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RFTW SR RC Newsletter – 25 FEBRUARY 2019

URGENT – SR DAY 4 LODGING ISSUE

99 Southern Route Riders,

I have heard and provided alternate lodging info to about 90% of the folks who lost rooms at the Comfort Suites in Grand Prairie.  As promised a week ago today, below is the info that was provided to those who contacted me…

La Quinta Inn, 2131 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie, Tx   214-412-3220

25 rooms at $99.00/night + tax

Heritage Inn, 2615 Outlet Pkwy, Grand Prairie, Tx  972-623-1998

15 rooms at $69.00/night + tax

I was told that the La Quinta may be full now, but it has not been confirmed.

Big THANK YOU to our North Texas State Coordinator, Mary Anne Hand for acting quickly to secure group rates for alternate lodging when we found that our Host Hotel was cancelling rooms.

TOGETHER WE RIDE!

Best regards,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap

Southern Route Coordinator

Run For The Wall XXXI

 

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President’s Message – February 2019

This month’s message finds us about 80 days before kick stands up. As we close in on May 15, I am happy to let you know the planning process is in good shape. The Board of Directors and your Route Coordinators and Assistant Route Coordinators met in Denver for our winter planning conference where many plans were finalized. The route itineraries are nearly complete and will be submitted to the publisher in early March and available on the website route hubs the first week of April. These will have the most current information for riders available but keep in mind that Murphy’s Law is always looming over us during this phase. With that said, changes are possible at any time so I urge you to read the Route Coordinators’ monthly messages where they will announce changes and solutions.

We once again are having a mandatory all routes safety meeting in Ontario May 14 at 1500 in Lot D adjacent to the Gateway Hotel. Riders and leadership are expected to attend this meeting where riders can meet their platoon leaders, tail gunners, road guards and senior leadership. This meeting will have an opening ceremony prior to the briefing then each route will head to their designated area. The safety briefing not only will allow you to meet each other but brief you on how we ride and the safety measures needed to ensure a safe and orderly movement across the nation. You will learn the rules used by RFTW and if you have any questions do not be afraid to get them answered. We have allotted three hours for this safety briefing. The BOD received great feedback from nearly everyone last year regarding this briefing, and that is why we are doing it again—to increase the focus on safety for the 31st annual Run For The Wall.

I also want to let everyone know that the 2019 merchandise is on the web store and available. The new shirts are very nice and merchandise BOD Ray Brammer has some hi viz sweatshirts available at a very low price. Take a look before they disappear or he runs out of your size. The new RFTW pins are also on sale with an array of other 2019 gear.

The Benevolence Fund awards were presented for approval as is normal during the winter meeting. All of the applications submitted by riders were approved which will give those veterans a hand up for their FNG year. Awards for several veteran organizations also were made that will assist many in meeting veteran needs. A group known as Homes For Our Troops which builds adaptive homes for severely wounded warriors was made as they continued to build homes in over 42 states – many in our RFTW rider communities. If you would like to learn about them, you can find them at www.hfotusa.org. Awards also were approved for Combat Hero’s Bike Build, David Westphall Veterans Foundation (Angel Fire), Welcome Home Alliance For Veterans and US Veterans Motorcycle Club for scholarships for veteran children.

If you would like to donate to the Benevolence Fund, please note on your check or credit card memo line “Benevolence Fund.”

In the everyday business of RFTW I often learn of important efforts on behalf of veterans and what they have contributed to the freedom of our nation. Recently, I learned of an effort on behalf of a Korean War Navy fighter by the name of Captain Royce Williams USN (ret) to upgrade his Silver Star to a Medal of Honor. 

The entire objective of the campaign fits perfectly with 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.” Since I learned of this mission to honor Capt. Williams, I felt it important to lend our voice to this campaign. He was involved during the Korean War on a mission where he shot down four Russian Mig-15’s—a feat never accomplished before or since.

Due to an unknown top-secret operation, his heroics were kept secret for 53 years. Royce was awarded the Silver Star for shooting down one Mig-15 so the Russians would not know what really happened. Capt. Williams is now 92 years young and the efforts to ensure an upgrade are being pursued. Recently a group of folks in San Diego who are expert documentary film makers have made Run For The Wall a custom trailer video that will introduce the video which will fully outlines the details of this heroic flight, “Forgotten Hero – Forgotten War.” See the trailer below, and this  link that will then take you to the full video.  The video is streamed on Amazon Prime.   Searching  “Forgotten Hero”, from your TV on Amazon Prime also works.  Each click on the film will greatly assist the effort to upgrade this hero’s award to a Medal of Honor.

