Category: Southern Route Coordinator News

April,  2022 Part 4

 

 

 

Greetings from the Sunny State of Nevada

More rooms in Arlington VA

Some riders asked if there are still rooms available in Arlington VA for RFTW.   The answer is YES.  Although the Holiday Inn is fully booked, The nearby Westin Hotel  still has rooms at the RFTW Rate.  Use the link to book directly online.   

A word to the Wise

Also, save yourself some time and trouble by downloading the Emergency Information Form from this link.  If you wait until you check in, it is likely that some of the information will not be at your fingertips.   It is downloadable and savable to your computer.  Simply download it, fill it out COMPLETELY, and print at least 2 copies.   Personally, I suggest 3, One if folded in thirds both ways will fit neatly in the clear plastic pouch that comes with the lanyard that you will receive at Check-In.  Another can be on your bike; a good place is with your vehicle registration.  And I suggest you carry one in your wallet always.  I could give you dozens of reasons why this is so important, but I will sum it up with this one.  Should you find yourself in an emergency situation and are unable to speak for yourself, this it your voice.

Disclaimer

Just one more thing, the Golden Ticket mentioned in the last newsletter is only good for the Southern Route, and not valid for 4-wheelers.   Void where prohibited, Your actual mileage may vary…..   Side effects include a smile as you fuel and more money to buy more raffle tickets and merchandise.

 

 

April,  2022 Part 3

 

 

Greetings Southern Route Riders,

The itinerary is set, and final preparations are underway.  Lately the most often asked question I get is “Is it May yet?”  the answer is soon, very soon.

The second most asked question is “How much is it going to cost me for fuel?”  The best answer to date has been, that depends on fuel prices.  We have 21 scheduled fuel stops on the Southern Route.  Some are fully donated; some are partially donated, and some are paid by the Riders.  Our trusty team has been tracking the gas prices all along our Route.  They have gone up and down but appear right now to be stabilizing somewhat.  We have a plan. For the partially donated stops, we will collect $5 from each vehicle and $10 at the Rider paid stops.  The most you will ever have to pay at a stop is $10, if you do your part.  Now what is your part?  That’s easy, show up every morning with a full tank.  It is what you should be doing everyday

GOLDEN TICKET

In my last regular newsletter, I mentioned a Golden Ticket.  What? You say.  Would that get me a tour in the Chocolate Factory?  No, but it would cover all of your fuel expenses, clear across the country. Yes, that’s right, all your fuel would be prepaid at every scheduled stop on the Southern Route 2022.  We have 2000 special raffle tickets which will be sold in Ontario for only $5 each or 5 for $20.  Depending on the number of tickets sold, is how many Golden Tickets (up to 10) will be awarded.  The additional monies collected will be used to pay for our Chase and the Hydration vehicles fuel costs.

High Fuel prices are something we all have to bear in our daily lives.  We are doing our best to stretch our limited fuel budget to keep the Riders’ costs down.  Also, to help speed up our lines through the pumps have your $5s and /or $10s ready.  As always, No Change will be given, any overpayment will be considered a donation to the fuel fund.  Please no $1 bills, Box Tops, IOUs or Crypto.  How much should you budget for fuel from LA to DC?  The best guess at this point is $340 to $370.  This would also cover your overnight fueling, so you have no excuse for not showing up to staging with a full tank every morning.  

April,  2022 Part 2

 

 

Special Announcement

Many of you have been asking if there will be a Friday Nite Parade (Silent Drill Team) in DC. I just received this from SgtMaj Doug Lyvere today.

1^st announcement – RFTW participants are once again invited to attend the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks in Washington D.C.  The RFTW web sites will give you details and I will forward any additional info as I get it.  Those of you that have attended may want to again and feel free to pass the word to friends and riders who haven’t seen this event.  Friday night you will be in the process of “winding down” and this is a great way to do it.  You can get details on the Friday Evening Parade on Google.  RFTW members and guests normally go together and can sit together.  Dress code – leathers are fine but it would be advisable to clean up.  Remember, you will be going through a metal detector – your pins will set them off.  NO WEAPONS are allowed on barracks grounds and there is no place to check them in.  Parking can be difficult and you’re basically on your own.  Parking tickets can be very expensive.
Riders wishing to attend the Parade – please email me the names of all attending.  You will NOT get individual tickets as you will have me there to verify your attendance.  Please send a separate email with questions.
2^nd announcement – GOLD STAR FAMILIES –  prior to the Parade,  the Commandant has a reception in his garden (end of the parade deck).  THIS IS BY INVITATION ONLY and RFTW can only invite Gold Star families to attend this event.  Entrance to the Commandants house will start at 1730.  For the reception, only formal and semi formal dress allowed.  You may have to send clothing to the DC in advance.
Gold Stars wishing to attend the Reception – I need your names (all) and a short BIO of the family member lost in combat.  It will be forwarded to protocol prior to the Reception.
IN BOTH cases – respond to my address with either “Gold Star” or “rider” (or both) in the subject line.
The RFTW sites will have more info.  Please remember that I’m on the Run also so my time is limited.
Please forward this email to all routes, participants, Gold Stars and all leadership including State Coordinators as well as fb and other Social Media.
Thanks and be safe.
Doug (SgtMaj) Lyvere

