Central Route photos and videos for this year’s XXXIII Run are now posted. You can access them by clicking here.
Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
RFTW Board of Directors
Category: Uncategorized
RFTW Midway Route June Newsletter
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.
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!
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
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
Ontario Merchandise Trailer Closed Saturday
The merchandise trailer at the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport will not be open Saturday May 13th as originally planned. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning, 9:00am.
Alan “Xbox” Steiner
CR Photographer
Director of Merchandise
RFTW Board of Directors
https://rftw.us
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
Pre-Run Meals in Ontario
The Ontario Elks Lodge #1419 is hosting pre-run RFTW meetings and gatherings this year. To further support RFTW, they are preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for up to 300 people at each sitting. This year, thanks to the intrepid Carol, we will have full meal support at our meeting location. Tickets will be sold at the Elks Lodge, and they will also have a table at the Holiday Inn (time TBD). Let’s do all we can to support their efforts in supporting us. The menu is as follows:
Getting Ready! Run For The Wall, Midway Route: 2023
In just two weeks, the Riders of Run For The Wall will be rolling across our great nation, honoring Veterans and Active Duty personnel, and bringing awareness that we still have people that are Missing In Action. We will be riding for them, and will be on our way to completing our annual Mission.
I know that each and every one of us has been making all sorts of preparations. From booking hotels or camping places, to selecting our clothes, checking any needed medications, and (for some) getting time off work. We have planned our route out to California. We have all checked our tires, brakes, oil, and everything else needed to keep that motorcycle running in top form for the duration. Many have already packed everything on their bike and are ready to roll! For me, part of getting ready is checking that my cameras are in good working order, making sure that I have enough memory cards and hard drives to hold all of the photos that I will take. I am even typing this letter on a new laptop while sitting at a coffee shop, to make sure that all of the wireless connections work. It is the attention to these little personal details that we are ALL working on right now.
But that is only a small part of getting ready for the Run.
What have you been doing to get your mind ready for this Mission? Have you thought about the impact that we make on the American public? Have you thought of ways to say Thank You to all of our supporters? Have you read the biography of a POW or MIA? Have you visited any Veteran Memorials recently, or visited a VA Hospital? Have you done any of the myriad of things that we do during Run For The Wall, to put yourself into the proper frame of mind? This, to me, is even more important than packing my “things.”
We can always stop at a store to get something that we have left at home. But we need time to “get our focus” on our Mission. That is why I highly urge you to spend a little time this week and next to do something “Patriotic.” Go to a National Cemetery and meet our nations Heroes. Go to a VFW or American Legion Post and just say “Howdy!” Watch the new documentary “All The Way” on YouTube. Go back and read the SITREPs from previous years for ALL of our Routes.
Start your 2023 Run For The Wall experience now, so that you will be ready to render honor and respect to all of those that so richly deserve it. Put yourself into the right “frame of mind” to completely absorb all that The Run will offer you.
As a side note, I want each and every one of you to BE SAFE as you head to Ontario. PLEASE! I want to see you there! For those that haven’t ridden with a group before, or at least since last May, find a few friends to ride to California with. If you don’t have a group, and will be traveling through the southern half of the country, I invite you to ride with “Hoofer’s Hooligans.” The Hooligans ride is the oldest continuously running “Run To The Run” having seen close to three decades (in one form or another.) We stress safe riding, first and above all else. We then practice group riding skills and ease ourselves into the RFTW riding style. We get into the needed mental state by stopping at various memorials, museums, and Veteran posts along the way. Oh yeah, I always find really good places for us to eat, as well! Send me a note at hoofer@rftw.us and let me know if you will be joining us. You can get the details/itinerary at http://mccrain.net/hooligans/Hooligans_2023_Itinerary_v4.05.23.pdf.
No matter how or when you get there, I look forward to seeing you all in just a few short weeks!
It’s May!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
RFTW Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author, 2023
Ps: “Hoofer’s Hooligans” is NOT an official part of RFTW. We are simply a group of like-minded individuals heading towards a common destination and goal. RFTW takes NO responsibility for what we do.
Central Route Coordinator Newsletter April 2023
Just a little more than 45 days to kick stands up (KSU) in Ontario, CA.
A total of 1045 riders and supporters are currently registered for RFTW XXXIII. As you can see from the chart developed by the Board of Directors (BOD), 400 are registered for the Central Route (CR). We expect CR numbers to increase before we launch at 0710 hours, Wednesday, 17 May 2023.
CR planning is nearly complete. We’ve filled most leadership positions, including platoon leadership, but we are still accepting (non-FNG) volunteer requests (CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER). We’ve sent surveys out to all riders, asking for their riding preference (side-by-side, or staggered), and, if they would prefer to ride in a specific platoon (LINK HERE). The response to this survey has been extraordinary. We are working diligently to accommodate rider preferences, and at the same time, ensuring that platoons are not overloaded and the number of riders in each platoon is balanced to the extent possible. We anticipate that most platoon assignments will be made before participants arrive in Ontario.
