4/1/2017
As I write this update, we are 46 days and a wake up from kick stands up for Run For The Wall XXIX in Ontario, CA. It seems like we were just there a few months ago. I don’t think the earth has sped up but the last 11 months seem to have flown by. Maybe the reason is the leadership teams have been busy preparing for this year’s Run literally since before we left DC last May.
This year we start in Ontario on May 17th and arrive in Washington DC on May 26th. Many of the leadership will begin arriving in Ontario on Saturday the 13th or Sunday the 14th and a few on the morning of the 15th. After the initial hugs and welcomes we will start the famous, or imfamous, face to face meetings where we put the final touches on things. Right now we are dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s in hopes of not missing anything. Southern route meetings will start Monday morning and continue until Tuesday mid-afternoon. When you arrive in Ontario, PLEASE check the lobby of the Radisson hotel (host) for an updated schedule of the meetings for all three routes. Things do change during the last 6.5 weeks. Remember, ALL THREE ROUTES will be having the same types of meetings utilizing the same rooms. Make sure you are reading the correct schedule for your route and note the times.
We still have a few spots that need to be filled on some teams. If you are interested and have gone all the way at least twice, have taken an experienced rider level safety course within the last three years and have your completion card, have a reliable bike with a mounted CB radio (not handheld unit)and preferably a quality GPS unit, all coupled with excellent riding skills, we may have a spot for you on the Road Guard team. Maybe road guarding is not your thing but you would still like to serve, you might find a spot on the staging or fueling teams. These positions require that you be going all the way from Ontario to Washington DC and that you are not an FNG. If you are still interested please email me your contact information at Raymond.Wyatt@rftw.us or call me at (817)235-7408. Please keep in mind I am in the Central time zone. We want our FNGs to enjoy you first year and take in every aspect of the ride. Next year we can put you to work.
All FNGs joining in Ontario will have a mandatory orientation on Tuesday afternoon, May 16th. Please plan accordingly and arrive early enough to attend. FNGs joining at other stops will have a briefing on the morning of your joining before the all riders meeting. You only have to attend once.
Morning registration can get crowed and rushed. If possible, please arrive the evening before and register, read your packet and get a good night’s sleep. That way you know where to be and when. The daily all riders meeting is mandatory for everyone each day.
We will have some donated meals and donated fuel stops this year. How many and where will they be? That is still being worked. My personal advice is to plan on paying for all fuel and meals and you will have money left over. Our donors have seen the same economic situations that most of us have experienced over the past few years. This has caused some to tighten their giving while some others have been able to give more. I have asked for the Donation Jars to be placed at all meal sites this year. This is a way for us, as riders, to provide seed money for the fundraising for next year’s meals. These donations are voluntary but if you can give, please do. I use a simple rule to determine how much. What would it have cost me to purchase that same meal on my own?
Remember to be grateful for anything you receive and by all means, PLEASE SAY “THANK YOU”.
We also have a couple of simple rules on Southern Route regarding meals, programs and meetings: 1. If you eat their food, you stay for their program, 2. While staying for their program you pay attention to the program and do not talk, 3. Phones on mute during ALL programs and meetings, 4. No smoking or vaping during any meals, programs or meetings whether indoors or outdoors.
Ride Safe. I’ll see you in May.
Mission > Self,
Raymond Wyatt (Ghost Rider)
Southern Route Coordinator 2017
1/8/2017
Happy New Year and welcome to 2017. Yes, I have already messed up and put 2016 on a check so I guess that proves I am human. I’ll probably do it a couple more times. With auto bill pay and online bill pay I can say I don’t make that mistake as many times as I did in decades past. Technology has benefits.
Our hotel list has been out for a week now and many of you have already made your reservations. I would strongly suggest the rest of you get to doing it soon. Many of the hotels are filling up and some are full already.
This brings up a subject that I posted about on the forum back on November 15th. The actions of some riders has been brought to the attention of the Board of Directors. The President of our Board of Directors has posted about this in his Presidents message. It seems that we have riders that have been getting rude with the reservation or desk clerks when making reservation. Some have been told that the block of rooms at a hotel is sold out. The appropriate thing to do would be to ask if you could book a room outside of the block or to thank the clerk for their time and move on the next hotel. At no time is it appropriate or acceptable to get rude and start demanding that you be given a room at a discounted rate. Most of us are veterans and we served our country faithfully. We are not however entitled to whatever we want. All of our hotels are in business to make a profit. They agree to grant a specific number of rooms with a discount to us as their form of support for our mission. These hotels usually block between 20 – 40 rooms depending on the location and hotel. A few will block more and some less at certain locations. When those rooms are gone the price usually goes back to the normal rate. The desk clerk is not the one controlling the number of rooms or the rate. If you qualify for AAA, AARP, Retired Military or Government employee discounts and some frequent guest programs, you can find comparable rates at the same hotels or nearby.
ALL of us are Ambassadors for Run For The Wall in every action we take related to RFTW. If you are rude while making your reservations, checking in or out of the hotel or at restaurant or gas station it reflects poorly on all of us. You may not be wearing that red white and blue hat or the ambassador sleeves but it is your responsibility to represent RFTW appropriately. That includes before and after the run.
