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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 4

Yes, the 2020 Run For The Wall is cancelled and we are all disappointed.  But the Run is only a part of the Mission.  Please don’t let disappointment ruin your enthusiasm.  I personally refuse to give any credit to some virus, who’s name I will not mention, for cancelling the Run.  We care about the wellness of our Riders’ and Supporters’ personal safety.

The Mission has no start or end date.  It will end when They are ALL Home.  If you have read the other RC Newsletters, and I hope you do, there is plenty we can do to stay Mission active.  We will begin planning RFTW XXXII 2021 edition very soon.  Also, in the works is Some great ALL Rider Reunions.  Kerrville, TX dates are September 24-27 always an event filled long weekend.  Over Labor Day weekend is the Angel Fire, NM Reunion, at one of the most beautiful parts of America.  I hear the another is in the planning stages for 4th of July weekend.  Check the rftw.us website forum under Regional Gatherings for more details.  I have been to the previous 8 Kerrville and the previous 3 Angel Fire Reunions.  They are a good way to recharge the spirit in between the Run dates.

For those who ordered the 20th Anniversary T-Shirts, they will be there for you in 2021.

Depending on where you live, you might try a little wind therapy.  Here in Nevada the Gov has shut down all non-essential services, which includes Casinos and even the Cat Houses, if you can believe that.

On this day 50 years ago, 23MAR70, I went off to boot camp.  I left cold and windy Chicago for sunny San Diego.  I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  But I knew I had to learn fast and when faced with difficulty, adapt and overcome.   As I look back now, I think that feeling has been with me my whole life.  Why am I telling you this?  Hopefully soon this crisis will be behind Us, and We as a Nation will be Smarter and Stronger for it.  RFTW STRONG

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Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter – March 2020 update #3

Greetings RFTW Midway Family!

I know we are all disappointed about our 2020 run being cancelled.  I needed a couple of days for this to settle in and spend with my grandchildren.  Now, I am back in the saddle!  I plan on taking this negative and making it a positive by focusing on the future.  I hope you all will as well.

I thank you for your support over this past year.  I am so proud of our team and the job they have done.  We had several new and exciting things we were going to incorporate into our 2020 route.  We will just continue to work on them and make it even better for 2021.

Looking forward, I have spoken with my wife “High Maintenance”, and with the support of our Midway team, I will accept the RC 2021 position. I really want to finish what we have started this year. 

We will turn the cancelation of our 10 day Run into a yearlong mission.  Our Run might have been cancelled but our Mission lives on.  Our Outreach Coordinator and her team have an excellent and exciting plan that I look forward to sharing with all of you.  Plans have begun on a very unique reunion idea that most likely will be held over the 4th of July weekend.  We will continue to have a fund raiser to help veterans in dire need from the Cookeville tornado devastation.  We will have the drawing for the $1000 hotel prize.  We will be here for any of our veterans that need our support.

I have already begun the work of assembling our team for 2021.  “High Maintenance” and I will be taking this opportunity to make all three reunions if possible.   I will continue to post RC Newsletters to keep everyone updated as to what we have going on and the progress we are making.  I hope that you all will begin your planning to join us for RFTW 2021!

With much respect and gratitude,

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway RC

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – MAR 2020 – PMA.2 Edition


Howdy from Texas!

By now, I’m sure you have all heard that the Run is cancelled for this year.  I can’t express how very disappointed I am that we had to come to this decision – but under the circumstances, it is the right decision.  So you might ask, how does my admonition for a Positive Mental Attitude still apply here?  Well here’s how it works…

I have written before how our annual Run is a recharge for the soul and a wonderful opportunity to see the family every year, giving us the motivation and energy to get through to the next year.  But I have also understood that the Run is only a part of the Mission.  Let’s read through that Mission statement together…

  • 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
  • To Support our military personnel all over the world

When I read that some of our legendary riders were counting on this year’s Run to be their finale (I’m looking at you Old School!), I deeply feel for them and will miss them on the road – does that mean we can’t promote healing for them?  We may not be in DC to help raise awareness for the continued call for accounting – does that mean our voices can’t be heard?  We may not be at the Apex on Saturday morning to lay a wreath in memory of their Sacrifice – does that mean we can’t honor them?  Through all this, our military personnel from all branches are standing the watch at dangerous locations around the world – does this mean we won’t support them?

