Here it is August already, and with the face-to-face board meeting behind us, I am happy to say that the preparations for Southern Route 2025 are progressing well. I want to introduce myself as the Southern Route Coordinator. My name is Ken “Radar” Ley, and my assistant route coordinator is Lennie “Big Red” Hodson. We have been sifting through the volunteer request forms and after-action reports, getting them into the hands of individual team leads who can best use them. If you would like to volunteer to assist the route but have not submitted a volunteer form yet, please do so. I recognize that sometimes, on the run, we say to the leadership team that we will be returning, team leads change, and personal texts and emails get lost or deleted, so please go to RFTW.US and click the volunteer link, fill out the request, and send it in. Like the After-action-Reports, we read them all.
My journey with Southern Route began in 2000, my FNG year. That year, I rode from New Mexico to D.C. In 2001 and 2002, I could only manage a leg as a day rider due to family commitments. In 2015, I rode from Wentzville MO to Rainelle WV. In 2016, I was planning my first all-the-way year when I was offered a new position on SR in leadership support. Since then, I have ridden on SR every year. This personal journey is a testament to the transformative power of our community and the opportunities it offers.
I want to remind everyone that the Angel Fire brick laying is quickly approaching and will be held from August 30th through September 1st in New Mexico. If you like it a bit warmer, the Kerrville TX rides reunion is September 27-29 this year. There is a TX RIDERS REUNION FB page for hotel and other registration needs.
There are many exciting developments for this year’s ride, and in the coming days, the President of the Board will make some important announcements. I am eagerly looking forward to discussing these in our next newsletter. For now, I encourage you to continue enjoying your summer and riding safely, and I hope to see you in Kerrville this year.
“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.” This is why we ride. Together let’s make 2025 a year to remember and give our Vietnam Veterans the WELCOME HOME they so deserved 50 years ago.
Say their names. Tell their stories. Never forget.
Ken “Radar” Ley
