Sandbox Route Coordinator Newsletter- AUGUST 2024
Welcome to Sandbox Route’s 4th Annual Run
2025 is already gearing up to be an excellent year for Run For The Wall. Like the three cross-country routes, Sandbox Leaders and State Coordinators are already hard at work putting together their teams and coordinating with the incredible folks who support us on our Mission.
Road Guard Captain
It is my great pleasure to announce that Kris “Cyborg” Borg has been approved as the Road Guard Captain for Sandbox for 2025. Kris is a Sandbox-era Veteran who served 20 years in the Marine Corps, including two combat deployments in the Middle East with operations in Iraq, Basra, and Al Asad. He has served as a Road Guard on the Heartland Tour, Midway Route, and Sandbox Route and, as an Assistant Road Guard Captain on Sandbox for two years.
Communications
If you have not heard, all four routes are moving to GMRS radios for 2025. As many of you know, Central Route ran a pilot test during the 2024 Run using GMRS radios vs CBs. CB radio technology is old, and most bike manufacturers and aftermarket companies (such as J&M) have stopped installing/repairing CBs. Central Route’s testing results were very positive and proved that the GMRS radios provided further range and clearer communications than CB’s. After much discussion at the July Face-to-Face meeting, all four Route Coordinators unanimously decided this was the direction to move. All pack leadership will be REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025. Riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen. I would highly recommend reading Kirk Olson’s post on the RFTW site as there is a lot of information regarding recommended equipment and licensing requirements – https://rftw.us/2025-radio-comms-joint-statement-from-all-four-route-coordinators/ or click Here. While not required, the BTECH GMRS Pro has been the most popular model. From reliability to functionality to price, this option has received the highest recommendation from those who have tested it. BTECH has been generous enough to create a package deal for Run for the Wall. Using coupon code: RFTW, you will get the radio and wireless PTT button for $140. This deal is available only on the BTECH website. You need to add BOTH items to your online cart.
Volunteers Needed
I need your help. As I mentioned, the Team Leaders are putting together their teams, and we are looking for volunteers for all positions: PLs, APLs, TGs, Road Guards, Fuel Team, Staging Team, ambassadors, outreach, and medics. If you are interested in helping and being part of a great team, please go to the RFTW website and fill out a Volunteer Form.
Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial (MECWM)
The MECWM is a living wall built by patriotic bikers using donated funds to honor the fallen heroes of conflicts in the Middle East and support veteran organizations and Gold Star families. If you haven’t already, please visit the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial page to become more familiar with the history of this memorial and the names included on it.
Run For The Wall Forum
Yes, that’s right. The highly missed forum is back up and running and better than ever. There are topics already set up, or you can register and start your own. Find out about communications, buy/sell equipment, find roommates, get information about each route, get information on reunions, find out what type of bike is fastest, etc. Check it out at the RFTW Forum.
New Sandbox Departure Location for 2025
More to come………
Why do we ride
We ride for those who can’t. 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.
Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never Forget
Bill “COB” Brehler
Route Coordinator
RFTW Sandbox 2025
