The Board of Directors had a busy month dealing with an array of issues that need completing prior to the 2020 RFTW. One of those issues goes on annually during August and September is to read the After-Action reports submitted by our riders. Those reports give us many new views on specific issues that often require changes to our Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs). Moreover, our entire SOPs are reviewed for elimination, modification or addition.
BOD director of operations Doug Lyvere is the lead on these issues and submits all the changes for the board to review. Needless-to-say, Doug is a busy guy and has his hands full for most of the year. After our October meeting the board will vote on the reviewed items both modified and new. All Route Coordinators participate in this process and add suggestions that make this process successful and our mission safer.
During our September meeting we received a monthly briefing from the Route Coordinators reporting that although some leadership positions remain open, most have been filled. There were some reports of location changes so please read your monthly RC messages to learn about these changes. The RC monthly messages are important to read each month because there is not only information about location changes but many other important issues that riders need to know. These messages can be read by clicking on one of the four routes noted on the Route Hub tab of the RFTW website.
Leadership Changes
Prior to these briefings the Board of Directors received a letter of resignation from Sandbox Route Coordinator Marcel “Senior” Miller. The board accepted his resignation and have appointed a new RC for the Sandbox Route. Billie “Bugs” Dunlap was appointed to lead the Sandbox Route for the 2020 RFTW. Billie’s Assistant Route Coordinator will be Ken “Six String” Dugas.
Special thanks to Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson for many years of service on the BoD. Kirk resigned the BoD Director of Public Relations & Communications position to assume the Central Route Road Guard Captain role. Nick “Rich Boy” Hentges was selected to fill the Director of Public Relations & Communications position for Run For The Wall.
Re: Registration
As you may have noticed there is a new registration form this year. This new form has some additional information that is easy to understand and will assist us in knowing during what conflicts and eras you served (or are serving) your country. We would like to thank you in advance for taking a moment to check the boxes of where you served.
The Sandbox registration will be open on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019. Please take the time to read the new directions as well as the bright red restrictions on certain vehicles.
Reunions
I also have heard some great feedback from folks who attended the Angel Fire reunion in New Mexico and the Midway-sponsored all routes reunion held in Franklin, Tenn. The number of bricks laid at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire was astounding and moving and included honoring many Medal of Honor recipients and Navajo Code Talkers.
Don’t forget the Sept. 20-22, 2019 Texas all-routes reunion to be held in Kerrville, Texas. The contact information can be found in the regional events tab on the website. It’s not too late to make it to Kerrville!
Is it May yet?
Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BoD President
