President’s Message – July 2026

This year, July has a slightly different flavor than usual.  We celebrate our nation’s birthday every July, but this year marks the 250th anniversary of what was dubbed our “experiment in freedom.” I encourage you to take time to read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other relevant documents that outline the foundation of our democratic republic. I often hear people say that civics is a class that is missing from many of our school curricula; let’s take a moment to read these foundational documents so we have a better understanding of our Founding Fathers’ intentions.

The July Face-to-Face meetings in Dallas provided the Board, including the new RCs and ARCs, with an opportunity to meet and discuss the AARs and the processes and procedures that govern our Mission. As is the case this time of year, some of the directors’ terms were due to expire, mine included. The bylaws require that certain corporate officers be drawn from the existing Board of Directors. Accordingly, I am pleased to announce that Billie “Bugs” Dunlap will become the new President of the Board, and Corey “Sunbear” Lederer will become the new Vice-President. With these two appointments, we began the search for a new Secretary. The announcement has a very short deadline, so if you are interested, please refer to it for the particulars on submitting your application. Further information on some of the other discussions will follow, so please stay tuned.

We often hear from folks about how our Mission has evolved over the last 36 years.  There is truth in those discussions.  We should remember that when RFTW was formed, it was a way to bring a group of veterans across the country, picking up some along the way, to protest the government’s methods of dealing with veteran issues.  As RFTW evolved and became a 501(c)(3), the veterans participating in the Run were the focus of the charity.  Arranging safe travel, meals, and a place of comfort, compassion, and understanding for those veterans, while carrying the message about the needs of our veterans, was the purpose of the organization.  Showing strength in numbers with like-minded individuals was necessary.  While the National League of Families of American Prisoners & Missing in Southeast Asia was formed in 1970, responses from various government representatives were lukewarm at best.  The history of our government’s work on the POW/MIA issue dates back to 1933.  In 1988, RFTW was a call to action by concerned veterans to raise the voices of our nation, our veterans, their friends and families, to force our government to face this most difficult issue. Thirty-Six years later, we still need to call for an accounting of our POWs and MIAs; there are some 81,000 remaining from our collective engagements with the enemy.  But we’ve also shifted our focus.  Our focus on Gold Star families, the families of our POWs and MIAs, those families that live with loss each and every day, shows that our compassion and care extend beyond the call for accountability.  However, as our society shifts its attention and our POWs and MIAs are no longer at the forefront of our nation, we need to ensure that we don’t lose focus on honoring their memory and supporting their friends and families.  Let us not forget that we need to continue to provide and promote an atmosphere where all participants, regardless of their service status, can reflect and heal, whether on the journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Gulf War Memorial, the Middle East Conflict Memorial, visiting a VA Hospital or center, or any other memorial or cemetery we visit.  As the needs of our most recent veterans shift, we need to be sufficiently expansive and flexible to ensure we meet their needs with the same desire and dedication as we have for the last 36 years.  All of our veterans, friends, and families are important; all count.  Let’s keep that focus.

Recently, Palm Springs Harley-Davidson approached us with a great idea. They wanted to find a way to support our Benevolence Program through multiple fundraising events. While they could always ask potential donors to write a check, we met and put our heads together, and Boots and Captain America set up a process so electronic donations go directly to RFTW, targeted to support the Benevolence Program. This initiative came about through a suggestion from one of our riders. The rider took the idea to his RC, who brought it to the BoD. We appreciate our riders’ efforts to support our program and ask that you bring these ideas and suggestions to your RC, who, in turn, will bring them to the BoD. While this may seem a bit arduous, it is necessary to ensure we don’t get our wires crossed. By approaching these opportunities through the appropriate process, the BoD can protect the people and businesses involved and provide maximum support to our riders.

Speaking of the Benevolence Program, we would like to highlight this support mechanism. In 2008, RFTW launched a program to direct donations to charities whose missions and values align with our own. RFTW’s traditions and heritage emphasize service to our participants and fidelity to our Mission. As the program grew, we added support for our veterans, families, and riders. Oddly enough, we haven’t received a rider support application in over two years. Rider support applications are processed by the RC and submitted to the BoD in time for the February Face-to-Face meeting. Riders are eligible for support to help offset the cost of participating in the annual Mission. Priority is given to FNGs and current or recently separated service members. Award monies MUST be used to offset the cost of Mission participation. The amount awarded is prorated to a daily rate, based on the number of days the rider spends on the Mission. These daily amounts are determined by the Board during the February meeting. Let’s work together and take advantage of this opportunity.

As we plan for RFTW 2027, your support for our veterans, their families, and friends should not wane as we wait for May.  If you haven’t yet read about the Red Star Foundation, please check out our partnership with the Red Star Foundation.  If you haven’t had time to research the Foundation or to get involved before the Run, this is a great opportunity to do so.  The Red Star Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities. They provide an avenue for you to contribute throughout the year.  Click here to learn more about the Red Star Foundation.  Click here to become an RFTW Red Star Rider.