Stuff for the Vets & Kids

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Both the Central and Southern routes stop often at communities, coming in contact with Vet Hospitals, schools and kids.  Folks really light up when they receive a pin, or something that is not expected.

So lets hear it -- what are some of the things folks tote along on the ride to handout to people they meet on the run?

Edited by Boots - Jan-08-2010 at 5:50pm

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Gallupe Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Senior Member Joined: Oct-07-2009 Location: Peculiar, MO Status: Offline Points: 957	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gallupe Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Stuff for the Vets & Kids Posted: Jan-08-2010 at 5:45pm
	Both the Central and Southern routes stop often at communities, coming in contact with Vet Hospitals, schools and kids. Folks really light up when they receive a pin, or something that is not expected. So lets hear it -- what are some of the things folks tote along on the ride to handout to people they meet on the run? Edited by Boots - Jan-08-2010 at 5:50pm
	Gallupe, USAF-RET 7/1978 to 8/1998 Honoring all who serve. Remember and paying respects for all who paid the ultimate price to keep us free.

enigma Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Oct-05-2009 Location: West Virginia Status: Offline Points: 104	Post Options Post Reply Quote enigma Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-08-2010 at 6:06pm
	People hand out RFTW pins and pencils embossed with various sayings or symbols, usually related to RFTW or POW/MIA. Especially at our lunches with the young ones, it is good to have pins to hand out. Although they are very young, some of them have had lunch with us for several years and look forward to the pins each year. Two years ago, one young fellow asked for extras, as his older brother wasn't young enough to be there, but still wanted one. And they love to take pictures of us and to have their pictures taken with us. Patches, pins, photos, they love anything we give them for remembrance. If you are thinking ahead, you can pick up some small RFTW shirts beforehand and give them to your "table mates" at lunch with the grade schoolers.
	enigma

Gallupe Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Senior Member Joined: Oct-07-2009 Location: Peculiar, MO Status: Offline Points: 957	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gallupe Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-08-2010 at 7:36pm
	Last year, I think Grumpy had some post cards made. Another hand made some prayer beads. Enigma -- when looking at the RFTW merchandise, they had bags of POWMIA pins -- think 100 for $75. At first, one would wonder what someone would do with 100 pins. After a few days........ Like the shirt idea
	Gallupe, USAF-RET 7/1978 to 8/1998 Honoring all who serve. Remember and paying respects for all who paid the ultimate price to keep us free.

Ghost Rider Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Sep-29-2009 Location: TX Status: Offline Points: 364	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ghost Rider Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-08-2010 at 8:12pm
	Boots, You are exactly right. For the last 2 years I have given the RFTW pins out. The guys at the veteran hospitals love them and most want you to pin them onto their robe or pajamas. I would advise caution about pinning them on the kids. You never know what perverted thought someone might get. I either just handed it to them or if they asked me to pin it on I would find a teacher, and there will be plenty, to "assist me". I gave them to clerks in stores and hotel clerks if they didn't already have one wherever we stayed. Make sure the teachers get at least one. Keep several in your pocket. We went out to dinner one night and had our vests on. People that didn't know what was happening in town asked us what was going on. We used them as a means for telling people what we are about. $75 may seem like a lot of money to give away. When you see a WWII vet start to cry after you give him one, salute him, and tell him "Thank you for your Service" it is well worth it. That one moment made the $2500.00 that the total trip cost me last year worth every penny.
	Ghost Rider Army 74-77, Korea 76-77, TX National Guard 77-83, SR Road Guard 2011, 2012, 2013 Proud Army Dad It is a MISSION not a party or fun run.

