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CORRECTION to November Midway Route Coordinator News Letter

The in-correct email address was provided for Ms. Fisher.  The correct information for the Pen-Pal effort is below:

Cherry girl has been in contact with the Wilson Elementary Principal, Ashley Fisher, in Crawford, Tn for a Midway Pen Pal opportunity.  Principal Fisher suggested the best way to start the pen pal process would be for any riders wishing to participate to email her directly at:  afisher@oc-sd.com with the following information:
Name
Mailing Address
Rider request IE:  Any certain grade level from 3 thru 8.

She (the Principal) would then select and assign a student who would correspond with the rider to initiate the ongoing communication.

I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE TO DO SO AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE PROCESS, PLEASE.

 

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Store Sale Coming Thanksgiving Day!

Beginning Thanksgiving Day thru Cyber Monday, everything in the store will be 15% off. Yes, everything! In addition, free shipping will be reduced to a $50 minimum order from the current $100. All orders will ship with a free Eagle Oval patch, RFTW square logo patch and RFTW Logo Vinyl Sticker. Finally, any order over $100 will get a free Wall to Wall hat (while supplies last.)

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving. Using the words from Lester Holt of NBC News, “Please take care of yourself, and each other” this holiday season.

Ride safe everyone.

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise, RFTW
2023-2024 CR Photographer
2022 CR Plt 2 Tailgunner
2012 CR FNG
https://rftw.us

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Veterans Day Shirt Promotion

Coming Saturday, Veterans Day there is free shipping on any regular priced shirt order. This promotion does not apply to shirts that are on sale. In addition, there will be two new ladies’ shirts available. First is a yellow performance shirt identical to the men’s but in a ladies cut and V-neck. The second shirt is a new short sleeve V-neck in lilac with new graphics on the front.


The promotion will begin midnight (Pacific Time) this coming Saturday and last for one day only. Be sure to take advantage of this savings opportunity!

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Merchandise, RFTW
2023-2024 CR Photographer
2022 CR Plt 2 Tailgunner
2012 CR FNG
https://rftw.us

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Midway Route Coordinator October News Letter

Well, here we are already the middle of October—-It will be 2024 before we know it.  I wanted to focus this newsletter on the importance of CONTRIBUTIONS and PROMOTIONS!

This is how your 2023 money was spent along with fuel purchases.

1.            Rebels with a Cause                                                                 $2,000
2.            Milan School                                                                                $3,000
3.            Veterans Homeless Shelter Albuquerque                       $3,500
4.            M25 Amarillo                                                                                $2,000
5.            Ft Sill Museum Building Fund                                               $1,000
6.            Red Rock Behavioral Health Services                                $1,000
7.            USO K-9 Fund                                                                                $   500
8.            Tommy Franks Leadership                                                      $1,000
9.            Shawnee Veterans Memorial                                                  $1,000
10.          Ridgewood Baptist Church Forrest City                             $2,500
11.          Western  TN Veterans Cemetery                                            $  750
12.         Sunbright Memorial                                                                    $1,000
13.         Romans Warrior Foundation                                                     $1,000
14.          Wilson County Veteran’s Musuem Lebonon                       $1,500
15.          Ridgecrest Church                                                                          $2,500
16.          TN Veteran’s Home Murphreesboro                                       $1,500
17.           Wilson Elementary School                                                         $3,000
18.           Falcon Children’s Home                                                              $3,500
19.           Moose Lodge #1472 Hopewell                                                  $  750
20.           National Musuem of the US Army                                           $1,500
21.           Wheel Chairs for Warriors                                                           $3,000
22.           Operation Family Fund                                                                $8,000
23.           Combat Bike Build                                                                         $5,000
                                                                  TOTAL for 2023:                           $50,500

I want to talk about a few of the contributions so everyone realizes the impact we as a group have on the communities we visit.

First, Operation Family Fund and Red Rock Behavioral Health Services are nonprofits focused on PTSD and helping any and all veterans.  Operation Family Fund managed by Michael Cash partnered with RFTW in the sponsorship of Homes for Troops Program where 10 veterans across the country are receiving a free custom-built home designed around their specific handicap.  One is being presented in San Marcos, Ca on 28 October at 2PM.  If you can or would like to participate, please read Nick’s, Central Route RC, newsletter for exact times and locations.

Next, look at the schools where we shine a light on service and country along with a small amount of financial help.  The schools that we contribute to are in very economically strained communities and do not enjoy the benefits of excess funding.  For example, 65% of the students at Wilson school still do not have running water in their homes.  Some still have dirt floors also.  The school itself helps to cloth, feed, and teach these children.  I am so glad we went there last year to adopt this school as an annual Midway Route stop.  We will return this year hopefully with the ability to provide more support through your generosity!!

Then, there are the VA facilities like the Veterans Resource Center in Lawton, OK that provide a temporary home for up to 12 homeless veterans and their families, while providing them the opportunity to get job training.  They help with searching out jobs for the training veteran as well as housing after the Resource Center stay.  They provide both support and training to help them get a job, a home, and a respectful life back.  Then we have the Va Homes where Veterans are in residence due to physical or mental issues.  Most don’t have family or friends close by able to visit.  They look forward to our visit for a momentary glimpse back toward THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

Last, look at the Elks, VFWs, American Legions, and Communities that open their doors to us with food and community involvement.  They all support their local veterans with programs, Memorials, and Museums.   Additionally, they provide honor guards and other support to their communities which cost money.  They start working the day after our departure on raising money and support for our annual return.

