RFTW Southern Route Newsletter May 2026

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

Hey Gang!  If you are reading this, we’re at twelve and a wakeup!  Yup, May is here!  I’m looking forward to getting into Ontario and greeting old friends and making new ones.  Our registration numbers a little down from last year, but I’m looking forward to convincing more riders to join us.

I’ve spoken to the Team Leads and the Platoon Leaders.  They are anxious to hit the road as much as I am.  We are closing in on the day we go KSU!  As I mentioned in my April newsletter, I didn’t know all the work that goes into getting Ontario and the Southern Route prepped for all the riders and supporters that will be gathering.  HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

REGISTRATION

The number of riders who will be on the Southern Route is right around 290 riders on 271 scooters.  Registration info can be found at our website rftw.us and the cost is $120.  If you’d like to wait until you’re at the registration table, Shirley “Top Sarge” Scott will be glad to help you out.  Please be aware that Top Sarge’s registration team is all new volunteers, so please be patient.  Remember to have your hard copies of your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. these must be current and presented to the registration team.  The Platoon Coordinator, Bravo 6, will be at the table to get you into the platoon you’d like to ride in.  NOTICE – Be advised that it might become necessary to consolidate the platoons and you might be moved to another platoon.  I’m not going to have six bikes in one platoon and seven in another.  Bravo 6 is working hard to try and accommodate your placement requests.  No guarantees!

MERCHANDISE

We have a bunch of new items in the merchandise trailers!  If you see Angie “Den Mother” Holterman, thank her for what she’s done for us on the Southern Route.  Angie will pass on to us how she’s going to handle the pre-ordered route-specific t-shirts.  Right now, she’s looking at passing them out either at the host hotel and/or the Elks Lodge.  Remember that we’ll have a merch trailer at the host hotel and one at the Elks Lodge.

PRE-PAID FUEL

Pre-Paid Fuel (PPF) is a great way to get across the country!  You’ll get a little sticker to apply to your windshield, that way the Fuelers will see that you’re a PPF rider.  When I was and FNG in 2014, we had to pay using the gas pump’s display to see how much fuel it took to top you off.  Way easier with PPF!

If you’re not a PPF rider, you’ll have to pay $10 per stop.  However, in the two stops in California, they will be $15 for each stop.

If you wish to get the PPF, the recommended way to pay is using Zelle.  Most banks have that option on their website.  This is how you should mark your payment: southern.route@rftw.us.  Don’t forget the dot in the address.  CPT America, The RFTW Treasurer, has said that any Zelle PPF payments and checks MUST be in to him no later than 4 May 2026.

The next way to pay is by check, but there’s barely time, made out to: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel and sent to the following address:

Run For The Wall, Inc.
ATTN: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV  89403                                                     HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

If there is an overage, those monies will go for paying the fuel for the Chase Trucks, Hydration Truck and other support vehicles.

The third way is to pay in person at the Registration Table with CASH ONLY – NO EXCEPTIONS!!

CHASE TRUCKS

The Chase Trucks are great to have around.  They are a dedicated bunch who are great people.  If you have a failure with your bike, the Chase Truck team will help you load your bike on the trailer.  However, the responsibility of ensuring that your ride is properly secured is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIKE’S RIDER!!

HYDRATE, HYDRATE

SAFETY AND PERSONAL PREP

We should be doing the final inspection of our rides and ensuring that we and our ride are roadworthy.  Tires, update your electronics, look at the route information in the Southern Route Itinerary booklet in our website. Our riding gear must be inspected.  Boots, gloves, helmet, protective jacket, etc.  They all have to be in good condition so you can be as comfortable and protected as possible.

HEAT INJURIES INDICATORS

I asked our Medical Team Lead, Tom “Dizzy Devil” Bingham, to put this together for this issue of our newsletter so we would know what to look for at our fuel stops, memorial stops, and other places we visit.  Look for these indicators when we hop off our rides.  Thanks, Tom!    HYDRATE!  HYDRATE!

—————–

The human body is made up of 70% water, which is essential to maintaining our body temperature. Vial organs, like the brain and kidneys, will not function well without adequate water. We lose water mostly by breathing, sweating, digestion, and urination. When we lose more water than we take in, we become dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Increased thirst – if you feel thirsty, you are already becoming dehydrated
• Fatigue
• Dry lips
• A yellow tint or dark yellow urine

If this is not treated, it will lead to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is common among people who are not acclimated to the hot weather, like what we will experience in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive sweating
• Increased lack of energy
• Generalized weakness
• Inability to concentrate
• Nausea

Dehydration is the most preventable illness we can encounter. The best thing we can do as riders is to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding sodas. Eat healthy meals with fruit and vegetables. If you start to feel dehydrated, visit the hydration trailer and grab a Gatorade and a snack. They will have electrolyte packets that you can add to your water bottle. It is not recommended to have more than two packets in a day. Don’t be afraid to grab a wet cloth and wrap it around your neck to help cool you off at fuel stops. Keeping hydrated and cool will ensure we all arrive in DC, safe and healthy.

