Congressional Record, Volume 156 (2010)

Walk Across America

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873, and is still published today.

E1178        CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—Extensions of Remarks       June 23, 2010

 

RECOGNIZING RICHARD HUNSUCKER

AND

 THE WALK ACROSS AMERICA TEAM

 

HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

 

Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard ‘‘Ric’’ Hunsucker, a United States Marine Corps veteran, and the Walk Across America Team for their selfless efforts to bring awareness to disabled veterans across the country.

Mr. Hunsucker, an ironworker from Green Bay, Wisconsin, has completed a challenging yet worthy undertaking that has achieved great success—all in the name of disabled veterans. On Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, Mr. Hunsucker set out to begin his 202 day walk across America to raise donations and awareness for the struggles faced by disabled veterans.

Starting at the Duval County War Memorial in Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Hunsucker and his support teammate, Jack Dixon, visited countless veterans medical centers and outpatient clinics to meet with disabled veterans, doctors, nurses, family members and the public. This 2,600-mile journey took them through four time zones and eight states, ending proudly at the Balboa Park War Memorial in San Diego, California on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010. He carried a 5-foot by 3-foot navy blue Disabled American Veterans flag the entire route. All donations raised went to the Disabled American Veterans organization, a nonprofit that advocates and assists those injured while serving their country.

Mr. Hunsucker trained for six months for his 202-day walk and has since gone through three pairs of sneakers and countless aches and pains. Walking an average of 17 miles a day, meeting the families of those killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan were among the most memorable moments. Mr. Hunsucker’s patriotism and desire to raise awareness for veterans was best explained when he recently stated, ‘‘You can build a memorial for those who have been killed, but how can you remember those who are disabled? You take care of them.’’

Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my personal accolades to the Walk Across America Team for such a remarkable and dedicated journey.

[Congressional Record: June 23, 2010 (Extensions)]
[Page E1178]
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VetWalking

VetWalking Week 29

Walk Across America

Our journey has come to an end but the cause walks on. This adventure has generated $1000′s in pledges and now its time to turn them into donations. We will contact everyone we can by E-mail to thank them for their support. Eight states, hundreds of towns, thousands of people and 2534 miles and it seems like yesterday when we started our walk. We could not of done this alone and thank you all for making this possible. Check back because the Blog will walk on.

Day 197
 
Woke up early even though we have a day off. Less than a week and we will complete the walk across America. The time off is needed but all the things we have to do keeps us busy. Today we have a lot of interviews with the press and we will visit some VFW`S and American Legions. JC will guide us around the San Diego area. Its nice to have someone who knows the area . The traffic here gets pretty thick at times and you end up doing a lot of u-turns. Smile. After all the interviews I dropped JC off and headed over to Conor`s house to eat supper with them. His wife Claire is a good cook and there kids are fun to be around. Kegan and Ceanna are so polite and I brought each one of them a book. I will read them a bed time story tonight.  After reading them a story and getting some hugs and kisses it was time to go crash. Headed over to JC`S and crashed in the pace car. Its all good.

Day198
 
Woke up ready to head to the airport. Will pick up Carol today. Met a lot of vets at the airport. After leaving the airport we headed over to meet some Navy soldiers who are on active duty. They bought us lunch and all of them signed the car. Everywhere we went today we ran into military troops and Veterans. San Diego has  many military people in its communities and many bases. The weather here is fantastic. The DAV in California arranged for us a room while we are here. We will stay at the Holiday Inn next to the Marine base. Relaxation. Kicked back and put the feet up. Off to la la land. Its all good.

Day 199
 
Woke up with a visit to the VA Medical Center in San Diego. Upon arriving at the hospital we were greeted by many Veterans who were there to see and sign the pace car. We were given an escort to tour the hospital and talk to the patients. While we were there we were told that the last Medal of Honor winner from WW2 had passed away the night before. Another hero who dedicated so much of his life for our country. You will never be forgotten sir. Our tour of the hospital was so inspiring and was the reason we walked across America. The many disabled vets we met today not only were proud to serve but all said they would do it again. It was a very humbling experience. After the visit we hung around outside talking to vets and family members about there health care and ways we could improve to help them build better lives. After leaving the hospital we would visit a couple of Veterans organizations to meet more Veterans and troops who are serving now. At least the media is not following us today. Back to the room to freshen up for supper with Conor and Claire. She made a lasagna and we pigged out. Gaining weight for sure. Off to the hotel to crash. We will resume our walk tomorrow. Its all good. Thanks Claire and Conor. Your family rocks.

