Category: Southern Route SitReps

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January 2026 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

Happy New Year!  I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe holiday with your family and friends.

2026 is now here and marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great country.  The days are getting longer, and it is only 131 days to KSU!

The hotel list for the 2026 Central Route has been released!  So get your reservations made!  The link to the hotel are here. In Ontario, please seriously consider staying at the host hotel.  Conference spaces and other things are provided based on the number of rooms we fill at the host hotel.  If we don’t meet the minimum occupancy, we may not get the same size conference room next year.

If you’re looking for a roommate, check out the forums to see who else is looking or post your own request.  If you post something on the Central Route Facebook page, it may not be seen by everyone.

To all those that have not yet registered, please do so now.  I see that 14 people have registered in the last couple of weeks and a hearty welcome home goes out to the 43 FNG’s that have registered so far for RFTW XXXVI.

 

Remember, the registration fee will increase to $120 on February 1, 2026.  Our Registration Teams and Platoon Leaders will start working on Platoon assignments soon so don’t delay!

Register Here!

Our Route planning is on going with some minor changes.  Midway is coming back to the 10-day run.  While travelling through Arizona, we will help celebrate U.S. Route 66’s Centennial with a drive through Seligman, AZ and on Day 10, after lunch, we will join up with the Southern Route and travel together into Springfield, VA.

FNGs!  In the next couple of months, expect to be contacted by our FNG Coordinator, Platoon Coordinator and/or Registration team.  We intend to pre-assign platoons before you join us in Ontario, so you will know who your platoon leader will be and what platoon you’ll be in before you arrive.

Events: Looking for an RFTW event near you?  Events can be found here.

Volunteers: Volunteers are still needed for positions!  If you’re interested, please sign up here!    Here are some positions that need to be filled:

Staging is still in need of people.

If you have skills with Route Planning, like making GPX files or are adept with Google Earth, please contact me directly.

Medical Team members are needed.  No specialized medical skills are needed.

Friends of Bill Coordinator.

Some of our positions need backups in case the primary person needs to drop out.

 

So, if you have any questions about any of the positions on the Run or about the Run itself, please reach out to me.  I’m only a phone call or email away.

Volunteer!

As said before, RFTW XXXVI is honoring the 35th Anniversary of the Gulf War with Operation Desert Shield which started on August 2,1990 and ended with the transition into Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991.  The Air Campaign prepared the battlefield for the ground operations which lasted about 100 hours ending on February 28, 1991.  US casualties during this conflict were 382 personnel in theater with 6 persons still missing and 6 persons unaccounted for.

Also, January 28 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Incident.  Those that were around back in 1986 will probably remember where they were that day when a tragedy occurred 73 seconds after liftoff.  I was at NAS Sigonella, Italy, with my squadron preparing to fly aboard the USS Coral Sea to plan and take part in Operation El Dorado Canyon, which happened a few months later. But that is sea story for another time.

So, next time you visit the Arlington National Cemetery please honor their memory by stopping by the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial in Section 46.

Mission Statement

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.

 

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – January 2026

RFTW Feature Midway Route

132 Days to KSU!

A very Happy New Year to you all! I hope everyone has had a very enjoyable holiday season with friends and family. It is hard to believe we are already into 2026 with just four months until we go kick stands up for the 36th Annual Run for the Wall, the 35th Anniversary of the Gulf War and the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 (America’s Highway).

IN GENERAL

Midway Leadership and State Coordinators continue to work hard on finalizing the planning for this year’s Run.  It is an honor to be a part of such an amazing group and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts and continued dedication.  As a result of your feedback from AAR’s and personal conversations, we have made a couple of changes to fuel stops minimizing the distance from Staging to the facilities.  We have also finalized the logistics around Day 8 after departing Knoxville, TN.  This year we will be returning to Asheville, NC for our dinner and overnight stop.  The people of Asheville are still recovering from a catastrophic flood but are resilient and deserve our support and prayers. They are really looking forward to celebrating our mission with us again. Additionally, we have combined our last two days from last year into one while maintaining our breakout day in Cookeville, TN.

2026 ITINERARY

This year’s itinerary is almost complete and will be released soon so you know where we are going and what we are doing for 2026. Look for an announcement on it’s release soon. It will be full of exciting adventures for FNG’s and returning riders.

VOLUNTEERS

We are still in need of a few Volunteers (Active link).  If you are interested in participating as an Honor Guard Coordinator, please contact Randy Sheets at randy.sheets@rftw.us. Additionally, our Staging Team is looking for a few more personnel. Our Promotions Team could use a little assistance from someone who is good at sales. We are also looking to add a couple of more trained medical personnel for our medical team. If you have an interest in serving in this capacity or know someone who is, please fill out a volunteer application or you may contact Randy.Sheets@rftw.us. We also need some help with The Chase team. A pickup and trailer capable of carrying two motorcycles is required. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. I will pay for your fuel from Ontario to Springfield, VA as a chase vehicle.

REGISTRATION   

Registration (Active link) is still $100 per person through 31 January 2026.  After that, Regular Registration is from 01 February 2026 through 30 April 2026 and will increase to a cost of $120 per person.  Day riders (up to 3 days) is $100.00.  Your registration assists in the planning of necessary personnel, meals, etc so I would encourage you to go online and register before the Early Bird rate ends. Save yourself some money, Do it now while you are thinking about it. It truly takes very little time to complete and helps your leadership prepare for our adventure.