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Dudes and Dudettes!  It’s May!  I look forward to seeing you all in Ontario.  Thanks to everyone working behind the scenes to make this Run possible.  Without these volunteers, well, you know, we’d be sitting at home.

David “Buzz” Mullen                         HYDRATE!  HYDRATE!
SR RC
RFTW 2026

 

 

 

 

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter April 2026

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

Welcome, everyone!  We are knocking on the door now!  We have 42 days until KSU and I’m getting really anxious to see all of our riders in Ontario.  A whole lot of planning goes into making The Run go as smoothly as possible.  In my previous years on The Run, I’d show up in time for the meetings, hang out, eat an inordinate amount of food and then hit the road.  This year, I got an up-close view of what goes on to get everyone into Ontario and into the DC area.  My thanks to all the State Coordinators, Team Leads, my Mentor and my headquarters group!  Without their support and guidance, I would still be at the starting gate!

REGISTRATION

Our registration numbers are right around 280 registered riders and we’re looking for that number to increase up until we go KSU.  Registration info can be found at the RFTW website (rftw.us), and the price is $120.  That price will be constant until we close Top Sarge’s Registration Table at Lot D on 13 May 2026 at 0600.  Our Platoon Coordinator, Bravo 6, will be at the Registration table to give your platoon assignments.  NOTICE – Be advised that it might become necessary to consolidate platoons if one platoon has six bikes and another has eight or ten bikes, those platoons will be consolidated.  Bravo 6 will do his utmost to ensure you are placed where you would like to be, but as mentioned, you might be assigned to another platoon.  It’s the mission that counts!

MERCHANDISE

I have spoken with the Director of Merchandise, and the online store will be closing sometime at the end of April.  So, I strongly recommend that you browse the online store and place your order so you can get your stuff before you leave for The Run.  We’re going to have a merchandise trailer at the Elks Lodge and at the host hotel, just in case you remember that you didn’t buy your spouse the t-shirt you promised and can pick it up at the other merchandise trailer.  Carol Olmstead will be at either trailer, but it’ll be a surprise either way.

PRE-PAID FUEL

Pre-Paid Fuel is the way to go!  Having the Pre-Paid Fuel sticker on your windshield will make it easier for you at the fuel stops, and it will be easier for the Fuel Team as well.  It’s also worth mentioning that it will save you some money, too.

The most recommended and easiest way to pay for the Pre-Paid Fuel is to send it by Zelle.  Most banks have the app shown on their website and mark your payment to southern.route@rftw.us.  Please don’t forget the dot in the address.

The second way to pay is by check made out to: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel and send it to the following:

Run for The Wall, Inc.
ATTN: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV  89403

Make sure that your payment is made out to Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel.  If there is an overage, those monies will go for paying the fuel for the Chase Trucks, Hydration Truck and our other support vehicles.

The third way to pay is in person at the Registration Table with CASH ONLY-NO EXCEPTIONS.

IMPORTANT:  All payments for Pre-Paid Fuel must be received by the RFTW Treasurer by May 04, 2026 in order to be credited for RFTW 2026.  This includes mailed in checks and Zelle.

CHASE TRUCKS

Chase trucks are outstanding!  I had to use one once at the Longview lunch stop.  Scooter wouldn’t start, and we had to push it onto the Chase Truck trailer.  Took it to Monroe, where Warhawk Harley got her fixed up and on the road.  Please be advised that the responsibility of ensuring your bike/trike is tied down properly and safely secured.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIKE’S OWNER!!  Not the Chase Truck driver.  The driver is there to assist with the tie-down, but the ultimate responsibility will be the bike’s rider.  That is a hard and fast rule.  It will be enforced!

ROLLING TO REMEMBER

Rolling to Remember is organized by the AmVets organization, and they have honored Run For The Wall by placing RFTW riders directly behind the AmVets riders.  It’s taken a couple of years to make this happen, so we are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to riding with the AmVets in years to come.  If you’re not going to ride Sandbox on Sunday, this is a must-do.

The president of the Board wants to ensure that we understand a few things:

Rolling to Remember IS NOT an RFTW sanctioned event. Participation is entirely voluntary.  A group of people (or riders) familiar with SDC traffic patterns will be traveling to the appropriate staging area for Rolling to Remember.  Staging for the RtR event will be at the American Legion Post parking lot, starting at 0715 with a 0745 departure. Please do NOT enter the parking lot until SandBox has departed.  Anyone who previously participated in this year’s annual Run For The Wall (must show the RFTW ribbon on the left mirror) is welcome to ride with that group.

This is independent of RFTW, and in no way should be construed as an RFTW-sanctioned event.

I have participated in this event back in the Rolling Thunder days.  It is an amazing event and should be attended as often as possible.

