July 21, 2010

June 14, 2010

May 7, 2010

Run For Them All 

At both the Angel Fire and the Kerrville Reunion Rider’s Forums, we heard many comments about the need to reach out to the veterans of today’s wars.  Many riders spoke about how important it was that we do all we could to open the doors of Run For The Wall to these men and women.

 Acting upon this, we made some changes to the website home page and we also emphasized the importance of personal outreach in the newsletter and on the forum. 

Now, another step has been taken.  An individual who wishes to remain anonymous, has made a commitment to donate $1,500 per year for the next four years with that money being used to help Global War on Terrorism veterans participate in RFTW. 

The Board has agreed to match this donation with another $1,500 from our treasury. This Board commitment is consistent with the way we have given “benevolence” gifts to organizations helping homeless veterans, the families of deployed service personnel, and our wounded warriors the last two years.  Where we find we have some extra money, the Board prefers to use it to help our needy brothers and sisters. 

At the annual face-to-face meeting this Fall, the Board will develop guidelines for the use of this money during the 2011 Run.  We want to be sure the money is used as intended and that all eligible veterans have a chance to ask for help.

 In the meantime, we have developed a patch “Run For Them All”, which will be sold in Rancho Cucamonga.  100% of the proceeds from the sale of these patches will go to this fund. If enough participants buy a patch, we may even be able to help some younger veterans join us this year.

I am putting this information out now because it is important to everyone that we be completely clear about how we use our monies.  RFTW was started to honor and help Vietnam veterans and we will always be true to that Mission.  It is also important that we extend a helping hand to the men and women who are serving our nation today.   

Board of Directors Positions 

In June, there will be three new Directors appointed to the Board of Directors.

If you are interested in being considered for one of these positions, please make your interest known by contacting any current Board member. 

Thank You & Ride Safe,  

John “Ice Scout” King, Jr.

April 6, 2010

On-line merchandise sales will shut down April 15 as Ted Riedel will be loading the merchandise trailers for movement to California.  Sales will reopen on Monday, May 17 in Rancho Cucamonga.

The 2010 Board of Directors annual meeting will take place during the Angel Fire reunion  September 3 - 6.  The Board will conduct a Riders Forum at both Angel Fire and at Kerrville in 2010.

April 5, 2010

Greetings, We are on the eve of departure.  Run For the Wall XXII will roll out of Rancho Cucamonga, California on Wednesday, May 19 on our way to Washington, D.C. 

Everyone is eager to begin.  It’s been a long and harsh Winter.  We have all been cooped up for much too long! 

The Run’s organizational work is almost finished.  The Route Coordinators have assembled their teams and hammered out their procedures.  The riders have made their plans, booked their hotel rooms, and readied their bikes. 

The website forum has been very active with lots of good information covering everything from riding formations to fuel stop procedures; all with a lot of humor. 

As April unfolds, its time to get on the bike and shake off the winter blues.  Get out on the highway and accumulate some miles.  Good riding sense says to practice your emergency procedures.  Take an MSF course if you can.  We can all use an annual refresher and anything we do to improve our safety is a smart move. 

Now is the time to remember that we ride for those who cannot.  Postings on the forum have introduced us to riders who will be with us to honor family members as well as our fallen comrades.  FNGs have talked about how much being part of the Run means to them; for many, a once in a lifetime adventure. 

Remember too those who have fallen in our nation’s current wars.  We honor our sons and daughters who have stood for us in Iraq and Afghanistan just as we honor our brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam. 

As a family, we honor all of America’s warriors.

 Remember too, the countless thousands of ordinary Americans who are waiting for us as we travel across this wonderful country.  In the small towns we visit, school children are preparing their own special celebration for us.  In the VA hospitals, patients and staff alike are looking at the calendar and grinning in joyful anticipation.  And in lonely corners of the country, folks are figuring out just when we will pass by their nearest freeway overpass so they can be there to salute us on our way. 

