Greetings from hot, cold, rainy, sunshiny, Southern California! Piper has been releasing it fury as it heads across our Nation. Stay Safe!
The Run For The Wall mission is “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.”
This is why we ride – to support this mission!
May is rapidly approaching, 79 days from this morning we will be departing Ontario, CA on our way to Flagstaff, AZ, our first night’s stop, as we continue with our Mission, Never Forget Their Sacrifice.
At this time there are 978 riders registered to participate. 236 of those registered are on the Midway Route. We are the smallest registered of the four routes, however, we are mighty, we are Family. Welcome to the Midway Family.
Congratulations and thank you are in order. Randall “Mullet” Olguin has volunteered as 2023 Midway Route Quartermaster. Dale and Ruth McCullough have taken on the very important task as 2023 Midway Route Merchandise Team Lead. Thank you, Randall, Dale and Ruth, for your support.
IMPORTANT HOTEL UPDATE
We just learned that the host hotel, Sure Stay Plus by Best Western in Albuquerque, NM is CLOSING FOR BUSINESS March 31st, 2023. I have verified alternate hotels listed on RFTW website, i.e., Days Inn by Wyndham and Econo Lodge, and both have vacancies. We have designated the Days Inn by Wyndham as the new Host hotel. If you had reservations at the Best Western, you need to re-book your stay in Albuquerque ASAP!
Below are links to additional hotels on the “East” side of town within a reasonable distance of the staging area.
Congratulations to Super Bowl winners Michael Holas and Steven Cathey, 3rd and 4th quarter winners respectfully. Thank you, Gina Cutrer, for your diligent work in raising fuel donations. I am confident Midway riders greatly appreciate your efforts.
Midway Route Leadership is meeting monthly to ensure our trek across our Nation is tuned to perfection. Every turn is being analyzed, morning staging areas, daily fuel stops, meals, LEO support, etc. Your platoon leaders are working to ensure you will receive the latest information each morning.
Midway Route could still use volunteers in Platoons Leadership, Staging and Promotions. If you are looking to give back to the Run and you are not an FNG, here is a great way: go to the RFTW website, Midway Route Hub, click on “Volunteer Sign-Up”.
It is not too early to make sure your bikes are serviced and in good condition for a cross country trip. It is a good idea to get some saddle time in and get yourself in riding shape as well! Start exercising each day, make sure your medications are in order prior to departing home. Prepare yourself for the Run. Run For The Wall is not your typical ride, it can be physically and emotionally challenging.
Is it May yet?
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
One Mission ~ Four Routes