Day 200
 
Up early eager to start our last three days of walking. Will be walking into Poway,Ca. today. As we walked today many horns blew and people waved in support of the cause we walk for. We were humbled by the outpouring of support. We would like to thank JC Playford for walking with us since getting to California and for helping us get the media to support our cause. His help will always be remembered and honored. Had to slow him down at times because he could walk pretty fast and at this point in the walk I had slowed down. Smile!!  Finally started down the hill into Poway. What beautiful weather here and the scenery is what dreams are made of. As we walked the memories of the many miles were relived in my mind. Two more days and a little over 20 miles left as we finished our walk today. We headed over to the Hotel to clean up and relax. Ordered a Pizza and watched TV until falling asleep. The end is nearing. OOH RAH. ITS ALL GOOD

Day 201
 
Up early walking. We will be walking thru Poway and over to Waxie Way Rd. As we walked today we passed by the Marine Air Station at Miramar. JC walked and filmed most of the day. Perfect weather all day. Not much traffic on our route today but those who passed honked or waved. A lot of Vets stopped and signed the pace car. It was cool having Veterans and active duty soldiers signing the car together. The comradery was visible with each meeting. As we walked I thought about all the miles left behind and the few we had left. Walked fast today and with each step I thought about all the memories and friends we have made across America. After finishing our walk today we headed to the Grand Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, Ca. They donated us a room for the night. First Class Hotel and the staff were very professional. Laying on the bed looking out over the ocean was awesome. The sea breeze was so refreshing. Thanks so very much for allowing us the honor to stay at your hotel. After cleaning up we headed over to Paul Rising`s house to eat dinner with him and his family. The dinner was fabulous and I gorged again. We took pics afterwords and Paul signed the car. Headed back to the room and crashed out. One more day and we will be joined by Paul and his Cub Scouts. OOH RAH. ITS ALL GOOD.

Day 202
 
Couldn’t sleep last night. Really anxious to end the walk today. It’s been a long road and we have faced many challenges along the way. Our challenges only made us realize the everyday challenges faced by our disabled vets. We feel like we have made a difference but realize it takes all of us working together to make a change. As a team we can help our disabled build better lives and get honorable care when needed. A lot of horns honking today as we walk towards Balboa Park. Another beautiful day here. So many things going on this Memorial Day to honor those who honored us with their service. We did numerous interviews with the press as we walked today. At one point today our walk dead ended into a fence. Called Jack to figure it out. First time on our walk Google map failed us. Oh well. Jack told me a new route and we headed that way. Wasn’t long and we entered the park. We met Conor and his friends and they started walking with us. A little further into the park we met Paul Rising and his cub scout troop. Not much farther and we will achieve our goal of walking across America. As the memorial came into sight we felt so very proud of each and every person that helped us across America. So many places and faces raced through our mind. As we reached the Memorial I could only kneel down and kiss the ground giving thanks to God and all of those who helped us get here. It was all good. After taking pictures with everyone Channel 7 did an interview with us and many Veterans came by to sign the car and congratulate us. Thanks everyone for being there today. It meant a lot to us. A special thanks to JC Playford for all his time and help while we were in California. Semper Fi

VetWalking 2010

VetWalking Week 28

Walk Across America

It all started in Green Bay, WI. and on Memorial Day, Monday May 31, 2010 we will complete our 202 day, 2,600 mile journey from Jacksonville, FL. to San Diego, CA. Our goal was to walk across America to raise donations, the level of awareness and the challenges faced by Disabled Veterans.

Our journey has lead us thru the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. We have walked through 4 time zone, 8 states, hundreds of towns and met 1000′s of people along the way.

We understand that our cause can be very emotional but we tried to keep it about Disabled Veterans and their challenges and not about any single person or political view. Sometimes, because of the nature of our cause this can be very difficult but regardless of the view it’s always about the Disabled Veterans.

Our Walk Across America campaign was full of humbling experiences that we encountered virtually every step we took. We used these experiences to give our lives a little perspective and to fuel our attempt to make a difference. As we approach the accomplishment of our goals it only defines a new list for our next project, but for sure when asked ‘what have you done lately’ we will have something to say.

