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Southern Route Coordinator News – Virtual Run 2020 Edition

Greetings from a cold and windy day in Northern Nevada, the high today 56, the weatherman says 90 by the weekend.  It has been so long since we were home during this time of the year, I didn’t remember what it was like.  Just another reason why we would rather be on the Run with ALL of you. 

I want to thank those of you who have already participated in the R.F.T.W. and H.O.P.E.  Quests 2020.   I understand that many of you are still dealing with travel restrictions, so I have extended the deadline to complete the Quest until July 6, 2020.   The pictures are now posting on the Virtual Southern Route (VSR) site Photo Board.  Don’t forget to post your pictures, just click in the RFTW Quest 2020 section of the VSR site.  Keep your BIOs and ride with them until 2021 and leave them at THE WALL.    What better way to Honor those “We Will Never Forget”

While you are at the VSR site, check out the Videos also.  Especially the Flashback to 2006 Jackson, MS event.  You might see some familiar faces.

Please take the time to read the daily Virtual Sitreps, Peppermint Patti is doing an amazing job of telling the saga of the Southern Route.  I would like to take this opportunity to Thank ALL of the volunteers who “Ride for the Cause and not the Applause”, that make our annual Mission possible year after year.  Please everyone, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

Keep those Quest 2020 Pictures coming

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – MAY 2020 – Virtual Run Edition

Howdy from Texas!

Do you ever get the feeling you should be somewhere that you aren’t?  I’m sure that like me, many of you are experiencing that dislocated feeling this week.  I actually know exactly where I should be – As I write this, I should be just about to cross the Louisiana-Mississippi state line on my way to visit Earl and the Trail of Honor at Harley Davidson of Jackson on the Southern Route.  Yesterday morning I had the honor of visiting with Gunny & PattiO along with their Posse as they came across north Texas, but sadly I could not join them on their journey to DC.  However, I am still proud to be here virtually visiting with you, my RFTW SandBox Route “Posse” as we reminisce on Runs past and look ahead to Runs that lie before us.

You may have noticed that the other Runs are deep into Virtual activities such as the R.F.T.W. and H.O.P.E. Quest Photo Runs developed by the Southern Route and the BIOS effort initiated by the Midway Route.  I hope that everyone is enjoying those and staying in touch with members of our Run Family.  I have personally enjoyed reading the Virtual SITREP’s published each day by the various Routes.  Yes, beginning next Sunday, 24 MAY 2020, you will also see daily SandBox Route SITREP’s from our very own writer, “Peppermint Patti” Bogan.

To further support our Virtual Run of the SandBox Route I will be conducting daily morning briefs for the Route each morning of the Run dates, 24-26 May.  These briefing will start at 0800 and last approximately 20 minutes where we will do many of the usual announcements, route briefings and recognitions that we’ve come to expect on the Run.  We may even have a few surprise guest speakers to say hello along the way.  The Briefing will culminate with a drawing for a few special gifts before we break at the 15 minute horn to go mount up for the days virtual ride.  (To be eligible for the drawing, you must be logged into the briefing.)  Watch for a follow-up RC Newsletter tomorrow with the details of the Virtual Briefing – as a heads up, you’ll need to have the free Zoom app installed on your computer, iPad or phone to join the meeting.

One of the prizes awarded in the drawing will be the SandBox Route Inaugural Run patch that we will be selling as a fundraiser after next week.  This patch was designed, fabricated and delivered back in February, so they will be commemorative showing the dates originally planned for this year’s Run.  Instructions for ordering will be coming after next week, but you may be one of the first to have this patch if you log in to the daily briefings and stay for the drawing.  We will be awarding two of these patches each day.  Below is a photo of the patch which measures 4×2.5”.

SandBox Route Inaugural Run Patch

I sent out a message last Wednesday (13MAY) via SandBox Registration e-mail to everyone registered on the SandBox Route just to confirm that they are and will remain a registered rider for the SandBox Route as we move forward to the Run for May 2021.  If now or through the course of the year you find you must withdraw from the Route or have specific questions about your SandBox Registration, send an e-mail to sb-registration@rftw.us.   You may also contact RFTW Registration directly at registration@rftw.us

If you have questions about the SandBox Route in general or need to contact me directly, please write to billie.dunlap@rftw.us or our ARC, Six String at ken.dugas@rftw.us.