PRE-PAID FUEL

I have chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, I have increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If we find that we are financially OK, I will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a Pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to state that your payment is for “Midway Prepaid Fuel” so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

COOKEVILLE BREAKOUTS

I would like you all to begin thinking about the Breakouts that we will be conducting on our second day in Cookeville, TN.  As in year’s past we will be visiting the following locations:

Breakout 1 – Sunbright Memorial in Sunbright, TN

Breakout 2 – Southside Elementary & Wilson County Veterans Memorial in Lebanon, TN

Breakout 3 – Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, TN

Each one of these stops is special in its own way so no matter which you choose you can’t go wrong!  Lunch will be served at each Breakout, so we need to begin working on a headcount to assist our TN State Coordinator Phil Friedli with the logistics for meals.  We will most likely reach out to you during Platoon assignments to see which one you are interested in participating in.  If you are in Leadership, please reach out to Phil or Ed Butler directly so that they can get you registered on your Breakout of choice.

A SURPRISE GUEST

I have been in discussions with a very good friend who tells me he would like to come on the Midway route this year. I tell you this because he is a Medal of Honor recipient and truly a great patriot and gentleman. I have not received final confirmation yet, but I am excited that he would want to come with us this year. Our mutual friend tells me it is 95% assured unless some medical issue arises between now and KSU.

As soon as I get confirmation, I will let you all know. You will really enjoy getting to know this American Hero.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Topics on the RFTW Forums(Active link) continue to grow.  I would encourage you to visit there if you are looking for information on things like GMRS radios and setup, advice for FNG’s, meet ups and get togethers in your areas, individuals looking for a roommate on the Run.  Don’t see what you are looking for…. start your own discussion.  RFTW’s Podcast is another great way to find out more about what makes the Run and each Route so special.  For more information go to Podcast(Active link) on the RFTW website.

A WORD TO OUR GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR VETERANS

This great nation is losing our current veterans to self-harm at a rate of 22 to 30 a day. They have been raised in a country who’s founding documents guarantee as a right life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Life is sacrosanct and our laws will not allow anyone taking another’s life without extreme punishment. Then you travel to countries where life is just a commodity and taken, at will, with no regard, in the most brutal ways. Not only combatants but women and children.

That is why I say that we are all wounded when we return from service where we are participating in conflict. Maybe not physically but mentally and psychologically as we try and deal with the realities of War. Some of our brothers and sisters cannot come to terms with that reality and their participation in it.

That is why we all need to get in contact with our brothers and sisters who we know are suffering and take them on this healing journey. They do not need to ride a motorcycle, they can ride in a car but they truly need to hear, see and feel the outpouring of support they will receive from the patriots all along the Midway route.

If we can help save just one, it will be worth the effort

GREAT PEARLS OF WISDOM

Weather permitting, get that bike out and ride. As much as you can. Take an advanced course to sharpen your skills. Practice “Throttle control”. Your fellow riders behind you will appreciate it.

Get your ride into the shop or if you are a wrench, go over your bike and ensure it is ready for a long trip. It is 3280 miles from Ontario to Springfield, VA. It will be time for an oil change when you arrive, Harley people.

It is time to make a New Years resolution that you will keep!!!!!

Get away from the holiday snacks (sugar). Start walking, working out, stretching or whatever you like to do as long as it involves moving your body.

Lastly for now, start forcing hydration. Lot of fluids!!!!!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!

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 Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
Midway Route Coordinator 2025, 2026
Advanced Team Lead 2023 – 2024
Fuel Team Lead, Assist Team lead, Team Member 2015 – 2022
Central Route 2009 – 2013
FNG 2008

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Midway’s Mid-month Roundup – December 2025

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land, not a motor was stirring, except for Boots with a wrench in his hand (still fine tuning his new trans).

All the riders’ stockings were hung by the chimney with care, next to their pants, gloves, boots and coats still drying out from the day’s last wet run, in hopes that they’d be dry for the morning’s new day, new toys and more fun. 

The riders and bikes were nestled and parked, all snug in their beds and their stalls,
While visions of warmer days, longer rides, and May coming closer danced in their heads (and before we know it, it’ll be next week)

And I in my recliner, a spiked coffee in hand,
As I pull up past photos, Facebook posts and YouTube videos, and remember the fun from last summer, to help my brain cope through a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, no it sounded like thunder; wait a minute, I recognize that rumbling sound from Harley’s down under, those are PIPEs!

I sprang from my chair, my coffee and phone still in each hand, being careful not to spill while turning off the flash to record in full scan.
Away to the front door I threw it open in a flash, letting all the cold air in, a bit of snow, and that darn cat.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the luster of mid-day to the objects below. But wait, there was no moon this night, so where was the glowing coming from; oh wait, now I can see, it was Ryan and his band of Road Guards close in behind him, two by two, and then by three.

And finally, a single lone rider trailed slightly to the rear, but larger than life, it was Midway’s RC, Wind Dog, and he even had his new beard. 
He whistled and he shouted, and called Ryan by name, “Guide us on in as all will need to hear, A message for all, as we approach the new year!”

“Calling all Platoon Leaders, APLs and Tail Gunners!
Chaplains, Outreach and Ambassadors as well!
All Medics, Hydration and Chase members!
Advance Teams, Fuel Teams, and Staging Teams too!
New riders and Old riders, FNGs and FOGs
State Coordinators, Photographer, and even the SITREP Writer too!
Prepare yourself for a new year, a fun year, and an incredible ride through and through!”

As they rode through the streets and spread their good cheer, 
A holiday message was becoming clear to hear.

‘Hold close your family, loved ones and friends,
Thank those that provide for us, protect us and care,
Keeping us free from tyranny, injustice and out of harm’s way.
Have yourself a Merry Christmas and remember the true meaning for which we come together on this day.’

He then turned back to his team and gave them a whistle,
And away they all rode, in formation and official. 
As they started away, I heard him exclaim with delight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

I slowly turned in and began to close the door, and I heard a final crackle of a voice, as if over a radio if by choice, “Midway! This ride is for you!”

