Welcome to the Southern Route 2017 Sit-Rep. Today starts us off with the first post of the run as -1, tomorrow will be 0 and then Wednesday will be our first post of the run. Woohoo, RFTW2017 is finally here!
I’d like to begin this first post by introducing myself. My road name is “Eyes”, AKA Kristine Wood. This will be my 4th year going all the way. In previous years I have been a tail gunner and have helped with 50/50. I also wrote a book on the run, hoping to bring the Run for the Wall message to ALL Veterans. This is my first year as sit-rep writer, bear with me as I learn the ropes. This year, I am also the Assistant Platoon Leader for the 2nd Platoon. During the run the sit-reps might be brief, somedays I just might not be able to write a lengthy report. I will do my best to keep you informed and up to date. I want you to experience the run at it’s fullest! Sit back, turn on a fan, now point it at your face, pretend you’re receiving much needed wind therapy as you read. ????????????????
Today was filled with meetings. From the Board of Directors to the merchandise personnel, platoon leadership and road guards. Southern Route held their ALL platoon leadership meeting. Everyone wearing a colored hat or sleeves was in attendance. The meeting was lead by Route Coordinator, Ghost Rider, Raymond Wyatt. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes. Ghost Rider shared with us the mission statement he chose, which is, Mission > Self. Mission Greater than Self. Everyone in leadership should not be in this for themselves. It is for the 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 memories of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars
To support our military personnel all over the world
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the information Ghost Rider shared with the Southern Route leadership:
1. As of today, there are 1,611 POW/MIAs still missing from Vietnam. When you are riding and feel like you are in a blast furnace, think of the 1,611 and what they would give to throw their leg across a motorcycle and ride across the desert.
2. Be courteous and respectful to all riders, especially make our FNG’s feel welcome. There are 517 riders currently pre-registered on the Southern Route, 40% are FNGs or approximately 220. Take good care of them, talk to them, include them and WELCOME them.
3. Always wear a helmet, even if riding across the parking lot.
4. Don’t park in the Fire lane.
5. This year we will once again have the honor of escorting an Alaska Airlines Hero Cart to Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
6. PROMOTE THE CAUSE – Run for the Wall should not be a footnote in your life. Support the mission all year! Don’t just make it about 2 – 3 weeks a year. Attend a Veteran’s funeral, visit a Veteran…
7. FINALLY, THE EMERGENCY AND CHASE PHONE NUMBER LISTED IN THE 2017 ITINERARY IS WRONG. PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECT PHONE NUMBER: 706-498-3341
Positive comments would be appreciated. What are you interested in hearing about? Is anyone out there in cyberland reading this?
Thank you, good night and God Bless, until tomorrow.
Kristine “EYES” Wood Kristine.Wood@rftw.us
great job Kristine.
Thank you Tom! Nice to know someone is reading it.