Finally, watch for another RC Newsletter tomorrow for info on the Live Zoom Broadcast of the SandBox Route Morning Brief each day of what would have been our SandBox Route this year, starting at 0800 Central Time each day.

Y’all take care, stay well and stay strong!  Remember, all roads lead to all roads so no matter where you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator

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Southern Route Coordinator Newsletter – May, 2020 Part 2

Greetings to ALL Run For The Wall(ers). 

Nick Hentges our RFTW Director of Communications and Ted Kapner our Webmaster have worked tirelessly to compile our Awesome Virtual Run “micro-site”.  Another Big Thank You goes to Jerry Lanier, our Outstanding Southern Route Photographer has allowed access to his vast library of 2019 Run photos.

The Virtual Run site has links to the “We Will Never Forget” Bios and a place to log and post your R.F.T.W. Challenge / Quest photos along with the “rules”.   Don’t forget, once you have completed the R.F.T.W. or the R.F.T.W. & H.O.P.E. Challenge you will still need to email me bob.nelson@rftw.us in order for me to return email your certificate of completion.

Just as if we were on the Run, your Safety is my biggest concern.   Do your best to Stay Positive.  Ride when you can, “wind therapy” is great for maintaining a Positive Mental Attitude.  Just ask Dr. Bugs.  Your mental state has a huge influence on your physical well-being.   The Spirit of the Mission will continue.

Between now and RFTW XXXII 2021 there are several Reunions and local gatherings to feed your need for camaraderie.  The MR hosted “Tour of Tennessee” is planned for July 2-4, the CR hosted “Angel Fire Reunion” in New Mexico will be over the Labor Day weekend and the SR hosted Texas Reunion in Kerrville, TX is scheduled for September 24-27.  All reunions are open ALL past, present and future RFTW riders and their supporters.  Details can be found on the www.rftw.us website Forum under Regional Gatherings and in the Route Coordinators’ Newsletters. Check them out, each is unique and rewarding

Until then, Stay Safe, Stay Well and #RFTWStrong.

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Southern Route Coordinator News – May 2020

Now is a good time to take advantage of RFTW 2020 Hats, Shirts, Patches and More Merchandise at our online store.  Currently, FREE Shipping on purchases over $50 and the coveted RFTW 2020 Pins are 25% off! 

Here it is the 1st of May and we (in Nevada) are still under a “Stay at Home” order from the governor.  I know that many of you are in similar situations. 

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, unfortunately we do not know how long the tunnel is for all of us.   I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy.   When we can, we escape for some needed wind therapy.   With that in mind, I am offering a distraction from the pandemic woes

The R.F.T.W. Quest 2020

Just because the Run For The Wall 2020 is cancelled, that does not mean that we have lost our commitment to the Mission.  As we wait for RFTW XXXII in 2021 and in the Spirit of the Mission….. Only If travel restrictions in your area permit, I have a Quest for you during the time we would normally be on the run, May 13-26, 2020.  To complete the Quest 2020, All you need to do is:

  • Create a BIO (or 2) of your own, representing those We Will Never Forget; you can also download and print one from the link to the list of BIOs on the rftw.us website (TBA) or https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JgW-7dn8b00J53iXcExl-Rfmy-7TZPpW?usp=sharing
  • Put on your favorite Run For The Wall 2020 shirt
  • Ride to towns within your state beginning with R, T, F & W
  • Take a picture with your BIO, in front of something which shows the name of the town.
  • Please share your pictures on our rftw.us picture portal (TBA)
  • All four do not all have to be done in the same day
  • This is open to ALL Routes, Riders and Passengers, FNGs and Seasoned Riders
  • When you have finished, send me an email to bob.nelson@rftw.us with the dates and towns that you visited.
  • In turn, I will email you your Certification of Completion.

If that seems too easy, you can challenge the Super HOPE Quest and add the H, O, P & E towns.  The same “rules” apply.

Stay Safe while we work out the details.

