Category: Sandbox Route Coordinator News

Hello Sandbox Family

Less than four months from Kick Stands Up. I am really looking forward to riding across the country and only paying a portion of the amount for gas that I would have to pay if I were riding on my own, and for having donated meals all the way; and for seeing great scenery, and stopping in wonderful places; and for having LEO escort so I don’t have to deal with traffic.

WAIT!!!    You say that isn’t why we ride? 

Of course, this isn’t why we ride. While all these things are nice and we greatly appreciate the generous donations of all our supporters, the reason we ride has so much more meaning.

The following is from a post by an FNG I had the pleasure and honor to meet on the Midway Route last year. Her name is Jessica Bancroft  “Blaze”.

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“May is only a few months away, and this morning gave me renewed hope for this Mom and Son intent on The Run…

It’s late January with temperatures that hit single digits as night transitioned to morning over the Arizona desert. I’m sipping steaming hot black coffee as I go through the process of sorting and reviewing paperwork as I’m getting my children bundled up and ready to get to the school bus, thankful that it’s a calm morning and grateful for the warmth of what’s become our family home as sunlight barely crests the horizon.

“Mom?” My soon-to-be 10 year old son Matthew pipes up, stopping halfway through tying his shoes and looking up at me, “Tell me about my Grandfather again?” I smile and set down my coffee cup, sighing as I glance once more at the stacks of paperwork and correspondence on my desk in front of me. I dismiss the fatigued and frustrated feeling it gives me before getting up and stepping away from my desk, settling my gaze on him and smiling.

“His name was William Warner Bancroft Junior,” I say, as I always do when I start to talk about the man that I found out only last year was my biological father. In the back of my mind a memory plays again, and I can see and hear the first moment I stood amongst FNG’s (New Riders) last year at Run For The Wall, a cross county Veteran’s motorcycle run commemorating Vietnam Veterans, and heard everyone repeat very loudly ‘SAY THEIR NAMES!’ …and the memory adds strength to my smile. “He was a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force, a Navigator in the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.”

“Do you think he was…Nice, or like me, Mom? Like You? Like.. I don’t know what he was like.” He throws his hands up in the air questioningly, cocking one eye brow upward. “Do you know what he was like? Do you think he was a good guy?” His face is quizzically blank yet curious as he asks me, and I freeze – the pain that hits my chest like a freight train when he asks is not unfamiliar, though his question this morning has caught me off guard to say the least.

“Son,” I say softly, taking in a slow breath while sitting up straight in the chair where I’ve taken a seat near him, “I honestly don’t know what he was like. His plane was shot down November 13th, 1970, over Northern Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and he was listed as missing in action – presumed killed in action. I went on Run For The Wall last year as a bucket list thing, trying to find out more – and how I could learn more – about him. I’m still working on paperwork proving that I’m his daughter, finding the name of my mother, and coming to some peace with the younger years of my life spent abused and lied to. I didn’t know him. I’ve told you, he probably may not have known I existed. I didn’t meet anyone on the run that knew him, son. Based on what I can find in research and family rumors, he was thought a little odd for being anti-social, but he was definitely a good guy.”

“Do you think the Army will ever tell you when and where you were born, Mom?” He asks, his eyes widening, and I scrunch my face in frustration, looking back over at my desk. “They should definitely tell you who your mom is at least. It’s not nice for them to know that and not tell you. It’s wrong. Isn’t it?”

“Son, tie your shoes please. We don’t want you to be late for the bus.” I let out a long slow breath as I compose myself and smile at him again, standing up. He ties his shoes and stands, giving me a quick tight hug before putting on his coat and grabbing his backpack. As all my kids scramble about the living room calling out to each other that it’s almost time for the school bus, I do one last children check, making sure that they are all ready to go to the school bus stop. “OK, line up at the door if you’re ready!” I call out.

“I love you Mom.” Matthew says as I place a kiss on his forehead, seeming to know I’m not going to answer his last question.

“I love you too, son.” I say, giving him an extra squeeze.

“We’re going on the mission together this year though, yeah Mom? And I can see him, right? You’ll show me his name on The Wall.” Matthew grins while happily beaming smiles as I stand near the front door, giving hugs and kissing foreheads and reminding them to have a good day at school and stay safe. His three siblings grumble different complaints of it not being fair that he gets to go and they don’t.