I smiled to myself in a personal discussion, ‘this will be a great post’
had I only pressed that darn button…

-FNGs! (Fun New Guys/Gals)

All new riders! We will be having a FNG ZOOM meeting on Dec 16 at 5pm (Pacific Time). If you have not yet received an invite, please get with Roger Ford for details: roger.ford1234@gmail

-Midway Leadership Messages

Looking for a few good riders who are willing to step and support our mission in a leadership position. You can find volunteer sign up forms on the Midway web page. The following positions are available: Promotions Team, Medical team, Staging Team, Chase vehicle (Midway will pay for gas from Ontario to DC), Honor Guard Coordinator, Oklahoma Assistant state Coordinator.

2026 Hotel List

The 2026 hotel list will be available on the Midway web page on Jan 1st. 

Note* The host hotel rates are guaranteed with a contract, all other hotels rates are not guaranteed as time gets closer to KSU. They may change, which means you should make hotel reservations as soon as possible.

Registration

We currently have just over 125 personnel registered for this years adventure

Please do not forget your registration rates will increase on Feb 1st. Please take advantage of the early bird special currently in place. As a reminder:

 

$100.00 early bird, Now through Jan 31,2026 (Please register early)

$120.00 starting Feb 1,2026

$100.00 Day riders for up to three days

Why is the Midway route special?

Midway is a family-oriented route and your routes leaderships guiding principle is “Servant Leadership” which means everything your assigned leaders do is with you, the riders, in mind. We collectively want you to have a healing adventure that you will tell your grandchildren about and maybe influence them to come ride the Midway route in the future and see what Dad, Mom, G-Pa, G-Ma are so excited about. You will find those “Patriots” who built and defended America through all its past and current conflicts in its desire to spread the freedom we cherish, all across this great nation. You will ride with ‘Gold Star” family members. A Gold Star Family is defined as the immediate family of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty. 

Blue star family members,

Blue Star Families are the immediate families of U.S. military members currently serving during periods of conflict.

POW family members, Current active-duty servicemen/women, retired military from all branches, Public safety personnel from Law enforcement, Fire Department and many, many patriots.

 

Welcome to the family!!

 

As I am sure you can understand, developing this cross-country adventure is not cheap.

If you could possibly be so kind and to approach your Philanthropic section/department at work and see if they would be willing to support this great enterprise which is easily definable by showing our mission statement to all who will listen. Just donating enough for one fuel stop would help all riders tremendously. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!!!

 

If you find it within your heart to support RFTW Midway Route, please consider donating.  This will help make RFTW 2026 and the Gulf War Run a complete success. Ensure your donation is marked for the Midway route. Once again, and this is very important, please ensure “Midway Route” is marked on your donation.

You can also Zelle a donation directly to: midway.route@rftw.us
*Most banks now support Zelle transfers.

Or mail a check to:
Run for the Wall Inc.
Midway Route
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Run For The Wall® Inc. EIN 36-4125559
Run For The Wall® is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

Until next time, 

Ride Smart

Ride Safe

Keep the rubber side down & the shiny side up!

 

~Is it May yet? Then again, everyday is May if you let it. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce

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December 2025 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

The holiday season has begun, and amid shopping for gifts, family gatherings, and ongoing meetings, our RFTW preparations are progressing smoothly with 163 days remaining until KSU.

Here is a summary of the important reminders.

Registration Fees Increase: If you haven’t registered yet, please do so soon.  The registration fee will increase to $120 on February 1, 2026. Our Registration Teams and Platoon Leaders will start working on Platoon assignments after January 1st.  Do not delay!

Hotel Information: The list of available hotels is being prepared by the State Coordinators and is set to be released on January 1, 2026.

Events: Looking for an RFTW event near you?  Events can be found here.

Merchandise: Looking for that unique Holiday Gift?  The merchandise page is a great place to find RFTW gifts to put under the tree or motorcycle.

Volunteers: Volunteers are still needed for positions!  If you’re interested, please submit a sign up here!

Central Outreach Route Video: If ever wondered why the Outreach Team did or why they would eat and run, GI Jane and Spaniard produced a video documenting their interactions, representing all riders on the Run, with 53 Gold Star families during the last Run. It is located here:

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts, forums, Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Remember to honor and remember all those who serve and sacrifice for our country as well as to help those who are still fighting the war inside them.

My thoughts are with the 108 military personnel who died in service in 2025, and their grieving families who will have an empty seat at the table this year. As well as the approximately 200,000 active duty and reserve personnel currently serving overseas, many of which are away from their loved ones during the holidays.

Their sacrifice, dedication, and service to our Country is forever valued and will not be forgotten.

 

Mission Statement

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.

The 126th Army-Navy Game honors the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the Army Navy with each team having their own special uniform for the event.

Go Navy! Beat Army!

Have a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – December 2025

164 Days to KSU!

My Christmas wish to you

To friends who feel like family close,
You’re the people I love the most.
In laughter’s light, in joy we share,
You’re my rock, my solid care.
With every year, our bond grows strong,
Through merry right and every wrong.
Thank you, dear friends, for all you bring,
The joy of life, the song we sing.
So here’s a toast to holiday cheer,
Grateful for you, year after year.
Together, let’s make memories bright,
Merry Christmas to friends, pure delight.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and happiness shared with family and friends.

“Never forget the reason for the season”

For you new riders and FNGs, in the next coming month or two, you will be contacted by our Platoon Coordinator and your Platoon Leader.  We like to pre-assign platoons before you join us, so you will know who your platoon leader will be and what platoon you’ll be in.  You will be then able to get to know your platoon mates and leaders before you even show up.

Additionally, all FNG’s will be contacted by our FNG Coordinator and Missing Man Coordinator in the next month to start an education on the many opportunities afforded you as a member of the Midway family including probably a few zoom calls to pass on critical information and answer any of your questions.

