President’s Message:
Included in this message:
- Itinerary Wrap-up
- Website pre-registration closing soon
- Keep animals on Run leashed
- Volunteers needed for DC Korean War Memorial washing
- Rolling to Remember info
March is finally upon us but not in the sense of “the Ides of March are upon you” quote that is so often used at this time of the year. This reference is from the Roman calendar specifically March 15 when the Romans were known to “settle debts.” Julius Caesar became a victim that day when a large group of Roman politicians used swords and not words to quiet the Roman Emperor. Soon thereafter Shakespeare penned the play, “Julius Caesar” in 1599 when a soothsayer warned the Emperor of danger. March is also the beginning of spring and host of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
March is also great time to get back on the road where you hone your skills because we are only 70-ish days to KSU. I hope those of you who have recruited FNGs take the time to explain how we ride and invite them to ride with you for an early experience. If you are an FNG, I encourage you to seek out as much information as you can concerning how we ride on this mission. Once again please check out our “New Participant” tab on the website and read the article, “10 Days in May” – you will find it a wonderful way to learn about our mission and how it is done. Moreover, our FNG briefing this year will be held at 1300-1430 on Tuesday, May 12 outside at Lot D which is next door to the Gateway, the host hotel. This is a mandatory meeting for FNGs and a great time to learn how we ride. This FNG briefing will be route specific so look for your route’s signage when you enter Lot D. At 1500 we will roll into an “All Routes Safety Briefing” in Lot D which is mandatory for everyone riding RFTW 2020. (You can find this information on the Ontario 2020 Itinerary—check back often for updates.)
Just a few words now on our BOD face-to- face meeting conducted last month – a meeting that is mandated by our bylaws and arguably one of our most important meetings of the year.
This meeting included all of the board members, the route coordinators and assistant RCs.
We firmed up the planning process for the 2020 Run For the Wall, along with other BOD business.
A few topics discussed:
- Route itineraries were to be submitted by the RCs before Mar. 1 so proof copies can be printed. Once the proof copies are ready, they will be reviewed for accuracy and then sent back for printing. Those now posted on the website are preliminary and subject to change. The RCs hustle to get them out so riders can plot their trips, but last-minute changes always occur. Check back often for updates.
- Pre-registration on the website will end at midnight April 30. If you are planning on going with us, pre- register. The more accurate our numbers, the better the leaders’ planning. After April 30th riders can register in Ontario or other overnight stops noted on route itineraries.
- A large number of animals are showing up on all four routes. Last year there many complaints of dogs that were seen without a leash and in some cases seen running into a crowd of children. After a lengthy period of debate, the board determined that the liability associated with unleashed animals on RFTW was too high and needed to be stopped. The board voted that all animals on the RFTW must be on leash and controlled by someone holding the leash at all times. RCs will have the authority to enforce this policy up to and including removing the owner from the mission. The policy will be included in the itinerary booklet for all routes for your review should you have an animal with you.
As recently as two days ago we received a mission from the National Park Service approving RFTW to wash the Korean War Memorial on Sunday morning. To complete this mission we will need 30 volunteers. The Southern Route raised 10 volunteers on Monday. Now, I would like to get 10 volunteers each from the Central and Midway Routes to complete our work force. If you are riding on these two routes and want to join us cleaning up the Korean War Memorial please email your Route Coordinators. We will take the first 10 who contact their Route Coordinator from each route and maybe a few more. We will stage in front of the Holiday Inn host hotel, Sunday at 0530 and KSU at 0600. Work will begin at 0630 and expect to achieve mission success around 0800. We will have Road Guard support to escort the platoon to the Korean War Memorial and I’m hoping they will join us in the entire mission.
Speaking of the Korean War Memorial, many of you may remember our RFTW 2019 guest of honor, Captain Royce Williams USN (ret) who visited with many of our riders at the Gateway Hotel. Ross was a highly decorated Naval Aviator during the Korean war and was credited with shooting down 4 Russian MIG’s in one mission. I think this would be a great way to honor Royce by having a big turnout for this mission. Royce is fine and doing well and I think this will bring a smile to his face, Google: https://homelandmagazine.com/?p=1994 for more information.
Moreover, we have received the details from the AMVETs regarding the demonstration “Rolling to Remember” also on Sunday. If you have signed up for this event the staging is set at 0600 with KSU at 0630 in the underground area of the Holiday Inn. The riders will be escorted to the Rolling to Remember staging area by RFTW Road Guards. Run For the Wall will have priority parking at the Pentagon parking area starting at approximately 0700. If you are on Facebook and plan to participate, please go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RunForTheWall/?view_public_for=280980122905 and participate in the Poll so we can get a good headcount for AMVETS for their planning purposes.
Is it May yet? Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BOD
President