CAMPING AT THE ELKS LODGE

The camping spots at the Elks Lodge are all taken.  The camping spots at the Elks Lodge are handled by Carol Olmstead, not the Elks.  Please do not call the Elks Lodge.  I’m pretty sure she has a waiting list, so please contact Carol for more info.

SAFETY AND PERSONAL PREP

We have 42 days to get our rides and ourselves in shape for The Run.  My ’22 sprung a leak last weekend, and it puddled on Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer’s garage floor.  (Sorry, Mike!)  It’s in the shop and should be ready to rock!  Keep an eye on your ride.  Make sure the needed maintenance is completed and that it’s roadworthy.

Rider, you must be tuned up for the arduous Ride coming up.  Longer rides should be had, and you should be checking your meds.  You’ll need to have about a month’s worth to ensure you’ll have enough in case Murphy shows his unwanted face.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE oh, HYDRATE!!

OPEN POSITIONS

We are still looking for a Social Media person to keep the rest of the world informed as to our progress and all the cool things we’ll be doing.  Like riding our bikes for a couple of thousand miles and meeting new friends and tolerating the old ones 😊.  This position is important as it will allow riders on the other routes to check us out and see how; and what we’re doing along with the friends and families.

Another position that is desperately needed is Fundraising/Raffle/50-50.  We really need someone who is organized and is a people person.  I helped out occasionally when I was in the Support Platoon.  It can be fun, and as they say, it’s a great way to meet people!

Please contact me, Short, Boots, or Bravo 6 if you are interested in either of these positions

RUNS TO THE RUN

These Runs to The Run are not sanctioned by Run For the Wall.  The participants are like-minded individuals who enjoy honing their riding skills, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.  There will be conversations on the RFTW Forum about these runs to the run.  The forum can be accessed here.

My good friend Jim “Hoofer” McCrain is starting in Arlington, TX, on 9 May 2026 and heading west around 0815hrs.  For more info, check out forum.rftw.us, as he’ll have the itinerary there as well as on the RFTW Facebook page.  He finds great food!

MISSING MAN & MARINE BARRACKS

If you’d be interested in riding in the Missing Man Formation, contact Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer for all the info and how many slots are open.

Mike Kyzer will also be organizing the attendance and tickets to the Marine Barracks Parade on Friday evening, 22 May 2026.

Send Mike an email at mike.kyzer@rftw.us if you’re interested in either or both of these activities.

I am honored to be the Route Coordinator for the Southern Route, and I do not take this role lightly.  Our mission is at the top of this newsletter, and my secondary mission is to get every rider to the Vietnam Memorial Wall so we can pay our respects.  My mission is also to get those riding the Sandbox Route to the DC area so they can carry on the mission to the Middle East Conflicts Wall.  We owe it to those service members who paid the ultimate price.

We can pay our respects to those who have fallen in those conflicts.  To paraphrase my mentor and good friend, Cowboy.  They visited our wall for years; we can pay them that same respect by going to visit their wall.

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC
RFTW 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter March 2026

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

 

All of the RFTW riders are now two-digit-midgets!  73 days until Kick Stand Up!  A term I learned while stationed in Korea and used quite frequently.  I have a lot of information to put out, and hopefully, it will prove valuable to each and every one.

REGISTRATION

As most of you know, the Early Bird registration ended on the last day of January 2026, but you can still register online or at the registration ($120) table in Ontario.  Top Sarge’s registration team will be there to guide you through the process.  If you’re able to register earlier, online, it helps our team and the volunteers that greet us as we make our way across the country to prepare, knowing how many folks will be showing up.  Our Platoon Coordinator, Bravo 6, will be there for platoon assignments, even if you have spoken to one of the Platoon Leaders, Bravo 6 has the final say.  He will, however, do his best to accommodate your requests.  The Ontario itinerary will be available in digital format only this year.  So, put on your computer-whiz hat and start moving those bits around at warp speed!

MERCHANDISE

If you would like to beat the crowds at the Merchandise trailer, order the things you’d like online.  That is done by going to the RFTW website at: rftw.us and clicking on the SHOP tab and you’ll be able to shop and browse to your heart’s content!  Den Mother has put together an outstanding selection of RFTW items, and if you purchase $50 or more, you’ll get free shipping.  The route-specific t-shirts are available by pre-order and pre-payment only.  Carol Olmstead will be heading up where the Merchandise trailers will be parked.  Right now, we have one at the Elks Lodge, one at the host hotel, and the other one will be staged for an early departure on 13 May.  Important notice:  There are route specific shirts that have to be pre-ordered available on the web site now.  Place your order soon.

PRE-PAID FUEL

I strongly recommend using the Pre-Paid Fuel option ($160) for fueling your bikes and bikes only.  I’m thankful that we have a number of folks who won’t be able to ride motorcycles for whatever reason, and still want to ride with us in a cage, but the Pre-Paid option isn’t available to cages participating in the Southern Route.

The most convenient method of payment is by using Zelle, which most banks use.  Mark your payment to southern.route@rftw.us.  Please don’t forget the dot in the address.

