WalkforVets.org Visits Lafayette, Louisiana and HERO Program!

 

One step in front of the other.  These are common words we use in the recovery world.  We must take it one step at a time; recovery isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.  This phrase is being taken literally by one group that is walking from corner to corner, across the country.  John Ring, founder of WalkforVets.org, has organized a country wide walk, from corner to corner, for a total of 4,150 miles.  On October 1, John and his team started their journey of walking from Key West, Florida and will Charlie Mike to hand deliver a flag to a son of a veteran in San Diego, and keeping on until they reach their destination of Forks, WA.

WalkforVets.org was founded from Buddy Watch Walk in 2019 and is an established entity in Wood County, Texas. After walking over 3,600 miles in 34 states across the U.S., our mission continues by supporting other Veterans and Advocates as they walk to raise awareness of the issues plaguing veterans and service members. We also organize small walks, and some big ones in various locations across the country. In 2022. U.S. Navy Veteran and original Buddy Watch Walk participant Jason Hanner, a walked across his home state of Nebraska.  This group walks to raise awareness to the plight of Veterans, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), addiction, homelessness, benefits, and the epidemic of suicide among service members.

As the group approached the Lafayette, Louisiana area, we were blessed to be able to link up and spend some time with them.  With the help of Acadiana Veteran Alliance, and American Legion Post 69, we were able to show them some Louisiana Love.  The group also came to the facility to share their “why” and to see firsthand what we do in Opelousas.  Our veterans asked questions and thanked them for the mission they are completing currently.  The big takeaways from our visits were to let EVERY veteran know they are not alone! Someone has gone through the same thing they are going through, and someone has the same story.  You just must be willing to open up and discuss it.  Chris Cambre, district commander of American Legion in Bay St. Louis, MS stated when he shared, “You must talk and get the thoughts out of your head.  Let your head be filled with good thoughts!”  It shows a lot of strength to admit you are struggling, but we can only help if we know you’re struggling.  There’s no reason to keep it. Tons of people out here have your six.

The group has reached the Louisiana/Texas border and will be taking a hiatus for the Christmas holiday.  In January, they will be back at it and they will continue on.  Their mission is the same, but they will change it up a little bit.  While having walks through Houston and San Antonio, the group will be biking across the state of Texas.  They will be supporting a brother on his journey, just as he supported John Ring on a walk in 2020.

On behalf of the HERO team, thank you John Ring and team for everything that you have done, are currently doing, and will continue to do!  You truly are making a huge difference, and we will support you every step of the way!

If you would like to learn more about the mission, want to donate, or just stay up to date with the team, please visit www.walkforvets.org or the social media accounts.