Truly, we have been given a noble duty to discharge and in this, we are blessed.

 Get Ready!!  It’s almost time to ride!!  

John “Ice Scout” King, Jr.President, RFTW Board of Directors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

March 29, 2010

Our DC Coordinator, John Gosser, reports that there are about 20 rooms still available at the Westin Hotel  in DC and that all of the other hotels in the immediate area are full.

March 11, 2010

For those of you who plan way ahead, here are the  dates for the 2010 Angel Fire and Kerrville reunions

 Angel Fire:   September 3 -- 6

Kerrville:      September 17 -- 19

The reunions will be based out of the same hotels we have used before; The Lodge in Angel Fire (575) 377-6401 and the Y-O Resort in Kerrville.  Each will offer lodging discounts for the RFTW Reunion. More detail on events and activities will be posted later this Spring. 

The Board of Directors will hold its annual face-to-face meeting at Angel Fire.  Normally, we rotate this meeting between the two sites and the meeting would be held in Kerrville this year; however, schedule conflicts require us to meet again in Angel Fire.  Rider Forums will be conducted at both reunions as usual.

Thank You & Ride Safe

March 10, 2010

Good Morning,

The detailed 2010 itineraries for both routes are posted on the website for your use.

This is the culmination of the planning done by the two Route Coordinators; Ray and Arnie,  their Assistant Route Coordinators, Road Guard Captains and many other volunteers especially the nineteen State Coordinators.  Be sure to thank them for a job well done.

Online merchandise sales will stop on April 15th.  Ted Reidel will start loading everything in the trailer for movement to California at that time.  If you want your goods to arrive before we meet in Rancho Cucamonga, order now. 

Over 400 people have registered on-line.  Getting this done now will make the process in Rancho Cucamonga easier for everyone.

Spring weather is here and its time to start riding again.  Get your bike and yourself in shape for the Run.  It is almost time to begin.

Thank you and ride safe!

February 10, 2010 

Good Morning Everyone,

We have 99 days and a wake up till RFTW XXII rolls out of Rancho Cucamonga on May 19 on our way to Washington D.C.  Many of us are still buried in the snow and ice across the country, but its time to start getting the bike serviced, make your motel & camping reservations, and take care of many other details.

While you’re busy with all of this, don’t forget to be getting physically ready.  The Run will demand all of your ability and endurance.  A little exercise now will pay off later.  This is probably the most basic thing you can do to assure your own safety. 

300+ riders have already signed up using the online registration and paid their one-time $10 fee.  The Rancho Cucamonga and D.C. hotels as well as those across the country are filling up.  In spite of the weather and the lousy economy, it looks like we can expect 1,700 or so riders to register; just like last year. 

The 2010 tee shirts and other merchandise like the new sleeveless denim shirt are now available for online ordering.  There is a new toll-free number, 1-877-741-7389, for you to use.  The same items available online will be stocked in each route’s merchandise trailer during the Run.  This year’s Run pin has the date added to it; and even though we had 20,000 of the pins made, they always sell out quickly.  It’s a good idea to buy items like the back patches and have them sewn on now; just one less thing to have to do in California or wherever you plan to join.

Riders have been asking when the detailed daily itinerary will be published.  This is the largest and most complex planning document for the Run.  Our goal is to publish it on the website by March 1.  We realize that riders are eager for the information and you can be sure that the Route Coordinators and their staff are working on it.  

When we publish the two route itineraries, we want them to be as complete and accurate as possible.  With the winter weather, some of the State Coordinators haven’t been able to personally verify the details for each fuel and meal stop in their states yet.   

There will be a new FNG Orientation meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 in Rancho Cucamonga for the Central and the Southern Routes.  Each Route Coordinator and his leadership will meet with the FNGs riding that route and brief you on organization and procedures, riding formation, hand signals, and other details.  The idea is to answer your questions and make sure you know what to expect from your leaders and what they expect from you.  