The second way is to pay by check made out to: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel and send it to the following:

Run For The Wall, Inc.
ATTN: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV  89403

Make sure that your payment is made out to: Southern Route Pre-Paid Fuel.  If there is an overage, those monies will help defray the cost of the fuel for our hydration and support vehicles and for our chase trucks.

You can also choose to pay in person at the time of registration with CASH ONLY – NO EXCEPTIONS!

CHASE TRUCKS

Speaking of our chase trucks, if you happen to use one of our chase trucks, those riders will be responsible for ENSURING THAT THEIR BIKE, TRIKE (and/or) TRAILER is properly secured.  The chase Truck driver will assist in the tie-down, but the ultimate responsibility will be the bike’s rider.  There will be no wavering on this requirement!  Your bike might have particular tie-down requirements the chase drivers might not be aware of.

CAMPING AT THE ELKS LODGE

The camping spots at the Elks Lodge are all taken.  Carol Olmstead is the RFTW POC for all things RFTW in Ontario.  She’s been working for the good part of a year to ensure that our Ontario stay runs as smooth as possible and she handles the camping spots, not the Elks Lodge.  So, please do not call the Elks Lodge.  Carol has it handled.  There is a waiting list, and Carol would be the one to contact if you want to be on the waiting list.

SAFETY AND PERSONAL PREP

With The Run a little over two months away, getting your bike ready for the journey, have your dealer go over your bike to ensure that it is safe and roadworthy.  Load up your bike with your packed bag(s) and hit the road to check the bike’s handling with the load on, and to ensure it will remain secure.

And as we are participants in this year’s Run, make sure YOU are roadworthy!  Personally, I have to carry a boatload of medicines I need to keep me functioning. Please plan ahead so you don’t run out of meds.
Begin to go on longer rides now so you can endure the ride.  This will help get your body and mind deal with the long days in the saddle.

Oh, and HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!

OPEN POSITIONS

People have heard of the movie, “Desperately Seeking Susan”, we are desperately seeking a Sitrep Writer and a Social Media person.  These positions are necessary to keep the general public aware of where we are and what is happening on the Route, as well as the riders who couldn’t make The Run this year.  If you are interested in being an intricate part of the Southern Route, please contact me, Short, Boots, or Bravo 6 and we’ll get you started.  Both positions allow you to act like a reporter and participate in whatever event we are acting on, take pictures and let the world know what we’re doing and seeing.  There have been stories of family members following their loved ones from home and enjoying the reports to the level of tears of enjoyment.  You don’t have to be a professional writer, just tell it as you see it.

FORUM

The Forum is a good place to get information about The Run and you’ll find folks who are organizing a Run To The Run.  These runs are not sanctioned by the RFTW, but are groups of like-minded riders who want to hone their pack riding skills, while enjoying comradeship and good food on the way to Ontario.  My good friend Jim “Hoofer” McCrain will be bringing his “Hooligans” starting in the central part of Texas.  Hoofer always make his ride very pleasurable.  The forum is also a good place to find roommates if you want to share hotel costs while going across the country.

MISSING MAN FORMATION

This year’s Missing Man Formation Lead is Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer.  If you would like to be a participant in the MMF, please contact Mike.  His number is on the RFTW website (rftw.us), and he’ll give you the particulars on participation and what is expected of those who ride in the MMF.  It was an honor for me when I rode in the formation.

PIESTEWA MEMORIAL

Lori Piestewa was the first Native American female to be killed in action.  Her death happened on 23 Mar 03, in Nasiriyah, Iraq.  The 507^th Maintenance Company was ambushed in that village where she was killed along with several others.

The survivors of the ambush were taken captive and held captive for 21 days.

Anyone who is interested in attending the ceremony, please look at the flier for the particulars.  In the past we’ve had RFTW riders attend the ceremony, supporting the family and the former POWs.  This ceremony also celebrates the sacrifices of Native Americans and other service members in the Phoenix area. More details below and a link to more info:  Piestiwa

Thank you everyone for your interest in The Run and taking the time to read our newsletter.

We’re getting closer and closer!

Is it May yet?!?!

David “Buzz” Mullen
Southern Route RC
RFTW 2026

 

 

 

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter February 2026 Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans, their family and their friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

Hello everyone!  I trust you all had a great New Year’s celebration with family and friends.  Blanca and I celebrated in our home with each other and woke up to balmy 49 degrees with a high of 69.  As of 1 February, we’ll have 102 days until KSU.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route thus far, taking advantage of the Early Bird pricing.  The regular registration fee is $120 as of 1 February 2026.  I recommend that you register before you arrive in Ontario (rftw.us), saving the hassle of doing it at the Registration Table.  Top Sarge and her team will be glad to help you with registration if you have to wait until you arrive.