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Southern Route Coordinator News – April 2020 Special Edition

It seems as though we cannot catch a break.  We are all disappointed that the 2020 Run was cancelled.  But starting early Easter morning our folks along the Southern Route are dealing with a much bigger disaster.  This massive storm system appears to be following our Route, spawning tornadoes, high winds and large-scale flooding.  Monroe, LA, one of our favorite overnight stops, was hard hit damaging 200-300 homes.  I watched Mayor Jamie Mayo on Fox News this morning, it was nice to hear his calming and confident message reminding us “We are Stronger Together”.  Jackson, MS has suffered several deaths, and some residents are still missing.  Chattanooga, TN was also not spared.  As of a few hours ago, they are reporting 8 lives lost and dozens hospitalized.   Add to that, over 150 homes and businesses damaged.  They can be replaced, lives cannot.

So, what can we do now.  We can pray for those suffering, those on the front lines and those that are still in the storm’s path.  Collectively, We and Prayer are a powerful force.   At some point we will see where other help will be needed. 

Until then, Stay Safe, Stay Well and RFTW STRONG.

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Southern Route Coordinator News – April 2020 Early Edition

Hello to the Southern Route Faithful

Usually at this time I am beginning my annual mad thrash getting everything ready for another Run on the Southern Route.  But now, I am working to make sure we haven’t forgot to cancel all of the 1001 things related to the postponement of RFTW XXXII to 2021.

Let’s just say, at the least, we are all disappointed by this.  Many have said that we could have just delayed it for a week, a month, or two or three.  Uncertainty is the only thing that is certain now and when the decision was made.  Some have talked about making plans to “go anyway”.  I believe in your dedication, BUT it is way, way to early to make any kind of plans.  The best thing you can do now is keep Yourselves and Families heathy, follow the guidelines for your area and support your community.

I would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL of our supporters across this Wonderful Country.  Especially to our State Coordinators, who work mostly behind the scenes, they are our Unsung Heroes.  They coordinate our local supporters who provide us so much in the way of meals, hotel contacts, fuel and fundraising.  State Coordinators are literally our boots on the ground.  Hopefully a lot of their hard work can slide right into 2021

Our engagement with others we meet along the way is a cornerstone of our Mission.  Support is not a one-way street; we also give back to the local communities.  Since we won’t be able to fundraise in the usual ways, we have setup a donation page on the RFTW Facebook page.  An explanation of how the funds will be used is there. The schools and students can certainly use our generosity in these hard times.

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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 4

Yes, the 2020 Run For The Wall is cancelled and we are all disappointed.  But the Run is only a part of the Mission.  Please don’t let disappointment ruin your enthusiasm.  I personally refuse to give any credit to some virus, who’s name I will not mention, for cancelling the Run.  We care about the wellness of our Riders’ and Supporters’ personal safety.

The Mission has no start or end date.  It will end when They are ALL Home.  If you have read the other RC Newsletters, and I hope you do, there is plenty we can do to stay Mission active.  We will begin planning RFTW XXXII 2021 edition very soon.  Also, in the works is Some great ALL Rider Reunions.  Kerrville, TX dates are September 24-27 always an event filled long weekend.  Over Labor Day weekend is the Angel Fire, NM Reunion, at one of the most beautiful parts of America.  I hear the another is in the planning stages for 4th of July weekend.  Check the rftw.us website forum under Regional Gatherings for more details.  I have been to the previous 8 Kerrville and the previous 3 Angel Fire Reunions.  They are a good way to recharge the spirit in between the Run dates.

For those who ordered the 20th Anniversary T-Shirts, they will be there for you in 2021.

Depending on where you live, you might try a little wind therapy.  Here in Nevada the Gov has shut down all non-essential services, which includes Casinos and even the Cat Houses, if you can believe that.

On this day 50 years ago, 23MAR70, I went off to boot camp.  I left cold and windy Chicago for sunny San Diego.  I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  But I knew I had to learn fast and when faced with difficulty, adapt and overcome.   As I look back now, I think that feeling has been with me my whole life.  Why am I telling you this?  Hopefully soon this crisis will be behind Us, and We as a Nation will be Smarter and Stronger for it.  RFTW STRONG

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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 3

By now I’m sure you have heard the 2020 RFTW has been cancelled.  Who would have thought that after all of the obstacles we have faced and overcome, we would be sidelined by a virus.   The decision was not an easy one, but when it comes down to the Health and Safety of our Riders and Supporters coupled with CDC guidelines, ever increasing State and Local restrictions left us with really no options.  A great many riders are enduring a huge financial burden, due to related business closures, making it impossible to participate in 2020.  I have heard form many of you that you have had to use your savings and vacation time to get through this crisis with little or no income.