I bring all of this to your attention so each of you understand the importance of your participation in the various fund-raising events and how your leadership is trying to be Good Stewards of your generosity.

Without you the Riders participation in the many fund raising activities and your contributions there would be no RFTW!

 You can send your checks to: Lily Lieux, 6426 Bridgeport DR., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 or ZELLE to: Midway Route, @ Midway.Route@RFTW.US

I want to thank each of you in advance for stepping up to help make RFTW  Midway 2024 a great success!
Don ’10-A-SEE” King

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RFTW Midway Route June Newsletter

Midway Route Coordinator News

This will be my final Route Coordinator newsletter; little did I know the journey that was in our future when Ken “Six-String” Dugas asked me to be his 2020 Midway Asst. Route Coordinator. It has been my distinct Honor and Privilege to serve as your 2023 Midway Route Coordinator. I want to thank everyone who has supported our Midway route and RFTW Mission.

Jerry Wilkins
2023 Midway Route Coordinator, Jerry Wilkins

Midway Route Leadership did an outstanding job. I cannot thank you sufficiently. Midway Route motto, “adapt and overcome” was a daily routine. It would be near impossible to list everyone that contributed to the Mission’s success but know it was appreciated very much! Job well done!

Midway FNG’s, you are amazing! Welcome to the Midway Family. I know there was much to take in and learn. I am hopeful you will consider becoming a volunteer for many years to come.

I would like to thank those who have submitted an After-Action Report. For those who have not, I urge you to do so. The information is vital to planning for the next year’s Run. Here is the link for the AAR, https://rftw.us/submit-an-after-action-report/.

2024 Midway Route Leadership have already started working on next year’s Run. Volunteers are needed in all positions. If you are not an FNG and are interested in volunteering, please submit a volunteer form. Here is the link for the Volunteer Form, https://rftw.us/volunteer-sign-up/.

I am pleased to report that the Board of Directors have approved Don “Ten-A-See” King to serve as our Midway Route Coordinator for 2024. Don has worked tirelessly as my Assistant Route Coordinator. The success of Run XXXllI was due in no small part to the efforts of Don. I have complete confidence Don will do an outstanding job as 2024 Midway Route Coordinator.

In closing, I cannot thank everyone enough for your prayers and support for Patti. Patti has read each and every card she received and sends her heartfelt thanks for the encouragement and well-wishes.  She has renewed strength and resilience due to your thoughtfulness. You have touched her heart and soul. She is hopeful to give you all “hugs” next year as we continue the RFTW Mission.

Jerry “Corp” Wilkins

“Service Before Self”

RFTW 2023 Midway Route Coordinator                    

Email- jerry.wilkins@rftw.us

Four Routes, One Mission!

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Store is now open

Welcome home everyone! I hope you had a great Run and time to get some rest. I wanted to let you know that the Store is open again after being closed during the Run.

In addition to the Store being open again, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your patience and support during the Run. There were some initial startup issues for our Point Of Sale system in Ontario and unfortunately, we were unable to print receipts for those of you who may have wanted one. These issues are top of mind as we think forward to 2024 and will be addressed.

As you have read from the RCs and others, there is an After Action Report (AAR) that is available for you to provide feedback. I welcome any feedback directed to me about our Merchandise operations, selection and any other top of mind areas you’d like to address. Good or bad, all feedback is welcome! I want to be sure that what we offer you is appealing, something that promotes Run For the Wall to the world and is something you’re proud to own. So please, take a few minutes and fill out the AAR directed at Merchandise. The link to the report is here.

We ride for those who can’t.

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
merchandise@rftw.us

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Ontario Holiday Inn Parking

There is no parking inside the taped off area in the back parking lot. Please DO NOT PARK there. The spaces are reserved for merchandise, hydration, raffles, Fallen Hero cart, charities, etc. If you are parked there, please move your vehicle or motorcycle.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
www.rftw.us

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Southern Route Coordinator – May 2023 Newsletter

These words have been rolling around in my head every morning for about a week….

Leaving on a Long Ride

Our bags are packed, we’re ready to go
We’re standing here outside the door.
We hate to wake up early, but it’s time to go.
The dawn is breaking, it’s early morn
The road guard’s waiting he’s blowing his horn
Already!  We’re so ready we could die.

So kiss us and smile for us, tell us that you’ll pray for us.
Cause we’re leaving on a long ride
Don’t know when we’ll be back again
Oh babe, we’re ready to go.

Many of the Run for the Wall Family members are already KSU and heading to Ontario. I join my prayers with many other RFTW family members in wishing all riders safe travels. Looking forward to gathering in Ontario as we begin the 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.

When you’re tired, cold and wondering why you signed up to join this ride, Remember the Mission – Romeo-Tango-Mike.

See you in a few days.

Kristine “Eyes” Wood
Southern Route Coordinator 2023