The answer to all these questions is a resounding NO!  Everyone one of us who believe RFTW is family, and who LOVE this Run would not hesitate to make extraordinary sacrifice and selfless efforts to be a part of it.  But we all know the underlying purpose is always THE MISSION!  Will we Continue The MissionYES!!!

Here’s where your continued PMA will play a huge role…  Every tenant of our Mission is about people.  We as a family, are accustomed to having two weeks in May when we totally focus on each other as well as the people for whom our Mission is dedicated.  Some folks are contemplating making a run across the country anyway – that’s a decision each person must assess and make for themselves.  But also ask yourself – is it about the ride or the Mission?  If you need the ride – do what you have to do, may God bless you for a safe journey. 

If you don’t ride, you can still serve the Mission.  For every one of our loyal enthusiastic riders there may be hundreds of veterans in your area that could use some attention or encouragement.  Let’s Continue the Mission by letting them know that they are not forgotten.  Deliver a care package or make a visit if allowed.  How about your voice – let’s write letters to our congress folks to tell them where we want them to focus attention.  Your personal letter along with hundreds from the rest of our family will ensure they know we’re still here, even when they don’t hear our pipes.  There are also many war memorials all over the country, likely one in your area or at least nearby.  We can honor our fallen at those as well.  Finally, our service members around the world take no pause in defending our Freedom and supporting our interests in much less hospitable conditions than ours.  The USO and other service organizations are constantly seeking support to provide to our troops. 

So here’s my PMA challenge to everyone who considers themselves a part of the family:  Find your personal PMA and channel it in your own way to Continue the Mission.  The whole of our collective effort is much greater than the sum of each individual action.  So let’s hear your ideas, let’s see your actions and let’s celebrate your accomplishments!  Your sharing of all three will be contagious in a good way and we’ll see that the Family is strong and that our reach is still significant and effective.

This regrettable delay of RFTW XXXII for a  year may be upon initial assessment, a sad time in our history.  But with your collective effort and dedication to our Mission it can be turned to a phenomenal positive so that when we get together in May 2021, the gathering will be as much celebration as a reunion. 

I know there will be many details to attend as we contact our wonderful supporters to coordinate this development – we will get to that.  Your SandBox Route Leadership will be holding its first RFTW 2021 planning meeting next week, so we’ll have that covered as well.  My immediate concern is for you, my RFTW Family and to let you know that our focus has not failed and that YOU are the biggest part of our continued success.  The Mission depends on you and I know my Family will be even stronger after this challenge. 

Remember, all roads lead to all roads so no matter where you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!

See you all in May 2021! (or Kerrville or Angel Fire or…)

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator



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2nd March 2020 Central Route Coordinator News

Greetings from my quarantine compound, 


In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech that included, “There is a Chinese curse which says ‘May he live in interesting times’. Like it or not, we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty, but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind.” 


The decision reached by the board of directors and route coordinators to cancel 2020 RFTW was absolutely necessary because COVID19 regulations in every state we traverse made it impossible for a group as large as ours to congregate anywhere.

None of us like it, but it is what it is. 

The state coordinators were given several hours notice of the board’s decision, so that they could contact our host hotels and those organizations that support us along the way. It is your responsibility to cancel your own hotel reservations. It is my understanding that all of the 2020 registrations will be rolled over to 2021. The board asked that Bruce and I continue to serve as Route Coordinator and Assistant Route Coordinator for 2021. It is our hope that we see each of you on the run next year.

One last point: the six elementary schools we support along the way will really miss the generous donation they receive from Central Route when we visit. Jenny Ward, our Central Route Treasurer told me Cochiti, a reservation school we support, did not even have funds for pencils and paper before we presented them with our first donation.  If you would like to individually contribute to our schools, you can send a check to RFTW and write “SCHOOLS” in the memo. Checks should be sent to Jenny Ward at 1766 South Erie Highway, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Ride safely and stay well. God Bless the United States of America.

Tom (Boomps) Miller
Run for the Wall
Central Route Coordinator

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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 3

By now I’m sure you have heard the 2020 RFTW has been cancelled.  Who would have thought that after all of the obstacles we have faced and overcome, we would be sidelined by a virus.   The decision was not an easy one, but when it comes down to the Health and Safety of our Riders and Supporters coupled with CDC guidelines, ever increasing State and Local restrictions left us with really no options.  A great many riders are enduring a huge financial burden, due to related business closures, making it impossible to participate in 2020.  I have heard form many of you that you have had to use your savings and vacation time to get through this crisis with little or no income.