I want to thank two film makers, CJ Machado of Love Amazingly Productions and Mark Vizcarra at Speed Angels Productions, who made this all possible along with their donors. Also, a big thank you to the docents and museum staff of the USS Midway for their efforts to make this all possible. If you have not been to the Midway (home ported in San Diego) for a tour, put that on your list. It is well worth your time.

In photo above right, Capt. Royce Williams pictured with an F9 Panther.
Above left, docents, staff and film crew aboard the USS Midway. Photos used by permission.

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams, President
Run for The Wall Board of Directors


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RFTW SR RC Newsletter – 18 FEBRUARY 2019

URGENT – SR DAY 4 LODGING ISSUE

****UPDATE 19FEB2019 – See “On a happier note…” section below****

99 Southern Route Riders,

If you have a Southern Route Day 4 lodging reservation at the Host Hotel, Comfort Inn & Suites in Grand Prairie for the night of Saturday, 18 MAY 2019… your lodging is in jeopardy.  We have just learned that the property will be undergoing renovations and a change of ownership and they will not be able to accommodate all of the reservations that they have accepted for our stop in Grand Prairie.

Please call them and check on your reservation.  If AFTER you call them, you find that you no longer have a confirmed room there, we have already arranged another group lodging rate at a nearby property.  Please write an e-mail to me and/or the ARC and/or the North Texas State Coordinator CONFIRMING that 1.  You HAD a reservation at the Comfort Inn in Grand Prairie and 2. They told you that your reservation has been cancelled.  If you convey in an e-mail that both of those apply to you, we have an alternate lodging location for you.  On Monday, 25 FEB 2019, I will publish to the SR Hotel list those additional group rate arrangements so that anyone may have access.

On a happier note…  (**** UPDATE 19FEB2019****)

We also just learned that the Comfort In & Suites in Odessa, TX has lowered their nightly rate for our stay there to $119We were just notified that they’ve lowered the nightly rate AGAIN to $99 saying they “…wanted to do more for these Patriots!”  Still no action required on your part if you already have a reservation – the new rate should be retroactive to your previous arrangement.  If you don’t have a reservation – there may still be rooms available…  See the Southern Route Hotel list for contact details.

Update on the Itinerary Book…

We have been working diligently to complete and compile the 2019 Southern Route Itinerary Book and it is very near completion.  It should go to press in less than two weeks.  A pdf version will be published on the Southern Route Hub just after it is accepted for print.

That’s all for now…

May is just around the corner, and there is plenty left to do – for all of us.  Mental and emotional preparation for the Mission is just as important as the physical and mechanical.  We always say “No Attitudes on the Run!”  But I’m here to tell you that everyone coming on the Southern Route has this assignment – bring with you to Ontario the biggest bag of POSITIVE ATTITUDE that you can carry.  Bring enough to share.  Bring enough to pass out some to everyone you meet along the way.  Do that, and your bag will never go empty because the more POSITIVE ATTITUDE you take out to share, the fuller your bag will get!  That’s how WE will work together.  That’s how TOGETHER WE will make a POSITIVE difference in people’s lives along the way!  That’s how WE RIDE!

TOGETHER WE RIDE

Very best regards,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap

Southern Route Coordinator

Run For The Wall XXXI

 

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Midway Route Coordinator News – February 2019

Fellow Participants;

We are near the 90 day mark before our departure for the XXXI Run for the Wall. I hope everyone participating feels the same excitement and anticipation like I do.

There has been many inquiries of those who drive “Sling Shots.” It is the decision of the Board of Directors that they will not be permitted to drive with the platoons. All “Sling Shots” regardless of opinion will be placed behind the Rear Road Guards and Last Man Vehicle. “Sling Shots” registered for the run will be afforded the respect given to other participants, except the Order of March.

The California State Coordinator, Carol Olmstead, has made a request of participants, to submit their photos of loved one’s who have served in the military. Accompanying the photo should include name, rank, year’s of service and a brief biography. These photos will be placed in the RFTW 2019 Biography Book by Carol. Forward your photos to: carol.olmstead@rftw.us

All of the State Coordinators continue to work hard and diligent for you to ensure a memorable journey. They are some outstanding individuals with a true heart for this mission.

A reminder to all FNG’s if you do not have the required documentation at the time of registration, i.e., valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, motorcycle endorsement and current vehicle insurance you cannot participate on the run. Please ensure you have all of your documentation on hand when you arrive at the registration site. If you register on-line this information must be presented to the Registration Team at the time you join the ride. Save $20.00 by registering in advance. Onsite registration is $50.00.

