Photo credit to Jim “Hoofer” McCrain
In the wake of recent events, it is difficult for me to begin this newsletter saying happy October. Day 8 of the Run finds Midway traveling through the beautiful hills and mountains of North Carolina, stopping at the Tennessee/North Carolina line for fuel and much anticipated ice cream at the Citgo Station before traveling down the twisties of I-40 on the way into Asheville for our dinner stop at Harley-Davidson of Asheville. Over the years the acquaintances we met have grown into friends and those friends have become part of the Midway family. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to not only this area that was hit so hard by the devastation Helene brought but also to those impacted in other parts of North Carolina as well as Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. I know you feel the same as I do right now…. what can I do to help? Sadly, many organizations will pop up claiming to help. I ask that you do your research before donating anything to ensure that your generosity goes to those truly needing the help.
Since last week’s storm I have seen many posts on social media about what Midway is going to do in regard to the route as it relates to the Asheville area. Please know that your leadership and state coordinators have been in constant contact with one another over the last several days. While it is still early, we are diligently working on alternate plans and routes to ensure the pack can get safely across North Carolina while still making as many of our annual stops as possible. Any changes made will be for the good of the route and included in the itinerary when it is released.
On a positive note, our teams and platoons are shaping up well. Thank you to our leadership for your hard work and efforts so far and to those who have stepped up and volunteered to serve Midway. We could not do what we do without each and every one of you! BUT would it really be a RC Newsletter if I didn’t say…. much like Uncle Sam, WE NEED YOU! If you have the desire to volunteer and give back to Midway you can visit the Volunteer Sign-Up page to see the positions and their requirements as well as complete and submit your Volunteer Application. We have two positions that I would really like to fill sooner than later. Our New Mexico State Coordinator Garland Ray aka GW needs an Assistant State Coordinator. GW does an amazing job setting up safe and enjoyable travels through New Mexico and needs some help with the planning and meetings. If you live in NM and are interested or have questions, please reach out to me via email at eric.fort@rftw.us. I know I speak for GW as well when I say we would love to have you join the team!!
With registration now open, the second position we need to fill for Midway is Registration team lead. This is a critical role as you are often the first face our riders meet at Run for the Wall. Representing RFTW in a professional and positive manner is a must. You must also be able to go All the Way from CA to DC as registration is conducted not only in Ontario prior to Midway’s departure but also during the Run at our evening stop or in the morning prior to the morning meeting (preferably at the evening stop!) The ideal candidate is one that can not only articulate the registration/check-in process and its requirements but also accurately complete the process electronically and manually if required; distribute registration materials; generate daily reports. This is a quick highlight of the role and responsibilities. If you are interested in this key role or would like further information, please contact me directly at eric.fort@rftw.us.
Speaking of registration, as of yesterday our numbers show us to be ahead of where we were this time last year. Thank you early birds for registering so quickly! Be sure to register soon and take advantage of the Early Bird price before it goes up on 01 February 2025. This also helps us from a planning perspective. State Coordinators can begin to work with our supporters on numbers for meals, etc. Platoon Leaders can begin reaching out to you for introductions. Our FNG coordinator Bullseye can begin coordinating calls to discuss what to expect and how to prepare for the Run. If you have not done so yet go to Registration on the RFTW website. It only takes a couple of minutes and is one more thing to check off the to do list. Be sure to take advantage of the prepaid fuel as well. It is very cost-effective for those going all the way and it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!
“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. Together let’s make 2025 a year to remember and give our Vietnam Veterans the WELCOME HOME they so deserved 50 years ago.
Say their names. Tell their stories. Never forget. Never give up hope.
Until they all come home…
Eric “Pitch” Fort
Route Coordinator – Midway 2025
