Category: Uncategorized

September, 2021

 

Hello from The Battle Born State,

Here we are recovering from a hot but dry 2200+ mile round trip to New Mexico.  In the middle was an Awesome RFTW Angel Fire Reunion.  The planning was perfect, the weather was Cinderella, just right.  Hats off to the Central Route organizers.  Thanks to the hard work and preparation, we were able to place over 800 commemorative bricks along the pathways.  That number is twice the normal.  Bravo Zulu to ALL.  More proof that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.  It was nice to see many Southern and Midway Riders in attendance.  If you haven’t already, pencil next Labor Day weekend for Angel Fire on your calendar.

Now it’s time to clean everything up to get ready for the RFTW TX Riders Reunion in Kerrville.  Looks like some GREAT RIDES are planned and Good Eats.  I hope to see All Y’all there.  It’s not too late.

But before that there is one more thing to do.  Saturday morning September 11, 2021, RFTW 2022 Registration opens.  This day marks 20 years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon; and the day the passengers of Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save unknown others.  I don’t care if it has been 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 years; that day and those images are burned into my mind.  I can Never Forget.  I’m sure that I am not alone. 

We Ride For Those Who Can’t…… to Honor Our Fallen, Remember Their Sacrifice.

Until we ride again. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.

August, 2021

 

Greetings from Smoky Nevada,

I am sad to have to report that we have lost another RFTW & Southern Route Rider, CVMA Brother, Leader and Friend.  Jim “Taillight” Drieth.  Taillight passed away on 7/31, he was a long-time member of our Southern Route Advance Team.  Rest In Peace Brother, you will be Missed, but Not Forgotten.

Between the pandemic restriction, 100+ degree temps and the smoke from wildfires, it is hard to get any serious riding in.  I see via Facebook that many of you have found ways to overcome, That’s Great.  We need to keep our riding skills sharp, so ride when you can. 

The details for the Angel Fire and TX Riders Reunions have been published. Confetti and I are hoping to see many of you there. 

The Homes For Our Troops donations are in.  With the $50k matching donation from the Operation Family Foundation we have raised over $100,000.  These monies will be spread over several deserving Disabled Veterans to build homes adapted for their specific needs.  There will be more information forthcoming.  Also, there will be opportunities for us to participate in presentations at each home across the country.  They are in states where the majority of our riders live.   Just another reason to get together for an Awesome cause. 

We have challenges ahead of us planning for the Run in 2022. The pandemic restrictions which caused us to postpone RFTW XXXII, are ever changing and impossible to predict.   All 4 Route Coordinators, along with their leadership and the RFTW Board of Directors are fully committed to the Mission.  “What can we do?”, you ask.  I urge all of you to consult with your doctor to consider getting vaccinated.  It may be the best thing for the greater good.

Just a reminder, Registration opens on September 11, 2021.  Everyone needs to register.  The registration process will be fully automated to make it easier and more efficient.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive

July, 2021

 

Greetings from the Battle Born State,

It has been about a month since I asked all of our RFTW Prayer Warriors to direct the Awesome Power of Prayer to comfort and heal Will Schaeffler after a terrible motorcycle accident. If it was recorded as a drunk and drive case, then the DUI charges in Rochester are very heavy and it’s not going to be an easy task to clear his name.  Will is the son of our Arizona State Coordinator Lori Ann “Leggs” and Bill “Jumper” Schaeffler.  At that time, his survival was in doubt due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  By the Grace of God and the expertise of stellar Medical Staff, he is on the mend.  He is still dealing with the effects from the TBI.  The Road to Recovery will be a long one.  Bills and other payments still need to be paid and his home will need some modifications to assist his rehab once he is allowed to go home.  It is too early to say when that might be.

There is a fundraiser for William tonight, July 8^th, starting @ 9PM – ?? at “Cowpony” located at 6510 E Tanque Verde Rd in Tucson AZ.   If you cannot attend and would like to help Will’s Family, Lori said you can send donations directly to her.  There are 2 ways: Zelle to lschaeffler@comcast.net or Apple Pay to 520-490-7612.  Any amount will make a difference.  Thank You.