I have heard and learned over the years that sitting on a motorcycle for many days and miles can cause the “old buttocks” to become sore or uncomfortable. Other than a seat cushion, wearing “wicker” type under garments will ease those “hot spots” and be more comfortable.

The day’s are numbered and the anticipation grows, please ensure your motorcycle is mechanically sound. Don’t take this for granted. Also, look into “under insured” motorcycle insurance added to your existing coverage.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service.

Glenn “Wombat” Waggoner Jr.,
2019 Midway Route Coordinator
“Our Duty to Remember”

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Southern Route Coordinator News – January 2019

31 JANUARY 2019

Greetings from Fort Worth, TEXAS! 

…currently one of the few places in the U.S. not suffering from global warming, er, I mean the Polar Vortex FREEZE!  My coldest ride ever was 22°F for the Big Texas Toy Run several years ago.  I’m sure many of you will easily have that beat!  Let us know in a reply – Who’s the toughest Polar Bear on the road?  Just be safe out there family!  Warmer riding days are coming, and I look forward to sharing them with you on the Run in May.

SR RC Welcome Video

The long-awaited Southern Route RC Welcome Video is almost complete and should be published very soon.  Big thanks to my Daughter Cara “Bug” (FNG 2017) for being my Director/Videographer and to Gunny for providing some RFTW 1989 Interview footage.  I believe we should all occasionally look back to where we started as a heading check towards where we’re going.  I hope you’ll all enjoy watching.

50/50 & Raffle Rouser

There are two very important jobs still open on the Southern Route…  We need a 50/50 Rouser and a Raffle Rouser – yes, I’d prefer two volunteers so that each can focus on one of the tasks.  We’ll have some very impressive items for the Raffle this year and the 50/50 drawing every morning on the Run is always an exciting way to start the day.  If you’d like to be a part of the fundraising process and get more involved in the workings of the Run, this may be the step you’re looking for.  Besides, it’s a great way to meet EVERYONE on the Southern Route!

The Itinerary

We’ve been working hard to tweak the Itinerary to take advantage of some of the great comments received on the After Action Reports this summer.  BIG THANKS to our Road Guard Captain for coordinating and confirming the entire route and to our ARC for participating in the detailed review sessions.  It’s not just a cut and paste from last year – we plan ahead for known upcoming highway construction and for changes in our fuel stops – we’ve had a few Gas Stations close or that will be under construction!  The Itinerary book goes to press at the end of March and will be released in digital form as soon as it does.  I can tell you that for general planning purposes, the basic route, lunch stops and daily destinations are very much like last year’s plan.

Phone Calls & Texts

As we get closer to May, things start moving faster in the planning world.  With so many FNG’s (Welcome Home!) coming out for the Run this year there are bound to be questions.  Most all critical info and a lot of good gouge and planning info are available on the rftw.us website.  But I do get the occasional call or text asking some basic questions, because as hard as we try, someone will think of something we didn’t cover.  So, if you urgently need a piece of info that is nowhere to be found, your ARC and I are here to help.  Just introduce yourself and ask away – I don’t have everyone’s phone number in my contact list – yet!

Track the Pack during the Run

Last year, we were fortunate to have the use of Scout GPS Trackers (findmyscout.com) to help us keep real time location on the pack.  This year, we’ll be working with the good folks at Scout again and will be equipped with their latest updated systems.  There will be a link on the rftw.us website that may be used to find where the pack is at any point along the Run.  We hope this is especially useful for our supporters along the roads and bridges as well as for our advance teams as we approach fueling stops and staging areas.  Look for the link on the website as we get closer to May and plan to use it!

The Mission

So, the Vietnam War ended almost 44 years ago – at least according to our government – the Korean War ended (sort of) almost 66 years ago.  So why is it so important that we keep pushing forward to keep this mission alive?

First of all, the termination of hostilities and even the declaration of Armistice ends only the active involvement of national conflict.  The “War” is endured in the hearts and minds of those personally involved and I don’t mean only those in service.  Everyone who has served in uniform or as a civilian had someone back home that was just as deeply affected.  Especially so, if those in service did not return.  The focus of our Mission is on people – even a quick glance at the RFTW Mission Statement makes that obvious.  When that mission statement is boiled down to its base, we can see that it is borne of one of the oldest creeds of the “Brotherhood of Arms” – LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.  For us, “NO ONE” – includes family and friends.