For those who made reservations at the host hotel Holiday Inn in Casa Grande, the entire room block is cancelled.  All other hotels are the riders responsibility to cancel.

So, what do we do going forward?  The RFTW Board of Directors has voted to retain all 2020 Route Coordinators for the 2021 Run.  Once the initial shock wears off, we will begin planning next year’s Run.  It will still be the Southern Route’s 20th Anniversary, just a year later.  If you have questions or thoughts on planning for Southern Route, email me at bob.nelson@rftw.us

We WILL get through this.  Until then Stay Safe.  More to Follow…..

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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 2

Greetings form the beautiful Sierra Nevada region where we are expecting 4 feet of snow in the next few days.  With 60 days out from KSU in Ontario, usually the murmur of “Is it May yet?” begins to grow.  Over the years we have dealt with fires, drought, high gas prices, flooding and other of Mother Natures curveballs.  This year is quite different, The Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 is affecting all of America and the World.  While the magnitude of severity is still uncertain, the issue is serious, not only to the Run but to the health of all of us.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a ton of information on their website www.cdc.gov .  There you will find up to date information on what you can do to protect your Family and prevent the spread of this virus.  Most are very common-sense guidelines. The one thing you shouldn’t do is panic.  Decisions made in haste, are usually not the best ones.

The dynamics of this event are everchanging almost on an hourly basis, and they vary from region to region.  By now you should have seen that our Board of Directors and all RCs have concluded that we would stay the course and continue to plan for a successful 2020 Run For The Wall Mission.  We are continuing to monitor the situation and evaluating the information as it comes in.   Some state governments, in the states where we travel, have currently enacted travel and gathering constraints.  These are not all bad as their intent is to prevent the spread and may hasten the end of restrictions.

There is one thing our Riders is very good at.  When faced with circumstances beyond our control, we Adapt and Overcome. Semper Gumby,  Always Flexible

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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020

With only 70 days until KSU in Ontario I thought that I would share some new developments with you.

In Ontario, there will be Visitor Guides should anyone like to get in a little sightseeing in Ontario, before we leave.   We will also have newly printed Restaurant Guides for your convenience.  There will also be a “Get Together” Sunday night, after Leadership Registration, and a cake Decorating Contest on Monday afternoon which we will get to Judge (Cakes done by a local Culinary School).  Stay tuned for more details.

Also, for our RFTW Family coming out to CA that come up the I-10 and go thru Coachella stopping for fuel there is the Spotlight Casino there and they have restaurants in case someone would like a warm sit down meal instead of fast food. The Spotlight Casino is our first fuel stop on the Southern Route. Their hours are:  Carol Olmstead Recommended

  • Capitata
  • Breakfast Menu: 7am-11am
  • Dinner Buffet Sun-Thurs: 4pm-10pm
  • Dinner Buffet Fri & Sat: 4pm-12 midnight
  •  Jem Café
  • Mon & Tues: Closed
  • Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm
  • Fri & Sat: 11am-2am
  • Sunday: 10am-10pm

Yesterday I sent out an announcement looking for volunteers for the Korean War Veterans Memorial.  We had our 10 within hours, and a stand-by list of another 10.  Thank You Southern Route for stepping up to the challenge.   If you are on the Sandbox Route or participating in the AMVETS Rolling to Remember (RTR), you cannot take part in the Washing, do to time constraints.

For those planning to participate in the RTR and go with the RFTW, the staging will be the same as Rolling Thunder in the Pentagon Parking Lot.  As invited guests, we will be staged in one of the first 3 Lanes.  Here is the current plan; 0600 Stage in the Holiday Inn lower parking lot, 0630 depart for the Pentagon Parking Lot (CR Road Guards will lead), NOON Rolling To Remember.

**** There is a poll on our Facebook page to try to gather total numbers to give to AMVETS, The poll is pinned to the top of the page. ****

Reminder Don’t wait until the last minute to get YOU and your bike in good working order.  I just ordered new tires yesterday.   Believe it or not, the Corona Virus has caused shortages and delays for a multitude of products and supplies.