Just like every year, there has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of riding staggered or side-by-side in the platoon formations.  While each rider is ultimately responsible for their own safety, remember that the Coordinator’s and their staff have the same priority, everyone completing the Run safely.   All of their planning and all of their operational decisions are directed towards that goal.  Once we get underway, it may take a day or two for each rider to settle in and find their place in the platoons, but if you follow the leader’s instructions and use some common sense, the ride will go smoothly and safely. 

Remember too, our Road Guards are some of the most experienced riders on the Run.  Their job is to guide the pack safely in all weather and road conditions.  Their’s is the most hazardous job on the Run.  Listen to what they say and follow their instructions.

After the Run begins, take the opportunity to get to know the Road Guards on your route, talk to them when you can, ask questions and learn from them.  They deserve considerable respect from all of us for what they do so don’t forget to thank them every chance you have.

There is a lot of information available on the Forum. For the newcomers, sort through the FAQs and the different threads and you will find answers to almost any question you might have.  If not, post your question and other riders will respond. 

All of this operational stuff is important, but remember the point of the Run is the Mission.  We ride to honor all veterans, to demand accountability for our MIAs, and to show support for those who are serving our nation around the world.  This is serious business; thousands of people turn out to welcome us as we go across the nation because we represent them and their values and hopes. 

Many of you have been reaching out to young veterans and distributing the flyer that is available on the website.  Thank you and keep it up.  We want these folks to learn about the Run and feel welcome to join us. 

This past weekend, my family and I joined a group of RFTW folks in Phoenix to work at the Arizona Veterans Stand Down.  Almost 1,000 homeless veterans came in and were helped with everything from a haircut, a pair of new shoes and clothing, or an chance to see a judge and have their legal issues cleaned up so they could be issued a new driver’s license. 

What impressed me the most was how much they appreciated simple signs of respect such as hearing someone say “Thank You for Serving” or “Welcome Home” while shaking their hand.  These men and women stepped up when our nation called and have since fallen on hard times.  I believe they too will be on the Run with us in spirit as “we ride for those who cannot”. 

Thank you, stay warm and ride safely.

 Here is the updated hotel room availability for Rancho Cucamonga and for D.C. as of Jan. 30.

Rancho Cucamonga:      Hilton Garden Inn (Host):   Full

                                        Hilton Homewood Suite:      9 rooms available

                                        Courtyard Marriott:            6 rooms available

Washington, DC:            Holiday Inn:                        Full with wait list for cancellations

                                         Westin:                                May 28 & 29 -- 82 rooms available

                                                                                      May 30 -- 31 rooms available

                                         Comfort Inn                         Full

 Washington D.C. Hotel Availability Information:

Here is the room availability for our D.C. hotels:

   .Holiday Inn Arlington:   This hotel is completely booked.  There is a wait list for any cancellations.

   .Comfort Inn Ballston:   This hotel has 20 rooms available.  There may be additional rooms later.

   .Westin Arlington Gateway:   This hotel has the following available:

                     .Thursday, May 27              14 rooms

                    .Friday, May 28                105 rooms

                 .Saturday, May 29            105 rooms

                 .Sunday, May 30                41 rooms

Take this into consideration as you make your plans.  Reserve your rooms now.  If you wait, it may be too late.  Contact information is available on the website.

Thanks

Happy 2010 to each of you!   Many of us are winter-bound, the bikes are put away and some are already getting cabin fever.  That’s all the more reason to be getting ready for the Run! 

RFTW XXII leaves Rancho Cucamonga on May 19^th.  That’s only four months away. 

So here is where we are right now.  Hundreds of riders have already made their hotel reservations and registered online.  

The State Coordinators are ironing out the route details in their areas and the detailed itinerary will be published on the website by February 28.   

The 2010 merchandise will be available for on-line purchase by the end of January. This year’s run pin will have a “2010” rocker added.  Also, there is a new toll-free number to use when ordering.  It is 1-877-741-RFTW (7389). 