The Missing Man Formation

The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route we honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack and we SAY THEIR NAMES so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.

RFTW Missing man formation

Route Planning

I can report that planning is going as smoothly as can be at this stage with us 6 months out from kickstands up in May 2026.  All our State Coordinators have finalized our overnight stays with our partner hotels from Arizona to Virginia (CA and DC Hotels are handled by the BoD), and they continue to work hard for fuel stops, donations, and working with our meal provider volunteers.

Arlington National Cemetery

It is looking like we will officially be able to get into Arlington National Cemetery again for an official wreath laying.  There will be more specific details on this regarding number of people and number of bikes we will be allowed.

Midway Route Honors

Remember, this is going to be a very special Run in 2026 because it is the 36th Annual Run of RFTW and it is the 35th Anniversary of the end of the Gulf War.  Again, as a reminder due to these special anniversaries, we are making an extra effort to salute and honor our Gulf War Veterans this year. Many made personal sacrifices on the altar of freedom. They are a major part of the reason we ride today.

The RFTW Forum is BACK and BETTER than ever!

This is where online RFTW discussion should happen.

The new and improved RFTW Forum is up and running.  This is the FIRST place you should go and ask online questions about RFTW, Routes, Discuss, etc.  It is a much better online community tool to keep topics organized. Facebook groups are great, but topics get lost in long threads. The RFTW Forum should be your first go to.  It’s yours, it’s free, so please go and register and use

 2026 Hotel List

The hotel list officially will be released in early January, exact date to follow. Remember, if some places are full, there are always neighboring hotels and options that may not be on the list. Let Google be your friend.

Register for the 2026 Run now

The Midway Route now has over 100 registered riders and participants. This is just a little less than we had at this time last year. This means that if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan for our stops and hotel accommodations. Early registration ends on January 31, 2026, and registration costs increase on February 1, 2026. You can Register HERE.  If you are in leadership, please register now and Lead by example.  If you are an FNG, please register as early as you can.  We know plans can change. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run. Challenge your friends, join a local riding group and bring them with you. Put your significant other in the number two seat and bring them with you on this adventure.

This ride will be different from any you have done before. It will change you in many ways. All positive!!!!! There are SO many patriots out there that want to say “Thank You” and show you that they care about you. Lots of them want to give you a hug! I will never turn that down!!!

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.”

If you find it within your heart to support Run for the Wall and RFTW Midway Route, please consider making a donation.  This will help make RFTW 2026 and the Gulf War Run a complete success. Ensure your donation is marked for the Midway route

You can also Zelle a donation directly to: midway.route@rftw.us
*Most banks now support Zelle transfers.

Or mail a check to:
Run for the Wall Inc.
Midway Route
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Run For The Wall® Inc. EIN 36-4125559
Run For The Wall® is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization.

I wish you and your families the very best this Christmas and Holiday Season and seeing you all in May 2026!

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
Midway Route Coordinator 2025, 2026
Advanced Team Lead 2023 – 2024
Fuel Team Lead, Assist Team lead, Team Member 2015 – 2022
Central Route 2009 – 2013
FNG 2008

Posted on by

November 2025 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

The leaves dropping from the giant maple tree in my backyard is reminding me that November is here, time to rake and clear the gutters and to get ready for the Holiday Season.

There are only 52 shopping days until Christmas, 59 days left in 2025 and before you know, it will be May.

Your leadership team is hard at work trying to get all the pieces in place for a successful run.  But Staging and Fueling Teams still need volunteers, and I am seeking someone for the Raffle Rouser role.

Our State Coordinators are diligently working on hotels rooms, fuel stops, and donors for the run.

Registration

If you have not registered yet, please do so now.  It is important to register early so that our leadership knows how many people to plan for.  These numbers are critical for things like our donated fuel stops, blocked hotel reservations, and donated fuel.  We do not want to over or underestimate what we need for the Run.

We currently have 119 registered participants for the Central Route, which is down from 151 this time a year ago.  We still only have one rider with a trailer registered.

I would like to welcome the 18 FNG’s that have registered so far for the Central Route.  I know you will have a lot of questions, be sure to reach out to our FNG Coordinator, Bernadette Staples, for answers.

Remember, you are all ambassadors for the Run so please get out and recruit for the run. Please get the word out.

Information flyers are available at: https://rftw.us/rftw-brochures-flyers/

Donations

Public Donations help keep our costs down on the Run.  Donations can be made to the RFTW General Fund or specifically to one of the Routes.

Options to donate:

The DONATE Button – on the rftw.us website.  Donors can direct the donation to any Route or RFTW General Fund.

ZELLE –  email addresses for the Routes are: central.route@rftw.us for Central. It is important not to miss the . before “route”

CHECK – Checks should be made out to “Run For The Wall, Inc.”  Be sure to write what route or purpose the money should be allocated to in the memo section of the check.  Checks should be mailed to the RFTW Treasurer for depositing and proper accounting.  Any checks received by others should be forwarded to the Treasurer right away.

The RFTW Treasurer Official mailing address is:

Run For The Wall Inc.
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403-8169

As a reminder, if you happen to get a cash donation or check from someone please do not hold onto it, rather send it into the Treasurer for proper accounting.  If you need a donation letter, just contact me.

Camping in Ontario:

There is no camping at the Ontario Elks Lodge without prior approval.  Their lot has spaces allocated for vendors and other designated activities.  You cannot just show up and expect to pitch your tent on any open space.  If you wish to camp in Ontario, send me or our camping coordinator and email for options.

November Events

There are several RFTW get togethers scheduled for November in Arizona, Colorado, and Northern California.  Check out the events page for more information.  https://rftw.us/events/

Tun Tavern

 

Also, 250 years ago, on November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines.  Nicholas went to Tun Tavern, located in Philadelphia, and appointed Robert Mullan, then the tavern proprietor, as the Chief Marine Recruiter.  Men flocked to the tavern to take up arms as the first Continental Marines fighting for their new country in the American Revolution.  As they say, the rest is history.

