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RFTW SR RC Newsletter – DECEMBER 2018

Greetings from Fort Worth, TEXAS!

“Enjoy your retirement” they said. “You’ll have more time at home” they said. “You won’t have to go to sea again” they said. Things often don’t go as expected – since retiring in July, I’ve spent 5 weeks at home and 4 weeks at sea! But the truth is, I have very much enjoyed my partial retirement – I’ve even grown a beard!

IS IT MAY YET?!?

As of this 01 DEC 2018, there are only 164 days until Kick Stands up on Wednesday, 15 MAY 2019! For those of you keeping score, that means we’re more than half way around the sun with only 5½ months to go. It’s never too early for the long-range planning of health, fitness, equipment, route and lodging. Speaking of lodging, I’m fielding a lot of e-mails asking about publication of the Hotel List…

Hotel List for the Run

For those who don’t know or may have filed the info away somewhere, the Hotel List for all routes is expected to publish on 01 JAN 2019. Your State coordinators are finishing up the final negotiations for a good group rate at several hotels local to each of our overnight stops. The Hotel Lists will be published on each Route’s respective Hub on the rftw.us web site. Your clue to its publication will be when the title changes from “Southern Route 2018 Hotels” to “Southern Route 2019 Hotels”.

RFTW President’s Message

If you haven’t done so, please take the time to read the RFTW President’s Message for NOV/DEC 2018 under the “Scuttlebutt” tab on the rftw.us main page. It’s terrible to think that one person’s reach for dollars nearly forced our setting aside this great Mission and relegating the Veterans and Patriots we support back to the dark days of silence and neglect. Like Easy said in his message, “…veterans suing veterans has consequences…” I can think of several combat analogies to that act, but none are pleasant and may even cause distress in the reading – I’ll not add to the pain. But the good news is we’re still on track despite this individual’s efforts and RFTW XXXI is getting ready to roll!

Bucket List

There’s always talk about the Run being more than a ride, and all of us who’ve lived it understand that. If your friend tells you it’s on their “Bucket List” when you talk about RFTW, just grin and tell them, “It’s time to fill the Bucket!” You and I both know this Mission quickly overflows that bucket and just like the old potato chip commercial said, “It’s hard to eat just one!” Besides, how many of you before RFTW knew that there was more out there and felt the need to re-connect with your family of service – whether military or civilian. You may have joined in that one leg of the Run and then decided to stay for another – and another while feeling there was something there that you couldn’t quite categorize. Then the next year you joined from your hometown to ride into DC and really grasped the magic. Then the next year – ALL THE WAY! The bottom line is that we all have a story of what led us to the Run, and it doesn’t matter if it was a Bucket List or a dire need to connect with your veteran family. I’ll be glad you’re here and I’ll be proud to ride with you for 1 leg, 1 day or ALL THE WAY! You’re all part of the story, part of the Mission and part of the Family!

The Mission

While we’re thinking of the mission and being on track, it’s a good time to remember what that mission is…

The mission statement of Run For The Wall reads:

  •        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

While we strongly emphasize the Mission when we’re on the Run, we all know in our hearts that the Mission is alive every day. When I read of Wizard’s weekly visitations with our honored veterans or Wonder Woman’s trips to DC to keep the MIA search in the focus of our government or see the way we as a nation pause to honor the passing of truly revered war Veteran and President – I know that spark is alive in more people than we realize. Our job, as we CONTINUE THE MISSION, is to keep feeding that spark and fan it to flame whenever and wherever we can.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’d like to wish a very joyous Christmas season to all my RFTW Family. As we reflect on the blessings of life and liberty that we all enjoy in the greatest nation on earth, we also remember those standing watch to ensure we may continue to do so. May God continue blessing each of us in the new year and guard us to safe pathways along the roads we ride.

TOGETHER WE RIDE!

Very best regards,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap

Southern Route Coordinator

Run For The Wall XXXI

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President’s Message – November – December 2018

The Board of Directors and I want to wish you all a joy-filled Thanksgiving—along with your families and friends. I can tell you the board is especially thankful this year as we approach the holiday.

We are thankful that RFTW can continue for another year.