Our Route Coordinators, Ray McDowell and Arnie Swift, still need volunteers for some of their support jobs.  There are lots of details to be squared away during the Run and workers are always in demand.  Every job is important.  Let Ray and Arnie know how you can help. 

Earning an All The Way patch is a big achievement and it is highly respected by other riders everywhere. 

However, many riders have a hard time getting away for the 3 weeks it take to go cross country and then return home.  Sometimes, job and family responsibilities limit the time we have available. 

Don’t let this stop you from participating!  Think of RFTW as 10 one-day rides and join in as you can.  Go as far as your time permits, see for yourself what RFTW is about, and get to know the people.  Then, plan to join again the following year and go a little further.  

Eventually, you will make the entire Run from California to DC.  Most of us who have been with the Run awhile started this way.  You can too!  

Part of our Mission is to promote healing among ALL veterans.  Our nation has been at war for over a decade.  Countless young men and women have answered this call to service.  Whether they are currently on active duty or have completed their tour, the issues which they face as they go on with their lives are no different than those which confronted Vietnam veterans. 

At our reunions and on our forum, we have talked about the importance of including these veterans in our family.  Sometimes though, it is difficult to know just how to make this happen.  After all, we are the old guys and sometimes we don’t connect easily to different generations.

Each of us can help.  Direct and personal contact is always the best way to communicate.  When you talk with younger veterans who ride, they will likely ask about the Run.  Share your experiences with them, listen to their stories, and invite them to ride with us.

Both the Central and the Southern Routes travel past numerous military installations.  Find a way to involve those commands; ask them to provide a color guard to welcome the Run and spread the word on base so the troops who want to ride with us can plan ahead.  These are just a couple of the things each of us can do to reach out to our younger brothers and sisters.

Imagine how good it will feel to help bring one more rider into the family.  I  encourage each of you to reach out and welcome these heroes home.

Thank You & Ride Safe

Greetings; here are some of the things that have been happening with RFTW.

1.  The Route Coordinators have filled most of their leadership positions and they are now working on the hotel arrangements and the detailed route itineraries. 

 2.  We will publish the hotel list on the website after December 1. 

Each overnight stop will have a headquarters hotel and at least one backup.  Camping information will be provided where available. 

Each rider is responsible for making their own hotel reservations.  The hotels are selected based on price and easy access for the riders.    We encourage you to use them.  They want our business and are giving some discounts to help our riders.  This is very important in the DC area where we risk losing those savings if we don’t use all of the rooms blocked out for RFTW.

The hotels will take reservations on a first-come, first-served basis.  Begin making your reservations early.  If the HQ hotel is full, use the back-up.  If you run into other problems, let us know.   

3.  The detailed daily itinerary will be published in March.  There are some changes on each route this year; mostly with fuel stops. 4.  We will have on-line registration available again this year.  Instructions and forms will be published on the website in December.  The registration fee will stay at $10 per person. 

5.  In 2008, the Board started making what we call “benevolence gifts” to charities whose mission is to help veterans in ways that we cannot. 

 There are two principles guiding us here.  First, RFTW has always worked hard to be self-sufficient.  We think it is better to sell our own merchandise then to ask for a handout.  Second, because we are financially solvent, we think we are obliged to use some of our money to help other veterans who are not so fortunate.

In 2008, we gave $10,000 to four  charitable organizations who help veterans.  These charities were recommended by the Route leadership and approved by the Board.

 In 2009, we are able to give the same amount again.  Each of these charities will receive $2,500 to help support their veteran’s service programs. These recipients are: 

               .The David Westphall Veterans Foundation in Angel Fire, New Mexico.        

               .Snowball Express in Costa Mesa, California.     

               .US Vets – Phoenix, Arizona Stand Down.

              .Mission M-25 in Amarillo, Texas.

Thats it for now.  Thank you and ride safe.