Individual Rider Planning and Budgeting: How is your personal planning going? Have you been preparing yourself physically. Are you walking, running, hitting the gym or spending more and more time in the saddle of your motorcycle? Have you taken, or plan to take your motorcycle in to the shop for performance and safety checks? Have you been educating yourself regarding RFTW in general, and the CR in particular? For example, have you searched the RFTW website for information regarding the RFTW mission, how to pack for the ride, past CR rider experiences, etc. Remember, RFTW is not a ten (10) day friendship or club ride. Understanding the mission of RFTW (READ THE MISSION STATEMENT), and keeping in mind who and what you’re riding for, will help you fulfill your personal mission, and bring honor to yourself, those for whom you ride, and, RFTW.
What about your budget planning? What sort of things should you consider in your budget anyway – meals, lodging, fuel? Fortunately, most meals are donated by our supporters as we make our way across this country. Most hotels, too, help riders by offering reduced rates. CR even has supporters who donate fuel for motorcycles at several stops along the route. There are, however, several fuel stops that are still the responsibility of riders, and budgeting for these remaining fuel stops may be challenging given the fluctuating (often rising) cost of fuel.
CR is also offering a pre-paid fuel option for RFTW XXXIII. All riders are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the pre-paid fuel option. Participating in the pre-paid fuel option, however, will not only help riders with their budgeting, but will significantly speed the process of fueling – at every stop. Simply put, riders can fill their tanks, stage more quickly, and take more time for rest, hydration and snacks. Experienced RFTW riders familiar with fueling procedures know what a pain it can be waiting in the rain or blazing heat for their turn to fuel.
The cost of the CR pre-paid fuel option is only $90 per rider. Riders interested in purchasing the pre-paid fuel option may do so in Ontario (at check-in) – ask a Registration Team member about the option. Upon purchase, riders will be issued a sticker for their motorcycle windscreen. Seeing this sticker, fuel team members will know not to collect money and will send you on your way quickly. And, riders will not have to remove or adjust their riding gear (e.g., gloves, jackets, weather gear, etc.). Remember to bring a little extra cash with you to Ontario for the pre-paid fuel option. You’ll be helping yourself, and the CR Fuel Team as well.
Online FNG Orientation Meeting: All those in RFTW volunteer leadership positions were at one time FNGs, and we’re pretty sure we understand how you’re feeling at this point. Not to worry. The CR will be holding an online FNG orientation meeting on Saturday, April 15th, at 1300 hours (PST). All FNGs should have received an invitation to this “Zoom” meeting. If you have not already done so, put this date in your calendar. At this meeting we will provide an overview of RFTW XXXIII. You will meet (and physically see) me, the Assistance Route Coordinator (ARC), all platoon leaders, the FNG Liaison, and the Road Guard Captain (among others). There will be an opportunity to ask questions, but we anticipate this FNG meeting will take no longer than two hours.
Central Route Itinerary: The CR 2023 itinerary has been be posted on the RFTW website (ITINERARY CAN BE FOUND HERE). Please download and review the itinerary before the FNG orientation meeting on 15 April. All FNGs will of course receive a printed copy of the itinerary in Ontario, during check-in. I recommend that all participants also upload a copy of the itinerary to the “Books” application on their smart phone. Because the itinerary specifies arrival and departures times for each stop, having a copy of the itinerary (physically or in “Books”) will help participants manage their time at stops. The last thing anyone wants is to be left behind when it’s time for the pack to depart.
“Courage” movie: In the March 2023 newsletter, you will recall the announcement of a showing of “Courage”, a one-hour movie about Prisoners of War (POW) in World War II and Vietnam. I believe this movie will help focus our attention on an important part of the RFTW mission – “to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA”). And, I believe that watching this movie will help participants to “gear up” for the challenge ahead of them, and help us to remember why we ride – “for those who can’t”. It is a one-time, and exclusive opportunity for RFTW participants to view this film, which is being offered by Mr. Bill Lowe, a patriot, RFTW supporter and family member of the CR RC.
If you haven’t done so already, check out the three-minute trailer about the movie – we think you’ll enjoy, and be moved by it. With only 300-350 seats available in the “Lodge Room”, be sure to come to the Elks Lodge early enough to have dinner before the movie, which begins at 1900 hours. In fact, all riders are encouraged to arrive in Ontario a little early – as early Monday as possible – to complete the check-in process, attend mandatory meetings and enjoy the movie.
With KSU at 0710 hours, Wednesday, 17 May 2023, you should be well into planning for your own ride to Ontario. If you’d like to ride to Ontario in a group, consider joining a few CR riders coming down from Seattle, WA. Our route will take us down the middle of Oregon and California via Hwy 395. We plan to arrive in Ontario on Sunday, 14 May 2023, a day before general check-in begins. For details, and a list of hotels, email Mike Taylor at happy3dad@comcast.net. Make your hotel reservations for this ride now. Note that our ride down to Ontario, is a “personal ride”, and not sanctioned by, or affiliated in anyway with RFTW.