While we’re talking about money, Pre-Paid Gas is a good thing and it will save you money, not to mention the hassle of reaching for $10 each time we stop for fuel.  I figured that if we have to pay $10 for each stop on The Route, that’s 24 x $10 = $240.  You’ll be saving $80!  I’ve used it for the past several years and to me, it’s well worth it!  To save you the trouble of doing the math, the pre-paid gas charge will be $160.

REGISTRTATION

I’m going to let everyone know that registering early makes it so much easier for all concerned.  As a rider, you’ll have comfort in knowing that you’re squared away before getting into Ontario, that your registration is done, and you’ll get to visit with Shirley’s Crew to pick up your packet and check in with Bravo 6 to confirm your platoon assignment.  Please remember that FNGs are not permitted in the Side-by-Side platoons.  If, however, you’ve demonstrated to your Platoon Leader your riding skills are exemplary, you can request a transfer to one of the Side-by-Side platoons.  The PL will chat it up with me and the Platoon Coordinator, who will assign you to a Side-by-Side if it’s agreed upon.

POSITIONS STILL OPEN

We have a few positions that still need to be filled.  We need a SITREP (SITuation REPort) Writer.  This position entails observing what we do on The Route on a daily basis and posting it on the RFTW Forum.  The SITREP Writer is a reporter for the route.  As a SITREP Writer, you’ll have the freedom to participate in outreach programs visiting Gold and Blue-Star families, interview leadership folks that interest you, and spend time with support teams like the Fuel Team, Staging, etc.  We also need a Social Media person who would post the day’s happenings on the various social media platforms.  These two positions are the ones that get information out to those who follow us as we cross our nation or can’t ride but like to know what we’ve been doing.

We also need a 50/50 Raffle person.  That person would supervise the 50/50 donations and the raffle and auction we have during our evening meal at our overnight stop in Wytheville, VA (the meal is killer!).  I’ve assisted the people who do this, and it’s a handful.  That’s why we have two slots for the 50/50 Raffle.  As last year’s ARC, I saw what a great job Lynette Handleson did last year.  We need a couple of people to step up and help us.  One more thing for the auction, if you have anything you want to contribute to the auction, please let us know about it asap so we can inventory it and be fully prepared.  We thank you!

COOL STUFF

Angie “Den Mother” Holterman came up with a fundraising idea and it’s really cool.  We are designing a Southern Route long-sleeve t-shirt.  The shirt will be Navy Blue (they don’t have Army Blue) with either white or black lettering.  We just sent our ideas to the t-shirt printing guy, and he’s going to send us his rendering of our ideas.  Once we settle on the design, we’ll be able to get an estimate as to the cost, and we’ll pass on the information.  We will be taking orders as to size, and we’ll make them for those who pay in advance.  We don’t want an overstock, as they will have a date on them.

Also worth mentioning, now that we are getting closer to KSU, this is a good time to start planning maintenance needs for your bike.  Whether it be tires, tune-up, fluid changes, or some other thing that has been bugging you, please start making the plans now.  We want everyone to be safe and not have any breakdowns or accidents due to a maintenance issue.

I would like to thank everyone who has signed up for the Southern Route and those who will.  Thanks to our State Coordinators, Platoon Leadership, Team Leads, and my Exec Team.  Without their support and guidance, we wouldn’t be this far along with our planning.

May will be knocking on our door real soon!  KSU In 102 days!  Ride safe!

 

David “Buzz” Mullen
RFTW 2026
Southern Route Coordinator

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

 

Hey Southern Route riders and those who are checking out this month’s newsletter.  I hope everyone had a “full-filling” Thanksgiving.  We’re getting there! There are just 163 days left to KSUE, and then it’s off to the East Coast.  We’ll stop at towns, visit memorials, stop by Veterans homes, check in with various schools along our route, and remember those who have sacrificed their lives so we can live our lives in this great country.

REGISTRATION

I strongly encourage those who have yet to register to take advantage of the Early Bird registration, which runs through 31 January 2026, at a fee of $100.  I hope all those who have not registered yet to take advantage of the Early Bird price.  The Regular Registration begins 1 February 2026 and the fee is $120.  Knowing how many riders we have is crucial for our State Coordinators to know as they work with the folks along the route who donate their time and money making the Southern Route so successful.  Just think, with that extra $20, you might be able to buy a snack or top off your scooter before attending the morning meeting.  HYDRATE!

The Sandbox Route will have an Early Bird fee of $40 through 31 January 2026 and the Regular fee will be $60 beginning 1 February 2026.  I’ve registered for both routes on 11 September 2025 and I’m looking forward to the Sandbox Route as this will be my first year.  Link to register is Here.

MISCELLANEOUS, but worth repeating

As always, prior to the Run, keep a few things in mind.  Keep up the maintenance on your bike/trike.  If you take medicines to keep you purring at top efficiency, make sure you check with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to ensure you have enough meds to cover the entire time you’ll be gone.  Depending on your travel plans before and after The Run, you might have to have your refills sent to a pharmacy in a town you’ll be visiting.      HYDRATE!

