Welcome home Sandbox Family
It’s almost time
Less than 40 days until KSU in Ontario and less than 50 days until KSU in DC. There are currently 302 riders registered for the Sandbox Route and we are going to have a great mission. The Team Leaders and State Coordinators are finalizing the final details and the Route Itinerary has been published here.
Just like last year, there will be no hard copies of the Itinerary Book, so you will need to print a copy or download it using the QR code. Please familiarize yourself with all the information provided: Rider Critical Information; Safety Briefing; Route Contact List; Fueling Procedure, etc.
The more you know and understand how things work, the better your experience will be. I ask that each and every rider remember the No. 1 Rule of the Run: NO BAD ATTITUDES! We are here to carry out a very important Mission and to help each other heal. Additionally, we are all Ambassadors of RFTW and our actions are a reflection of the organization. Be kind to those that support us and be patient with the hotel clerks that are trying to get us checked in.
Prepaid Fuel
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, Sandbox is doing pre-paid fuel. You can pay cash at check-in in Ontario or Springfield (exact amount only, no change will be given), but the best way is the online option using zelle, or by check. The cost will be $65.00. To use Zelle, send the money to Sandbox.Route@rftw.us (don’t forget the dot between Sandbox and Route). Be sure to annotate that it is for “Sandbox prepaid fuel”. Send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc. Put “Sandbox prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403.
Busy Day
There will be a lot happening for Sandbox Riders on Saturday, 24 May.
0900 – RFTW Picture at the Lincoln Memorial followed by the End of Mission Plaque Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at 0930.
1130 – The FNGs that are selected to ride into Arlington National Cemetery muster at the Pentagon Parking lot and depart for the cemetery at 1215. 75 bikes with passengers (150 people) are allowed to ride in. Sandbox will select 4 riders from the FNGs that are riding Sandbox Route only to ride in with 4 Sandbox Route passengers. These riders and passengers must check-in to registration at the American Legion on Friday afternoon in order to participate.
1315 – RFTW will have 4 riders (one from each route) participate in a Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown.
1000 – 1800 The Hogs and Heroes Foundation is sponsoring a bash at Old Glory Harley, 11800 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, Maryland. Molly Hatchet will be the premier band during the event. General admission is free. VIP tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the gate. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eastcoastthunder.com/.
The following meetings and check-in all take place at the American Legion:
0900 – 1800 Sandbox Route Check-In* Bar Area
1200 – 1630 Gear Issue Dentz Room
1430 – 1500 Team Leaders Meeting Banquet Hall
1500 – 1530 Road Guard Meeting Warrior Café
1500 – 1530 Staging / Fuel Team Meeting Banquet Hall
1530 – 1600 Ambassadors / Outreach Team Meeting Banquet Hall
1530 – 1600 Platoon Leadership Meeting Warrior Café
1600 – 1730 All Riders Meeting Banquet Hall
1730 – 1800 FNG Meeting Banquet Hall
As you can see there is a lot going on and many back-to-back meetings. Please be considerate of others, finish your meeting on time, and clear out for the group coming in behind you.
*Note: If you already checked in to the Sandbox Route in Ontario, you do not need to check in again in DC.
Registration Check-In
You can do your Sandbox check-in at either Ontario or DC. You will need your valid Drivers License, Current Registration and Proof of Insurance. You cannot Register in Ontario or DC, that must be done online ahead of time. If you choose to check-in in Ontario, you can check-in for one of the cross-country routes and Sandbox.
There will be separate tables for each route. You will need to have the three required documents out of your wallet or purse prior to entering the room to save time at the check-in desks. You will receive a packet with various items (colored ribbon, lanyard with pouch for your emergency information sheet, etc.). You will also receive a platoon number sticker and a fuel sticker (if you pre-pay for fuel). You will get these same items for the cross-country route and the Sandbox Route. Put the items for the cross-country route on your bike as instructed in Ontario, but do not put any of the Sandbox items on your bike until you get to DC (and them remove the items for the cross-country route from your bike). Additionally, if you are in a volunteer position on one of the cross-country routes but not on Sandbox (or in a different position on Sandbox) please remove the windshield banner from the cross-country route so there will be no confusion on Sandbox.
Just like Walmart (get in, get your s…t, and get out) once you have completed your check-in process, please leave the room so others may enter and get their registration done. The check-in room is not a place to socialize or hang out.
The Pre-Run Ontario Itinerary will be available soon on the rftw.us website under each route drop down and will list days and times for registration and meetings.
If you choose to check-in for the Sandbox Route in DC, it will be held at the American Legion in Springfield in the Bar area. The same rules apply. Check-in in Dc will be open on Friday, 23 May from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and again on Saturday, 24 May from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Fund Raisers:
Sandbox will be holding numerous fundraisers at the American Legion in Springfield. Here are some of the items that will be available for auction/drawing.
Custom Stain Glass Piece
Custom Flag Box
Unique Earring and Bracelet sets
Patriotic Quilt
And many other items, so those of you riding the cross-country routes, be sure to save some of your spending money until you get to DC.
Remember Our Mission
“To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.”
We Ride For Those Who Can’t
Freedom Isn’t Free
Say Their Name, Tell Their Story, Never Forget
Bill “COB” Brehler
Route Coordinator
RFTW Sandbox 2025
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 