Southern Route April 2025 Newsletter

Spring is here. As I write this newsletter, there are only 42 days until KSU. If you live in the Southwest, this means warmer riding days; we’ve been riding all winter. For the rest, depending on where you live, it’s time to start dusting off those riding skills. Everyone needs to ensure that their motorcycle is ready for a 6,000+ mile trip. Perform a complete safety check: look for cracks on hangers and the frame, check for loose nuts and bolts, make sure your tires are good for another 6,000+ miles, and change the oil and filter for the engine. Don’t forget about the transmission and drivetrain fluids.

Why do we ride? RFTW Mission Statement is:

“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 all over the world”.

On Sunday March 23 I along with David “Buzz” Mullen, Joseph “Gump” Hudson and Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer attended the 22nd Annual Piestewa Sunrise Service at Piestewa Peak Park in  Phoenix Arizona. This event is to Honor Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa  the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military, and the first female soldier to be killed in the 2003 Iraq War. (Lori is the featured image at top of post) This event also honors other Native Americans Killed in Action.

This is why I RIDE.

The preparation for 2025 RUN continues; I am looking for someone to fill the Honor Guard Coordinator position, if interested, you can contact me directly; my contact information can be found on the contact tab on the Southern Route Hub,  there are also a few places open on the fuel and staging teams.  We are also still looking for help with fundraising and 50/50 ticket sales if you’re not a FNG (Fine New Guy or Gal) and would like to volunteer you can do so HERE.

Registration

If you still haven’t registered, please do so now, you can Register Here.  Registration fees go up again 1 May but more than that, it helps us plan for the number of people that will be coming. Remember, when you check in, wherever that is, bring your Driver’s License (with motorcycle endorsement, if your state requires it) and a valid  Registration and Insurance card; you can not complete registration without them. Registration and check-in will begin Monday at the Elks Lodge, 1150 W 4th Street, Ontario, Ca 91762. The Elks Lodge will also have Breakfast, Lunch and dinner for purchase, so please take advantage of these meals and support the Elks Lodge who are supporting us.

Arlington

The Ride into Arlington National Cemetery has been limited to 75 Motorcycles  for all 4 Routes. The Southern Route will have 21 FNG motorcycle spots and those selected will be required to ride 2 up, that’s 21 Riders and 21 passengers, if you are selected and do not want to ride with a passenger you will be dropped. We are still working on how the selections will be made. I know everyone is excited about this opportunity but please be patient until we announce the details.

Remember, you can use the Pre-Paid Fuel option and/or the Luggage Fundraiser  now by using the Zelle app and sending $150.00 for fuel and $50.00 for luggage to Southern.Route@rftw.us. Be sure to add “ SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2025 ” and/or “ Luggage Fundraiser ” in the memo line. Alternatively, you can send a check to Run For The Wall Inc. at RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403. Please remember to note “ SR Pre-Paid Fuel 2025 “ and/or “ Luggage Fundraiser “ on the check memo line. You can also pay for pre-paid fuel at registration in Ontario with cash or check.  If paying for both, please note both items.

As a reminder all riders are still required to arrive at staging with a full fuel tank, Platoon Leaders will be making morning spot checks, Don’t be that guy or gal.

“SAY THEIR NAMES, TELL THEIR STORIES, NEVER FORGET”

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE

Lennie “Big Red” Hodson

Southern Route Coordinator 2025