Joe E Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Dec-15-2009 Location: Sioux City Ia Status: Offline Points: 162	Post Options Post Reply Quote Joe E Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 9:07am
	Are the pins and other items available at Ranch Cucu, and on the run, or do they need to be purchased in advance. Thanks Joe
	Life is a to be lived, arriving at the grave not in pristine condition, but sliding in, hollering--WHAT A RIDE.

firstladychaplain Members Profile Find Members Posts Groupie Joined: Oct-26-2009 Location: Wichita, KS. Status: Offline Points: 87	Post Options Post Reply Quote firstladychaplain Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 9:36am
	I am thinking about bookmarks.
	First Lady Chaplain Central Route, RFTW.

enigma Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Oct-05-2009 Location: West Virginia Status: Offline Points: 104	Post Options Post Reply Quote enigma Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 1:00pm
	The pins and shirts are available on line, at Rancho Cucamonga, and along the routes - from the merchandise trailer.
	enigma

Gallupe Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Senior Member Joined: Oct-07-2009 Location: Peculiar, MO Status: Offline Points: 957	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gallupe Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 1:02pm
	I purchased a few packs of 20 last year to handout. In retrospect, would have been cheaper to go with the 100 right from the start. Like most FNGs, had no idea what to expect. Worth every penny
	Gallupe, USAF-RET 7/1978 to 8/1998 Honoring all who serve. Remember and paying respects for all who paid the ultimate price to keep us free.

Redcatcher Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Oct-01-2009 Location: Long Beach CA Status: Offline Points: 798	Post Options Post Reply Quote Redcatcher Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 1:02pm
	I buy a bunch of patriotic pencils from Wal-Mart (very inexpensive, easy to carry). Don't sharpen them so the kids don't get hurt. In 2004, my childhood friend, the late Steven H. Neal was the Chief Park Ranger for the City of Long Beach. He brought along some "peel-n-stick" Junior Ranger Badges. They were a big hit with the kids at Rainelle. Redcatcher
	B 2/40th - 199th Light Infantry Brigade 1970

Gallupe Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Senior Member Joined: Oct-07-2009 Location: Peculiar, MO Status: Offline Points: 957	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gallupe Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-09-2010 at 10:06pm
	I'm planning on bringing a mixed bag of American flag pins, and beads to handout. Will pick up a bag of 100 POW/MIA also to add to the mix. Been collecting this stuff ever since I got home from last years run. Those kids at Rainelle really made an impression.
	Gallupe, USAF-RET 7/1978 to 8/1998 Honoring all who serve. Remember and paying respects for all who paid the ultimate price to keep us free.

crewchief1692 Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Nov-24-2009 Location: KY Status: Offline Points: 130	Post Options Post Reply Quote crewchief1692 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-10-2010 at 5:22pm
	The whole town of Rainelle is what I thought America was when I was growing up, I was born in 1963, the patriotism I experienced in Rainelle I havent seen anywhere. I am not saying it dosent exist in othe parts of the country, but you would think with 2 active war fronts this country would at least show some of the same appreciation for sacrifice that this special town does.
	G.R.A.C.E. Gods Riches At Christ's Expence

Redcatcher Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Oct-01-2009 Location: Long Beach CA Status: Offline Points: 798	Post Options Post Reply Quote Redcatcher Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-11-2010 at 2:23pm
	I was born in 1949. Patriotism was alive and well in pre-Vietnam era. (50's and early part of the '60's). Vietnam changed the American mindset and patriotism quickly disappearred. Most notable was during our return from Vietnam. Once home from war our patriotism was shelved. We stood quiet about our involvement in Vietnam and "tried" to fit into what seemed like a non-patriotic society. It wasn't until the Gulf War that woke-up America. People finally embraced our soldiers and desired to welcome them home. We're still not as "patriotic" as Rainelle or other small cities, but we're getting there. We have more groups now that help promote patriotism such as; Run For The Wall, Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders, Vietnam Veterans of America, even Vietnam Veterans MC, plus others. Gone are the quiet days of not telling someone you are a Vietnam veteran because of a shamefull society. In fact some non-Vietnam vets try to present themselves as such (stolen valour). But even now, as patriotic as I believe I am, I am still much more comfortable around other Vietnam veterans. Hopefully with the help of RFTW and PGR, someday I will be comfortable with all. I thank RFTW for providing me with such a healing experience. It's my hope that all of you injured by war (and that includes just about everybody) find a patriotic and healing experience in 2010 and most importantly enjoy the children who will carry on this new patrotism. Give them a little gift and watch their eyes light up while calling you their hero. Redcatcher
	B 2/40th - 199th Light Infantry Brigade 1970

Trucker Members Profile Find Members Posts Newbie Joined: Oct-04-2009 Location: Williamston SC Status: Offline Points: 27	Post Options Post Reply Quote Trucker Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-11-2010 at 5:10pm
	A word of advise to anyone wanting the RFTW pins. Order them on line and order them early. They run out of the pins fast. Is it May yet?
	Trucker

firstladychaplain Members Profile Find Members Posts Groupie Joined: Oct-26-2009 Location: Wichita, KS. Status: Offline Points: 87	Post Options Post Reply Quote firstladychaplain Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan-13-2010 at 7:04am
	Books marks are being made. I checked on line for the population for Rainelle Elementary and the site gave 216. I am getting 250 bookmarks ready to go so no one goes without.
	First Lady Chaplain Central Route, RFTW.

Gallupe Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Senior Member Joined: Oct-07-2009 Location: Peculiar, MO Status: Offline Points: 957	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gallupe Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-08-2010 at 5:18pm
	Did you ever get your bookmarks?
	Gallupe, USAF-RET 7/1978 to 8/1998 Honoring all who serve. Remember and paying respects for all who paid the ultimate price to keep us free.

urbanzoo Members Profile Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Newbie Joined: Feb-06-2010 Location: Battle Ground W Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote urbanzoo Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-08-2010 at 6:34pm
	We, Crusty (First Sergeant US Marines, Retired), and me, are thinking about laminated bookmarks that say RFTW 2010 on one side and POW/MIA on the other. Another idea is rawhide laces with red, white and blue beads or black and white beads. Not sure yet - but something along those lines. Whatever we decide, it will be a joy to give away. Thanks for all you do to make this run possible for all of us - old and FNG alike. Sign us, FNG, Crusty and Scooter.

gulfwarvet Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Nov-24-2009 Location: Elk Grove , Ca. Status: Offline Points: 291	Post Options Post Reply Quote gulfwarvet Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-08-2010 at 7:00pm
	Just wondering is it ok if I bring patroit guard pin's to give out .
	TN. ARMY National Guards Desert Storm .1990-91 20th Eng. Airbourne PGR Rider since 2010

Raven Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Sep-30-2009 Location: Bandera, Tx Status: Offline Points: 2519	Post Options Post Reply Quote Raven Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-08-2010 at 9:45pm
	I have already made red,white & blue beads as well as got started on the blk & white ones. Great minds think alike! I think whatever you bring the kids will take with joy. Don't see why not on the PGR pins, we gave a bunch of RFTW pins last year. That's alot of pins thought.
	IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO SAY WELCOME HOME! Tomorrow Is Promised To No One!

firstladychaplain Members Profile Find Members Posts Groupie Joined: Oct-26-2009 Location: Wichita, KS. Status: Offline Points: 87	Post Options Post Reply Quote firstladychaplain Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-09-2010 at 7:29am
	On the bookmarks, I am making my own and laminating them. They are patriotic in decor, flags, stars, etc. with the date. On the pins... there may be some instances where the Veterans at the hospitals are not allowed to have the pins. So don't take it personal if you are told not to hand them out to certain people. It is for their own protection.
	First Lady Chaplain Central Route, RFTW.

Casper Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: Oct-09-2009 Location: Scott, LA Status: Offline Points: 264	Post Options Post Reply Quote Casper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb-09-2010 at 8:11am
	Bookmarks are a great idea! Way to go FLC! Maybe we can get some made with the RFTW Logo for next year! I would make good sale item on merchandise.
	RFTW ALR(China Post #1) VFW #9822,Judice LA 173rd ABN ASSN 1st Cav Div Assn Those who for their country died shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldiers tomb and beauty weeps the brave.