A 2018 surprise occurred in October when we learned we lost our American Motorcycle Association (AMA) affiliation, support, and liability insurance. The cited reasons were the extended nature of the event and loss experiences. (That’s a politically correct term for too many lawsuits.) The “loss experiences” included a 2012 accident where RFTW had no culpability other than we had the deeper pockets, and following the summer of the 2018 RFTW, we were informed of another pending suit in which RFTW, once again, had no responsibility. The 2018 incident appears to be the straw that broke the camel’s back of the insurance company, resulting in RFTW becoming uninsurable.

So, with that said, I would like to say that veterans suing veterans has consequences,  especially when these veterans all signed a lawful contract with RFTW to be responsible for their own actions (release of liability form). Once insurance companies make settlements to prevent the high cost of a court case, the integrity of the corporation is diminished to a point where RFTW is uninsurable. Folks, that is where we have been for nearly two months, putting the 2019 RFTW in great jeopardy.

During the two months of being uninsured, the board looked into options for the 2019 RFTW that would keep the corporation and the routes operating. The search for insurance continued during this time along with brainstorming new options. The options brought forward were flawed—we were having trouble visualizing how to keep the entire mission intact. Our despair over this issue was suddenly ended when an insurance company stepped-up and agreed to insure RFTW for 2019.

We are very pleased with this outcome, but we move forward with a great deal of trepidation knowing that one more lawsuit will, in all likelihood, end Run For The Wall, Inc. The number of insurance companies willing to take on the extended nature of the RFTW motorcycle mission are extremely limited.

The entire Board of Directors worked hard and professionally to keep RFTW alive in order to support all veterans, POW/MIA and active duty military. Most notably BoD risk manager Diann McKee and John McKee worked tirelessly to gain RFTW the current policy.

In the coming months there will be changes that will make our 30-year success story even more successful and safer. We will be seeking from all our riders your voluntary compliance with this focus on safety and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures. With that said, I want to say thank you to the 99.99999% of veterans and supporters who have honored their release of liability contract with RFTW. Your character and integrity are duly noted.

And now my Christmas message –

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all RFTW riders present, past and future. We all have many blessings this holiday season—like a free country with a strong Constitution that keeps the rule of law safe. Many fought and died for these gifts and have made it a season of happiness, remembrance and freedom to worship in the church we choose. Many military deployments have shown our veterans that our story is not universal, hence our love of freedom runs high. This year my hope is you are able to spend time with your family and friends, that is what Christmas is all about.

While you are celebrating these gifts, please take time to remember our Missing in Action, Killed in Action, Gold Star Families, and our brothers and sisters in the desert who are and will be in harm’s way this Christmas season.

And, while you are shopping remember that you can select Run for The Wall, as your charity on Amazon Smile. It is easy to set up the account and Amazon returns a percentage of their profit to RFTW. According to BoD treasurer Ken Ward, this simple way to donate has been a big help for our mission. Just go to smile.amazon.com. Of course, you can always donate through the RFTW website at rftw.us or Ken will take a check (he dislikes credit card fees). RFTW is a 501(c)3 tax deductible organization.

Please remember to register for the 2019 RFTW online. Your Route Coordinators are working hard to make 2109 a memorable mission so help them out with early registration. It assists them in planning for platoon staff and other logistical issues. Just a quick reminder: You can register online and you don’t have to pay until you pick up your package on the Run. If you choose to pay at that time, this also helps our treasurer and the registration fee is only $30. If you are a “walk in” at any stopover, it will cost you $50 to register. If you are uncomfortable using a computer find a friend who will help you out.

Our BoD merchandise director, Ray Brammer, wants you all to know he has some very good deals on his online store for Christmas gifts of all kinds. He has ordered some kid’s shirts with RFTW on them by popular demand so check them out. Most of us won’t fit into a size 4 so buy them for your kids or grandkids. The price is right and he has a good stock but not a ton so get them while they last.

Remember, too, our Benevolence Fund application due date is Dec. 31 so if you are thinking about submitting an application (from the website) you may want to get that started.

