Well, here we are already the middle of October—-It will be 2024 before we know it. I wanted to focus this newsletter on the importance of CONTRIBUTIONS and PROMOTIONS!
This is how your 2023 money was spent along with fuel purchases.
1. Rebels with a Cause $2,000
2. Milan School $3,000
3. Veterans Homeless Shelter Albuquerque $3,500
4. M25 Amarillo $2,000
5. Ft Sill Museum Building Fund $1,000
6. Red Rock Behavioral Health Services $1,000
7. USO K-9 Fund $ 500
8. Tommy Franks Leadership $1,000
9. Shawnee Veterans Memorial $1,000
10. Ridgewood Baptist Church Forrest City $2,500
11. Western TN Veterans Cemetery $ 750
12. Sunbright Memorial $1,000
13. Romans Warrior Foundation $1,000
14. Wilson County Veteran’s Musuem Lebonon $1,500
15. Ridgecrest Church $2,500
16. TN Veteran’s Home Murphreesboro $1,500
17. Wilson Elementary School $3,000
18. Falcon Children’s Home $3,500
19. Moose Lodge #1472 Hopewell $ 750
20. National Musuem of the US Army $1,500
21. Wheel Chairs for Warriors $3,000
22. Operation Family Fund $8,000
23. Combat Bike Build $5,000
TOTAL for 2023: $50,500
I want to talk about a few of the contributions so everyone realizes the impact we as a group have on the communities we visit.
First, Operation Family Fund and Red Rock Behavioral Health Services are nonprofits focused on PTSD and helping any and all veterans. Operation Family Fund managed by Michael Cash partnered with RFTW in the sponsorship of Homes for Troops Program where 10 veterans across the country are receiving a free custom-built home designed around their specific handicap. One is being presented in San Marcos, Ca on 28 October at 2PM. If you can or would like to participate, please read Nick’s, Central Route RC, newsletter for exact times and locations.
Next, look at the schools where we shine a light on service and country along with a small amount of financial help. The schools that we contribute to are in very economically strained communities and do not enjoy the benefits of excess funding. For example, 65% of the students at Wilson school still do not have running water in their homes. Some still have dirt floors also. The school itself helps to cloth, feed, and teach these children. I am so glad we went there last year to adopt this school as an annual Midway Route stop. We will return this year hopefully with the ability to provide more support through your generosity!!
Then, there are the VA facilities like the Veterans Resource Center in Lawton, OK that provide a temporary home for up to 12 homeless veterans and their families, while providing them the opportunity to get job training. They help with searching out jobs for the training veteran as well as housing after the Resource Center stay. They provide both support and training to help them get a job, a home, and a respectful life back. Then we have the Va Homes where Veterans are in residence due to physical or mental issues. Most don’t have family or friends close by able to visit. They look forward to our visit for a momentary glimpse back toward THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
Last, look at the Elks, VFWs, American Legions, and Communities that open their doors to us with food and community involvement. They all support their local veterans with programs, Memorials, and Museums. Additionally, they provide honor guards and other support to their communities which cost money. They start working the day after our departure on raising money and support for our annual return.
I bring all of this to your attention so each of you understand the importance of your participation in the various fund-raising events and how your leadership is trying to be Good Stewards of your generosity.
Without you the Riders participation in the many fund raising activities and your contributions there would be no RFTW!
You can send your checks to: Lily Lieux, 6426 Bridgeport DR., Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 or ZELLE to: Midway Route, @ Midway.Route@RFTW.US
I want to thank each of you in advance for stepping up to help make RFTW Midway 2024 a great success!
Don ’10-A-SEE” King