Jack

 

 

 

Day 190
 
Up early and not many days left to walk. The next few days we have a long stretch of desert before we walk up a bib hill. No traffic and not many people out here. About halfway thru our walk we met Emilea and Marilea at the Blu-In RV Park. The store was closed but they opened up and told us to get what we needed and there would be no charge. Thanks so very much. We talked as we drank our Gatorade. Mike Tarpley called and told us to go back to Westmorland tonight because he reserved us a room. Thanks Mike and you’re the man. After finishing our walk we drove back to Westmorland and checked into the room. It was nice to lay back after the hot day in the desert. Watched a little TV and enjoyed the AC. Finally dozed off. Its all good.

Day 191
 
More desert and it will get real hot today. Sure will be glad to get to the top of the hill so it will be cooler. Glad we didn’t walk thru here in the summer. Drank at least 20 bottles of water today. Had 3 vets stop and sign the car today. Wasn’t much traffic on this road. We are walking thru the Anza-Borrego Desert. After finishing our walk we headed up the hill to visit the American Legion Post 468 in Julian,Ca.  Not only did we find an oasis, we found some of the nicest people. Dusty the commander had the cook make us a killer burger. We sat around and talked to all the members and the vets signed the pace car. Dusty told us we could camp in there parking lot and tomorrow we were invited back for supper. Thanks so much Post 468 you all rock. Set up camp and crashed out in the pace car. Its all good and soon we will be in San Diego.

Day 192
 
Woke up to a cool morning and had to put on a sweatshirt to start our walk this morning. We will be walking up Banner grade (mountain) today. The hill is a steep one and the wind is blowing hard into our face. Midday the walk across America would take Vince to the bus station. It was time. He had pushed me to the limits to many times. After dropping him off we stopped in Romano to meet with JC Playford at Cheers. Met Sean the owner of the bar and he offered me lunch and fixed me a huge burger. JC finally arrived and we went over to the VFW Post in Ramona. Had some vets sign the car and afterward we headed back up to the Legion in Julian to eat supper there. The fish tacos were awesome and the commander gave us a few gifts for our journey. Camped out in the parking lot again. Good sleeping weather though. Off to sleep relieved not to have the worries and aggravation that came with Vince. Its all good.

Day 193
 
Woke up refreshed and relieved to have the burden gone. Suppose to be a day off but will make up the miles we didn’t do yesterday. We started walking up the hill into Julian and looked forward to walking down the hill knowing each step would get us closer to our destination. The traffic was heavy as we walked today. Lots of waving and horn blowing. Met Steven Pollock a cyclist as we ended our walk.  His dad was in the Air Force and was a bomber Pilot in WW2. He is buried in Arlington. We let Steve sign the pace car in memory of his dad and hero. JC Playford came and took us back to the pace car. Followed him home and he introduced us to his friend Julie and her two kids James and Rose. Gave them each a little gift and I spent 4 hours shining up the pace car. Took a shower and crashed in the pace car even though I could have slept inside. Thanks JC and Julie for your help and kindness. Julie’s kids were just adorable. Its all good.

Day 194
 
Slept like a baby in the pace car. It was real good sleeping weather and my headache has finally gone away. Would be eating breakfast with Connor and his family this morning. I would meet them at the cafe here in Ramona. Connor is Mike Tarpley`s stepson. We met Mike halfway into our walk across America and now we have the privilege to meet more of his family. Breakfast was filling and talking with Connor and his family was refreshing. Mike was very instrumental in helping the walk across America as we made our way thru Texas and now Connor and his family will be. True caring Americans. Thanks so very much. Connor invited us back to his house for supper tonight. Met up with JC and we would walk a little today so he can get some film for the media. After filming for a little while we headed over to the VFW- Legion Post in Escondido to meet with the members there. They were having a dinner and we were honored to break bread with them. The mayor and members of the DAV were there and many Veterans signed the car. After eating the steak and shrimp dinner we headed over to Connors to eat another steak dinner. Looks like I wont be loosing any weight around here. Its all good. Dinner was awesome and we were invited back to eat and sleep if we needed to. Thanks so very much. We will be seeing them again soon. Drove back to JC`s and cleaned up. Crashed in the pace car again knowing it wont be long and the walk we reach an end. OOH RAH!!