“It’s a mission we will go on together, all of us – you guys have to send love and support us from home, and be there when we call each night.” I say, directing the end of my sentence at the three who will be staying home with my sister. “And, Matthew? That’s only if we can make it happen. You have to keep your grades up and I’ve got to still find more sponsors or extra work so we can afford to go on the run. Yes, we’re registered, but we still have a long way to go. I want to show you his memorial stone at Arlington, too, but it’s not free to do this, we’ve still got finances to figure out or it’s a no-go.”

“We’ve got this, Mom!” All four of my children squeal with laughter, “We can make the mission happen!”

“Agreed!” I say, joining the laughter and smiles with confidence of my own, “Now, off to the school bus!””

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“To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends”

This is why we ride!

I want to once again thank all the great folks that have stepped up to fill volunteer roles on Sandbox including the three people that answered my last newsletter and are now the PL, APL, and TG on 8^th Platoon. Just a few more spots need filling. We could use help on the Promotions Team and an Assistant 50/50 Rouser. If you would like to get involved and help out, please fill out a Volunteer Application.

DC Meetings

You have probably heard by now that we will be in a different location in DC this year. The hotels are in Springfield VA and we will be hosted by American Legion Post 176, 6520 Amherst Ave, Springfield, VA 22150. Sandbox check-in and all our meetings will be at the American Legion. If you don’t check-in in Ontario, you will be able to check-in on Friday, 23 May from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and also on Saturday, 24 May from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. We will also be staging and departing from the American Legion parking lot on Sunday, 25 May.

Behind the Scenes

The first person “behind the scenes” I want to introduce this month is Sam Warner, our Platoon Coordinator. Those of you that have met Polar Bear know that it is pretty hard for him to be behind anything (his name isn’t Polar Bear for nothing) and he has one of the toughest jobs on the run. A few years ago, some of the routes started assigning riders to platoons prior to check-in. This is a great idea because it allows Platoon Leadership the opportunity to hold zoom calls with their riders and everyone gets to know the people in their platoon prior to the run. Sam’s job is to go through the registration information (personal private information is redacted) and place riders in platoons according to riding preference (side by side or staggered), riding with friends, two wheels / trike / Canam / trailer, on volunteer teams, etc. This is an exhausting task, but makes things go much smoother at check-in.

The second person I’d like to introduce is Carol Omstead. Many of you already know Carol, but I am just learning about the huge amount of work she does and all the hats she wears. I’m not sure RFTW could operate if it wasn’t for Carol. On Sandbox, she is the Merchandise Team Lead and tows the merchandise trailer (she does this on the Southern Route as well) and helps set up at all the stops. As the Ontario Coordinator, Carol works with all the Hotels and RFTW Leadership, coordinates with local Law Enforcement to get us safely out of town, works with the Elks Lodge to host us, helps stock and prepare all the merchandise trailers and much, much more. When you see Carol, be sure to give her a HUGE HUG and a big THANK YOU.

Continue to reflect on what Run For The Wall is about. The mission is too important and meaningful to not continue.

Say their name, Tell their story, Never forget.

Bill “COB” Brehler

Route Coordinator

RFTW Sandbox 2025

Greetings from the Battle Born State.  I hope everyone was able to enjoy the Holidays with loved ones and friends.  I am really looking forward to 2025 and the 35^th annual Run For The Wall.  When I was a kid, I remember counting down the days until Christmas. I couldn’t wait until it was Christmas Morning.  As I got older, that excitement grew less and less until those days seemed to be behind me, and I thought I’d never have that same feeling of anticipation again.  And then I discovered Run For The Wall.  I am once again counting down the days. Only  120 days until KSU, and instead of looking forward to opening presents and being with family, I am looking forward to once again seeing my RFTW family and continuing this incredible mission.

“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.” 

Sandbox currently has 203 riders registered.  If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend registering by January 31^st.  Starting February 1^st, the registration fee for all routes goes up, so be sure to register early and save some money!  Also, registering early helps our hard-working State Coordinators and all those who support us on the run for planning purposes.

