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President’s Message February 2023

February in South Central PA is not a real good time to be riding a motorcycle but is a great time to be indoors getting ready for May.  I am now two months into my Run exercise routine, I’ve been working on prepping my motorcycle, and of course, with home ownership comes all the indoor things to do that I put off last year.  Speaking of getting ready, what are you doing to prepare?  As I write this, we are 104 days to KSU. May is getting close!!  I urge you to take the time to go over the myriad of details associated with riding this year’s Mission. Don’t forget to look at your prescription meds and ensure you will have a sufficient supply to get you through the Run!!

On Monday May 15th @ 1900 hrs., we have a unique opportunity to see the movie Courage, a 1-hour movie about POWs in WWII and Vietnam. I had the opportunity to preview the movie and it is quite moving. The Elks are supplying an evening meal at a modest price.  Drinks, but no food, will be allowed in the room.  There will only be 300 seats available, so you might want to get there early.

For those Midway riders – do you remember these folks?

Their documentary covering Run for the Wall is scheduled to be released on February 4th @ 6 p.m. EST.  Filmed by Joffrey & Michele Mason, professional filmmakers from Atlanta, GA, it helps us tell a very compelling story.

In addition to the documentary, the couple graciously consented to providing RFTW footage we can use for promotional purposes.  They are thinking of coming back next year to do more filming for RFTW, perhaps a documentary that covers all 4 routes.  More to follow.

Bugs, our Chairman and Acting Risk Management/Registration Director, recently announced a special initiative targeting Day Riders registration fees for Run XXXIII.  In his announcement, Bugs explained how those that are only going to participate for up to two days can register at special rates and still experience all the aspects of the Run.  Day Riders will still need to register at evening or morning sites to ensure they attend the required briefings and so the PLs can integrate them into the platoon.  As we all understand so well, it is about the Mission, and if we can include some that may not have been able to participate, then we are truly opening our doors to all we can.  The Day Rider fee idea was recently brought to us by a rider, and we weren’t sure we could institute the change for registration this year.  But Bugs and Boots were able to make the necessary adjustments to the registration process and here we go!!

HOT ITEM!!  Jerry Wilkins, RC for Midway Route, is looking for a merchandise lead.  We thought we might have one, and then life reared its ugly head.  If you are looking for a way to contribute, especially if you were thinking about doing the Run in a truck, contact Jerry at jerry.wilkins@rftw.us and see if you might be a good fit.  You will need a minimum ½-ton truck with a 13,400 lb. max capacity hitch designed for weight distribution, 2×2 hitch receiver, 7-pin light plug, brake controller mounted in truck, valid driver’s license, truck registration, and vehicle insurance good throughout the Run period.  You will also need towing insurance. You pick up the trailer in Ontario, follow the Midway route to DC, serve as merchandise team lead (sell RFTW merchandise) along the way, and return the trailer to CA. All fuel expenses during the Run are paid by the BOD, and you will have use of debit card to pay for fuel along the way.

If you are interested in serving, we recently announced two Board openings.  We are developing a 5-year strategic plan and we need folks that can take a hard look at how we do business and suggest new ways where appropriate.  We have plans to conduct a study covering our merchandise processes, as well as the challenging job of risk management and registration coordination. Board members do NOT receive any form of wage compensation – we too are all volunteers.  We do, however, reimburse travel expenses associated with attending our Face-to-face meetings.  If you are interested, please review the open position descriptions, and submit a resume outlining your qualifications.  Send your resume to todd.taylor@rftw.us.

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
2020 – Present – RFTW BoD member

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