Secondly, our collective attention to the issue of those left behind is important to help keep the people of our country and of our government aware that we have NOT FORGOTTEN.  In an age where it appears most our politicians are more interested in staying in power and opposing people they don’t like, our unbiased attention to the real issues facing our patriotic citizens is more important than ever.  I may not agree with how all our RFTW family members feel about political issues, but I will lock arms with all of them to keep the pressure on to bring home the TRUE Patriot who was lost or missing in the service of our great nation.

 Finally, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (dpaa.mil) is an office in the Pentagon that is funded by our tax dollars and their mission must be kept in the spotlight!  Whether you love them or hate them, the DPAA is a staffed and funded function of our military infrastructure and they are moving forward.  From the latest stats published by the DPAA, the numbers of missing are as follows…

________________Missing as of 25JAN2019______Accounted for in 2018_

World War 2:                                72,747                                              160

Korean War:                                   7,671                                                43

Vietnam War:                                1,590                                                11

Gulf War:                                             5                                                      0

I was encouraged to see that 88 of those recovered from WW2 are from Pearl Harbor – the USS Arizona Memorial Site there is as sacred to a Sailor as the Alamo is to any Texan.  It is also worth noting that of the more than 82,000 missing, 75% were lost in the Indo-Pacific region, and over 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea.  The bottom line is that we are not just shouting in the wilderness – there is an agency working for us to seek out and recover our missing.  We are the watchdogs.  We must help keep the focus where it belongs so that the spark of hope can become the warmth of closure for our honored POW/MIA Families.

 

This is why WE RIDE…

TOGETHER WE can make a difference…

TOGETHER WE RIDE!

 

Very best regards,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap

Southern Route Coordinator

Run For The Wall XXXI

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Central Route Coordinator News Feb 2019

Central Route    FEB

 

Only 100 days to go

 

 

 

The time will go very fast so this is the time to prepare yourself and the bike for the Run, tires etc.

 

Packing- often one of the mistakes new people to the Run (FNGs) make is packing too much. The old adage of putting out what you think you need and then taking half out is very true. You will pick up t-shirts along the way some are given to us others we will buy. I take along 3 or 4 rolls of quarters and some laundry pods. There are laundry facilities along the route. There are tips for riders on the Forum (rftw.us)detailed by veteran riders.

 

 

Don’t forget to pre-register; this will help those organizing the Run with knowing the number of meals and fueling spots to cater for. This will also save you $20.00 plus you don’t have to pay until you turn up at your starting point.

 

Note:  Even if you pre-register, you still must bring all your documents to the registration point, license (motorcycle endorsed) bike registration, up to date insurance. If you are bringing a minor you must have a notarize permission letter.

This has to be checked out before you are assigned a platoon.

 

Every year we have some folks who turn up who forgot their docs and that is a shame after planning for this great mission.

If you do not have the proper documentation; you cannot participate in RFTW.

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President’s Message – January 2019

As of this writing it is 120 days until we begin our 2019 Run For The Wall®. The Board of Directors and Route Coordinators have been diligently planning for this year’s mission and events that have been meaningful to not only our riders but to the patriot citizens across America. This process will be 99% complete by mid-March. The other 1% is everything else that occurs from March 15 – May 14.

Now, the question is: Are you, staff and riders, all ready for this journey? If you will be a New Participant,” have you read the information found under the RFTW website tab of the same title? If not, I urge you to read the “Ten Days in May” story from a former new participant, then review the FAQ section co-located with this article. Although the original “10 Days” story is based on a Central Route experience, much holds true for all three routes.

If you have questions after reading this information, seek out an experienced rider or call me.

Why we ride

This ten-day mission is an amazing journey that often is quoted as a “life saving mission for me and my family,” “the best 10 days I have experienced since leaving the service,” “I have watched RFTW pass by in their inspirational mile-long parade in years past here in Cookeville but this year I was in position to meet your riders. I served in Vietnam and when I met them, they hugged me and thanked me for my service. They treated me like a brother – it moved me to tears. Thank You.” These comments are just a snapshot of the hundreds of comments I receive from riders and citizens. You will hear these comments every day while on the Run and when it is over you will join this chorus of amazing quotes.

The photo above is of Midway photographer- Ken Munro, and Midway LEO Liaison- Steve Rank, with RFTW supporter Amanda and her girls in Cookeville, TN. Amanda is a Gold Star daughter and she tracked Ken down through RFTW’s website then later visited Ken’s Facebook page. She wrote a four-page letter prior to the 2018 Run, then a note after the Run. 🙂 (See accompanying letters below.) Just a small picture of how RFTW affects citizens across America.[su_divider]
[gview file=”https://rftw.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Presidents-message-January-2019-1st-letter_cropped_Rev1.pdf”]
[gview file=”https://rftw.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Presidents-message-January-2019-letter.pdf”]
[su_divider]
What we do

I am often asked by riders how much money does RFTW donate during each run since we are a 501c (3) corporation?  This is a fair question so the BOD treasurer, Ken “Catfish” Ward, has supplied the answers.