RFTW, SR, RG doug@lyvere.com

April,  2022 Part 1

 

Greetings from the Battle Born State,

“So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. “ An appropriate quote from Willy Wonka.  It seems like over the last 3 years many plans we made, have had to change, some more that once.  If only I had a “Golden Ticket”

Adapt and Overcome.

Something we all do it in our everyday lives.  We have over 100 people on each Route, many that are behind the scenes, making things happen for us. Every stop along the way gets scrutinized and planned for foreseeable conditions.  Will it be perfect? Probably not.  Will it be Meaningful, Spiritual, Patriotic, Challenging, Welcoming, Memorable with maybe a little Fun? Absolutely!

We all need to Be Prepared.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, Hydrate! (x3).   Get your bike serviced by a conscientious mechanic. Make sure that lights work, everything attached is tight.  Pack smartly, lay everything you want to take before you pack a single thing.  It won’t all fit. You will have to separate the needs from the wants.  For example, I have 17 pairs of riding gloves.  I bring 4, for Warm, Cold, Wet and Cool.  I think you get the idea.

Biographies aka Bios.

Our CA State Coordinators are putting together binders of Bios for ALL Riders.  This is your chance to share with everyone who reads them, who you are and what you are about.  Additionally, such things as: Why you came on Run For The Wall and continue to, Are you riding to honor someone.  Include some pictures as long as it all fits on 1 sheet of 8-1/2×11.  Carol and Shirley’s email addresses are listed on the SR Hub Contacts.

FNG Flag Relay.

If you are an FNG on Southern Route, be sure to contact Rod Runyon, our Memorial Outreach Coordinator, about signing up for the FNG Flag Relay and be a part of carrying a special American Flag from LA to DC.

More topics next week…………….

March,  2022 Part 3

 

 

Hi Everybody,

Ok, Spring is here, and it is starting to actually feel like it.  That means RFTW XXXII 2022 is just around the corner.

I have a reminder for all of our FNGs, the Second FNG Town Hall will be this Thursday, March 24, 2022, starting at 1600 PDT.  If you have not gotten your Special Invitation, just email me and I will reply with the Zoom login information and add you to the list.  Special Thanks to Denise Murray for setting this up. This session will be recorded, and a link will be emailed everyone on the list.  In case you missed it, you will have a second chance.  The theme for this Town Hall is “Things Every Rider Must Know”.   This is open to FNG Riders from ALL Routes.

It’s a good time to start gathering up raffle items (items that Bikers can use).  And let’s not forget those things that we collect to drop off at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and the Virginia Veterans Care Center.  Patients need basic clothing (socks, underwear & shirts) and toiletry items. 

We still need to fill some vacancies in Platoon Leadership, especially in the Trike Platoons.  To volunteer you must have gone All The Way at least once, have a working CB Radio installed and good people skills.   I am also looking for a Route Videographer to do a special project along the Southern Route (SR).  No super high-tech equipment needed.  Just something that can record video to an SD card.  Volunteer Form Link

Just One More Thing, In Ontario, the American Legion will perform a Flag Folding Ceremony and present an American Flag to each Route Coordinator.  On Southern Route we plan to transport it All The Way from LA to DC via FNG Relay.  If you are a SR FNG and are interested in being a part of this, Email Rod Runyon, our Memorial Outreach Coordinator at rod.runyon@rftw.us he will sign you up.

That’s all for now, Stay Tuned……….

March,  2022 Part Deux

 

 

Well, we are only 2 months away from Kick Stands Up in Ontario.  There are still a lot of things to do.  Every time I cross one off, I add 2 more.  I’m sure that it is no different for you. 

Needless to say, 2020 and 2021 were not kind to the RFTW Mission.  During that time, we lost several Southern Route Brothers and Sisters.  We are planning to add a Tribute page to Honor those we lost.   There have been so many I have lost track or not aware of.  Three that come to mind: Don “9-Ball” Morris, 2006 Route Coordinator; Jim “Taillight” Drieth, Advance Team Leader & Ambassador; and Margie “Sweetheart” Green, Rain or Shine she was the Star of the “Thunder at the Pig”.  Please let me know who else should be included. We would like to include a picture if you have one.