We’ve had an excellent volunteer response this year and are still receiving Volunteer Forms.  We still need a few more in both the Fuel Team, the Staging Team, a daily reporter (Sit-Rep Writer), a Social Media person, plus we need an additional person for our medical team.  If you are interested in any of these positions, please send us your Volunteer Form.  If applying for Medical, you’ll need proper credentials.

The GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is the communication system RFTW uses.  As with the CBs we used in the past, if you are not in a leadership slot, you can only listen.  Listening will allow you to know what’s going to happen and what IS happening.

MORE STUFF

Did you know we have RFTW Podcasts?  Tai “Hitch” Harmon and Ted “Boots” Kapner are the podcast gurus for The Run.  Tune-in as they cover many topics.  Angie “Den Mother” Holterman is the new Director of Merchandise (deals all over the place) and Alan “Xbox” Steiner switched over to take over as Director of Operations.

REMEMBERANCE

Once again, it is with a heavy heart that I regret to inform everyone that my friend and the Route Coordinator for the 2025 Southern Route, Lennie “Big Red” Hodson, has passed away due to cardiac complications.

He held many positions while participating in Run For The Wall from pack rider to Route Coordinator.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and her family and friends.  There will be a gathering on 1 December 2025, at American Legion Post 34 in Cave Creek, AZ prior to Lennie’s interment ceremony the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1230.  Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the service.

Although it has been a tough fall season for the Southern Route, we look forward to the Christmas season as it’s a time when we can gather again to celebrate with family and friends.  And you never know, you might find a new motorcycle waiting for you under the tree!  Stranger things have happened!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Thank you, riders, for your support for Run for The Wall and the Sothern Route.

Is it May yet!

We ride for those who can’t!

Ride safe!

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter November 2025

Run For The Wall Mission
To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends
Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)
Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)
Support our military people all over the world

Good Day, everyone!  Not to sound pushy or repetitive, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!  For all those who’ve ridden on any of our routes, those words are quite familiar.  For my FNGs, get used to them as they will be used for the entire time you’re in any of the Ontario meetings and briefings.  I carry several thermoses with me on my bike, and I carry one with me when I’m out and about.  I put my road name on the bottom of all that I have, so when I forget one somewhere, please look on the bottom of the thermos and you’ll know it’s mine.

We have 192 days left until Kick Stands Up.  All three Coast-to-Coast routes will be leaving on 13 MAY 26.  Our registration numbers are growing, and we’re looking forward to getting more.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird registration will run through 31 January 2026, and the fee is $100.  I encourage all those who have not registered yet to take advantage of the Early Bird price.  The Regular Registration begins 1 February 2026, and the fee is $120.  Knowing how many riders we have is crucial for our State Coordinators as they work with the folks who donate their time and money so the Southern Route is successful.

The Sandbox Route will have an Early Bird fee of $40 through 31 January 2026, and the Regular fee will be $60 beginning 1 February 2026.  I’ve registered for both routes on 11 September 2025, and I’m looking forward to the Sandbox Route, as this will be my first year.

RFTW Resources

The RFTW website has some informative, interesting, and useful information about the routes and experiences riders have had.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Podcasts – Ted “Boots” Kapner and Tai “Hitch” Harmon host guests who are involved with Run For the Wall. There’s always something to learn from these interesting and, at times, funny podcasts.
• Forum – The RFTW forum is filled with subjects about RFTW. There’s information for FNGs (Fine New Guys) where you can also ask questions and have experienced people guide you with ideas on having the best experience possible.  If you’re an experienced RFTW rider, there are still many opportunities to learn or spread your knowledge about the run.  Do you need to find a roommate to share hotel expenses with?  The forum is a great place to post and start a conversation with a potential roommate.
• Local meetings – around the country are posted, so in most cases, you will find a monthly meeting within a couple of hours or less from your home. If that’s not the case, you can always start your own monthly meeting by posting on the forum, and help is always available.
• GMRS radios – we have moved on from CB radios to GMRS, which has a greater distance with better clarity. They also have a sub-audio signal that provides privacy, so extraneous non-RFTW transmissions will not affect us.  BTECH (https://baofengtech.com/) radio has a special; they will honor an RFTW special to sell a radio with a PTT (push to talk) button for $140.  Again, there are great videos produced by a former RC, Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olsen on how to set up the radios.  There are other resources also but the forum is a good place to start.
• FNG stories – riders share some stories from their experience as an FNG and some of the “Magic of the Run” we experience. If you have a good story, this is a good place to share.

MISCELLANEOUS, but Important

As always, prior to the Run, keep two things in mind.  Keep up the maintenance on your bike/trike.  Your operator’s manual will tell you the scheduled maintenance that needs to be done.  Did you know that on a Harley, the oil in the front forks should be changed every two years?  Goldwings, it’s every 2-3 years.  Look at your tires, making sure you’re not touching the wear bars.  If you’re close, replace the tires.  Remember to check your chain/belt/driveshaft to ensure there is no damage or leaks.