Day 195
 
Woke up to the most overwhelming day of our walk so far. JC took us to interview after interview with the media in and around San Diego. The day was hectic but the press for our disabled vets is very important for the cause we walk for. Not only did we meet the press all day, we met many Veterans as our day progressed. Met Dan who is a marine and already has done 3 tours in Iraq. He signed the pace car and went home only to come back to give us a gift. He gave me his Helmet cover he used in Iraq. He even signed it. When this was happening we were doing a story with the North County Times Paper. Awesome. Long day today and I am ready to crash. Thanks to all the press today. ABC channel 10, Fox 5 and the many local papers who have done stories about our walk to raise awareness for our disabled veterans. Thanks a million JC for your help and support. Your a friend for life. From one Marine to another. Semper Fi. Its all good

Day 196
 
Woke up still overwhelmed from yesterday. Today would be another one of those days. Started our day at Channel 17 a Spanish station here in San Diego. Our last Medal of Honor winner from Vietnam was Spanish American and 20 percent of the names on the Vietnam wall are Spanish Americans. Thanks for your service and love of our country. The day just got busier and busier. We were invited back to the Rick Amato talk radio show again tonight. We were there last night. The response was good so we will talk some more tonight. After talking on the show last night, we received a call from someone in New York saying they would be making a $100,000.00 donation to our walk. Thanks so very much. A $100,000.00 will help many disabled Veterans. Thanks Rick for letting us join you on 1170 am and get the word out. Went back to JC`S to crash-out. Its all good.

.

.

VetWalking 

VetWalking Week 27

Walk Across America

Week twenty seven brings us closer to San Diego and less than 2 weeks left in our campaign. We walked 101 miles this week. The states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are behind us. We have walked through 4 time zone, 7 states, hundreds of towns, met 1000′s of people along the way and walked 2,428 miles. Week twenty eight will be the last full week of our journey to raise the level of awareness and of the challenges faced by Disabled Veterans.

Day 183
  
Felt refreshed as I awoke this morning. Stayed at the Knights Inn here in Blythe, Ca. Our first day in California was awesome. As we walked today we had more farm equipment pass than cars. Walking thru farm country. Took us three hours to make it over to Palo Verde. Sure is hot. When we arrived at the pace car we were met by Sgt Mike from the Imperial County Sheriffs Office and some local vets. We talked for awhile and left to start back walking. The temperatures rose with each mile and we were glad to see our ending point. We did a huge tag with red paint and headed over to Arley and Shirley’s to spend the night and eat supper with them. When we arrived Shirley had us a huge meal prepared. Hot cornbread, beans/ham, hot wings and an assortment of other things. First class country cooking. After eating we took showers and did a load of clothes. Arley got a watermelon out of the ice box and we sat around talking as we ate the melon. It was good and cold. Arley was a rescue chopper pilot in the navy and served in Vietnam. His wife said he didn’t talk much about it, but as we talked he told me about some of the things he went thru while in Nam. His wife Shirley called us kids. I wish!! Shirley took us out to the fifth wheel camper to show us where we would sleep tonight. It wasn’t long and we were snoring. Its all good.

Day 184
 
Woke to find Arley waiting to show us where things were for breakfast. I made bacon and eggs. After eating and saying  thanks to Arley we headed out to start our walk. Thanks for everything, Arley and Shirley Plemming. No shoulders on the HWY. today. With every step the road got hotter and we got weaker. Only kidding!! Wondering when we will see a mirage. Heard some bombers overhead. They were circling and leaving vapor trails. It wasn’t long when a rainbow appeared and then another one. We took some pictures of them. Got a feeling something good is going to happen. Finished our walk and headed back to Palo Verde. We will be staying with JC Holford. He was a scout in the Marines. He had fresh catfish for us for supper. He caught them off his dock behind his house. His friend Jimmy was staying with him. Went down to the Colorado River to take a dip. Settled on wading, the water was darn cold. Went back to the house and JC cooked up some good grub while we cleaned up. After eating we sat around talking while they fished. Well its time to crash. I’ll sleep in the pace car tonight. Nice cool breeze as I laid there thinking about getting to the end of the walk. Dozed off with a smile. Its all good.

