Happy September everyone. I hope this month’s message finds you safe, well and looking forward to what I am sure we all are dreaming of…cooler Fall weather!
Although this year seems to be moving at an extremely fast pace, the planning and preparation for Midway’s 2025 Run for the Wall has been well underway for several months now. The Leadership Team and State Coordinators continue to work hand in hand on all the stops, hotels, breakouts, etc. to ensure the best possible experience we can provide on the route. We have read every AAR that was submitted and are making adjustments where we can based upon your feedback and input. If you have suggestions or something you feel can benefit the Run, please visit rftw.us and submit an AAR. It is never too late!
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered so far! Without your dedication and hard work, we could not accomplish our mission. That being said, there are still open positions to fill. And 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 the Volunteer Applications
In case you have not seen the most recent President’s Message from John Staub, this year we will be completing the ride in Springfield, VA. This is a very positive move as it will give us more updated hotel options as well as easy access on and off the interstate for travel in and around the DC area. The American Legion post will also be opening their doors to us in much the same way as the Elks have provided for us Ontario. More to come on these changes as we receive the information.
Registration will open this Wednesday on 9/11 at 08:46 EST. Although there will be a nominal increase in registration fees this year, it is still a great deal for an 11-day event! Early Bird Registration is $60 per person for those that registration between 11 September 2024 and 31 January 2025. After that, Regular Registration is from 01 February 2025 through 30 April 2025 at a cost of $75 per person. After that the Last Minute Moe will be $90 per person. Midway has chosen to not increase the Prepaid Fuel for this year. Coast to Coast will be $150 and $25 per day for Day Riders or those that choose not to participate in the Prepaid option. I would highly encourage you to consider Prepaid. Not only is it very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!
I would like you all to begin thinking about the Breakouts we will be conducting on our second day in Cookeville, TN. As in year’s past we will be visiting the following locations:
- Breakout 1 – Sunbright Memorial in Sunbright, TN
- Breakout 2 – Southside Elementary & Wilson County Veterans Memorial in Lebanon, TN
- Breakout 3 – Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, TN
Each one of these stops is special in its own way so no matter which you choose you can’t go wrong! Lunch will be served at each Breakout, so we need to begin working on a headcount to assist our TN State Coordinator Phil Friedli with the logistics for meals. We will most likely reach out to you during Platoon assignments to see which one you are interested in participating in. More to come soon!
The RFTW Forums are now back and live. There are quite a few good topics and discussions that have already begun…from GMRS radios to advice for FNG’s to meet ups and get togethers. Thanks to Ted Kapner for all his efforts behind the scenes to get this up and running again! Speaking of Ted, he along with Hitch just started a Run for the Wall podcast. They did a nice job introducing RFTW to those that may not know who we are and what we are about. I’m excited to see what they bring to the official first episode in the coming weeks. For more information go to Podcast on the RFTW website.
“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.
Eric “Pitch” Fort
Route Coordinator – Midway 2025