REMEMBERANCE

With all that we have to do to keep our home life running smoothly and having to work to support our families, there are challenges that show up and have to be dealt with.

Since the time we had our entire Run family photo taken, the Southern Route has lost three of our riders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We lost Brad “Groot“ Knowland shortly after we all made it home while succumbing to injuries he sustained while doing chores at home.  Brad was a member of our 2025 Medical Team and was a great help with medical issues that arose, as well as other problems that he observed and took charge of.

Michael “Wizard” Turner was a long-time rider in the Southern Route and a member of the Board of Directors.  We lost Wizard as he was riding to the reunion in Kerrville.  His wife, Linda, was also seriously injured and continues to heal physically.

We also lost Rick “Speed Bump” Shoaf, our Fuel Team Lead.  He had retired from the Navy as a Search and Rescue swimmer.  He loved being Fuel Team Lead and was someone I could go to with issues that were not related to the Fuel Team.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends of those lost. We will be able to move forward in our lives, remembering these brothers who have brought so much good into our lives.

Although we’ve encountered these events, we still have much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is just a little under four weeks away, we’ll be sharing that day with family and friends, and it’s a time of fellowship and thanks for all that we have and the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.  If there’s a military facility close by, there will be servicemembers who would sincerely enjoy having a Thanksgiving meal off-post.

Thank you, riders, for your support of Run For The Wall and the Southern Route.

Is it May yet!
We ride for those who can’t!
Ride safe!

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter October 2025

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends

Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military people all over the world

As of 1 October 2025, we have just 224 days until KSU!  I am looking forward to getting to Ontario and seeing my fellow riders!

We had a great time at the Texas Riders Reunion 26-28 September in Kerrville, TX, this year.  Thanks to “Juice” and “Pickles” Tutton for honchoing this year’s reunion and thanks to “Sam” and “Cowboy” Mead for hosting the BBQ on Friday the 26^th.  We’d also like to thank “Old School”, Robert Reavis for arranging steaks to be there from a local butcher shop to feed us all at the BBQ.  Unfortunately, Old School couldn’t make it but he was surely appreciated.

 

 

 

 

REGISTRATION

Registration opened up on 11 September 2025 and Southern Route is looking good.  If you’ve already registered, thank you.  If you’re waiting for the right time, that time is now!  As you old timers know, the number of registered riders we have, the better the support will be.  These numbers are used by the State Coordinators to plan fuel stops, lunch, and dinner stops.  The number of riders and bikes/trikes will determine how much fuel we’ll need and how much food will be donated.  So, please register early on our website:  rftw.us

     Coast-to-Coast Routes (Southern)
$100 Early Bird
$120 Regular Reg (Starts 1 Feb)
Day Riders (Up to 3 days):  $100

Wall-to-Wall (Sandbox)
$40 Early Bird
$60 Regular Reg

VOLUNTEERS

We are still looking for Volunteers for some specific positions.  We need additional people for our medical team.  If you do apply for the medical positions, ensure that you have the proper credentials. We need a SITREP writer and a Social Media person.  These two positions are critical for the RFTW mission to reach those who are surfing the web for a cause such as ours.  It also allows the loved ones that are home follow us on the run and keep up with the activities and things we do.  Tai “Hitch” Harmon is the RFTW Director of Social Media and is also the guru of all things podcast!  The second season is available on YouTube and other podcast sites for your viewing pleasure.  Drivers for the Merchandise trailers are needed for all routes.

This past Run was the first year for all routes to communicate within the route using the GMRS radio system, and it worked well.  If you have a unit, remember, you only listen to the traffic if you are not in a leadership position.  Within a platoon leadership, it’s best to use hand signals whenever possible to limit the radio traffic so the system is available for communications involving safety of the whole pack.  There is also the ability of most radios to monitor a 2^nd channel, which could be set up for a particular platoon and not interfere with the primary channel for the pack.  More info about GMRS radio is available on the forum here.

Start venturing out, riding increasingly longer rides, to have your body acclimated to long rides.  HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!  You will be strongly encouraged to drink lots of water, electrolytes, Gatorade, etc., all during The Run.  Whenever you attend a briefing or a meeting, make sure you have a container of water with you.

And sadly, one of our Southern Route riders and a member of the Board Of Directors, was involved in an accident over the weekend and succumbed to his injuries.  Michael “Wizard” Turner was the Director of Operations and has been involved in The Run for many years.  Please keep his family in your prayers as his wife, Linda, also sustained severe injuries.

 

Is it May yet!
We ride for those who can’t!
Ride safe!

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC 2026

RFTW Southern Route Newsletter September 2025

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends
Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)
Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)
Support our military people all over the world

 

 

It’s not quite May yet, but we’re heading that direction.  As of 1 September, we have 254 days until KSU and are looking forward to gathering in Ontario.  I hope that everyone had a safe Labor Day.