I know I gained a couple of pounds over the holidays and I would guess some of you are right there with me. Now would be a good time to start walking either at the park, at a gym or even on a treadmill at home. As my friend Winky said, the better shape you are in the more you will enjoy the run. If you have any doubts about your physical condition, check with your doctor. This is a long hard 10 days. It is nothing like a group ride to get a burger or a poker run for one afternoon.
We are working on the itineraries and those will be posted closer to late March or April. For the Southern Route there will be some changes but the basic route and cities for overnight stops remains the same.
Take this time to start getting your body and your bike in shape. Some of us start leaving for California in just 4 months. For me it is 4 months and 2 days. The last 8 months have flown by and now we really start getting busy.
Mission > Self,
Ghost Rider
2017 Southern Route Coordinator
12/16/2016
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Can you believe 2016 is almost over? In just a few days we all will start making that mistake that we all make every January of writing the wrong year every time we date something for a couple of weeks.
Here are a few things to bring you up to date on what is going on.
Online registration has been open for a while. We have over 100 people already registered for Southern route with Central route close behind in the 90s. Midway is the youngest and smallest route but they are coming along in the upper 60s as they build their traditions and establish their rider route loyalty.
We will be assigning platoons for the first time on Southern Route this year. Why? The answer is twofold but really quite simple. We are balancing the number of riders in each platoon as well as spreading the FNGs (new to RFTW riders) among platoons 3 – 10. These assignments will be made at the time you finalize your registration at your respective starting point. Once you have your license, vehicle registration and insurance paperwork checked and you sign the appropriate paperwork you will step to the platoon assignment station. You will be assigned a platoon based on riding formation and type of bike or trike. If you have a request for a specific platoon THAT is the time to ask. The online registration is about getting you into the RFTW database only. Platoon assignments will be made onsite at the time of picking up your packets not during online registration. We will consider individual requests but the priority will be the safety, balancing and functionality of the mission. I would ask all returning riders that may still have their 2016 or older platoon stickers on their bike to please remove them before registering. The 2017 stickers will be identifiable as current year and will be checked daily by the platoon leadership.
Platoons 1 & 2 will still be our side by side platoons and will be restricted to returning RFTW riders (No 2017 FNGs). Platoons 3 – 6 will be riding in staggered formation. Platoon 7 will be two wheel bikes with trailers. Platoon 8 will be traditional trikes with trailers. Platoon 9 will be traditional trikes without trailers. We are adding Platoon 10 this year which will be all Can-Am or similar style trikes both with and without trailers. SLING SHOTS or other SIDE BY SIDE SEATING vehicles are considered an automobile for RFTW purposes regardless of individual state classification and will not ride inside the procession. Those vehicles along with all four wheelers and larger vehicles must ride ahead of or behind the formation by at least two miles. I very strongly suggest being well in front of us. Having been an RFTW road guard for five years, I can tell you the traffic can be a nightmare behind us. There will be OFFICIAL RFTW SUPPORT VEHICLES ONLY inside the formation with the bikes and trikes.
Now that you know where the various vehicles ride in the platoons we have another change for you. In 2016 the Southern route experimented with rotating platoons 7 – 9 to the front for one leg and back to the rear. We got good feedback on it. In 2017 we will rotate ALL platoons thru ALL positions over the course of 10 days. Each platoon will get a chance to ride as the lead platoon. Each platoon will also get a chance to ride at the back and every position in between. As you can see, there will not be any strategic advantage to being in a particular platoon. Everyone gets a chance to be first in the fuel line and to the restrooms and everyone gets to share in the misery of being last in the lines for fuel and to the restrooms. For those that say this can’t work, Central route has been doing it for quite a few years successfully. We started with their plan and adapted it to Southern Route.
The part you all are really wanting to read. The hotel list is expected to launch on or about January 1. Maybe you can start a safe New Years Day tradition. Try being the first to see if the list has been posted on the RFTW.us website. It will be under the Run Info tab, then Southern Route Hub tab. Toward the left side of the screen you will see Southern Route Hotels. Click there. BE WARNED. The 2016 hotel listing is still up but the 2017 list IS NOT THE SAME. There are three locations with new host hotels. There are several additions to and several deletions from the 2016 list. The 2017 prices have changed. DO NOT USE THE 2016 LIST TO BOOK YOUR 2017 HOTELS. I have received reports of riders downloading the 2016 list and calling hotels and arguing with the reservation clerks about the prices. The old list is still up as a placeholder ONLY. By the way, there are changes coming to the 2017 itinerary also. The 2016 Itinerary will serve as a reference guide of how we do things but that information is for 2016 not 2017.
I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As many of you attend gatherings and parties over the coming days, please drink responsibly if you feel the need to drink. Please use a designated driver or call a taxi if you will be on the roads after drinking even a little. Many areas will have organizations offering free taxi rides on New Years Eve if you have been drinking. Take advantage of those services. We want all of you to still be with us after the holidays.
Mission > Self,
Raymond Wyatt
“Ghost Rider”
2017 Southern Route Coordinator
8/30/2016
[avatar user=”Ghost Rider” size=”large” align=”left” link=”file” /]
I am Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt and it is my extreme honor to be selected as the 2017 Route Coordinator for the Southern Route of Run For The Wall. I have asked Chad “Slacker” O’Dell to serve as my Assistant Route Coordinator and he has accepted. Lisa “Chrome” Russell has agreed to serve a second year as our Road Guard Captain. Many others have stepped forward already and others continue to contact me to volunteer for positions for the 2017 Run For The Wall Mission. We still have openings for others that meet the qualifications.
I have selected “Mission > Self” as the motto for Southern Route 2017.
Yes, we call this motorcycle ride a MISSION .
The mission statement of Run For The Wall (RFTW) 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
This is not a pleasure or leisure ride or your typical day ride with your local Hog or GWRAA chapter or a burger or beer run. This is an intense motorcycle ride that starts in Ontario, CA and ends 10 days later in Washington DC. This will be the 29th year for RFTW beginning in 1989. RFTW XXIX will be May 17- May 27, 2017. We ride those 10 days regardless of rain, sun, hot or cold. Southern route travels through 10 states and averages a little over 300 miles a day. The first few days are very long, 325 – 400 miles, and typically hot, 100 degrees plus, as we cross the desert. As we get farther east we have slightly cooler days with shorter mileage but more stops for veteran hospitals and memorials. We also visit four school groups on the Southern route. We have and follow a strict time schedule that is coordinated with many different law enforcement agencies.
This is a ride for motorcycles and trikes. We do have some family or friends that either do not or cannot ride a motorcycle that want to participate. They want to ride in a car or maybe a motorhome. We refer to those vehicles as cages. If you hear that term used now you will know what it means. We ask that all such vehicles ride either well in front of or behind the pack of motorcycles by at least two miles and preferably more. This is for both the safety of the motorcyclist and the flow of traffic. More about this will be posted in coming months.
Now that you know a little about RFTW here is some about me.
I am a Vietnam Era Army vet. I volunteered on August 23, 1974. I was at Ft Gordon, GA attending radio repair school when Saigon fell. I served stateside with 1st Cav at Ft Hood during mid 75 to mid 76. I spent the remainder of 76 and until Aug of 77 at Camp Page, South Korea with 4th Missile Command. During my time on active duty I worked in repair for voice radio, radio teletype, and crypto equipment. After my three years were up I returned to the states and traveled through San Francisco International airport. Many of you also had that experience when you returned home from Vietnam. I went straight into the Texas National Guard for the next six years where I served with units across north and east Texas.
After 35 years with Xerox as a technician and technical trainer, I retired in 2015. I now have more time to volunteer doing something that has become a passion for me.
I began my RFTW experience in 2007 in Weatherford, TX as a day rider. I rode half of a day from Weatherford, TX to Longview, TX. My expectation was a one time only ride. Was I ever wrong! In 2008 I rode from Ft Worth, TX to CA and back to Terrell, TX pulling my trailer in the wagon train. 2009 saw me go All The Way from CA to DC, again with my trailer. 2010 was only an Odessa, TX to Longview, TX two day ride due to my work schedule. Between the 2010 and 2011 missions I was asked to join the Road Guard team. That was my calling and the beginning of a long string of All The Way rides without a trailer. I was a general rookie guard in 2011, Rear Road Guard in 2012, and Scout in 2013. After the 2013 mission we started a third route and that opened the opportunity for me to serve as the Road Guard Captain on Southern Route. I had that responsibility in both 2014 & 2015. I was asked by “ChickenJoe” Connors to be his Assistant Route Coordinator for 2016. In June of 2016 I was selected by the Board of Director to serve as the 2017 Southern Route Coordinator. I told you I was wrong about the one time only ride. This will be my 11th run.
The silent heroes of each of the three routes are the State Coordinators and their support volunteers that work all year long preparing for us to arrive in their area. Without their support we could not function on the scale that RFTW has become. There are approximately 180 volunteers riding in leadership positions on each route and between 500 & 600 behind the scenes volunteers on each route preparing for us as we cross the country each year. I look forward to working with each of you to make 2017 another successful mission.
Please check back on a regular basis for more information and updates.
Mission > Self,
Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt
Raymond.Wyatt@rftw.us
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May 1st, 2016
Good Day SR Riders,
Excitement is in the air, bikes are being tuned up, and new tires are being ordered and installed; service is being completed. We are ready to ride, many have ask all year long “Is it May yet” I can now answer that question. “Yes it is May!”, so lets ride.
The Southern Route Team Leaders are now finishing up all this year’s preparations for the 28th annual Run For The Wall Mission. The major projects are completed, were finalizing things such as raffle items, 50/50 and door prizes. Our 50/50, Door Price coordinator “Wild Cat” has been hard at work gathering items for our fund raising. “Marty $5” has the raffle tickets ready to go and the large raffle items will meet us in Wytheville, VA. The Finance Team “Not Airborne” and “Pooh” are managing the funds for the Run and the Fuel Team. It is all coming together now.
There are some new things planned for the morning meetings you will not want to miss. “Wizard” the Honor Guard Coordinator is filling up the Honor Guard for the Wreath Laying at the memorials we visit. Road Guards have completed the Experienced Rider Courses.
There is still time left to book a hotel if you haven’t already. On Monday the 16th between 1500 and 1530 Alaska Airline’s Fallen Hero’s Cart will be arriving in Ontario at the host hotel. If you have the time, there will be a flag line set up to welcome the Cart in from Seattle. It is a great honor for Southern Route to be chosen to escort this Cart to Washington, DC.
On Tuesday the 17th there will be an un-official Ride out to Riverside National Cemetery. Staging for that is at 0730 just east of the host hotel. If you haven’t been to RNC do not miss this opportunity you will be blessed.
As we gather together for the start of this Mission keep in mind, that an estimated 22 Vets commit suicide every day. Some experts think that estimate is too low. There are Vets struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, family violence, and homelessness. PTSD continues to haunt vets 40+ years or more after their discharge from service. We’ll learn more about some of these issues as we ride. We’ll support each other, and touch those we come in contact with along the way. We’re glad you’ve joined with us on the Mission. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Keep the Faith,
Chicken Joe
29 April 2016
Southern Route Riders,
Many of you have asked for the schedule of the Ontario Meetings. We have been working on an event that is to take place in Ontario. This year we, Southern Route, have been ask to escort a Fallen Hero’s Cart to Washington, DC to be place at an airport in the area. This is a great honor and is the first Fallen Hero’s Cart to leave the western United States to go east. We now have the scheduled time for its arrival. As you see it should be arriving between 1500 and 1530 on Monday, 16 May 2016. We are asked to provide a flag line upon the arrival of the FHC. If you are there please look for the flags and the arrival at the front entrance of the Radisson Hotel.
Since this event has been finalized I can now publish the Ontario Itinerary for the Southern Route. Please review this schedule to make appropriate arrangements as needed. We are expecting a great time in Ontario, meeting new friends and renewing friendships with old ones.
Keep The Faith
ChickenJoe
Monday 16 May 2016
1300 – 1900 All Routes Registration REGISTRATION ROOMS- EAST ENTRANCE
1500 – 1530 Arrival of Fallen Hero’s Cart
1900 Registration & Merchandise to Close
Tuesday 17 May 2016
0730 RNC Run Staging. East Guasti Road, the street immediately east of the Host Hotel.
0830 RNC Riders Meeting
0900 RNC KSU
0900 – 2000 Merchandise Open (Closed from 5pm to 7pm) RADISSON FRONT Parking Lot
0900 – 2000 (Closed from 5pm to 7pm) All Routes Registration -REGISTRATION ROOMS- EAST ENTRANCE-
1100 – 1200 4-Wheeler’ meeting All Routes Salon 1 & 2
1430 – 1545 SR FNG Orientation Meeting Salon 1 & 2
1615 Blessing of the Bikes RADISSON Parking Lot Chaplain Corps
1630 Presentation of KIA’s RADISSON Parking Lot
1650 Presentation to Casa Colina RADISSON Parking Lot
1700 – 1900 DINNER- Meet & Greet MAIN BALLROOM ALL RIDERS attendance
1745 Presentation of the Colors Marine Corps Color Guard- MAIN BALLROOM
1800 Presentation of Combat Hero’s Bike Build Project. MAIN BALLROOM
1930 Interdenominational Prayer Time RADISSON Parking Lot Chaplain Corps
2000 Registration & Merchandise Close
Wednesday 18 May 2016
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE
ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER Lot ‘D’
0545 Registration Opens
0630 Registration Closes (Riders with clipboard “in hand” at 0630 may complete registration.)
0645 Riders’ Meeting chaired by Greg “Pied Piper” Smith, President, BOD
0645 Opening Prayer
0648 Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 262
0651 Pledge of Allegiance
0653 National Anthem
0656 Why We Ride:
“We Ride for Those Who Can’t”
“Honoring All of America’s Warriors”
Remembering the KIA/POW/MIA from Vietnam
Remembering the KIA/POW/MIA from Iraq/Afghanistan
0700 Taps
0702 2016 RFTW RIDERS WELCOMED by Greg “Pied Piper” Smith
Recognition of:
FNGs
Active Duty Military
Medal of Honor Recipients
Blue Star Families
Gold Star Families
0706 Introduction of RFTW Board of Directors
0708 Recognition of Volunteer Leadership
0710 Introduction of SR, CR & MWR Route Coordinators
0712 Rider Orientation/Safety Briefing (Smith)
0718 Closing Prayer (Burd)
0720 Riders Dismissed to Platoon Leaders. Briefings at platoon staging areas.15 minutes –Guaranteed!!!
0735 Midway Route Departs
0750 Southern Route Departs
0805 Central Route D
2 March 2016
Good Morning Riders,
Well I have been a little slow in getting out my RC Notes for February, so to solve the problem I will incorporate them into March’s notes. The teams have come together and we are finalizing the major projects for RFTW Southern Route 2016. As you may have noticed we now have the 2016 Southern Route Itinerary up and ready for your review. This is a preliminary copy, there may be some minor changes but for the most part this is what you will receive where ever you join the Run.