Remember that Tuesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day.  Take a moment to remember and appreciate those veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

Mission Statement

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

 

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts, forums, Facebook page for up-to-date information.

I wish you and your family to have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and Holiday Season.   Remember only male turkeys gobble, female turkeys (hens) cackle and don’t call 911 to ask the dispatcher how to cook your turkey, call the Butterball hotline instead.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – November 2025

Midway Route

194 Days to KSU!

The day and night of ghosts and goblins is over and next up is our day of Thanksgiving. We are now in the season of giving thanks and appreciation to our many friends and family. Many who we met and became friends as members of this great Midway family. Be sure to let them know that they are in your thoughts and prayers during this season of remembrance and sharing.

“Never forget the reason for the season”

 

I would like to take this moment to personally thank all my friends and family members I have made over the last 17 years and the healing and camaraderie we have shared. It has been a true blessing for me to be a member of this great Midway family.

Fall is a great time of year. For some of us, the riding season is bringing on the challenge of staying dry (testing our rain gear) and warm (testing our heated gear).  For others, the riding season is just beginning. You can never do too much preparation for the run, and getting in as much riding as you can (especially long-distance riding) is one of the best ways to prepare. Regardless of where you live, if you are planning to ride ALL THE WAY on one of the 3 cross-country routes you will ride at least 3000 miles, 6000 if you are returning to the west coast.

Another great way to prepare is to take a Motorcycle Rider Course. There are many types of classes taught at various levels, check your local Harley dealers or on line for local law enforcement advanced courses. If it’s been a while since you took a class, you might want to investigate honing your skills before joining the Midway route in May.

Register for the 2026 Run now

The Midway Route now has just shy of 90 registered riders and participants. This is just a little less than we had at this time last year. This means that if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan for our stops and hotel accommodations. Early registration ends on January 31, 2026, and registration costs increase on February 1, 2026. You can Register HERE.  If you are in leadership, please register now and Lead by example.  If you are an FNG, please register as early as you can.  We know plans can change. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run. Challenge your friends, join a local riding group and bring them with you. Put your significant other in the number two seat and bring them with you on this adventure.

This ride will be different from any you have done before. It will change you in many ways. All positive!!!!! There are SO many patriots out there that want to say “Thank You” and show you that they care about you. Lots of them want to give you a hug! I will never turn that down!!!

Looking to make a difference, in addition to riding?

The Midway Team is really coming together. The State Coordinators are hard at work coordinating with the great people that support and feed us at our stops, as well as the Gas Stations and Hotels that accommodate us.

It takes a village to get all those riders across the U.S. in 10 days.  We need people to volunteer for the various positions of the Run, whether it be in a leadership or support role.  Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, there may be things you can do to help us out.

The teams are almost full, but we could still use some help on Staging, Fuel, Medic teams and Registration lead position. If you are interested in being a part of any of these great teams, go the RFTW site and fill out  a volunteer application and get it submitted. I assure you that your leadership team will respond and attempt to place you in the position you desire, if you meet the qualifications.

FNG’S (Friendly new guys/Gals)

Midway leadership is developing many exciting opportunities for our FNG community for 2026. Midway Outreach and Ambassador teams are working at bringing numbers of FNG’s to each breakout to overpasses, veteran’s hospitals and homes, schools and many more.

Missing man formation opportunities are being developed and will be announced soon through our Missing Man Coordinator. His name is James “Juice” Brown and he will be reaching out to the FNG’s and riding community shortly with the limited spaces he will have available to ride in the prestigious position in the missing man formation, in the front of the midway pack, directly behind the route coordinator.

All these opportunities and more guidance will be announced to you through the midway route FNG coordinator. His name is Roger “Bullseye” Ford and he will be reaching out to each of you shortly.

This will be an outstanding adventure for all FNG’s riding in 2026.

Gulf War Veterans

As a fellow veteran of the Gulf War, I salute each of you and along with your Midway leadership team, we are developing exciting opportunities for you to show our respect and to celebrate your service.

This year is dedicated to you and your service to this nation and us all.

I will give further information as the plans develop and solidify.

Check out the Forum

There are various costs associated with RFTW. Besides the cost of making sure your bike is ready for the trip (good battery, fresh fluids, plenty of tire tread, everything tightened, working lights, etc.) there is the registration fee, prepaid gas fee, topping off each evening or morning, and a place to sleep. Hotel rooms are probably the largest expense on the run.  One of the best ways to help keep your cost down is to have a roommate. The new Forum has a ton of topics from GMRS radios, to various meet ups, to items for sale. It is also an excellent place to post that you are looking for a roommate to share hotel costs. And, if you are planning on sharing a hotel room, the trick is to get rooms with two beds. The hotel list for all routes is released on January 1, 2026. Each hotel has a limited number of rooms with two beds in the RFTW blocks. If you plan on sharing hotel rooms, you might want to consider booking early on New Years Day.

Platoon Assignments

The registration information has been released for our route. The Midway Platoon Coordinator, Joe “Java Joe” Bookataub, is starting to place riders in platoons based on the info you provided on your registration form. Type of bike you are riding, preference of riding (side by side or staggered), riding with friends, etc.  As he gets the platoon information out to the Platoon Leaders, they will be contacting the riders assigned to their platoon so everyone knows ahead of the run what platoon they will be in. If you are in a platoon that doesn’t work for you, or would rather be in a different platoon with friends, just let your Platoon Leader know so we can make requested adjustments.

