
I hope this message finds everyone well as we start to prepare for the upcoming Holiday and Christmas Season. In regards specifically to the Run and Central Route, I can report that planning is going as smoothly as can be at this stage with us being 5-months out from kickstands up in May 2025. All of our State Coordinators have finalized our overnights with our partner hotels from Arizona to West 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.
It is looking like we will officially be able to get into to Arlington National Cemetery again for an official wreath laying. There will be more specific details on this in regards to number of people and number of bikes we will be allowed.
Remember, this is going to be a very special Run in 2025 because it is the 35th Annual Run of RFTW and it is the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Again, as a reminder due to these special anniversaries, we are making an extra effort to salute and honor our Vietnam Veterans this year, as they are the ones that paved the way for RFTW, its mission, and to what it has become, and why it means so much to all of us today.
I am currently in need of a volunteer to be the back-up Photographer. And I am also seeking a Videographer. If you’re a photographer or videographer hobbyist, please get in touch with me at: kirk.olson@rftw.us
I wish you and your families the very best this Christmas and Holiday Season, and seeing you all in May 2025!
Remember those that serve. I’ll leave you with a special Christmas Story from WWI.
(The videos I’ve embedded, may only show properly if you go to this newsletter at the rftw website. Click on “Read on blog” in the upper right from the email.)
Kirk Olson
Route Coordinator 2025 – Central Route
kirk.olson@rftw.us | (303) 588-6125