Posted on 1 Comment

Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter – Memorial Day 2020

Greetings RFTW Family!

I wish you all a blessed and grateful Memorial Day.  Those of us with RFTW know that this is not a “Happy Memorial Day”.  However, it is a wonderful day that our Nation has set aside as a day for us to remember and honor all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, families, and freedoms.  We must NEVER FORGET! 

This is the first time in 11 years that I have not paid my respects in Arlington National Cemetery and witnessed our wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I must say that my heart is feeling a little empty this weekend.  Something is definitely missing.  Last year, on the Sandbox Recon, I was able to pay my respects to Cpl Johnathan Yale and Cpl Jordan Haerter at the Middle East Conflicts Memorial.  These Marines were KIA on 4/22/2008 in Ramadi, Iraq stopping a terrorist suicide bombing attack from killing many people.  These are the two young Marine heroes that saved my son’s life, along with about 50 other marines and many other Iraqis.  On the recon, I was able to bring their bios and tell their story by their names at the Middle East Conflicts Memorial.  I was looking forward to doing so again this year when I had to make a difficult choice to leave Gunny in Chattanooga and return home to take care of personal things.  I will now have to wait until our 2021 Run but they are remembered now, today, and every day, as well as all who have given their lives for us. There are many of us with similar stories of family, friends, and other heroes that were taken from us by war.  Let us be thankful and enjoy the freedoms and the country they have given us.  May we never take their gifts for granted and may we NEVER FORGET them. This is why I ride! 

We will be “riding for those who can’t” at our “Tour of Tennessee” reunion starting July 2ndThe hotel blocks will close on June 2nd.  It is important that you register and make your hotel reservations now. 
We are hoping that this reunion will bring our RFTW family back together and that we see as many of you there as possible.  Info is on the RFTW.US website under the Midway Hub.

Congratulations to Tamara “Tam Tam” Rickerson!  Our very own Raffle Rouser finally won a prize instead of giving them.  Tam Tam won the $1000 hotel prize.  I thank everyone who participated in this raffle.  We raised $2,200 that will be used for fuel on the 2021 Midway route.  

I would like to close by asking all of you, in your own way, to keep all of our heroes who have died, those still missing POW / MIAs  and their families who still morn their losses in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you. We will not forget!

Is it July yet?

Video section

Honor * Hope * Healing

Respectfully,

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway Route Coordinator

1 thought on “Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter – Memorial Day 2020

  1. Ken, the Crown Plaza doesn’t have a record of Run to the Wall. Plus, on the registration page there is no number. The phone number is listed as the group code. There is something wrong .
    Robert C. Peurifoy

Leave a Reply