Why We Ride

There are so many wonderful things about RFTW and specifically the Midway route. The amazing people you meet who quickly accept you and become family you look forward to seeing year after year. The incredible ride across our great nation and the dedicated patriotic supporters that feed us and wave to us from overpasses every year.  And of course, the Mission. I can find no way to put into words how powerfully our Mission affects me. I am humbled to be part of such a great cause and to honor and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free. Above all else, while you are on the run, please keep our Mission in mind.

Midway Route Overpass

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 Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
Midway Route Coordinator 2025, 2026
Advanced Team Lead 2023 – 2024
Fuel Team Lead, Assist Team lead, Team Member 2015 – 2022
Central Route 2009 – 2013
FNG 2008

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Midway’s Mid-month Roundup – October 2025

October is here! The Fall chill is in the air, changing of the leaves are on the trees and now the road, as well as the need to thicken up the riding gear before we ride. It also marks the gateway of the Holiday season: Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and before you know it, 2026. Oh, how time flies.

And as we approach this holiday season, we all tend to get busy with our families and friends, get together and gatherings, dinners and celebrations, and I’m no different. But if I may request a simple gift, one that won’t cost but a little time, a warm handshake and/or hug, a smile and kind remark; that would be to visit a Veteran’s Home this holiday season. I promise it will make someone feel special and that they are not forgotten, not to mention making the heart of the greenest of grinches grow.

I had the pleasure of reaching out to Mr. Johnnie ‘Bravo 6’ Huddleston of Southern Route earlier about their group get-togethers and he sent their schedule of meeting up in November at a Veteran’s Home in Biloxi, Mississippi; a kind of ‘off-season’ outreach. To say the least I was awestruck. Here our group, as with so many others, would meet for lunch and discuss past and upcoming rides, help FNGs with the advice from FOGs (Funny Old Guys/Gals), and yes, sometimes the ‘fog’ does become a factor. But there in Mississippi folks are carrying on the mission well after and before May. What better example of what RFTW can there be? If interested in joining Bravo 6, you can reach out to him johnnie.huddleston@rftw.us.

I Googled “Veteran’s Home locations” and found so many across the great states of Tennessee, northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and asked our group if they would be up for meeting for lunch and a ride to a home. 

It may be a simple gesture on our part, but it would mean the world to a veteran, more than many know. It also shows new riders what they can expect during our ride in May, especially during outreach missions. 

So, I ask you to get with your local group; RFTW, mc, Legion Riders, friends/family, and contact a local Veteran’s Home, ask when visiting dates and hours are, explain your group size (if applicable) and when you plan to visit. I can assure you; they’ll welcome you with open arms, and you’ll end your day with a smile knowing you gave a gift that means more to them than anything else; they aren’t forgotten.

-Meetup Schedules & Locations 

13 Arizona RFTW family meeting 11 October Dedicated to a great RFTW Brother, Michael ‘Wizard’ Turner, who passed away 3 weeks ago. Our Mission – Riding for Those Who Can’t

Arizona: Monthly Luncheon 11:30am every 2nd Saturday of each month at; Nov 8 @ 8415 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix No RSVP Required.

Got a meetup schedule that you would like get out there? Contact me with dates & locations bnoyce1213@gmail.com

-FNGs! (Fun New Guys/Gals)

WELCOME TO THE RFTW FAMILY! You are the face of the future. Your participation, ideas, and commitment to the organization is our future of keeping the mission going. Please do not shy away from asking questions, participating in everything that you can, and becoming a member of the family. Please reach out to our FNG Liaison Officer Roger ‘Bullseye’ Ford at roger.ford1234@gmail.com for any comments, questions or concerns.

-Machine & Riding Tips

As the seasons begin to change, many folks are beginning to transition their riding techniques from summer riding to more technical methods. Although it’s a great opportunity to sharpen those skills of awareness and precaution; just remember as leaves change and fall on the road, rains wash sand and gravel into our paths, or even on those cool mornings with frost or even ice, all of these will change how we ride and plan our routes of travel.

Please plan accordingly, be smart, and be what I like to call ‘Road & Weather Wise’. Know your conditions as well as your limitations. Know your equipment and understand riding on replaced parts vs get a few extra miles on the worn ones. 

-Midway Leadership Messages

Be sure to watch Hitch & Boots on the RFTW Podcast each month. This year marks season 2 as they dive into Why We Ride with bios of fallen Hero’s, introducing key members of each route and Organization Leaders, provide excellent advice and information with Tech Tips with Ted, as well as other fun facts and bits of information. Links can be found in the ‘Connect’ tab on RFTW.US, YouTube, X (Twitter), TikTok, and even Facebook. 

Have a question, want to see what the latest discussions of the groups are, or maybe even just reach out to members across each route? Then you need to visit the RFTW Forum pages. An excellent source of information, past and present. No question to small, or group to bug, here we take care of each rider and any questions or concerns they may have. 

Facebook and other social media platforms are also available and another great source of information. Just please remember to be professional in your conversations. How we hold ourselves online can be and is seen by the public and perception is key. 

Were you an FNG on last year’s ride? Do you have an amazing story or experience that you would like to share? You never know, your words and/or experience may be what someone is looking for to make that choice and commit to this year’s run. Don’t think so? Just take a look at previous FNG stories posted on the site. Or better yet, do a web search on RFTW stories, you’ll find many more stories, videos, and even books written on the subject. Each ride has a way of bringing something out in everyone. Some choose to hold and cherish it while others need to share and let others know how the ride made them feel. Either way, it is a very powerful, spiritual, emotionally healing, and even therapeutic experience. 

