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Southern Route 2027 Intro – Route Coordinator

RFTW Southern Route

Run For The Wall XXXVII – Southern Route

Route Coordinator – Kevin “Short” Short

Greetings, RFTW Family, from sunny and very warm Southern California!

It is both an honor and a privilege to have been nominated and approved as the Southern Route Coordinator for Run For The Wall XXXVII (2027). Having recently completed my service as the Assistant Route Coordinator for the Southern Route in 2026, I am truly humbled by the confidence placed in me to serve in this role.

As a proud patriot, I cannot adequately express the gratitude and respect I hold for those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Military service has been a significant part of my family’s history, including my grandfather, father, uncle, son, and nephew. Because of their service and sacrifice, our family understands the meaning behind the words:

“All gave some, some gave all.” 

“Freedom Isn’t Free” 

Run for the Wall Mission Statement

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.                         “Welcome Home”  

 

My wife, Sharon, and I are deeply committed to supporting veterans, their families, and their friends. Sharon volunteers throughout the week at our local VA facility, and we both understand the importance of the Run For The Wall mission.

Over the years, we have witnessed the healing, camaraderie, and life-changing experiences this mission provides. We have embraced the mission and the incredible family that is Run For The Wall. Make no mistake—RFTW is a family, and we never take that responsibility lightly. As we continue to grow each year, it is our duty to preserve the values, traditions, and purpose that make this mission so special.

My RFTW Journey

FNG Year

    •      Southern Route – 2019

Route Participation

      •      Southern Route All The Way – 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
      •      Sandbox Route All The Way – 2023
      •      Wall-to-Wall Flag Escort Participant – 2020
      •      Patti’s Posse All The Way – 2021

Volunteer Leadership Roles

      •      1st Platoon Tailgunner – 2022, 2023
      •      Assistant Platoon Leader, Support Platoon (Sandbox Route) – 2023
      •      Leadership Support, Sandbox Route – 2023
      •      Friends of Bill Coordinator – 2023, 2025
      •      Platoon Coordinator, Southern Route – 2024, 2025
      •      Assistant Route Coordinator, Southern Route – 2026

Assistant Route Coordinator and Road Guard Captain

I am proud to announce that the Run For The Wall Executive Board has approved my nominations for the 2027 Assistant Route Coordinator and Road Guard Captain positions.

Please join me in congratulating:

      •      Dave “Double D” Davis – Assistant Route Coordinator
      •      Christopher “Unplugged” Johnson – Road Guard Captain

Both individuals are exceptionally qualified for their respective positions. I have complete confidence that they will continue to uphold the RFTW mission with the professionalism, dedication, attention to detail, and respect these leadership roles require.

Thank you, Dave and Chris, for your willingness to serve and for accepting these important positions.

Run for the Wall Philosophy

We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.

After Action Reports (AARs)

Each year, we review After Action Reports (AARs) to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance both the Route and the overall mission experience.

If you participated in Run For The Wall 2026 on any route, we encourage you to complete an AAR and share your experience. Whether you were a First-Time Rider (FNG) or a returning participant, your feedback matters. The Board of Directors and Route Coordinators carefully review every submission and use that input to strengthen the mission for future years.

Volunteers Needed

The continued success of Run For The Wall depends on dedicated volunteers.

Please consider serving in a leadership or volunteer position by completing a Volunteer Form. Even if you volunteered in previous years, we ask that you submit a new form as early as possible to indicate your interest in serving again.

We have opportunities in many areas, so please identify all positions that may interest you. Your willingness to serve helps ensure the success of our mission.

2026 FNGs (Friendly New Guys and Gals)

If 2026 was your first Run For The Wall experience, we would love to hear your story.

Please consider sharing, in your own words, what the mission meant to you and how the experience impacted your life. Your story can inspire future riders and help others understand the healing power of this mission.

What did you experience? What did you learn? How did RFTW affect you?

We encourage you to share your story. Please share your story here.

ALL RFTW RIDERS REUNION – Kerrville, TX
If you are so inclined, the ALL RFTW RIDERS REUNION (not an officially sanctioned event by RFTW) will be taking place in Kerrville, TX  2026. For additional information please see the TX Riders Reunion Facebook page or contact Phillip “Juice” Tutton at texasriderreunion@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 903-556-1717.

Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories, Never forget! Live a Life worthy of their Sacrifice!

RFTW Southern Route Coordinator 2026

Kevin “Short” Short