For those who made reservations at the host hotel Holiday Inn in Casa Grande, the entire room block is cancelled.  All other hotels are the riders responsibility to cancel.

So, what do we do going forward?  The RFTW Board of Directors has voted to retain all 2020 Route Coordinators for the 2021 Run.  Once the initial shock wears off, we will begin planning next year’s Run.  It will still be the Southern Route’s 20th Anniversary, just a year later.  If you have questions or thoughts on planning for Southern Route, email me at bob.nelson@rftw.us

We WILL get through this.  Until then Stay Safe.  More to Follow…..

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Midway Route Coordinator – Newsletter – March 2020 update #3

Greetings RFTW Midway family,

I attended the Board of Directors meeting that was called to discuss the Covid-19 virus situation and the effect on RFTW 2020.  Much discussion was had and after much consideration, I regret to inform you that RFTW 2020 has been cancelled.  It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you this because I know how important this mission is to everyone and how much work has gone into planning for this Run.  I am sure that you are all as disappointed about this as I am. 

I have been in touch with all the State Coordinators. Like most participants, some wanted us to continue and others did not think it was a good idea.  The CDC guidelines and many of the state’s government restrictions just made the planning for our route to go on practically impossible. 

The BOD is charged with the responsibility of making sure the Run for the Wall, as an organization, is protected and here to serve our mission for the future.  It was a difficult vote to make but was done for the benefit of RFTW’s future as well as for the safety of our RFTW family and supporters.  The 4 Route Coordinators understand and support their decision.  I hope you all will too. 

I want to thank everyone who put so much work into our mission for this year.  I am very grateful to all of you who put so much time and effort with me into this 2020 Run to make it, what I know would have been, such a special year. I do not want to single anyone out and it is not practical for me to list everyone. However, I must thank the State Coordinators and our Road Guard Captain!  An unbelievable number of hours were put in by these people. I also want to thank our ARC. He was thrown into this position at the last minute and was such a big help.  All our team leaders stepped up to the plate.  What a fantastic team we have put together!  I hope that you will all be here for us again for 2021! 

We realize that this mission touches and affects many communities across our country.  It was only right that we do not wait until the last minute to cancel this event this year.  In some areas, our State Coordinators were finding it very difficult to impossible to obtain the volunteers, supplies and donations to take care of us, and State’s restrictions would not allow our group to assemble.  We also must consider the impact we have on businesses, donors and volunteers.  For instance, we book hundreds of hotel rooms.  It would not be very respectful to the hotels to cancel all those rooms at the last minute.  They would probably be very reluctant to block rooms for us again next year.  Our Hosts will be buying all kinds of food and supplies for us, it would not be right to back out on them at the last minute and have them stuck with the expenses and wasted time put into this.

Our route was put together very well, and our leadership team represented RFTW very professionally.  We must cancel this event just as well and professionally.  We need time to contact the hotels, donors, hosts, Law Enforcement, community leaders, etc….   We must express our regret as well as our appreciation for their understanding and support.  We will ask for their continued support for next year as well! When cancelling your hotel reservations, please thank them and let them know that we look forward to staying with them next year. Please be a good ambassador for RFTW. It is a difficult time for them as well and we want them to look forward to working with us again.

I will continue to send out RC Newsletters with any updates that I can pass on to all of you to keep you informed as to what is going on with the Midway route. and our plans to prepare for 2021.

The BOD has asked me to return as Route Coordinator for 2021.  This route belongs to the Midway family.  If the Midway team will support my return, I would be honored to work another year as RC to serve the Midway Route for 2021.  I hope that we will be able to keep this fantastic team together!   I choose to not look at this as a negative thing but as a positive opportunity to begin work early for Midway 2021! God willing, this situation will pass soon. My trust is in God and if this situation changes soon enough, you never know, I may just show up at “The Wall” on my own for Memorial Day weekend. Maybe I will see some of you there!

I wish you all good health and happiness and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the reunions.

Have I told you lately?……………………………………I love my RFTW Midway Family!

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Ken “Six String” Dugas
Midway Route Coordinator

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FROM THE PRESIDENT, RUN FOR THE WALL, INC.