The Sandbox Route Leadership team is making great progress on the planning of the upcoming run in 2025. The logistics and changing of a couple of our stops are still ongoing in an effort to improve the overall Route.  Our State Coordinators continue to do excellent work on confirming our stops and have done an outstanding job preparing our overnight stops, hotels, and accommodations for those camping. The Hotel and camping list is posted here. If you have any difficulties with making reservations, please let us know so that they can be addressed promptly. Please be patient and courteous with hotel staff when making reservations, and remember that you represent RFTW even when making those reservations. Even though extensive efforts have been made to coordinate with the Hotels, the person you reach on the phone may not be aware of RFTW and/or published rates. Be patient and ask to speak to a manager or sometimes it is best to just call back later.

Missing Man

Unfortunately, Last year’s Missing Man Coordinator, Greg Stenzel, will not be able to make the Sandbox run this year. He has a new work obligation that will keep him from doing the run. Greg did a great job last year and will be sorely missed. The good news is we have another rider, Alan Farmer “Rocketman”, who has stepped up for the position. Alan worked with Sue Chapin “Odds” on Midway last year and will do a great job filling Greg’s shoes. If you are going to be an FNG (Fine New Guy/Gal) on Sandbox and would like to ride a leg in the Missing Man Formation, reach out to Alan at alankfarmer@gmail.com and ph: 205-422-1205.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard Coordinator is Roger Ford “Bullseye”. The Honor Guard does formal presentations of special flags and or wreaths at some of our stops. If you are interested in participating on the Honor Guard Team, reach out to Roger at roger.ford1234@gmail.com  ph: 619-804-2336.  If you haven’t marched for a while or never marched before, we will train you and give you a hugely rewarding experience.  Those that haven’t marched for a while, it comes back easily, trust me.

The Sandbox Route is still looking for volunteers. We need a PL, APL, and TG for the 8^th Platoon (Bikes and Trikes with trailers). You don’t need to be pulling a trailer to be in leadership in this platoon. If you are interested, please fill out a volunteer form here.

Like any organization, there are a number of people who work very hard behind the scenes, and most people are never aware of what they do. I will discuss some of those volunteers in each of my following news letters. This month, I’d like to introduce two of those dedicated people who keep Sandbox rolling.

First is our Leadership Admin support, Roger Boots “Boots”.  Roger performs many tasks, but most importantly (for me), he proofreads and corrects my newsletters and gets them published. He also keeps the Sandbox contact list up to date and makes sure everything admin runs smoothly.

The second person I’d like to introduce is our Quartermaster, Cliff Brumels “Breecher”. Cliff is responsible for ordering, tracking, issuing, and collecting all our equipment (hats, brassards, rockers, windshield banners, flags, Missing Man patches and pins, and numerous other items). This is a huge (and often thankless) job. Last year, Cliff and his wife, Denise, hung around in the rain collecting and accounting for all the brassards in the parking lot at the MECWM while everyone else was heading for Hotels or Home.

Remember, “Nothing Great is ever accomplished alone!” Let’s continue to work together to make the Sandbox Route great! Together, we will Continue the Mission safely and successfully!

Bill “COB” Brehler

Route Coordinator

RFTW Sandbox 2025

It’s hard to believe that it is already September and Fall is upon us. Even though the Sandbox Leaders have already been busy putting their teams together, to me, September is the actual start of the RFTW planning season.

Registration for all four routes starts on 11 September, and I always go to the RFTW.us website and register on the first day. Due to rising operating costs, the registration fee for all routes is increasing this year. For Sandbox, the early bird fee is going from $15.00 to $20.00 per person, just a $5.00 increase.

It may seem early to start planning, but I find the sooner you start, the less chance you have of forgetting something. Here are some of the things I’m already thinking about.

How is my gear doing? Do I need to replace anything: Rain Gear, Jacket, Gloves, Sunglasses, Helmet, Luggage?  Are my boots comfortable enough to ride every day for three weeks or more?

How is my bike doing? Will I need to replace my tires before the run? How soon before the run should I have my bike serviced? How old is my battery? How will I set up the new GMRS radio on my bike?  When will my registration and insurance expire?

How am I doing? When should I start walking/exercising?  When was my last checkup? How are my riding skills holding up? Should I start looking for a roommate to share the costs?

Yes, it’s still eight months away, but you can never start planning too soon.

As I hinted in my August newsletter, Sandbox has a new departure location for 2025. In fact, RFTW has a new Host Hotel location in the DC area. We will be located in the Springfield VA, area versus the Arlington location. Additionally, American Legion Post 176 is very close by and has opened its doors to us (much like the Elks Lodge in Ontario). All the Sandbox meetings, registration, gear issue, and departure will be at the AL. No more trying to stage in an underground parking garage and deal with the exhaust and noise in a confined area.