If you’re riding to Ontario on your own, remember, check-in for all riders begins Monday morning, 15 May 2023. So, plan to arrive early on Monday, because the check-in process can take some time. Riders who have completed the rider preference survey (CLICK HERE FOR YOUR LAST CHANCE TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY!!!!!!), will be assigned to a platoon before arriving in Ontario, and can anticipate a shorter wait time for check-in.
In the meantime, pack your bike, unpack it, and do it again a couple more times. Ride safe, ride light, and stay healthy. Is it May yet?
Paul “Brush” Marshall
CR RC RFTW XXXIII
Midway Route January 2023 Newsletter
Greeting’s from Southern California, I am hopeful your Christmas was blessed and your New Year has been plentiful thus far. Here in So Cal, we have had some decent riding weather from time to time, and it provides the opportunity to knock the rust off and hone our riding skills. Run For The Wall is not your typical weekend ride. I urge you to visit the Run for The Wall website at www.rftw.us and read the FAQ page to find preparation tips for riding in the Run.
It’s 128 days until we depart Ontario. Midway Route Leadership is putting the final polish on the Route itinerary to ensure safety and efficiency as we continue the Run For The Wall Mission.
On Day 7, Monday, May 22, 2023. Midway Route will have an extra day in Cookeville, TN to continue the Run For The Wall Mission like never before. We will have the opportunity through our Outreach Missions to visit VA Hospitals, Schools, and Memorials. We are hopeful to have a positive impact on support and expansion of our mission opportunities. Your Tennessee State coordinators (Ed Butler & Phil Friedli) along with the leadership team have developed 3 to 4 Outreach opportunities for that day. Those Outreaches would start about 9-10 AM and end by 2-3 PM. You can have breakfast at the hotel, and it appears as if each outreach will have lunch provided. These outreaches are for 100% of the riders. This includes the Staging, Fueling, Advance Teams, and Trikes and Bikes with trailers who may unhook for the day, so they also have the opportunity to participate in an outreach they otherwise may not be able to do, and thereby experience its healing value. I would urge everyone to consider joining us on this incredible day.
If you have completed RFTW All The Way at least once, Midway Route needs you to consider volunteering to help with either the staging or promotions teams. The Staging process will be changed for 2023. Staging has come into the modern era with changes to the platoon placement markings making the job physically easier and less stressful. We will also improve hydration opportunities and provide medical support. Staging is such an important aspect of daily organization on the route and we need your help. Please contact Gina Cutrer by email at gina.cutrer@rftw.us or call her directly at 225-202-5328. If you would like to volunteer for any position on Midway Route, please fill out the Volunteer Request Form (CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER). Between now and May 2023 there will be openings on different teams. By volunteering now, you will be on the ready list to be asked to join a team. In addition, Midway Route needs a volunteer to assume the responsibility of Quartermaster. Quartermaster distributes equipment, i.e. brassards, hats, windshield banners, and placards in Ontario and insures all required equipment is returned in DC. The Quartermaster must be going All The Way. If you are interested in volunteering for Quartermaster please contact me at jerry.wilkins@rftw.us.
HOTEL DRAWING. This was an fantastic fundraiser ! Congratulations to Donald Greman for having the winning ticket, well done. The money raised from this drawing will go to support our adopted schools and our fuel stops.
SUPER BOWL DRAWING fundraiser is underway. We are hoping to raise the money to support the fuel cost for every rider on the Midway Route this year by conducting various fundraising activities. So, we are offering a Super Bowl Football Board opportunity to support the Midway Route fuel costs. Winners will be receiving a gift card to use during the 2023 RFTW ride. Buy a Super Bowl 2023 square for $25.00, $100.00 buys you 5 squares, or buy as many entries as you like! The winning square at the end of each Quarter will receive a $100.00 Walmart Gift Card. End of game score is the fourth quarter, no overtime.
The Board will be filled out from the top to bottom and left to right based on the time and date of the receipt of your entry and payment. The numbers will be drawn from the hat after a board is complete, so there will be no particular order. All entries must be received by January 31, 2023.
How to enter:
- Send check made out to RFTW Midway Route to:
Gina Cutrer
33538 Nancy Drive
Walker, LA 70785
- Or pay via:
WWW.VENMO.COM (APP) to @Gina-Cutrer-1
Once the Board is filled and numbers assigned, the Board will be emailed prior to game start and posted to RFTW Facebook. Those receiving gift cards will be contacted the day after the game to ensure we have the correct contact information for mailing the gift card to you. Thank you all for your continued generosity in this fundraising effort and GOOD LUCK. We appreciate and need your support for the Midway Route.
Also, please see just below for information on an additional fundraiser with the opportunity to win a set of Custom CFR Motorcycle Pipes. Instructions on entering are on the image. Be sure to specify which fundraiser you are entering in for any donation.
(click on image to enlarge)
Hope that all MIA and POW’s find closure
Honor all KIA
Healing for our Veterans and the 22 per day
Mission First,
Jerry “Corp” Wilkins
“Service Before Self”
RFTW 2023 Midway Route Coordinator
Email- jerry.wilkins@rftw.us
Four Routes, One Mission!
