Some of the volunteer positions we've done on RFTW.

Our first Run For The Wall was in 2003.  We simply survived that one!  I could do an entire post on this topic, but I'll summarize it by saying, that I quit every evening, ate, rested, re-fueled and re-packed, and got up the next day and gave it all I had, one more day.  At some of the fuel and meal stops I nearly quit too.  More later.

In '04, Russ was asked to be Chaplain for the Run, he was honored.  We've managed to ride side-by-side, or with me on my bike behind him most of the Runs.  That year he did the opening prayer each morning, prayed over several of the small community celebration events, and collected prayer requests from the riders throughout the Run to include in the morning Rider's meeting.  We got to know so many super people as a result.  We were hooked on Run For The Wall.

Last Year Greg and Russ laying the Plaque at the Vietnam Memorial Wall

Southern Route and Central Route Coordinators

In '05 Russ continued on the Chaplain's Corp and we participated in the new process where Chaplains were assigned to the back of the pack of bikes, to be ready and available for ministry for any accidents along the way.  We had a few minor accidents that year, followed the ambulance to the hospital and made family contacts, got the motorcycle taken care of, then re-joined the pack.  It was another opportunity to serve the Run For The Wall riders.

In 2006 we were asked to drive (pull) the merchandise trailer with our truck from California to Washington D.C.  This was so much fun - a lot of work - but what an incredible experience serving nearly every rider on the Central Route.  We really began learning the inner workings of Run For The Wall at this point.  In October I was approached about stepping up to the Board of Directors as Secretary to finish the term for the lady who needed to step down.

In 2007 I still owned my Harley and it had become very unreliable, so I rode on the back of Russ's bike all-the-way.  He had a new BMW 1200 LT which was comfy!!  We assisted and trained our new Merchandise Team all across, and it was unique because we weren't with the pack much at all, but it was such a great time being there to greet them at many of the stops.

I got my new '07 FJR in time for the run in 2008.  Russ was asked to be the Assistant Coordinator working under Ron Young Central Route Coordinator.  This incredible honor meant that he was in training for the 2009 Route Coordinator, so he (and I) dug our heals in and learned as much as possible about the inner workings of this amazing volunteer organization.

Looking back we both know that 2009 was the greatest honor of Russ's career.  All the hard work and preparation was rewarded at the front of the pack across America 2009.  With over 100 volunteers reporting in to his key leadership, all the supplies and identification materials distributed and displayed, we pulled out of Rancho Cucamonga with well over 200 bikes following us, laying down the 3000 plus miles in 80-100 mile increments for 10 days.  There were a few minor incidents, which made us very sad, hated to see any one injured.  There were days where we had police escort for nearly the entire day, and ran through major cities on interstate highways with absolutely no traffic joining us.  When you have over 300 motorcycles in a pack you can be a 3 to 5 mile convoy on the highway depending on whether the pack is up to speed or not.

I'm still secretary for the Board, I was re-appointed in 2008.  My term ends with the 2011 RFTW.  The other Board of Directors I've worked with and the Route Coordinators I've gotten to know since 2006, the Leadership Teams all have become great friends.  Looking forward to RFTW 2010.

I may do a post on what has changed since my first Run For The Wall in the next few days.