300 ‘Run for the Wall’ Motorcyclists Make Stop at Fort Sill Express
The Fort Sill Exchange welcomed more than 300 motorcyclists and support vehicles for a pit stop on their 2,700-mile “Run for the Wall” memorial ride from California to Washington, D.C.
The riders, participating in the 33rd annual ride to honor Veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action (POW/MIA), stopped at the Fort Sill North Express on May 19 for refueling and refreshments. This marked the first time that the group stopped at a military installation.
“This was a successful event, and I am proud of the team for their engagement and representation of the Exchange,” said Fort Sill PX General Manager Mikel Hunter. “We are honored to show our Veterans that the Exchange continues to serve them and show the entire Fort Sill community that the Exchange is a valuable partner.”
Theresa Jones, Fort Sill customer experience associate, was one of about 15 associates who received a special “Run for the Wall”/POW/MIA lapel pin from the “Run for the Wall” riders.
The group arrived around midday, and the hundreds of motorcycles and support vehicles were refueled in just 45 minutes. During the refueling, a team of Exchange associates went through the line to provide refreshments to the riders, who were at the halfway point of their cross-country trek.
Associates also provided riders Exchange gifts and benefit information. In return, approximately 15 associates were given special “Run for the Wall”/POW/MIA lapel pins by the participants.
The “Run for the Wall,” which started in 1989, welcomes more than a thousand participants on four routes across 19 states and D.C. Three of the routes begin in Ontario, Calif., leading to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the Nation’s capital.
In 2022, a shorter separate route was added to attract younger Veterans and active-duty riders. Dubbed the “Sandbox Route,” it departs from Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, leading to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Ill., which commemorates service members who gave their lives in any Middle East conflicts since 1967.
Riders in the 33rd annual “Run for the Wall” to honor Veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action, stop at the Fort Sill North Express on May 19 for refueling and refreshments. This marked the first time that the group stopped at a military installation during the 2,700-mile cross-country ride.