Day 185
 
Slept in the pace car last night. The fresh air was relaxing. Had to cover up around 3 a.m. got cool. As we started walking it was cool and we had a little breeze. It will get hot today before our walk is over. After walking thru the check point Sgt. Mistriel stopped to check on us. Said he would get some press out to do a story. Thanks sir. Not much traffic but everyone that passed blew their horn and waved. Was pretty hot as we reached Glamis, Ca. our ending point for today. Tomorrow we will walk thru the sand dunes. Headed back to JC`S to spend the night. Sat around talking while Jimmy shot off some fireworks. What a nice sunset. Not many days left. After dark I headed out to the pace car to get some sleep. Its not a bad bed. Thanks Tim Byrnes for the mattress. Off to sleep and its all good.

Day 186
 
Up early and ready to walk. We slipped out without waking JC and Jimmy. Drove over to Glamis to start our walk thru the dunes. As we started walking we got a pic of some people and their 4 wheelers. I’d rather be fishing than riding thru the desert. It got some kind of hot today. Pegged out my thermometer when I sat it on the pavement. After we finished walking for today we headed over to El Centro to visit the American Legion Post 60. The commander came over to meet us and they donated money for a room. Left to go get cleaned up and check in. We went to the Brunners Inn and they donated a free night. We’ll take off tomorrow and I’ll go to church. After cleaning up we headed back to the Post and talked to everyone there. They all signed the car. Talked with Mario a lot. Real nice guy. Well its time to go crash. Thanks Post 60 for your support. You rock.

Day 187
 
Up early so I can clean the pace car. Why am I cleaning it and not the pace car driver? Good question and all I can say is plum lazy. I’ll deal with it myself. You tend to learn a lot about someone when your around them. If I sat around waiting in a car for someone walking the car would be immaculate at all times. Been asking him to do a blog but he don’t even read the blogs I write. Makes you wonder about his motive. I’ll vacuum the car after church. Headed over to the Calipatria Community Church. Met Pastor Mike Mutado the other day and he invited me to join him in worship. After arriving I met America a young girl. Sat her on the pace car and got a picture. Pastor Mike gave an inspiring sermon and then introduced me and took up donations for our cause. Thanks so very much. It was an honor to attend church with so many wonderful people. May God Bless you all. Stopped and vacuumed the pace car. Got back to the room and Vince was watching TV. Thought he would at least go out and pass out fliers. No motivation at all. Said he didn’t want to lock me out. Like I can’t get a key to get in. Smile!! Well I’ll head up to Bombay Beach to the American Legion Post 801. Once we arrived at the Post we were served BBQ ribs. They were awesome. The commander gave us some gifts and we headed back to the room to meet with a reporter from the Imperial Valley Press. More press for our vets. We had a good interview and after he left I crashed out. Its all good.

Day 188
 
Up early and we will be walking thru Brawley,Ca. today. Passed a lot of Sugar beet fields as we walked today. Truckloads of onions passed all day. Walked into Brawley and had Joselita from the Imperial County Press come to do some pictures for the article they are doing on us. Thanks Joselita and the paper for the press for our cause the disabled vets. Not much happened today. Got our walk in though. A little humid though. Drove back to Brawley to get a room. Got to work on our blog. Been asking Vince to write something but I don’t get nowhere with him. Oh well. Wants to be part of the walk but doesn’t let his actions show it. Won’t be long and the walk will be at its destination. Off to sleep with that on my mind. Its all good.

Day 198

Hi all, Jack here. Today is Tuesday and what I do on Tuesday is put together the daily email Blog’s that I receive from Ric (not a typo). When I got to ‘day 189′ email Blog it said ‘this blog is for you dude, put a pic of yourself on and tell us a little about you and the family’. OK I will.

Woke up to a cool but seasonable morning today with the weatherman guaranteeing it will be warm and he’s right, 72 and sunny, a beautiful day in May, in Green Bay. Did my thing with the daily early AM phone call with Ric to bring me up to date and then talk about the days walk. In addition to the day to day stuff we always talk about we are starting to talk a lot about San Diego and the end of our long journey . It’s a pretty good feeling to look back from where we started and knowing we are just a few  days from accomplishing our goals.

 

As Ric has said in past Blogs, I will be a grandfather in a week or so, this is also pretty good feeling. Riley, my daughter is having a boy and the due date is May 30th. She is very excited this being her first child. This is a good thing for all except Eddie, the dog. When Tenison is born Eddie will no longer be the baby of the family and he will be demoted back to dog

status. Where I wind up in the pecking order is anyone’s guess.