Now, a final comment to remind anyone who wants to have a special meeting or presentation while in Ontario. We must have the information and approval completed no later than April 1,2019 (no kidding). If your event will be complex, please send that request to me at les.williams@rftw.us no later than Jan. 31,2019. Please keep in mind we have very limited time and space at the host hotel. If you request an event that will take one hour, that is what you may be booked for and no more.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah. Have a blessed holiday season, everyone!

Respectfully,

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

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Midway Route Coordinator News – November 2018

To Fellow Riders and Participants;

We near one of the largest holiday’s of the season, Thanksgiving. First proclaimed a national holiday in 1789, but celebrated for over 350 years as a day to give thanks for our blessings. With Thanksgiving Day upon us, let us reminisce to both joys and sorrow of those who have come and gone in order that we can celebrate this national holiday.

Be grateful and content in everything you do…God Bless.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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

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Central Route Coordinator Nov 2018

Don’t forget to take a minute silence on the 11th November at 11 am, this was when  World War 1 ended in 1918, its the 100th anniversary.

Approx 116,000 US servicemen died and 60,000 Australians among all the other countries servicemen  that lost their lives.

I would recommend that all FNGs for 2019 to read the 10 days in May article under the new participant heading.

Also don’t forget to register online, it will help with organizing the Run plus save you $20.00. Remember online registration is $30.00

Walk Ins $50.00. You need not pay until get to Ontario.

 

 

 

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RFTW XXXI – SR Assistant Route Coordinator Intro & Newsletter

This months opening Newsletter is from our RFTW XXXI ARC, Bob “Captain America” Nelson.  V/r, Bugs


October 2018 Newsletter – ARC Edition

Greetings from the high desert of Northern Nevada. First, I would like to thank Bugs and the BOD for allowing me this honor to serve as the Southern Route Assistant Route Coordinator for RFTW XXXI 2019.

Secondly, I would like to introduce myself to those who do not know me. I was an FNG, just as we all were once, in 2004. I am a veteran of 10 Runs For The Wall, US Navy (Vietnam ’72 – ‘73), US Army (Afghanistan ’03) Retired in 2010.

I believe that RFTW was founded by Vietnam Veterans who likely never envisioned these situations we face today as a Nation.   We will need to continue to adapt and evolve to live up to our stated Mission. That means we will need to strive to understand the issues and challenges that face our recent era of Veterans and Welcome Them Home. That does not mean that we abandon our heritage but build upon it to include ALL who need our support.

Lastly, I would like to clarify a subject the is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, that is Saluting by United States Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans while not in uniform.

Although it is not widely known, a provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changed federal law to all US Veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the National Anthem is played and during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.   As for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, follow the guidance of subparagraph ( C ) below.

Here is the actual text from the law:

SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.

Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;  (B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and  (C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it  at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase “men not in uniform” refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers – non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

Respectfully,

Bob “Captain America” Nelson

Assistant Route Coordinator RFTW SR 2019

bob.nelson@rftw.us

 

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Southern Route Contact List Update

Southern Route Riders,

The Southern Route Contacts list has been updated for the current list of Platoon Leadership assignments, Road Guards, Ambassadors, Staging, and State Coordinators as well as many other important jobs.  The Fuel Team and Chaplain assignments will be posted as soon as they are available, but the contact info for those team’s leaders are listed if you need to reach them.  If you’re interested in volunteering for one of the teams, please contact the Team Leader for more information.  You may also contact me or the ARC, Bob Nelson for more info or to volunteer for some of the direct support positions.

Very best regards,

Billie “Bugs” Dunlap
Southern Route Coordinator
Run For The Wall XXXI

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President’s Message – October 2018

The Board of Directors meeting in September can be summarized as routine business with nothing sensational occurring! September always seems to be a month when our route coordinators are busy filling positions and working on ideas of how to buy more time during fuel stops for riders to use bathrooms and hydrate. They are making every effort to provide that time so please remember that our route schedules are planned so we arrive and depart on time to meet obligations to citizens who are supporting us. Once again please keep up by reading your RC’s monthly messages on the www.rftw.us website.