 

June, 2021

 

Greetings Everyone,

While it was Great riding across this Wonderful Country of Ours, it Good to be back home in Nevada.  Confetti and I just returned yesterday after 20 days, 6,896 miles, over 20 states on the road.  Along the way we visited with many of our Southern Route supporters and pledged to return in 2022 with ALL of You SR Riders.  We were also to present $1,000 Educational Grant checks to the 3 high school senior winners of our Southern Route essay contest.   I will post pictures in my next newsletter.  You will be pleased to know that your contributions will further the education of a future doctor and 2 engineers.

It was heartwarming to see how many of you made it to the Vietnam Memorial “Sister Wall” in Perryville, MO and the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles, IL.  My hat is off to those of you who went from LA to DC.

Most of you are home now safely, I hope.  All I heard of is some tire issues and broken parts.  Oh, and some sunburn and something I’d never heard of before “rainburn”.  I’m not sure how you get it or treat it.  Hopefully all will recover.

Now it’s time to embrace the  Reunion Season.  I have talked a lot about The Kerrville, TX Reunion, but first comes the “Sunbright Veterans Memorial Tour of Honor” in Tennessee. The Midway Route folks have been working day and night to put this together for ALL RFTW Riders.  I hear tell that there is a massive fireworks show planned for July 4^th.  The link below has a ton of details.  Check it out and SIGN UP right away.

Sunbright Veterans Memorial Tour of Honor

 

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive

May, 2021

 

Greetings from the Battle Born State of NV,

Well, It’s MAY!  These last 2 years we have battled with this pandemic and tried to Stay Positive with the hope that soon we would see it in our rear-view mirrors.  As in most battles, no one gets out without a scratch and many wounds are not visible.  LOVE of our God, Country and Family along with the HOPE that better days are ahead is what keeps us going.

The Run For The Wall Family Bond is Strong.  None of our Family should ever feel alone.  With Family often comes tragedy.  On May 12^th Fred Marshall, the husband to Melissa “Angel” Marshall and Father to Jake passed away after a prolonged illness. Fred spent 76 days in the hospital in intensive care and hospice with very intense individual care and racked up quite a bill.  If you would like to send donations towards those bills, you can send direct to Melissa, please at Melissa Marshall, 1730 Crowndale Dr, Sumter, SC 29150    Flowers are welcome although Melissa would prefer living plants as a living memory of Fred, send to her address. 

Melissa and her Mom Wendy “Nurse One” are the Dynamic Duo of our Medical Team.  Her Dad is Doug “Sgt Maj” Lyvere one of our elite Road Guards.

There is also a FB page – “Facebook Fundraiser”, Help for Melissa and Jake

There will also be “FredFest”, a memorial celebration to be held on Saturday June 5.  For any details, Please email Doug@lyvere.com

Though the “Run” was postponed, the Mission still goes on.  We are a benevolent organization and are continually promoting and fundraising for Veteran Causes.  Currently we are working on raising $25k which will be matched ($25k) by RFTW, which will be matched by another foundation for a total of $100k to Homes For Our Troops to build an adapted home for a severely wounded Veteran and his Family.  We are currently at about 31% of our goal.  For more details, see the latest RFTW  President’s Message 

RFTW Inc. does not have a large corporate office, or any corporate office or payroll, in fact.  But there are still expenses and bills that need to be paid.  Buying more Merch from the  Merchandise Shop  will help too.  

Confetti and I plan to be in Perryville, MO, Friday the 28th to pay our respects at the “Wall” there.  We hope to see many of you there also.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive

April, 2021

 

Greetings Riders,

Well after 4 newsletters in March, I feel like a slacker.  Normally at this time we would be talking about last minute preparations and final updates.  I know that many of you are planning to ride West to East in the coming months.  I just saw on the news today that the AMVETS Rolling To Remember event is in jeopardy due to being unable to secure their permit for the Pentagon parking lot.  Rep Brian Mast, a disabled veteran himself, is spearheading the appeal to Pentagon officials for approval. Right now, Washington D.C. is not exactly “visitor friendly”.

I urge you to keep apprised of the everchanging pandemic restrictions so as to avoid issues that might interfere with your plans.  Here are a couple of links to current restrictions which may help you plan. One is from the CDC and the other from AARP.   Things in this regard are constantly changing.  Also, many local jurisdictions have their own “rules”.  Keep Aware and Semper Gumby.

CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html

AARP

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2020/coronavirus-state-restrictions.html

Don’t forget the new merchandise in the online store.

Watch for more news on upcoming Reunions, Kerrville TX  is September  23-26 for more information

TX Riders Reunion FB Page

I hope to see some of you on the road.   

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive