Annual Run for the Wall Taking Place Next Week with a Stop in Tuscaloosa
May 14, 2024
Every May, over 1,800 riders participate in the RFTW, an organized cross-country motorcycle ride to honor veterans, their families, and friends, as well as to raise awareness for those still missing – Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
The ride, often referred to as a "run" by many motorcyclists, kicks off in Ontario, California, and concludes ten days later at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Following this, riders embark on a 3-day journey from D.C. to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois, riding from “Wall to Wall.”
Participation in RFTW is open to all, regardless of veteran status or age. Riders include veterans, active-duty military, patriots, supporters, friends, and family members.
Alabama State Coordinator Jerry "Sparks" Leckness shared his sentiments on the significance of RFTW.
“I ride for those who can’t,” said Leckness. “We experience tremendous patriotism in every community we visit. Along our route we see American flags and people young and old who have come out to meet with us and to cheer us on. They greet us on overpasses and along the city streets, waving flags and cheering as we enter their communities. They welcome us into their homes, churches, and organizations. They nourish us. They encourage us. They keep us going when the going gets tough. They help us ‘Continue the Mission.’”
Riders pass through Tuscaloosa annually, making a pit stop at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.
Leckness added, “This has always been a great event for the Veterans at the medical center and they look forward to our arrival. They line the street waving flags and cheering. I get tears in my eyes every time we roll into the VA Medical Center. This is why I ride. On my first run I saw the healing powers of the run. I listened as Veterans were able to open up about their combat-related feelings, and I saw them weeping as they placed both hands on the Vietnam Memorial Wall where the names of their fallen friends are engraved. I ride for them. I ride as a matter of honor and duty.”
RFTW is scheduled to be in Tuscaloosa on May 21. They will arrive at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (3701 Loop Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404) at 9:54 a.m. and depart at 11:14 a.m.
For more information, visit https://rftw.us.