March 20, 2020

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my sad task to announce that we are cancelling RFTW XXXII scheduled for May 2020, because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  This action reflects the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of all four Route Coordinators.  We felt it necessary to make this decision now so that riders will have sufficient time to take whatever actions may be needed, such as cancelling reservations, without incurring any penalties.  We also felt it was necessary so that our state coordinators could begin notifying the communities and organizations who support us as soon as possible.

The Board of Directors did not reach this decision lightly.  Each of us agonized over it and came to this conclusion with the utmost reluctance. We ask for your understanding and support.  Rest assured, our next regular Board meeting on April 9th will mark the beginning of our planning to resume THE MISSION in 2021.

From each of us on the Board, and from your Route Coordinators, thank you!

Les Williams
President, RFTW Board of Directors

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Edward “Santa Ed” Holterman

Name: Edward Holterman

Road Name: Santa Ed

FNG YEAR: 2010

HOW MANY TIMES ATW: 10

WHICH ROUTE: SOUTHERN ROUTE

Positions HELD: 6 YEARS AS PLATOON LEADER,CAMPING COORDINATOR for 4 years?, And 2 years as an AMBASSADOR, Tail gunner 1 year.

MILITARY VETERAN: Army Vietnam AUGUST 66 – August 9th 67 wasn’t as tough as coming home. That was when I went in a holding pattern for 42 years. I was very angry and felt the survivors “Guilt”.

Gold or blue star: no

Participate in rolling thunder: yes 9 years except 1 year when my bike was running poorly.

Will you participate in rolling to remember: yes

What inspired you to ride for 1st time:

After attending a patriot guard mission in southern California I met “Top Sarge” and her husband. They told me about RTFW. Upon returning home I talked with lifelong Vietnam friend. He had been reading about RFTW on the internet. We both have had a lot of issues since serving in Vietnam. In fact, hardly ever talked or mentioned it for 42 years. No patches or hat. So, one day I purchased 2 Vietnam hat, took one for him and told him it is time we wear these and we have ever since. So, he meticulously planned out the trip in 2010. We agreed if either of us couldn’t go All The Way, the other one would. His bike broke down in Las Cruces and was unable to get it fixed. So as promised, I continued on. I really wanted to quit and go home feeling alone and not knowing anyone. I did make it to DC and finally after all the RFTW was over. I tried to go to my panel at around midnight, still not able to. I had been to the wall four times prior to this but could never go to the panel. While waiting to ride in Rolling Thunder, I set over on the grassy knoll and met some very good friends, and to this day we have become close “brothers”.  I did Rolling Thunder and rode right out west and home.

What Brought you back:

On the 3000-mile ride home, I was able to think about the past few weeks. Still very bothered by the WALL. My friend who broke down decided to bring his brother, wife and a pickup pulling a toy hauler. So, we made plans for one more try. We both made all the way on Southern Route. Still no change at the wall.
I was pulling my tent trailer, so when I was placed in “wagon train” or “trailer trash” PLATOON they needed another Tailgunner. Now I knew a few people from previous year, but pretty much still a loner. Still no change at the wall.
After riding back home 3000 miles, I decided I would try one more time. I rode with a friend from Patriot Guard Riders in Oregon. We went all the way southern route again. This was the year I met a person who spent a lot of time with me in Rancho. He and I talked about everything. This man later became a Southern Route Coordinator. Having those conversations with him is one of the reasons I continue doing RFTW. On my 6th time to the wall, I was finally able to resolve some of those problems. All because of an angel named “Raven”, who took a picture of me leaving my hat with a letter. She started the healing process. Five others came over to where we were standing. All but one of them are still with us. A chaplain told me, ” We will stay with you here for however long it takes”. I needed to understand why I was here, and they were on THE WALL. After a very long time I started to feel the release of all the guilt and anger. He told me that I needed to tell their story and show that we haven’t forgot them. Now I can go that panel and tell the story. In fact, each year for the past three years we do a “got you 6 at 6” after the run is over on Saturday evening. Many veterans have been there and all because of a special brother we started this.

Favorite Memory:

Without any doubt it was the year I was chosen to help place the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Additional Comments:

I do believe RFTW would never have happened if not for Rolling Thunder. We need to show our respect and try to bring everyone home. “Let us never forget”. Like I have told many I would do the “Sandbox Run”, but first the protest ride on Sunday. So, I guess I will be at the Midwest Conflict Wall again for the 4Th Time, but suppose will ride alone again.

