Run For the Wall Passing Through New Mexico
–Allen Dale Olson
Albuquerque, N.M. — Over 1600 motorcycle riders traveling on three separate “Routes” will be passing through New Mexico on May 17 and 18, 2018, as part of the annual Run for the Wall (RFTW) event.
Started in 1989 by Vietnam Veterans James Gregory and Bill Evans, this year’s event will have thousands of motorcyclists crossing the country, gathering more riders along the way, while visiting various communities and VA facilities as the riders make their way to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. over Memorial Day weekend.
“For 30 years, the Run has brought together people from diverse backgrounds to form an instant community. Strangers become friends and lifetime bonds are formed,” says Dr. Circe Olson Woessner, Executive Director of the Museum of the American Military Family & Learning Center. “We are proud to support the Run For the Wall mission.”
Woessner is the New Mexico coordinator for the RFTW Midway Route. The Midway Route will have almost 400 riders as it passes through New Mexico. Duke City Harley Davidson will serve as a fuel sponsor for one leg of the New Mexico ride, and will host a dinner for the riders at their dealership on May 17. Rich Ford on Lomas and Wyoming will provide a hearty New Mexico breakfast for the group on May 18.
“Rich Ford is a proud supporter of the men and women who serve our country and help preserve our way of life,” says Dennis Snyder, President, Rich Ford.
Many New Mexico service organizations from across the state, including the Veterans Canteen Service, will contribute food or fuel. Volunteers in Grants and Santa Rosa will prepare lunches for the group. Other stops in New Mexico for Midway will include Milan Elementary School, the Moriarty Veterans Memorial, and the Santa Rosa Convention Center.
Run For The Wall’s mission is to promote healing among all veterans, 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 U.S. military personnel around the world.
East Mountain residents are encouraged to line the street in Moriarty and show their support to the riders as they pass through Moriarty on May 18th around 9:00 am. (Times are approximate, and dependent on traffic and weather.)
Ambassadors from the group will visit the Museum of the American Military Family on May 18. The museum is located at 546 New Mexico Highway 333 (aka Route 66) in Tijeras.
For more information, please contact Dr. Circe Olson Woessner at (505) 504-6830