
It’s already February, and we are now two-digit midgets. For civilians, that means we are under 100 days until kicks stand up (KSU).
My 2 Cents Worth
There has been a lot of chatter on social media platforms since the BOD announced route changes starting in 2027 (now tabled for further review), with some positive and many negative. If you want to discuss RFTW business, it should be done on the RFTW Forum; airing negative comments about the run or board members in a public format does nothing positive for our Run For The Wall organization. Remember the Mission and Why We Ride.
Missing Man Formation
Our Missing Man Coordinator still has open slots to ride in the Missing Man Formation (MMF). If you are interested in riding in the MMF (FNGs are given preference), please send an email to Mission Nan Coordinator Bill “Maverick” Leonard at bill.leonard@rftw.us. Bill will explain the process, requirements, and expectations of riding in the MMF during the run.
Outreach Missions and Honor Guard
During our 10-day Mission across our great nation, there will be Outreach Missions to memorials, VA care centers, Gold Star families, and Honor Guard Wreath Laying ceremonies. These will be listed when the Itinerary is published. If you are interested in participating in these activities, please contact the Family Outreach Lead, Karoni “Hoops” Forrester, at karoni@mac.com or the Honor Guard Coordinator, Brian Turner, at brian.turner@rftw.us.
Pre-Paid Fuel
We will again offer Pre-Paid fuel on the Southern Route. We encourage all riders to take advantage of the Pre-Paid fuel option. As a direct result of this option, we see a significant decrease in fueling times, which leads to shorter waiting times in the fuel line. This means more time for hydration, snacks, and bathroom breaks. Remember, the Pre-Paid fuel option applies to the scheduled fuel stops we make during the day. All riders are still required to fuel on their own, filling their tanks prior to staging each morning.
The Pre-Paid fuel option will again be $150 ATW (CA-DC). We will pro-rate the cost starting on Day 5, Grand Prairie, to $120, Day 6, Monroe, $90, Day 7, Meridian, $70, Day 8, Chattanooga, $50, Day 9, Wytheville, $30, and Day 10, Lynchburg, $20.
You can take advantage of the Pre-Paid fuel option Starting March 1st by using the Zelle payment app.; send your payment to Southern.Route@rftw.us, and please add SR Pre-Paid fuel 2025 on the memo line. The Zell app is incorporated in many online banking apps; if not, you can download it from your app store. Zelle is the only mobile payment app that RFTW currently uses. You can also send your payment to Bob Nelson, RFTW Treasurer, at 50 Fourth Ave, Unit # 1445, Dayton, NV 89403. Make checks payable to Run For The Wall INC in the memo line, state Southern Route Pre-Paid fuel 2025.
Luggage Fundraiser
For the second year in a row, Southern Route will offer luggage transport (up to 2 bags) in an enclosed trailer. Riders may pay to have their bags that have been strapped to their bikes, instead, transported to our nightly stops. This adds to the safety of all riders by removing bags that can obstruct the view of other riders, reducing the weight of their bike, making it easier to handle, and eliminating loose items that can fall off their bike.
Riders must drop off their bags at the morning staging/breakfast locations before the morning safety briefings and will not have access to them until after that night’s dinner and programs. Please try to pick up your bags within 20 minutes of being released so the luggage driver/handler can reach his or her hotel on time.
The cost will remain at $7 per day or $50 for all 10 days. If you wish to take advantage of this fundraiser, you can also prepay starting March 1st using the Zelle app Southern.Route@rftw.us. When submitting your payment, please add “Luggage Fundraiser” to the memo line.
If you plan to purchase both Pre-Paid fuel and the Luggage Fundraiser in one transaction, please include both SR Pre-Paid fuel and Luggage Fundraiser on the memo line. If you’re purchasing for more than one bike or person, please also note the name.
Southern Route is looking for a Fundraising 50/50 Raffle Rosser. This is a Leadership Support position. Please submit a volunteer application on the Southern Route web page Hub. Volunteer Here
Lennie
“To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, T
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.”
TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE
Lennie “Big Red” Hodson
Southern Route Coordinator 2025