Let’s talk Registration.  Starting this year, ALL Registration will be online and paperless.  As part of the online registration process, you will “digitally” sign the Waiver Form and make payment before your Registration is complete.  You can pay by credit card; you do not need a PayPal account to pay by card.  Registration fee is $30, starting May 1, 2022, it goes up to $50.   In Ontario (Or wherever you start), since you are pre-registered, all you need to do is “Check In”.  At check in you will need: Your Driver’s License with the proper endorsement for the vehicle you are riding.  Also, Your Current Registration and Proof of Insurance, these last two items are acceptable in digital form.   All of the above cannot expire before the end of the Run.  Pretty simple.  That’s all for now, I gotta get back to work.  See y’all in May!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Flexible, Stay Positive……

March,  2022 Special

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Hi All,

Run For The Wall in partnership with Operation Family Fund, is inviting you to participate in the Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) Community Kickoff event honoring Marine CPL Yevgeniy “Yev” Shenker.  Using donations from RFTW and Operation Family Fund, HFOT will build and donate a specially-adapted, custom home for him and his Family, in Queen Creek, AZ.

The date is Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 10:00AM, the whole program is about 2 hours.  Escort Riders are needed.  If you are able to make it and would like to volunteer to help, contact Michael Giannetta at chatters.rftw.az@gmail.com he can give you the details.   

For more information on HFOT and CPL Shenker’s Story Click Here

Thank You, I hope you can make it. 

March,  2022

 

 

 

Greetings RFTW Family,

After dealing with lengthy supply train issues, the wait is over.  We now have New 2022 merchandise is now available at the shop on the Run For The Wall website 2022 Run For The Wall Merchandise.  Don’t wait, get your order in today.

Instead of my usual monolog I will just give you the bullet points

• What gas Prices will be in May is anyone guess.  Expect to pay more.  We are working to minimize the impact. 
• There will be another FNG Town Hall on Zoom March 24, 2022, starting at 1600 Pacific.  Invitation emails will go out next week.  Questions may be submitted in advance.  All 4 Routes will be represented.
• Southern Route is still looking for Volunteers to fill needed positions mostly in Platoon Leadership.  Position Descriptions and Requirements can be found on the Southern Route Volunteers Page
• In Ontario, there will be a ride to Riverside National Cemetery on Tuesday May 17, 2022.   Riders will stage at “LOT D” Anyone going must be a registered RFTW Rider.  Registration will open to RNC Riders, at 0700 only for those who still need to register.  Road Guards will lead you there, you need to find your own way back.  You must be back for the MANDATORY all hands meeting at 1500, also in LOT D.

Stay tuned for a special announcement tomorrow 3/10…..

February  2022

 

Hello RFTW Family,

It looks like most of the pandemic restrictions are coming to an end.  I would like nothing more than to get back to normal.  Because of RFTW’s two-year hiatus, we are having to establish many new relationships with supporters, hotels, and agencies that we have previously enjoyed year after year.  It seems that many people retired or moved on to other positions.  And other entities did not survive economically.  What that means to us is our State Coordinators have had to work even harder.  Through their efforts, the pieces are coming together and our LA to DC Run 2022 will be one to remember for all good reasons.

We are less than 90 days from KSU in Ontario.  I am sure that some of you may already be packed and ready to go.  It is never too early to start preparing.   Get your ride serviced by a competent shop or mechanic.   As Spring rolls around their scheduled het booked up fast.  Don’t forget to get yourself a checkup too.

One of our riders is having bypass surgery at the end of the month and another will be beginning several weeks of radiation therapy.  Both will need recovery time to get better.  Please keep them in your Thoughts and Prayers, along with all others who are healing.

*** SgtMaj, one of our illustrious Road Guards, is looking for someone to share their back seat with his grandson Jacob.  Jake is 16 and no stranger to the road with over 6,000 Gold Wing back seat miles logged, in the last 28 months.   If you are able and willing to do this, Please contact Doug “SgtMaj” Lyvere at doug@lyvere.com. 

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Flexible, Stay Positive

January  2022 Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings All,

As I complete my 70^th lap around the Sun, I am reminded that no matter how many times we do we can’t help but reflect back on what we accomplished and that we have yet to finish.   2022 will be the year that we get our Run For The Wall Mission XXXII back on track.  Our Leadership and State Coordinators are working day and night working on every detail.  Please, if you have not already pre-registered, do so soon.  I would really help the planning effort.  We have 107 days before kickstands up.  Don’t wait until the last minute to get you and your ride ready, make a plan and follow through.

If you are someone who is or was an aspiring journalist, your opportunity may await. We are looking for someone to be our daily Sit-Rep Writer.   If you are interested in this position or would like to know more about it, please contact our Assistant Route Coordinator Kris Wood Kristine.wood@rftw.us

Lastly, I would like to Thank everyone for the Birthday Wishes.  Some were simple, some funny and some “colorful” ALL Made My Day.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive & Stay Flexible.