These figures reflect both RFTW and rider donations during the 2018 RFTW.

Total donations: $82,446.80.

These donations were to schools along all three routes, Hurricane Harvey Relief (Houston) and Benevolence Fund awards. Congratulations, RFTW riders, you have created hope for many veterans and American citizens of all ages.

Just a quick note before I conclude

I want to mention that our registration as of mid-January has exceeded the numbers recorded last year at this time. I want to thank Diann “Mojo” McKee, RFTW BOD risk manager, for compiling these stats that can be found in detail on our Facebook page. These numbers are a big safety factor for everyone’s planning process. With that said, please register online as soon as possible so our Route Coordinators can staff their routes appropriately. And join me in getting our rides and ourselves ready for the Run. Everyone is welcome.

Is it May yet?

Respectfully submitted,

Les “Easy” Williams, President
Run for The Wall® Board of Directors

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Midway Route Coordinator News – January 2019

Fellow Midway Participants;

I know you have heard this repeated over the last several days, But a very Happy New Year! We are at the four month mark before our departure. The time and year has truly flown by with a lot of work still to do. Thank you to all those who have stepped up to support leadership. Our State Coordinators are doing a terrific job in planning our arrival and the days events. We are very grateful to these individuals and what they have done and will do to make our mission a success.

I know many of you took the opportunity to make hotel reservations once the list came out on January 1st and found how fast the host hotel’s filled up. Please don’t be discouraged as other hotels are available in the areas. You can even book hotels that are even far less than what we have offered. We try an accommodate the best we can.

When you visit the RFTW.us website look for runs or meetings that support the missions. They are informative, you can meet individuals and can gain a perspective of what to expect and how to manage the ride. I recently attended a gathering where FNG’s announced their return and new riders were signing up. Great opportunity to meet and greet.

One last thing, have you looked at your motorcycle insurance coverage? Most riders and drivers only insure the minimum coverage. Majority of insurance companies do not cover medical. One thing I did was to update both my auto and motorcycle coverage to included “under insured” motorist. Do not confuse this with “uninsured” coverage as they are significantly different. Check with your insurance policy and or check with your agent on this addendum. I can tell you from experience it is very beneficial.

Thank you to all leadership and support personnel for the continued success of the Midway Route.

Gratefully,

Glenn “Wombat” Waggoner, Jr.
2019 Midway Route Coordinator

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Central Route Coordinator News – January 2019

Happy New Year

Hope you had a Merry Christmas

Only 133 days to go

The Hotel list is out, thanks to the hard efforts by the State Coordinators 

I understand we are all on a budget and have to watch our expenses on the Run but if possible support the Hotels on the RFTW list as the State Coordinators have made commitments with these hotels to block out a certain amount of rooms.

New Year resolutions: The Run is very fatiguing and the enemy of safety is fatigue, so if you add getting fit for the Run to your New Year commitment that would benefit you and your platoon mates, just doing a 30 minute walk a day would help.

Don’t to forget to pre-register, this will help those organizing the Run with knowing the number of meals and fueling spots to cater for. This will also save you $20.00 plus you don’t have to pay until you turn up at your starting point.

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Midway Route Coordinator News – December 2018

December has arrived and we count down the days to the New Year. I for one wonder were has the time gone. With that in mind have you made your New Year resolution? Health, happiness and an attitude of being grateful in all things.
December has some remembrance to reflect upon;
December 7th was Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Casualties from the surprise attack by the Japanese were estimated at 2,335 with over 1,700 coming from the USS Arizona alone.
The 382nd Birthday of the United States National Guard originated in 1636. Over the years, centuries, the National Guard has played a vital role in our military heritage and traditions.
The Midway Route Cards are being finalized with State Coordinators then will go to print for the route itinerary and leadership use.
Numerous positions remain to be filled in the Platoons, Fuel and Staging Crews. If you are interested in being of service, send your brief RFTW history to demonstrate your experience. We will take your request under consideration.
In closing, please read the President’s November message posted to the website. We are grateful for his leadership and insight to sustaining RFTW. Remember,  it’s “Our Duty to Remember.”
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Glenn “Wombat” Waggoner Jr.
2019 Midway Route Coordinator