If you are like me, you probably have quite a few friends that are veterans. Some of them are very close, and you talk with them often—others you only see or hear from occasionally. Think about reaching out to the ones you are only in touch with occasionally and see how they are doing. Do they need any help or maybe to know that someone still cares about them? Knowing someone is thinking of them can mean a lot, especially if they live alone. Make sure they know they can contact the VA Veterans Crisis line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or by texting 838255.

 “We Ride for Those Who Can’t” The most predominant component of the RFTW Pack is the Missing Man Formation. This formation is always at the front of the pack and is made up of five riders with an empty slot representing the “Missing Man”. Are you going to be an FNG – Fine New Guy / Gal (first time rider on RFTW)? If so, you should consider reaching out to the Sandbox Missing Man Coordinator, Greg Stenzel “Chaps” at pastorstenzel@me.com, 619- 822-0167 and request to ride a leg in the Missing Man Formation. Both bikes and three-wheelers are welcome.

Remember the mission: 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.

SAY THEIR NAMES – TELL THEIR STORIES –    NEVER FORGET

Bill “COB” Brehler                                           

Route Coordinator

RFTW Sandbox 2025

Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter- AUGUST 2024 

Welcome to Sandbox Route’s 4^th Annual Run

2025 is already gearing up to be an excellent year for Run For The Wall. Like the three cross-country routes, Sandbox Leaders and State Coordinators are already hard at work putting together their teams and coordinating with the incredible folks who support us on our Mission.

Road Guard Captain

It is my great pleasure to announce that Kris “Cyborg” Borg has been approved as the Road Guard Captain for Sandbox for 2025. Kris is a Sandbox-era Veteran who served 20 years in the Marine Corps, including two combat deployments in the Middle East with operations in Iraq, Basra, and Al Asad. He has served as a Road Guard on the Heartland Tour, Midway Route, and Sandbox Route and, as an Assistant Road Guard Captain on Sandbox for two years.

Communications

If you have not heard, all four routes are moving to GMRS radios for 2025. As many of you know, Central Route ran a pilot test during the 2024 Run using GMRS radios vs CBs.  CB radio technology is old, and most bike manufacturers and aftermarket companies (such as J&M) have stopped installing/repairing CBs.  Central Route’s testing results were very positive and proved that the GMRS radios provided further range and clearer communications than CB’s. After much discussion at the July Face-to-Face meeting, all four Route Coordinators unanimously decided this was the direction to move. All pack leadership will be REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025. Riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen. I would highly recommend reading Kirk Olson’s post on the RFTW site as there is a lot of information regarding recommended equipment and licensing requirements  – https://rftw.us/2025-radio-comms-joint-statement-from-all-four-route-coordinators/ or click Here. While not required, the BTECH GMRS Pro has been the most popular model. From reliability to functionality to price, this option has received the highest recommendation from those who have tested it. BTECH has been generous enough to create a package deal for Run for the Wall. Using coupon code: RFTW, you will get the radio and wireless PTT button for $140. This deal is available only on the BTECH website. You need to add BOTH items to your online cart.

Volunteers Needed

I need your help.   As I mentioned, the Team Leaders are putting together their teams, and we are looking for volunteers for all positions: PLs, APLs, TGs, Road Guards, Fuel Team, Staging Team, ambassadors, outreach, and medics. If you are interested in helping and being part of a great team, please go to the RFTW website and fill out a Volunteer Form.

Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial (MECWM)

The MECWM is a living wall built by patriotic bikers using donated funds to honor the fallen heroes of conflicts in the Middle East and support veteran organizations and Gold Star families. If you haven’t already, please visit the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial page to become more familiar with the history of this memorial and the names included on it.

Run For The Wall Forum

Yes, that’s right. The highly missed forum is back up and running and better than ever. There are topics already set up, or you can register and start your own. Find out about communications, buy/sell equipment, find roommates, get information about each route, get information on reunions, find out what type of bike is fastest, etc. Check it out at the RFTW Forum.

New Sandbox Departure Location for 2025

More to come………

Why do we ride

We ride for those who can’t. Remember our mission:  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.

Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never Forget

Bill “COB” Brehler

Route Coordinator

RFTW Sandbox 2025

Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter- JULY 2024 

Posted for Bill “Cob” Brehler (by -rb)

Welcome to the Sandbox Route, Run For The Wall XXXV. 2025 is the 35^th anniversary of the Run For The Wall, the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the 4^th year of the Sandbox Route. Although Sandbox is the newest and shortest route, it is just as important and meaningful as the other three routes.

I want to congratulate Heidi “BLUE” Hansing for her outstanding accomplishment as the 2024 Sandbox Route Coordinator. I truly enjoyed working with Heidi and want to thank her for her nomination, which led to the BOD appointing me to serve as the Sandbox Route Coordinator 2025. I am humbled and honored to serve in this position. I would also like to thank my wonderful wife, Terri, who has always encouraged and supported me in everything I do. That being said, I would like to give a shout-out to all the military spouses who support their loved ones and endure the long separation periods so that their heroes can carry out their missions in defense of our nation.

My name is Bill Brehler. I served almost 28 years in the US Navy, and I am a Vietnam-era veteran as well as a Sandbox-era veteran. I served on board five Submarines. I was the Chief of the Boat (COB) on USS Swordfish SSN 579 and USS Helena SSN 725, as well as the Command Master Chief on USS Duluth LPD 6 and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3. On Run For The Wall, I have served as Tail Gunner, Platoon Leader, and Platoon Coordinator on the Midway route and as a Fuel Team member and Assistant Route Coordinator on the Sandbox Route.

I am very excited to announce that the BOD has approved Leo Rachmel as the Sandbox Assistant Route Coordinator. Leo is a Sandbox veteran who served over 21 years in the US Army as a Military Police Sergeant First Class, with three combat tours in Iraq. During his eight years with RFTW Leo has served on the Staging Team, as a Road Guard, LEO Liaison, and Road Guard Captain on Midway Route and as LEO Liaison on Sandbox Route. Leo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Sandbox Route. His easy-going nature, calm demeanor, and servitude leadership style make Leo the ideal RFTW leader.

So, who can participate in Run For The Wall? Anyone and everyone who rides a two or three-wheel motorcycle. Many of the riders are veterans and active duty, but many others are not. Anyone who believes in our mission and supports our military is welcome. We have riders of all ages, including mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, daughters, sons, granddaughters, grandsons, and friends of veterans, as well as patriots and supporters. RFTW is an amazing motorcycle mission and an experience you will never forget. Many riders are so affected by the run they come back year after year.

So why Sandbox? Since its inception in 1989, Run For The Wall has been a mission To promote healing for ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all 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 personal all over the world. For the last 34 years, riders have gathered in May to ride across our great nation, promoting this mission and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, many of the Vietnam Veterans are getting older and finding it more and more difficult to ride a motorcycle 3000 miles in just 10 days. RFTW is too important and meaningful to allow it to “age out.”

“It has been the vision of the Sandbox Route’s Route Architect, Mary “Cupcake” Pittman, that this particular route makes a spirited effort to grow the RFTW family. Further opening the RFTW arms to active military, veterans, and civilians of eras that came after Vietnam was always a vital aspect of this route’s design. To bring Vietnam-era veterans together with their comrades-in-arms from today’s generation is vital to the success of this mission, and it was a focal point in the planning and development of this route. Wall 2 Wall!”

In 2019, Maurice “Senior” Miller led the Recon of the Sandbox Route, visiting the Flight 93 Memorial in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, and visiting towns and cities in between on its path to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois. This wall has almost 8,000 names of heroes who have been lost in our nation’s conflicts in the Middle East since 1967. Unfortunately, the Middle East Conflicts Wall is a living memorial, and names are continuing to be added to this memorial each year.

Since the Recon Run and the Inaugural Run in 2022, led by Billie “Bugs” Dunlap, Sandbox has continued to evolve and grow. One of the main reasons Sandbox has been kept to a three-day mission (over a long weekend) is to allow younger generation military and civilian personnel, who still need to work, a chance to participate. Ideally, the experience and new friendships that develop from the Sandbox Route will stay with them and encourage them to participate in the Coast-to-Coast Routes when they can.

I know it’s not until May, but the planning and organizing for RFTW 2025 has already begun. If you are interested in being a part of the Sandbox team, please fill out a Volunteer Application form.  There are some very exciting changes on Sandbox for 2025…more to come.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Bill “COB” Brehler

Route Coordinator

RFTW Sandbox 2025