As you already know the time is getting closer before you will be heading for Ontario to join up with the Southern Route to start Mission 2016 across this nation. I would just like to remind you that this is a Mission as stated in the Run For The Wall Mission statement. First, to promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends. Second, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA). Third, to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars. Fourth, to support our military personnel all over the world. We take these four statements very seriously and if you are going to ride this Mission in 2016 we also ask that you takes these statements into your hearts and remember what we are here for. This is not your bucket list ride, this ride is difficult, to ride in a platoon formation for a little over 2800 miles if you start in Ontario. There can be sand storms, temperatures over 100 degrees or down to 30 degrees, rain or hail. Even through all the hardships there are also times of blessings, when you find a total stranger that will place his or her arm around you and say, “I understand, I’ve been where you are”. You will find folks on this Run that do care and want your healing to come, as it did for them.
The accounting of all our POW/MIA are also very important. The numbers from the wars since WWII are staggering. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is working diligently now to bring about the accounting of all our POW/MIA. We see military personnel repatriated and brought home to their families several time a year. From WWII there are 73,515 MIA including 851 civilians, Korea has 7,823 MIA’s. Today 3/2/2016, Pfc. James M. Smith remains were brought home from Korea. In South East Asia we have 1622 POW/MIA’s left. As of February 22, 2016 there are 1264 in Vietnam, 302 in Laos, 49 in Cambodia and 7 in the South China Sea. I guess what bothers me most is the 501 listed as “No Further Pursuit”. It is out Mission to remind this country that we cannot set back and do nothing, but to remind our politicians to bring our people home. On this Mission you will see and talk to family members of those MIA’s, they will be wives, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers. If you have an opportunity listen to what they are doing to remind this country that they have loved ones not accounted for.
This year Southern Route has the honor of escorting a Fallen Hero Cart to Washington DC to Rolling Thunder XXIX, then on to one of the airports in DC. This is a very cool thing Alaska Airlines mechanics, baggage handlers and others have been doing on their own time to show respect for the KIA’s that are flown into airports around the nation. This is the first FHC to go east and you will get an opportunity to see this cart as it travels with us across this nation. You can read about the cart in the 2016 Southern Route Itinerary.
Now for a little business, we are looking for a few good men or women that have been on the Run at least once and are going ATW that are interested in volunteering for a couple of jobs on this Run. We are looking for one Quartermaster and four Leadership Support folks. You may be busy at times with the duties assigned you but you will find them very fulfilling. If you are interested contact either myself or Ghost Rider the Assistant Route Coordinator.
Finally, I want to welcome all of you to the Run For The Wall XXVIII, it is hard to believe this little recon ride that James “Gunny” Gregory made in 1988, then ran in May 1989 has become what it is today. 16 years ago the Southern Route was formed and as you travel on this route you will find some organizations and stops that have been with us all these years and continue this year also. There are many but I would like to introduce you to Rolling Thunder, Tennessee 2 who has provided a meal for the Southern route for 16 years and Willcox, AZ that 16 years ago brought riders of the Southern Route sack lunches in the park and this year will continue to provide a meal for us. It is amazing to me and I hope to you also what has been happening across this country as the Patriots come out to welcome us to their towns. This truly is Three Routes, One Mission.
Keep The Faith
ChickenJoe
10 January 2016
Ladies and gents:
Well we only have four months to go before we start our trek to Ontario, California. It is time to be thinking about what you are going to carry with you, especially the FNG’s. If you go to the RFTW webpage you will find a tab that is an FAQ. This tab has a lot of information. If you have not been there I suggest you visit it. Now if you are an old timer like myself I go back there to review things I may have forgotten, so take the time to visit the FAQ.
Just a little update concerning the Southern Route planning. More than seven hundred volunteers are working hard to make sure things go smoothly. State Coordinators are in touch with folks at every one of our stops. Fueling and parking logistics, meals, hydration, police escorts, and special programs are all being worked out. Without these volunteers and the many hours they put in, we could not make it across this country in ten days.
During the Run there are opportunities for Riders to help fulfill our Mission. At the front of the Pack, leadership ride in the Missing Man Formation. Riding side-by-side in the first row are the Route Coordinator and the State Coordinator or other VIP, the second row is a Rider from the pack, and an open position representing the Missing Man, and riding side-by-side in the third row are the Missing Man Chaplain, and the Missing Man Coordinator.
