Ah, back on the road again this morning, Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
I had a wonderful welcome into Kalispell Friday evening, joined by more than a dozen supporters, including good friend and fellow veteran Ron Merwin, and wounded Iraq Veteran Tomy Parker of Ronan and his family. Tomy even pushed my cart as he wheeled along beside me. We had a good conversation. Then I had three days off at home, with rest and chores and family time. Thank you to the Ronan American Legion, the Ronan VFW Post and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for putting on a wonderful barbecue fundraiser in my hometown on Saturday. It was great to connect with friends, share amazing stories from the journey, eat delicious Ronan-grown beef and partake of the spread of salads, desserts and side dishes prepared by the Auxiliary and friends who came to visit. The event earned more than $1,000 for Walking for the Fallen to help servicemen and women who have been injured in battle. Also, a big thank you to Marvin, a friend and pedorthist, who on Sunday fitted me with a pair of inserts that should help my sad old feet feel young again1
So this morning my wife drove me back up to Sportsman Ski Haus in Kalispell, where I was greeted by Bob Bell and Bruce Gietzen of the Patriot Guard. I went into the store to pick up my carrier. While I was away, the Sportsman tech crew had replaced all three tubes and tires and fixed the parking brake. I should mention here that back in November 2012, while I was attempting to secure some donations to make this journey a reality, Muriel of the Sportsman facilitated the donation of the two-seater jogging stroller that I use to carry my equipment and flags. Without her belief in this walk, even before all the details were ironed out, well I couldn’t have moved forward. Thank you so very much. She also handed me a $100 gift card for new shoes! I also thank manager John and the crew who worked on the cart.
I didn’t have to walk alone for more than a few minutes today! Herschel walked with me most of the way, later joined by Esther and Donna of Magazines for Troops. Then Howard and Barb of Columbia Falls met and walked alongside, with knees and hip replacements, and they were just moving right along. They also offered to host me in their home tonight, which I very gratefully accepted. They are part of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Patriot Guard. I first met them at Dallas Nelson’s funeral, then met them again at a funeral I was covering for a young man who died serving in Afghanistan. Turns out Barb and Howard attend church with Mike, owner of Sportsman Ski Haus! Small world, but He’s got he whole of it in His hands. Barb says she often takes off on her motorcycle without Howard. I asked her if she is okay with that, riding alone and all, and she said she isn’t alone, and pointed up to our very faithful God. She’s right.
Also our friends Verna and Gary of Polson came up and brought me a sandwich. Soon after, Vince and Michael from the Missoulian newspaper followed me, leapfrogging in their vehicle for literally hours, Michael taking pictures and Vince asking questions. Those two tenacious journalists/photographers followed me all the way to and through the Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls. It was an honor to visit with several WWII veterans including a Marine that was on Iwo Jima, an Air Force vet, a sailor and a soldier. While visiting these aging veterans, Michael said I had a real warped sense of humor, but people like it. He had my number! Vince and Mike stuck with me until I parked the cart in Barb and Howard’s garage. The article should run in the Sunday, May 5 edition, according to Vince.
Sometime today I walked by a school, and all these high school kids came running out to greet me. I think they were the Columbia Falls High School track team? It’s pretty neat that the kids took such an interest in this. The enthusiasm in their faces and the questions they ask are heartwarming! Their track coach said his son is currently serving in the Marine Corps.
Tomorrow, I will see how far east I can get. Will be nearing Glacier Park, should be pretty scenic.
My belief in the goodness of people has been regenerated this past month. We truly live in a wonderful country. Let’s work together to keep it that way.
~ Semper Fi~
Chuck
