President’s Message – March 2026

Okay, so Punxsutawney Phil and the other rodents couldn’t get their winter-versus-spring predictions aligned. Darn rodents, anyway. But do not despair. May is right around the corner, and each of us needs to be ready. This is just another friendly reminder to get yourself, your gear, and your bike ready. The BTech GMRS-Pro radio has a new firmware release, 0.9.2, released January 29, 2026. Now might be a good time to check your radios, headsets, PTT buttons, and the rest of your gear.

This year, we recognize the 35th anniversary of the start of the Gulf War. I remember where I was and how old I was that January night. While reviewing our most recent rider statistics, it was interesting to see the current average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans. After some research, I was surprised to learn that the average age of our 1991 Gulf War veterans is currently 50-55. Most Gulf War-era veterans (specifically those serving in 1990-1991) were in their 20s or 30s during the conflict, placing them in the 45–54 or older age range today. When we consider those ages, it helps explain why we are struggling to attract those veterans. People in those age groups are generally in a “family and career-focused” stage of life, with a focus on work and family activities, rather than taking almost 3 weeks to participate in an event such as RFTW. That was one of the reasons we started the Day Rider program: so that people who don’t have time to go all the way can still participate. When we speak about RFTW, we need to remember that while it is a C2C and Wall2Wall mission, we also welcome Day Riders. All the Way is great, but our Mission is to be as encompassing as possible. The Day Rider program is a great way for a parent or grandparent to introduce youngsters to our organization and what patriotism really looks like.

In the November 2023 newsletter, we presented information on Navy Capt. Royce Williams, the Korean War hero who, in 1952, led his squadron on a mission resulting in 4 confirmed kills out of seven Soviet MIGs in an engagement that remained classified for decades. The Navy originally awarded him the Silver Star in 1953; on January 20th, 2023, it upgraded his Silver Star to the Navy Cross. As early as 2014, many senior leaders believed his actions warranted the MOH. In 2022, the MOH upgrade action received approval by the House through the Defense Authorization Act. The House then forwarded the approved amendment to the Senate. The good news is that the upgrade action was finally approved!!  Capt. Williams will be receiving the Medal of Honor!

On February 21st and 22nd, we held our winter “Face-to-Face” (F2F) via Zoom. These meetings are critical to planning and executing a successful Mission, as we ensure that all RFTW leadership is up to date on plans, changes, and new items, and we also share thoughts and ideas. While the Mission of RFTW has remained consistent and solid over the years, the organizational structure has remained quite dynamic. These changes are often driven by increased demands from our riders for improved and expanded automation and information-sharing technology, as well as changing societal expectations and contributions.  When one considers the reduction in volunteers, the struggles to secure donations, and the decline in riders, balanced against the need to conduct a safe, well-organized Mission, I strongly believe our leaders and volunteers deserve a big thank-you for all they accomplish.  I can report that our planning for RFTW 2026 is coming along quite nicely. We’ve even started discussing how to capitalize on some additional opportunities for 2027.  But first, we need to get through 2026!

Another discussion focused on how we can keep our costs down while still safely conducting the Mission. One example is the Glo-Gloves our Road Guards use. Each year, we purchase and issue dozens of these gloves, not always to First-Year Road Guards. Starting in 2027, Road Guards must turn in an old pair of Glo-Gloves to receive a new pair. We don’t buy these gloves so they can be worn all year long; they are specifically for use while on the Run. If properly cared for, these gloves can last 4 years or longer.

As I mentioned last month, our Day Rider program was suggested by one of our “elder statesmen” and has been well-received. During the recent F2F, we discussed opportunities to fine-tune the program. While those changes won’t happen this year, stay tuned as we work to implement some suggestions to improve the program next year. On a very positive note, one question we’ve received several times asks whether our RCs are prorating the mandatory fuel stickers for Day Riders. The answer is a resounding YES! Each C2C RC will prorate fuel sticker costs for Day Riders. Sandbox doesn’t offer Day Rider, as they are only on a 3-day mission, much like a Day Rider on a C2C route.

You may have heard that we will not be able to participate in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Washing this year.  We were essentially bumped in favor of a group from the Secretary of Defense’s office.  We do anticipate being able to participate in Wall washing in 2027.

Carol recently reported on motorcycle shops available in the Ontario area. Here is the list we currently have:

Did you know there is an organization in England like RFTW? Ride to the Wall (RTTW) is an annual UK motorcycle charity event held on the first Saturday of October, during which riders travel to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to honor over 16,000 fallen service members. It serves as a powerful, inclusive, and emotional act of remembrance, raising funds for the site’s upkeep. While RTTW.org and RFTW.us are different organizations, our missions are closely aligned. If you are interested, please visit the Ride To The Wall website. You can even register to receive their newsletter via email.

We often receive comments about the need to attract our younger veterans, often phrased somewhat differently, but that is the essence of the question.  The RFTW Podcast with Boots and Hitch continues to reach thousands of folks, and Boots and Hitch are looking to expand that reach. I don’t want to take away their thunder, but I anticipate them taking advantage of additional opportunities to “get the word out”.  Perhaps you’ve seen the latest ads on various social media platforms.  As Hitch begins to “dip her toe into those waters”, the number of those reached is promising. Look for more and even better ads.

Speaking of new things, have you seen the new route-specific shirts in the Merchandise Shop?  Designed by folks from each route, each shirt sale generates a donation to that route.  This is a great opportunity to support your route or to purchase one of the good-looking shirts from another route.  Angie has been working hard to make this a success.  These shirts are a one-time opportunity.  They will NOT be carried in the merchandise trailers; they can only be purchased through a pre-order process.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to support your route!

If you haven’t yet heard, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Paul Regional Office would like to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to attend an informative presentation regarding VA benefits and services, to include a special briefing on allowances available to Former Prisoners of War (FPOW). This presentation will cover a range of topics related to VA benefits.

Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST

Microsoft TEAMS Meeting Link

As a final thought, I’d like to share some thoughts on a very special group of people who are at the core of our Mission Statement – the Next of Kin and Gold Star Families.  All of us, especially our Outreach and Ambassador teams, encounter many people who have lost family members in service to this great nation.  A core tenet of our Mission is to honor them, help them heal, and ensure they know that their loss and the sacrifice of their family members are not forgotten but instead remembered by a grateful nation.  We believe it is important to emphasize to our leadership and teams that we use deliberate language when describing a Next of Kin family or a Gold Star family.  RFTW uses the definitions for each as outlined in long-standing public law.