I hope everyone made it home safely and enjoys the rest of your summer. This will be my last newsletter as RC. It has been an honor and privilege to take you across our great Nation and meet great people along the way.
For the last year, many people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in making the RFTW XXXVI a success and I could not have done this without those people and those that mentored me along the way.
Thank you everyone, especially the past RC’s, for your support and help when I needed it most.
This year’s Run was a little different than those in the past. For the first time in since 2022, all three coast to coast routes left on the same day. We helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The Central and Southern Route joining together on the last day as we rode in together as one group, as one family into the National Capitol area. We laid a brick in honor of a past RFTW Rider at Angel Fire. The Central Route had a couple of special guests and even though the weather was a little soggy towards the end, we were able to get through it safely and without any major incidents.
To the Platoon leadership. Thank you all for instilling the Run for the Wall spirit into your FNG’s and teaching them the Run for the Wall traditions and way of riding. For some riders, it was not an easy transition, but almost all stuck through it to the end. This is in no small part due to your Platoon leadership and skill. This Ride could not have been done without the orange hats!
To the Road Guards, who are an outstanding group of individuals, you kept our Run safe and moved us along efficiently. The Run would not be what it is today, without you and the leadership of your Road Guard Captain, Boots. Thank you!
To out Missing Man Coordinator, Bones did fantastic job and he has reminded us as to why we do this Run.
To the Outreach and Ambassadors, thank you for spreading the word to the General Public about the Run and meeting with Gold Star families, schools, the people on the roadsides and overpasses before we rode by. Thank you Professor, Cow Pie and Old Girl!
To the Leadership support group, which kept the plaques and certificates flowing, paying for the gas, and helping generate financial support for our donors. This Run would not be successful without you.
To our FNG coordinator, Platoon Coordinator, and registration team, thank you for answering people’s questions and sorting out all the personnel issues involved in such a large group.
To our hydration team and merchandise team. Despite your mechanical and logistical issues along the Run, you always made it work and were able to provide the services we needed at our stops.
To the Chase vehicles, for without them, many of you Riders would not have been able to make it across the country.
To our State Coordinators. As I have said many times, these people are the reasons we have the public donations support, from food, gas, people, donors, and tolls. They are the reason why your fuel sticker was low as why you gained weight during the Run.
To our fuelers and stagers, the run would not start or end without you. You provided much-needed support and tactical weather reports of what was ahead to the main pack. Thank you!
To our Chaplains, you provided our Riders the spiritual guidance and support throughout the Run, even though some Riders did not think they needed it. Your prayers helped us all and you are all truly a blessing for the Run.
To the Medical Team and Risk Manager. I did not hear much from you guys, so no news is good news. Hopefully it was a mostly uneventful ride for you all. Thank you!
Finally, to the Riders. The Run would not be the Run without the Riders. We met as strangers in Ontario coming from various parts of the country with different ways of doing things. After 10 days across the country, we became friends and part of the RFTW family. Your patience and persistence paid off as we sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and laid the Mission complete plaque at the apex of the Vietnam Wall.
This ride probably tested most resulting in some making changes to their rain gear and riding styles. I am sure that for all “former” FNG’s, this ride impressed you in ways that words would never describe, and I hope you all decide to continue the RFTW mission and promote the Run.
Some of you will get the “fever” and decide to return, some may also volunteer for some added responsibility to support the Run. Some of you may not and that is OK. But all of you will have lifelong memories of the Run and can proudly say, “I went all the Way!” on the largest organize cross country motorcycle ride!
I would like to mention a few people who have expressed to me that they are stepping back, and volunteers are needed to help fill their shoes on the Run.
One is Tommy Cranford, our Last Man Vehicle. The Last Man Vehicle holds an especially important job during the Run of coordinating the chase vehicles to respond to those on the side of the road as well as reporting to the RC and others as well as the conditions of the pack during the Run. Some of the other things he does outside of the Run, separate of being the Last Man Vehicle, is maintaining the Central Route inventory gear before and after the Run. Tommy sustained an injury during the Run and is currently going through the healing process. He indicated to me that 2026 would be his last Run, so if anyone is interested in one or both these important jobs, please let the Central leadership know.
Thank you, Tommy, for the outstanding work you have done!
The other is the State Coordinator position for New Mexico. Patty Finley has articulated to me several times that she can no longer do the job. The Central Route spends three days in New Mexico and Patty has been responsible for coordinating the activities in the State of New Mexico. Much of our donated fuel, food, and activities are due, in no small part, to the tireless work Patty has done. If you live in New Mexico and can help in anyway, please let the Central Leadership know.
Thank you, Patty, for the outstanding work you have done!
David Parkhill our Illinois State Coordinator, is also stepping back from the job. Chris Braden has been selected as his replacement. Thank you, David, for the great job you have done as Illinois State Coordinator and a hearty welcome to Chris. Dave, we hope to see you at the Mt. Vernon lunch stop in the future.
During your ten days on the run, there are those that made a great impression on you during this Run. Try and maintain those relationships. Time is fleeting and as the Rolling Stones once said, “Time waits for no one and it won’t wait for me… Hours are like diamonds, don’t let them waste… Drink in your summer, gather your corn. The dreams of the nighttime will vanish by dawn.”
Talk about the Run with your friends and acquaintances. There may be some myths or misconceptions about what the Run is all about. Tell them about your experiences as you put a face to the Run.
The Run has changed dramatically over the years and continues to evolve as we strive to meet all the commitments and expectations from the public, donors and our riders. The Run is not perfect but each year we try to make it better much due in part to the comments provided by the Riders.
After Action Report – Run For The Wall®
It is your opportunity as a participant in RFTW to provide feedback about your experience on the Run, both good and bad. All AAR’s are taken seriously and read by the Board and Route leadership. AAR’s in the past have resulted in changes in operating procedures. So, your feedback matters.
The link to the form is here.
If you are up to the challenge, the Run needs volunteers to help in 2027. Fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in contributing. The hours may be long and the pay not so good, but the rewards are great!
The volunteer link is here. Volunteer Sign-Up – Run For The Wall®
It is bittersweet that I must relinquish this job and thank you all once again for your trust in allowing me to lead you across our great country. I have been humbled by all the support you have given me and will always remember the experiences you all have provided. Please show the same level of support to the next RC!
As always, please remember our Mission Statement:
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
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 