“All Hands Effort” We are asking for everyone’s help in an effort to raise funds for the Midway Route this year. Our mission across this great nation is not only to make a visual statement or ride from coast to coast, but to help support the communities that strive so hard to support us. We visit schools in low-income communities where the kids eat their only healthy meals at school, provide students with the basic learning materials needed every day like pencils, paper, glue, books, and the list goes on. We visit veteran homes that have taken financial support cuts but still carry on their duties to our Hero’s to ensure they have everything that they need from transportation to healthcare, a decent shelter over their heads, support and interaction they so desperately long for. And every community that we roll into for fuel, lunch, visits, and even diner; all of these communities’ plan and save for months to support us and our missions every single mile we ride. Every group that we encounter and that support us, we in turn support them by donating funds to help and assist their cause and mission. 

These monies are raised from supporting businesses and contributors that you have helps secure while spreading our message and the reason why we ride, riding for those who cannot.

We are asking that all Midway Riders and supporters come together and help raise funds necessary to help our community families across the route. If you would like a Midway 501c3 letter to reach out to your donors, you can request one at ed.brundage@rftw.us and he will get one for you. With this you can reach out to a business and other donors where they can make all donations tax deductible.

Let’s make this year unforgettable in monies raised for Midway!

 

‘Service Before Self’ Many veterans may recognize this statement. This also rings true with any core value of ‘Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In Everything We Do’ (yes I’m retired Air Force). We are looking for volunteers to step up and into leadership positions.  I promise you that volunteering will make the mission, ride, and overall participation so much more rewarding.

Call to Service – Positions & Contacts:

Risk Management Officer – Are you one that helps an organization in incident reports, safety management, and/or quality reviews and reports? – Contact Randy ‘Stinger’ Sheets randy.sheets@rftw.us 

Honor Guard Coordinator – Do you have a deep sense of patriotism, honor, and feel of pride for all services, veterans, and this great nation? – Contact Randy ‘Stinger’ Sheets randy.sheets@rftw.us 

Registration Lead – If you are great with meeting folks and getting them registered for an experience of a lifetime? – Contact Randy ‘Stinger’ Sheets randy.sheets@rftw.us 

Platoon Leaders – Are you a leader that loves making a difference while guiding and mentoring a platoon safety across the nation? – Contact Joe ‘JavaJoe’ Bookataub bookataub.joe@gmail.com 

Assistant Platoon Leaders – Are you ready to assist in leadership, mentoring, and riding safety? – Contact Joe ‘JavaJoe’ Bookataub bookataub.joe@gmail.com 

Platoon Tailgunners – If you are one that never leaves a person behind, mentors riders to help them become better, and help in the leadership of a platoon? – Contact Joe ‘JavaJoe’ Bookataub bookataub.joe@gmail.com 

Leadership Team Member Assistant – Are you good with numbers, detail oriented, looking to learn and become part of the leadership team? – Contact Holly ‘Shooter’ Thomas hothomas1@yahoo.com

-Registration & KSU (Kickstands Up)

Registration is open! Register as soon as you can to help leadership plan better. Remember, they need to let volunteers across each state know how many riders to expect so they can plan to assist us with our journey and mission. Fuel, food, lodging, escorts; all require a head count so their organizations can plan on how to assist us in getting everyone across this great nation safely. 

3 Coast to Coast Routes: Central, Midway, & Southern: May 13 – 23, 2026

Sandbox Route: May 24 – 26, 2026

 

Early Bird Registration Sep 11 – Jan 31

Coast to Coast: $100/person

Sandbox: $40/person

 

Regular Registration Feb 1 – May 

Coast to Coast: $120/ person

Sandbox: $60

Until next time, 

Ride Smart

Ride Safe

Keep the rubber side down & the shiny side up!

~Is it May yet? Then again, every day is May if you let it. 

 

Ben ‘Stitch’ Noyce

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October 2025 Central Route Coordinator Newsletter

It’s 221 days to KSU and counting. Laura and I have returned from our European tour, although the same can’t be said of our luggage.  Our travels took us to areas where we could see firsthand and reflect upon the sacrifices that were made by Allied Forces in Normandy; the uncertainty of the Cold War in the former East Germany and Berlin; and finally standing on a small hill in Estonia looking east, less than 60 miles from the border with Russia. Where the threat of an invasion always looms in a country established in the 13th century, yet with about a combined total of 56 years of independence since the 1700’s.

Registration is now open, but we are down slightly in numbers compared to a year ago.  Even though it is early in the registration cycle, one concern is that we have no Trailers registered for the Central Route. I am sure this number with change but as a result there is currently no leadership identified in the Trailer platoon.

Please get the word out for people to register so that we can determine how many platoons we require.

Early Bird registration fees for the Cross Country Routes are $100 per person until January 31, 2026, when it will then increase to $120 per person on February 1st. The Sandbox Registration fee is $40 per person and goes up to $60 per person after February 1, 2026.

The Central Route leadership is currently reviewing the route itinerary and volunteer submissions.  Volunteers are still needed for several positions along the route.  As the forms come in, they are sent to the various teams leads for review.

Volunteer Sign Up

Shorter riding days are now upon us, especially in the northern latitudes and it would probably be a good time to figure out how to configure and/or mount your latest gadgets to your bike and test it out now rather than in May on I-40.  The RFTW forum is an excellent way to find out what others are doing to their bikes as well as configuring their GMRS radio.  Also be sure to check out our partners on the Merchandise page for deep discounts on riding gear.

RFTW Podcasts

Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts. Hitch and Boots spend a lot of time and effort in the production of these informational discussions, and you might even learn something.  Be sure to subscribe to the RFTW channel on YouTube so that RFTW can earn some money.

Condolences and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of RFTW Director of Operations, Michael” Wizard” Turner as well as healing prayers to his wife, Linda, as she recovers from her injuries.

 

Celebrating the United States Navy’s 250th Birthday.

On Friday, October 13th, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty men, and to send them out to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America.  This was the birth of what today is the United States Navy.  Over the course of the War, the Continental Navy sent more than fifty-armed vessels to sea.  These vessels were used to seize enemy supplies as well as carrying correspondence and diplomats to Europe, returning with much needed munitions.  If it were not for these supplies, the revolution would not have succeeded.