Flame is our Missing Man Coordinator and is ready to take your requests to ride in the Missing Man position. You may email her at RFTW.Flame@gmail.com and provide her with this information:
1. Your full name, including road name (if you have one)
2. Your starting point/your ending point (Example: California to DC / Odessa, TX to Monroe, LA)
3. Are you an FNG (first time rider on this Run? If not, when was your FNG year?)
4. Your cell phone number
5. The name of the person or unit you are riding to remember/honor
6. If you have an interest in a particular leg, and why
FNG’s are given preference, as are Gold Star and MIA Families. Please remember you must provide the above information so Flame can get you on the segment you desire
At a number of our stops we lay a wreath at War Memorials. Our Honor Guard includes representatives from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and a Civilian.. Wizard is our Honor Guard Coordinator and is preparing the list of folks that want to participate. Again, preference is given to FNGs. If you are interested contact Wizard at rftw.wizard@outlook.com
I would now like to speak to the Gulf War Veterans. There has been a study by scientists at Baylor University concerning Gulf War Illness (GWI). A link has been found between a variant gene (BChE) and an anti-nerve gas pill called pyrdostigmine bromide (PB). At least one in four of the nearly 700,000 US vets that served in the 1991 Gulf War could be affected by this complex medical condition. Studies indicate that GWI effect 25 to 30 percent of veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War. For more information concerning this information please see Baylor Communications. 1 Health information of interest to all Veterans can be found here. 2 Medical info and red tape is always challenging, but it is important to stay informed.
If you have noticed the Hotel information is now on the Southern page. If you have not made your reservations there is plenty of time to do that. In most cases you have to around April 20 to get a room at the RFTW rate. I do recommend though you get a room sooner than later. As for as the 2016 Itinerary, it will be published on the website around February 1st 2016.
Keep The Faith
ChickenJoe
1. http://www.baylor.edu/mediacommunications/news.php?action=story&story=151171
2. http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
5 December 2015
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, the Run is coming very quickly now and we are about to see the close of 2015 and I have been trying to figure out where this year went, it seemed to have flown by. Even Ghost Rider the ARC for 2016 commented this week that we only have 5 month until we are in Ontario preparing to hit the highway. This Mission will be a big one just as each and every Mission of the past 27years has been. We are looking at up to 1400 riders leaving Ontario next year. A huge undertaking for Run For The Wall but we all have outstanding Team Leaders that have picked up the ball and are running for the goal.
This year we have Ray “Ghost Rider” as the Assistant Route Coordinator, he knows everything I know and probably even more. Lisa “Chrome” Russell as our Road Guard Captain, and from her input at our Leadership Meetings she has everything under control, I count on her Road Guards to get me where I need to be. I am really glad she is on the Southern Route. Next is Jim “Tail Light” Drieth the Advance Team Lead, Curt “Stitch” Bancroft the Fuel Team Lead and Jon “Speedy” Witmer the Staging Team Lead. These guys are going to get us fueled and staged at every fuel stop and guide us in to our morning, lunch and supper meals. Without these folks we could not keep the pace we need on the route. I have actually seen these folks fuel 500+ bikes in 19 minutes, what a crew. The Ambassador Team Lead is Pete “Baron” Nolen, I have known Baron since I have been on the Run and he actually Road Guarded for me for several years when I was the 7th Platoon Leader, he has picked a crew of folks that will touch the overpasses even before the Pack arrives these folks are awesome. Then there is the Chaplain Corp and the Senior Chaplain is Gary “Shepherd” Burd. Gary and I have know each other for some time and I have a huge amount of respect for him. When our Senior Chaplain Wes “Hailstone” Alveraz could not make the Run in 2016, his daughter’s graduation and several speeches she is giving, then Gary came off the Mid Route to fill in for Wes. Because the Southern Route is a large operation it was up to him to pull this off for us. Just a little information on the Chaplain Corp, they are not only our Spiritual help, if you request it, but Gary is also in charge of the Chase Teams, the Hydration Team, the RMO Team and the Nurse Team. As you see he has a big job. These are the major players on the Run. Iin January I will write on the other teams and folks involved in Run For The Wall Southern Route.
Some of you have been asking about Hotels, well we are still waiting on a couple of State Coordinators for finish up the 2016 Hotels, there are new hotels or hotel changes which create a little issues in timing, we are on track to complete those and publish the hotel information on or about the 4th of January. Do not worry you will have plenty of time to make a hotel reservation for 2016. For the campers we are also on track for additional camping areas in a couple of overnight stops.
Just a reminder, this is a Mission, not a joy ride. As I mentioned in the video it will be a hard 10 days across this United States. Therefore, as soon as you are able to get out and ride, I recommend some training, that is, take a ride everyday maybe to the grocery store or just around the block. On the weekends or your days off run up the road for about 100 miles then return home, this will make for a good shakedown ride and over the next 5 months will give your body a good break-in for the long days in May 2016. Soon it will be time to get your brain tuned up for the tough daily ride on the Run. I recommend you look for an MSF Riders Course you will find that very helpful. Also MSF has a Group Rider Course that is outstanding for helping you understand the actions to take when riding with a group of around 300 bikes.
If you are interested in seeing who you will be riding with for the 2016 SR Run we have our own leadership website. The link http://www.rftw-sr.org make your way there, and see you will be able to become acquainted with the folks that will get us across this great nation
Remember to Keep The Faith of the original mission that Gunny and Billy Goat started, until next month.