After 10 years I have been fortunate to be able to keep participating and now know many brothers and sisters who are some of the best family I’ve ever had. I was visiting with Stoney in Ontario prior to the run a few years ago. I told him if it wasn’t for the FNG’S the run would end. He said “If it wasn’t for the returning participants there wouldn’t be a RFTW. How true “Charlie Mike”. So, I make it my mission now to try and talk to and get to know every FNG. RFTW HAS become the best part of each year. “Den Mother” has been on several runs. She has inspired many to come on the run and several are now in leadership roles.
Thank God for keeping me healthy enough to continue and I love all RFTW participants…

IS IT MAY YET!!!!!!

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RFTW SandBox RC Newsletter – MAR 2020 – PMA Edition

Howdy from Texas!

How are you feeling?  I’m doing great, my family is all well and most everyone I know is going about their daily routine with the usual caution against social illness.  All of us face challenges every day, some are small and some aren’t but the common thread to getting past them is belief that you will.  When we look across the room (or across the country) at the people in our extended RFTW family and know that they are facing similar challenges as us, then that relationship should foster a sense of understanding for our shared situation.  This large-scale challenge which is now classified as a “National Emergency” affects us all personally in much the same way.  On the Run, I always stress the need for PMA – a Positive Mental Attitude can be the foundation upon which a plan to meet those challenges may be developed. 

My fellow RC’s have published absolutely essential guidance about where to find good information about the precautions you should take against contagion.  I’d like to address the Mental and Emotional aspects of how we approach the issue. 

Everyone who is personally invested in this Mission is anxious to know how current events affect the Run planning and what the plan is in case of ___________.  Some folks actually talk to others about their concerns (phones still do voice calling, right?) and others take to Social Media (SM) to display their serious concerns.  In very many cases, the impersonal format of the SM Post emboldens people to post things that may stir emotional responses that may provoke even more emotional replies.  Please allow me to assure everyone that your Board of Directors and Route Coordinators are ALL personally devoted to the safe and successful execution of this Mission and are considering every course of action available to make that happen.  If you must make SM Posts, please find your personal PMA and keep in mind that whether you are addressing the Board of Directors or just throwing thoughts in the wind, a lot of people will see it.  The seed of emotion we sew will yield the harvest of enthusiasm that was planted.

Finally, please be patient and trust that those whom we have entrusted to prepare this 32nd annual RFTW Run for execution have its best interest in mind.  You may be confident that they bear the weight of its success and will do everything possible to make it the phenomenal event that we have all come to expect.  They also understand that you – the rider and the volunteer – are the heart of this Run.  For your part, please stay safe, stay well, stay positive, stay on course and stay prepared to Continue the Mission!

See you all in May!

WALL 2 WALL!

Bugs out!

RFTW XXXII Sand Box Route Coordinator
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Southern Route Coordinator News – March 2020 Part 2

Greetings form the beautiful Sierra Nevada region where we are expecting 4 feet of snow in the next few days.  With 60 days out from KSU in Ontario, usually the murmur of “Is it May yet?” begins to grow.  Over the years we have dealt with fires, drought, high gas prices, flooding and other of Mother Natures curveballs.  This year is quite different, The Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 is affecting all of America and the World.  While the magnitude of severity is still uncertain, the issue is serious, not only to the Run but to the health of all of us.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a ton of information on their website www.cdc.gov .  There you will find up to date information on what you can do to protect your Family and prevent the spread of this virus.  Most are very common-sense guidelines. The one thing you shouldn’t do is panic.  Decisions made in haste, are usually not the best ones.

The dynamics of this event are everchanging almost on an hourly basis, and they vary from region to region.  By now you should have seen that our Board of Directors and all RCs have concluded that we would stay the course and continue to plan for a successful 2020 Run For The Wall Mission.  We are continuing to monitor the situation and evaluating the information as it comes in.   Some state governments, in the states where we travel, have currently enacted travel and gathering constraints.  These are not all bad as their intent is to prevent the spread and may hasten the end of restrictions.

There is one thing our Riders is very good at.  When faced with circumstances beyond our control, we Adapt and Overcome. Semper Gumby,  Always Flexible