Those of you who participated in the Angel Fire Reunion, I trust it was a moving time in remembrance of those we honor.

In this year’s Run, we honored the 50^th anniversary of the last battle in the Vietnam War.  On next year’s Run, we will be honoring the 35^th anniversary of the beginning of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Our Director of Merchandise, Alan “Xbox” Steiner, has pins, coins, and wristbands that will be sold at the merchandise trailer and probably online.  When these items are ready for sale, I’ll post it on the Southern Route Facebook page and Xbox usually posts this information on RFTW Facebook page, so be on the lookout for information to be posted.

I spoke with Phillip “Juice” Tutton, the honcho for this year’s Texas Rider’s Reunion, and he’s still taking registrations.  Remember that registration fee is $40 up until 15 September 2025.  After that date, the fee will be $50.  If you wish to pay cash, send in your registration and you’ll be able to settle up when you register at the YO.  Registration for the Texas Rider’s Reunion is through a PDF form that is available HERE.  There’s not a web site for this gathering so registering this way is best and works well.  As we gather in Kerrville, please remember the devastation that occurred in the area and the families that lost loved ones in the flooding.  The donations that were collected by The Run totaled $4900 and were given to local charities located in the area.

Registration for The Run can be found at rftw.us and will begin at 0846 Eastern on 11 September 2025.  That link is not alive yet, but it will be on 9/11.  Early Bird registration fee is $100 until 31 January 2026.  After that date, the fee will be $120, so register early.  Sandbox Route fee will be $40 through 31 January 2026 and after that date the fee will be $60.

If you’d like to volunteer, you can do so at this site:  Volunteer Form.  Please send them in as quickly as you can so the Platoon Coordinator can fill the positions.  We have a couple Platoon Leader positions open and we’re looking at some candidates now.  Assistant Platoon Leader slots are open as well as Tail Gunner positions.  There are many other positions available looking for volunteers.  We need a SitRep writer, a Social Media coordinator, and we have some medical staff, but we could use a couple of more folks, along with some other roles that help the organization for funding and helping keep us all stay organized.  Please consider this if you’ve been on the run before and you’re looking for a way to contribute to our mission.  The sooner these positions are filled, the sooner we can begin to plan the route itinerary and what will take place at each of our stops.

Thank you everyone for your interest in riding in the Southern Route 2026.  I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Ontario and along the Route.

Ride safe!

David “Buzz” Mullen
SR RC 2026

 

SR August 2025 Newsletter

Run For The Wall Mission

To promote healing among all veterans, their family, and friends

To call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War& Missing in Action (POW/MIA)

Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)

Support our military stationed all over the world

Greetings, everyone!  I trust that everyone had a safe and celebratory Independence Day.  I had a very enjoyable holiday with my family.  The picture above shows we know how to honor, respect, and have fun.

As of 1 August 2025, we will have 283 days until KSU, so start planning your preparations for The Run.  Plan for any services your bike will need, check your tires, and start thinking of the items you’ll need to take with you.  You’ll also need to prep your body for the 10-day mission.  Start by taking rides with increasingly longer mileage as doing this will acclimate your body to the daily mileage we’ll be riding.  It’s never too early to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Hydrating will be a daily item in all meetings from platoon to Southern Route morning meetings

All those in leadership roles will need a GMRS radio for communication in the pack and in your teams/platoons.  If you have a GMRS unit and not in a leadership position, you can listen only.  And if you are monitoring, you’ll be able to anticipate what will be happening.  For more information about the GMRS radios, check out the good information shared by Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olsen and others on the RFTW forum.  You can find a link “here”.

If you are good with bookkeeping and maintaining a checkbook, we can use you to assist the route with expenditures and deposits, donations, etc.  Both the financial lead and an assistant are needed.  We are continuing to accept Volunteer Forms for Platoon Leaders, Assistant Platoon Leaders, and Tail Gunners.  We are also looking for qualified participants to fill the Medical Team positions along with the SitRep Writer.  Please submit your applications as soon as possible.  A big thank you for all those who have submitted the applications already.

Registration for all RFTW Routes will open 11 September 2025, with the fees being;
$100 Early Bird, $120 Regular Reg (starts 1 Feb 2026), Day Riders (up to three days) $100.  I strongly suggest the Early Bird.

The Texas Riders Reunion in Kerrville is 26-28 September with a $40 registration fee.  Info is on the TX Riders Reunion Facebook page.

I am pleased to announce that Don “Doc” Wood will be our Road Guard Captain again this year.  Doc was my Road Guard mentor and continues being a mentor to me both as a Road Guard in 2024 and as the ARC in 2025.  Thanks, Doc!

I am humbled to be the Route Coordinator for the Southern Route in 2026.  My senior leadership team is solid and experienced.  Together, with all my riders in the Southern Route, we will continue the mission in 2026.

David “Buzz” Mullen
Route Coordinator
Southern Route 2026