Keep The Faith
ChickenJoe
Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt Lisa “Chrome” Russell Gary “Shepherd” Burd Pete “Baron” Nolen Jim “Tail Light” Drieth
11 November 2015
Hey everyone,
Here it is another great Veterans Day, this is not only a day of celebration for our military Veterans and Active Duty, but a day of remembrance for all those that did not come home. Our POW/MIA’s that our government left behind. Today brings back a little aggravation to me of how our government and military could leave any military personnel behind. I wear a band on my left arm that reads POW/MIA BETRAYED! Like you I am only one voice but if each of us insist that our representatives take action to bring all our POW/MIA home, we can make a difference.
On a lighter note yesterday 10 November 2015 was the 240 birthday of you Marines. So Happy Birthday to you gals and guys. I know you folks celebrated hard, yesterday, that is what Marines do.
Now for Southern Route Run. Things are moving very quickly now, as we get closer to the first of the year. State Coordinators are really busy, now, completing contracts with hotels. Hotels will be published on the RFTW.org website, Southern button, around January 4th or 5th. Many of the State Coordinators have told me that a lot of the Host Hotels have changed so we again recommend you not make any reservations until after they are published on the website. We have several new hotels in various towns we layover in, again please wait until after 5 January to make your reservation. Do not worry there are plenty of hotels this year. The State Coordinators are also doing their best to get the hotel rates reduced for 2016.
Meals look like they are about the same as 2015. It is a real blessing to see all the folks provide for us as we travel across this nation. I have also been told that some of the Fuel stops have been changed also, to give us more staging area. At this time we have a road condition issue in Alabama but the State Coordinator has already found an alternative route and is in contact with the Alabama DPS.
Each year we have certain Outreaches we go on, this year we have 9 Outreaches available to our riders. A couple of them are limited to the Ambassadors and many are limited to a certain number of bikes. We have two new outreaches that have not been confirmed as of yet but we are working on them to date.
The Itinerary is coming together but will not be published until the first of February to make sure we have everything as complete as possible, seems to be a lot of changes in the 2016 Itinerary. We also like to recognize the folks that feed us and take care of us along the Run in the Itinerary. Times and events are also in the Itinerary which make it a big job.
Lastly, I would like to recognize our volunteers. Usually you only see the Leadership on the Run, but there is so many more behind the scenes working hard for us. There are fund raisers going on throughout the Southern Route as I write these words. Fund raisings to help us along our way to Washington DC. There are over 600 volunteers helping us to get down the road, you will never see all of them but for me, I want to thank them for all they do and continue to do, they spend selfless hours working to prepare for our arrival. These are the unseen Heroes on the Run.
For my Mentor James “Stoney” Stone, “just one more thing”. Again this year we are asking that the places we stop for a meal to put out a Donation Jar. I am asking you to put in a little change for your meal. This money will be seed money for the next year to provide for us. I know not everyone may have the funds to do that but if you can give back to these citizens that do so much for us, it will bless them for all they do. In 2015 we had lunch at the Tuscaloosa VA hospital. They are not allowed to accept any money/donations for food we eat, so we took up a collection for the Veteran Services, we collected $632 from you our riders and RFTW-SR matched that money for a total of $1,264 for the vets in the long term care home. Again you guys have blessed our Veterans beyond compare. Run For The Wall Southern Route have nothing but the best folks. Deserving of the best.
Keep The Faith
ChickenJoe
13 October 2015
Hi Yall,
Well today is a great day for the Navy. Today is the 240th birthday for you sailors. So from a grateful Army, “Happy Birthday”, and even you Stoney. You guys and gals should take the day off. Okay enough of that.
Southern Route is steaming ahead, our Leadership Teams are filling up very quickly, Platoon Leadership is at full status but we are looking for a few Reserve Leaders, just in case someone cannot make it next May. The Fuel Team and the Staging Teams are also looking for a few good men or women to step up, but they are also filling up quickly. State Coordinators are getting all the route, hotels, meals, fuel stops and contracts are being signed. So far looks like we will have a few gasoline stop changes and several hotel changes. Remember the hotel list should be out on or after 1 January 2016. Please do not rely on the 2015 hotel list to book your rooms since we are moving several hotels.
I would like to speak to the program Run For Them All a grant program provided by Run For The Wall. I could go on and explain the program but I feel it is best to allow you to read the RFTA information directly from the website. Therefore I have copied it here.
Run For The Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. Veterans of recent conflicts and those currently on active duty are especially welcome to join us as we ride for those who cannot.
From the beginning, the Run for the Wall has existed 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. There is a large population of Vietnam Veterans, our “old warriors” that participate continually every year to receive the welcome home, respect, and healing that this annual journey takes us on. However, taking a cue from the Native American culture these “old warriors” look to reach out and help the “young warriors” as they return from their service to our great country. While the younger generation of Veterans will never face the persecution from the general public that Vietnam Vets did, the Run understands these warriors will still face the inevitable side effects both physical and mental. Run For Them All (RFTA) seeks to assist all veterans of our past and present including those currently serving, by providing them funding for the Run For The Wall so that they may unite and begin a healing journey with their fellow brothers and sisters.