Online registration has recorded 156 riders since its August opening. I am, again, asking that if you are planning to go on the 2019 RFTW, please register as early as possible. Last month I mentioned that you can register online then pay when you pick up your packet wherever you join us. As a reminder: Remember to bring your CURRENT driver’s license, registration AND insurance cards with you when you pick up your packet. It is mandatory to show those items to the registration volunteers when you pick up your packets—no exceptions.

For those of you who are thinking about joining our mission in 2019 and those who have not been on the website for a while, I encourage you to check out the new tab titled “New Participants.” Inside is the diary of a new participant titled, “Ten Days in May.” It is an excellent article for any new participants seeking to learn more about Run For The Wall. The tab also has a new FAQ that answers a full array of questions. Just go to: https://rftw.us/10-days-in-may

Also, as promised, from the RFTW Sustainability Committee, there is a NEW Poster and Talking Points document on the website.  Please use these resources to promote Run for The Wall. Our riders are our best recruiters and advocates. Go to: Resources for Promoting RFTW, under the Scuttlebutt tab.

During September many riders attended the Kerrville, Tex., All Routes Reunion. Many board members have told me they had a lot of fun and enjoyed the weekend. Thanks to everyone who planned this event which annually ends the reunion season.

That same weekend RFTW also was invited to the annual celebration of the signing of the US Constitution in Grand Lake, Colo.

This celebration is a week-long event that features noted constitutional scholars every night in one of Grand Lakes many restaurants.

Left, Grand Lake and Granby Fire Departments hoist a Garrison flag over Main St. at the end of the parade route.

At week’s end there is a parade, concert series, and more celebration of this historic document. New to GLUSCW this year was a barbecue cookoff—great eats! The event board president Tom Goodfellow said they hope to make that bigger and better next year.

We got an opportunity to talk about RFTW to many citizens in attendance who were interested in our mission. The Combat Heroes Bike Build also was there, represented by Ray “Cornman” Cornmesser and friend, Michele (see photo at right).

Since we swore to “support and defend” the US Constitution when we joined the military and during promotion ceremonies, I highly recommend this Constitution week celebration.

Is it May yet?

Respectfully submitted,
Les “Easy” Williams
RFTW BOD President

 

 

At left, view from parade start. Lots of barbecue vendor booths on both sides of Main St.!

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Midway Route Coordinator News – October 2018

Fellow Midway Riders;

Leadership has been working very hard to get things in order. The new route cards were developed with more accuracy, stop and departure times. The State Coordinators are currently reviewing these changes and making adjustments to the timeline. Some of the states we visit will have different venues, but most are the same.

All hotels are in order and the hotel list will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. It should go online by early January 2019.

A reminder that the RFTW logo is a copyright and use of the logo must be approved by the Board of Directors. Submit your use ideas to the the Board of Directors, or, Route Coordinator for approval.

2019 RFTW pins will be ready soon and available on-line at the web-store.

The website has posted “10 days in May” that is added to the New Participant (FNG page). This gives a day-to-day diary of an FNG’s experience while being on the run. It should serve as a way to invite and share the experience of being on the RFTW for new riders.

Some safety issues are being looked at for the run. The use of fire extinguishers for advance teams. Oversized trailers being towed by motorcycles. This can cause a visibility and safety issues for other riders. There will be more on these two subjects as progress is made and policy is established.

All leadership for the Midway Route is working diligently to ensure our mission is a memorable experience.

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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Central Route Coordinator News – October 2018

I attended the all routes reunion in Kerrville TX, this was organized by the Southern Route and what a great event this was, I would encourage all route members to attend this event. The venue was great and the rides well organized.

The State Coordinators are working with the hotels on the route to make sure there is rooms and rates ready for publishing in January.

Registration: Please pre-register online, this will help the leadership prepare for the route, also it will save manpower in having to enter data into the system by hand afterwards. The cost of pre-registration is only $30.00 and you don’t have to pay until you arrive at point of destination. If you decide to walk in and register the cost is $50.00.

Whether you pre-register or walk in you still need to present your Docs to the registration team.

 

Lest we forget,

Eamon “Boomer” Tansey
2019 Central Route Coordinator