 

In closing, let’s remember our Mission Statement, Philosophy and Goals:

Mission Statement

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

 

Run for the Wall Philosophy

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

 

Run for the Wall Goals

To guide the participants safely across America.

To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.

 

Keep these things in mind going forward. Remember this is a mission of healing and politics does not play a role during the Run. Let’s all be nice to one another.

Is it May yet?

Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator

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Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – October 2025

Run for the Wall®

225 Days to KSU!

Halloween and the Holidays are just around the corner. Fall is here with its temperate weather.  Friends and families are still recovering from some of the devastating weather events of the year.  We need to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. The time goes by so quickly. Before we know it 2026 will be upon us.

POW MIA Recognition Day was celebrated on Friday September 19, 2025.

While National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a public holiday, the United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Many Americans across the United States pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW), as well as those who are missing in action (MIA), and their families. All military installations fly the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation’s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. There are 1,741 American personnel listed by the Defense Department’s POW/ MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, as of April 2009. The number of United States personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. About 90 percent of the 1,741 people still missing were lost in Vietnam or areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control, according to the National League of Families website (cited in the United States Army website). The National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag symbolizes the United States’ resolve to never forget POWs or those who served their country in conflicts and are still missing. This is part of our core mission statement.

“Never Forget”

RFTW Mission Statement

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.

 

Your Route Coordinator and his leadership Team are deeply involved in the planning of Midway Route 2026. As you may know, this year also marks the 35th Anniversary of the start of Desert Shield/Storm. We are honoring that milestone with this year’s Run, and our merchandise director will soon announce a special anniversary pin, coin, and other items that will be available.

Registration

 Registration opened on Sept. 11th, 2025. Midway is doing well on getting riders registered. However, if you have not registered yet, please consider doing it as soon as possible. We need semi-accurate numbers to provide them to our fuel stops so they know how much 91 octane they will need to have available for us. Additionally, our lunch and dinner locations need to have a best guess so they can provide the appropriate portions and Hotels and camping locations need to know how many rooms or camping sites will be required. I know there are a lot of moving parts but it is necessary to get this family across the country as safely and efficiently as possible.  You can register on our website just as you have in the past.  We encourage you to register early and take advantage of the reduced, “early bird” rate.  Registration rates are:

Coast to Coast Routes (Midway)

  1. $100 early bird
  2. $120 regular reg (starting Feb 1)
  3. Day riders (up to 3 days on the road riding): $100

Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for a few good men or women. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Registration, Risk Management and an Honor Guard Coordinator. If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any of these positions, please contact me at ed.brundage@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

 Riding Interval

Our riding interval has now been officially documented by the Board of Directors. For years, we’ve discussed our expected interval as “up to two seconds,” “one to two seconds,” etc., but now, through our SOPs, the Board has specified that our interval should be two seconds. Even when riding in a staggered formation, you will be expected to maintain a two-second interval from the bike in front of you. Additionally, the SOPs include a maximum highway pack speed. For well over two years, the SOPs have stated that the pack will not exceed the posted speed limit or 70 mph, whichever is less. I will ensure that you get adequate time for all riders to join the pack when entering the roadways, and that this maximum speed is not exceeded.

Please assist me in ensuring this is an enjoyable ride for all.

GMRS Radios

GMRS radios are now the standard for communication among your leaders. However, remember that while you all can listen in on the directions on GMRS, silence is golden. Unnecessary communications are disruptive to departure coordination and clog the channel, preventing critical messages from getting through. When someone is using the channel unnecessarily, another person might be trying to communicate a safety issue. With GMRS’s increased transmission capability, there’s no need to relay any instructions. Hand signals remain the primary way to communicate within the platoons, ensuring all riders receive critical info and instructions. Bottom line: Stay off the radio!!

If you have purchased a GMRS radio and are unsure about how to set it up, there are tutorials on the RFTW forum under “GMRS radio”. It will give you the opportunity to listen to the leadership of Midway making route decisions as we cross this great country.

Politics

Please remember that the Midway route and RFTW are non-political, and as such, political discussions are not allowed and will not be tolerated. These discussions can easily turn into arguments that hinder the Mission and create a hostile environment not conducive to Midway’s healing efforts. Please keep your political opinions to yourself while we are on the Mission. My sainted mother always told me there were three things that are never brought up in polite conversation. Sex, Religion and Politics because they are all personal/private and no one else’s business. We are focused on the Mission, not politics.

RFTW Podcast

The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to highlight what makes RFTW a unique organization. I encourage you to take a listen. Each episode explores a distinct aspect of RFTW, featuring interviews with various individuals who have contributed to the development of RFTW.  Check it out!!

Some final thoughts: (I borrowed this from the Presidents message)

It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.

‘No one left behind’ is more than just a standard we strive to meet. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.

POW/MIA Recovery Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its dedicated efforts to recover and identify remains from all conflicts.  Since the beginning of this Fiscal Year in September, they have accounted for 58 individuals lost in conflicts since World War II, with 43 identified from that war.  In addition, there were 13 accounted for from the Korean War and two from the Vietnam War – that leaves 1573 still missing in Vietnam, most of whom still have families looking for answers. Our four-part Mission begins with the call for accounting – those families are our families, and they deserve our support.

Let us dedicate ourselves and our efforts and remember to keep our focus on the Mission. It is why we ride!

Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.

Is it May yet?

Ed “Wind Dog” Brundage
Midway Route Coordinator 2025, 2026
Advanced Team Lead 2023 – 2024
Fuel Team Lead, Assist Team lead, Team Member 2015 – 2022
Central Route 2009 – 2013
FNG 2008