If you might need a little assistance please check out the Run For Them All button on this website. There is an application that you can fill out and send in to the BOD at this time or you may contact Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt the SR Assistant Route Coordinator for assistance.
Today, I went back and reread the Sitreps for 2015. As I read through them a flood of memories burst through my mind and tears broke out, this Mission we call Run For The Wall is such a blessing to me and very dear to my heart, as we travel across this grand nation. If you haven’t read the Sitreps for SR, I would encourage you to take 30 minutes out of your busy day and just see what happened on this Mission. If you are an old warrior, read over what we did this year and allow the memories to flood your thoughts, if you are an FNG, see the blessings that go on this Run. It is a hard Run but it is well worth the struggle we endure to make this Mission.
Well that is all for today, God Bless you guys and again Happy Birthday Navy.
Keep The Faith,
ChickenJoe
29 September 2015
We just got back in from the Texas Reunion! Good friends, great food, and even better riding. Thanks to all the folks who put the Reunion together including: Sam & Cowboy, Raven & Sapper, Tinman & Oilcan, and others. If you don’t have a Rider’s reunion in your area you might want to put one together! It is a great time meeting up with old and new friends to RFTW.
Joining us in Kerrville, Texas were half a dozen or so riders who will be FNGs in 2016, a couple of active duty guys, a former POW from the Iraq war, and a family who has been waiting since 1972 for word on the whereabouts of their husband and father. This is why we ride, to bring attention to the needs of our Veterans and their families. We are keeping faith that our efforts, our being together with one another makes a difference.
Volunteers all across the country, almost 600 along the Southern Route alone, are already gearing up for the Run. State Coordinators are reviewing the route and tweaking fuel stops. They are contracting with hotels, motels and campsites for overnight accommodations and many other details. Their work is often behind the scenes, but it is critical to the success of the Mission. These folks rarely receive the accolades they deserve but they do not do it for the applause but for the Mission. The Mission is in their hearts and if you talk to one of these unsung heroes of RFTW, give them a hug and a hardy thank you for all they do. VFWs, Legion Halls, VVAs and community groups are hosting fund raising events so they might offer us a meal along the way. Team leaders, too, are busy getting plans and people in place to lead this group from coast to coast.
One Rider’s view of last May’s Southern Route Run made the US Veterans Magazine. Check out “Camaraderie on the Road” at www.usveteransmagazine.com/article/camaraderie-road?page=0,0
Keep the Faith,
ChickenJoe
1 September 2015
Greetings RFTW Riders
I’m Joe “Chicken Joe” Connors, and am honored and humbled to serve as the 2016 Route Coordinator for the Southern Route. Ray “Ghost Rider” Wyatt has agreed to serve as the Assistant Route Coordinator. Many others have willing stepped forward to fill leadership roles on the road and at each stop we’ll make along the way. Getting us across this great nation takes each and every one of us.
The mission is more important than ever before. It 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, and to support our military personnel all over the world.
Twenty eight years ago it started with two California Vets, James “Gunny” Gregory & Bill Evans, standing up for their fallen brothers. They had faith that bringing word about those POW/MIAs before the people of this country would make a difference. They had faith that vets helping vets would begin to heal the unseen wounds of PTSD, the alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. They had faith that to seeing the Wall would make a difference. They were right. Each year since, Vets and their supporters gather together in California and ride east. It truly is one of those experiences you have to live to understand. It can’t be explained.
It is not a Sunday afternoon trip to the burger barn, as Dutch likes to remind us. It is a mission. It is a hard ride on a tight schedule in all kinds of weather. It is a ride that changed my life.
I was drafted in 1968 and served stateside and in Alaska through 1977. I continued with the Army as a civilian at Fort Wainwright, Alaska until retiring in 1998. A shattered ankle kept me out of Viet Nam. A sense of being an outsider kept me out of VFW Posts and Legion Halls. I didn’t feel I’d earned the title Veteran. While in Alaska in 1992 I first heard about an obscure ride called Run For The Wall some Vets were making to DC. I heard about it off and on over the years and I thought, maybe someday. In 2007 I finally worked out the details and joined the Run.
I was taken in by first one, and then another of the riders. Even though they knew I’d never been in-country. I came back the next year, and the next. Dwight “Dutch” Stevens, Don “9-Ball” Morris, John “Slammer” Gebhards, Pete “Baron” Nolan, Roger “Cowboy” Mead, Jim “Stoney” Stone, along with many others encouraged me along the way. They brought me up as an assistant platoon leader, platoon leader, ambassador, and then Jim “Stoney” Stone asked me to serve as his Assistant Route Coordinator last year. These men are more family now, than friends and continue to mentor me.
We know that Veterans from all conflicts continue to suffer. Family members continue to await answers about their missing loved ones. Twenty two veterans a day commit suicide. The original mission of healing stands more importantly than even before. We must Keep the Faith!
I’ll post more information as it develops. Many of us are headed to Kerrville for the Texas Reunion in a few weeks (details on the Forum if you’d like to join us.) State Coordinators are already busy tweaking logistics and plotting fuel stops. And I saw on Facebook somebody just bought a new bike!
Until then, Keep the Faith!
Chicken Joe