I hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving. Winter has arrived in south-central PA; morning temperatures are in the upper teens, with wind and a little snow. As we move into the traditional holiday season, please continue to be generous with your time and gifts to those less fortunate. In the true RFTW spirit, as so many do, helping those in need, whatever that need may be, keeps us in the spirit of why we ride. The entire BoD wishes and hopes that you and yours find joy and peace in the upcoming holiday season and that your peace will be shared with and benefit others.
RFTW Mission Statement
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.
RFTW Philosophy
We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.
In 2015, Ken “Wish” Hargrove included the following in a newsletter update. It speaks volumes and is as appropriate today as it was then:
“We Ride for Those Who Can’t”— Six simple words with a very deep and wide meaning. You first-timers, or “FNG’s” as you are known, should be prepared to laugh, to cry, to have your breath taken away and to be humbled.
“We Ride for Those Who Can’t”— We ride for the veteran or family member who is unable to make the ride themself, When doing so we are responsible for carrying their need for healing cross-country to The Wall or from Wall to Wall.
“We Ride for Those Who Can’t”— We ride for our fellow riders who are in need of healing and in need of support as they are welcomed home, many for the first time ever.
“We Ride for Those Who Can’t”— We ride to bring awareness of the POW/MIA issues and the thousands of our brethren who have yet to be brought back home and to shine a light on the government’s lack of attention to this solemn commitment to leave no one behind.
Whereby our dead shall sleep
In honour unbetrayed
And we in faith and honour keep
That peace for which they paid
~ Rudyard Kipling ~
As we all prepare for Run 2025, the forum’s How-To videos (How-to VIDEOS for Programming the BTECH GMRS Pro for RFTW—GMRS Radios & Helmet Comms—RFTW Forum) mention a coupon code for direct purchase from B-Tech. The only caveat is that you must use the BTECH online store, not Amazon. The coupon code is good for purchasing the radio and PTT button combined and will get you a 17% discount.
Our Director of Merchandise put together some great merchandise that may help fill your Christmas gift list. Our store offers the entire RFTW shopping experience, including bundles, collectibles, headgear, and clearance items. While you are there, check out the new flags, including the exclusive RFTW flag!!
Speaking of merchandise, Alan is still looking for some sales help on the Midway and Southern Routes. If you are interested, for more information, email Alan at merchandise@rftw.us.
I had the opportunity to attend the DC/VA/MD RFTW lunch held at the American Legion post in Springfield, VA., our new DC landing zone. The members of the Legion threw open the doors so we could familiarize ourselves with the location and property. I’ll tell you, over the years, I’ve visited a lot of places and met with a lot of people, and very seldom have I ever felt as welcome as here. The leadership and membership are enthused and are looking forward to our arrival!! We discussed several things, and Ed Wehner, our DC/Arlington coordinator, is working diligently to get his arms around the new digs.
The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch highlights what makes RFTW a special organization. I encourage you to check it out. Each episode addresses a unique aspect of RFTW, with interviews of various folks who made RFTW what it is today. Check it out!!
We want to share some registration data we use. With the advent of electronic registration, we can better identify and analyze trends on the Run. As of 1 December 2024, we show:
As we examine the data and trends, along with your AARs, emails, comments, and discussions with riders, we consider ways to serve better those who ride for those who can’t. Our sustainment committee, which comprises riders from all routes, has put together several suggestions that the BoD is considering. But as you can see, our numbers continue to decline and fluctuate. While our riders’ age is trending slightly downward, the number of younger riders is not “filling the gaps” left by our older riders who are aging out. This is a bit disconcerting, and when compared with our overall registration numbers, especially those before the pandemic, sustaining the mission is the topic of many conversations. Considering this as we continue working toward getting “back to basics,” keeping the mission sustainable and attracting newer, younger riders leads to some interesting conversations and debates. More will follow on these issues in the coming months.
Operational planning and support issues continue to crop up, adding to the complexity of conducting our annual Mission. As we work to “stomp out these ground fires,” we will continue to consult with the RCs for suggestions and workarounds. As always, please continue to have faith that the RCs represent the interests of each route and that your voice is heard through them.
Speaking of our RCs, they continue to call for quality and qualified volunteers to fill key leadership positions. Each of their newsletters lists positions for which they need support. If you are interested in helping move our Mission into the future, I ask that you review the newsletters and consider your qualifications against their needs. Most of the past newsletters can be found here.
With the switch to the GMRS radio system, podcasts, electronic registration, and many other things, RFTW, like our society, must be postured to respond and react to changes that influence our Mission. There are significant differences between veterans across the various wars, cultures, and conflicts, and the Board of Directors is continuously working towards securing the future of the Run. Remaining stagnant is not an option; we will continue to work towards keeping the Run alive.
Finally, please remember that we are looking for a new Treasurer. Here is the public announcement. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in truly serving RFTW, this might be a great opportunity for all. We look forward to hearing from you.
I leave you with this:
It is not the worst thing to die in war; it is not the worst thing to be missing in war. The worst thing is to be forgotten in War.
No one left behind is more than a standard we all live up to. It is a way of life. It is part of our Mission. If you or someone you know finds themselves struggling with mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, or texting 838255 to speak or chat with a qualified responder.
Let us dedicate ourselves and our efforts and remember to keep our focus on the Mission. It is why we ride!
Say Their Names – Tell Their Stories – Never Forget.
Back to Basics. Back to the RFTW Mission.
Is it May yet?
John “Turkey” Staub
President, RFTW, Inc.
2011- CR FNG
2012 – CR Participant
2013 – CR Staging Team
2014 – 2015 – CR Staging Team Ass’t. Lead
2016-2017 – CR Staging Team Lead
2022 – CR Platoon Coordinator
2023-2024 – CR/SB Road Guard
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 