Say Their Name! Tell Their stories! Never forget!
IS IT MAY YET? Sadly, not yet.
As a reminder, registration for the 2024 RFTW opened on 11 Sep RFTW Registration – Run For The Wall®. If you desire to register to ride the Sandbox Route, Early Bird Registration is $15/person (11 Sep 2023-31 Jan 2024), Regular Registration is $20/person (1 Feb-30 Apr 2024), and Last-Minute Registration is $25/person (after 1 May 2024).
Registration is off to a great Start. We have 331 people registered, 98 of them are for the Sandbox Route. I encourage everyone to get registered ASAP. Each Route leadership team needs the projected numbers for planning purposes. Our State Coordinators are already working on Hotel accommodations, fuel and meal stops. Knowing how many bikes and people we are expecting is a huge help in the planning process.
After registering, I encourage everyone to also visit the Rider Code of Conduct HERE. Please be respectful to all participants and supporters by adhering to these expectations.
Kerrville Reunion
I want to take a moment to thank “LURCH” (Southern Route Coordinator) for the hospitality and inclusive reunion in Kerrville. Additionally, I want to acknowledge Roger “Cowboy” Mead and wife Sam for executing another successful All Riders Reunion.
Board of Directors Town Hall
The RFTW BoD Town Hall ZOOM call is just a few days away. If you desire to participate, please see the following details:
RFTW BoD Town Hall Zoom Call
Thursday, 02 November 2023
8pm Eastern / 7pm Central / 6pm Mountain / 5pm Pacific
ZOOM Meeting Link: CLICK HERE
General Discussion
I don’t know about you, but BUSY is not just a word in the dictionary but tends to characterize a perpetual state of being. Trying to survive the Government Fiscal Year has been carnival ride for some. Then, I think everyone was shocked to learn of the attacks in the Middle East.
This Route strongly condemns the violence in the Mideast and extends full support for the U.S. troops heading into the Eastern Mediterranean to deter further escalation. In accordance with the Commander of the American Legion, “We stand with Israel and condemn the attacks by Hamas. At the same time, we pray for those lost to the senseless violence and for the safety of our men and women in uniform who are standing by to protect our national interests.”
This unfortunate exhibition of war continues, this illustrates just another reason we ride during RFTW. We support our troops down-range as the targeting of U.S. troops and anti-American sentiments grow in the Middle East just as there is an increase in U.S. troops in harm’s way abroad.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is not just a day of celebration and remembrance. It is a day of action. It is a day when we must recommit ourselves to the well-being of veterans and their families.
Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans, especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. And while their feelings are sincere, it is important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. The heroism that has been demonstrated time and again by veterans from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism is sometimes unnoticed by many who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided. Not all veterans have seen combat, but all have at one time made the solemn promise to sacrifice their lives for this country if called upon. Without the formidable strength that veterans have demonstrated in war, Americans would never enjoy their daily freedoms. It was none other than George Washington who said, – quote- “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving the peace.” – unquote.
Reminders
This is why we ride! Please take the time to visit the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial page here and become more familiar with the history of this memorial and the names included on this Wall. We ride “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.”
LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND DOES NOT END ON THE BATTLEFIELD!
If you or someone you know find themselves struggling with their mental health, please know you can contact the VA Veteran’s Crisis Line
by dialing 988 then press 1 or text 838255 and speak/chat with a qualified responder.
Cornell “THUMPER” Penn
Sandbox Route Coordinator (RC)
XXXIV-2024
