conflicts and eras you served (or are serving) your country. We would like to thank you in advance for taking a moment to check the boxes of where you served.

The Sandbox registration will be open on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019. Please take the time to read the new directions as well as the bright red restrictions on certain vehicles.

Reunions

I also have heard some great feedback from folks who attended the Angel Fire reunion in New Mexico and the Midway-sponsored all routes reunion held in Franklin, Tenn. The number of bricks laid at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire was astounding and moving and included honoring many Medal of Honor recipients and Navajo Code Talkers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget the Sept. 20-22, 2019 Texas all-routes reunion to be held in Kerrville, Texas. The contact information can be found in the regional events tab on the website. It’s not too late to make it to Kerrville!

Is it May yet?

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BoD President