Today turned out to be a good one. Ric walked another 16 miles and I’m waiting for the nightly update.  It’s possible today he may walk into a no-mans land and his cell may not find  a connection. We are anticipating the possibility of some dead zones in the next few days. Well, that’s it. I’m not a GrandPa yet. Now I’m going to hang out with a couple of Welsh Corgie, Eddie my dog and Foxy a dog I’m babysitting this week.

That’s the Blog stuff for today, day 190. I will add it to the other six days, insert some photos and publish week 27 in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers

 Jack

 

 

 

VetWalking Week 26

Walk Across America

Week twenty seven will bring us into California. We walked 117 miles this week. The states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are behind us. We have walked through 4 time zone, 7 states, hundreds of towns, met 1000′s of people along the way and walked 2,327 miles. Week twenty seven  will bring us less than 200 mile away from San Diego and continuing to raise the level of awareness and of the challenges faced by Disabled Veterans.

Day 176
 
Up early and refreshed from our time off from walking. Less than 30 days left and maybe we will go to Disneyland. Smile!! The anticipation is building for our arrival in San Diego. It’s been a long walk but every step was worth it. When we arrive in San Diego we will be proud of what we accomplished, but the mission can never end until every Disabled Veteran receives honorable care without red tape and as a Nation come together as a team to help them improve their lives. By teaming together with The Walk Across America we can make a difference and help these men and woman have a bigger, better and brighter future. The Walk Across America would like to invite every family to join our walk without walking 2700 miles. To join our walk all you need is one stamped envelope containing your families one dollar donation addressed to
 
Disabled American Veterans
attn. gift processing- 28127
P.O.Box14301
Cincinnati, Oh. 45250
 
then walk out to your mailbox and mail it. Then pass it on to family and friends and keep passing it on. By making this minimal donation we can make a difference.

Day 177
 
A little cool as we started walking this morning. It won’t stay cool though. High 90`s is in the forecast. Most of us won’t even go out of the house when it gets that hot. Just imagine if each of us had to endure the heat and conditions our soldiers are facing as they fight for our freedom. They won’t complain because they believe in keeping our nation free. Even though we all can’t be there along side them, we can be there in spirit. By showing our support for them makes their job a little easier. As a nation we can never do enough to thank them for keeping us safe. It takes them working as a team and all of America working as a team to support Disabled Veterans. One way we can show support is to fly Old Glory each and every day our brave men and women. When they return we should line the streets to just say thanks for a job well done. The heroes that don’t return, we must assure them they will never be forgotten. For the ones that return injured physically or mentally we must provide them the things that will help them improve their lives so they can have a brighter future. Donate to the Disabled American Veterans. Its all good.

Day 178
 
Up and walking early as we spend another day spreading awareness for Disabled Veterans. Walking thru Wenden and Salome, Az. today. Lots of people would stop today thanking us for what we are doing. This gives us motivation to keep going. Our soldiers get motivation from us showing support for them. Showing them we care is a valuable tool in keeping their spirits up. Walked 12 miles before taking a break at the International Inn where we stayed last night. We volunteered Vince to help the Manager Jose Leyva do some work around the Inn in return for a free room tonight and tomorrow. Jose’s wife Alma had food prepared as I got there for a break. Thanks so much and it hit the spot. After starting back walking and getting into Salome many people came out of their business’s to see what we are walking for. Its starting to get pretty warm as our walk was ending. Made it to the pace car and headed back to the motel. We stopped and bought some pork chops to cook for supper. Cleaned up after getting to the room. We relaxed some before cooking supper and pigging out. Laid around and watched T.V. before crashing out. What will tomorrow bring? Its all good.

Day 179
 
Going to get hot today, so we are up early walking. Headed towards Interstate 10. Walking thru Hope, Pioneer and Brenda, AZ. Not only is it hot but the flies in this area are aggravating. Never seen so many flies. Be glad to get out of this area. Stopped in Hope to eat breakfast. We met a couple and they offered to pay for our meal. Thanks a million for your kindness and encouragement. Took some pictures with them for the blog. Before getting started back walking a 6 yr. old named Owen came over with a donation. He was with his mom and was wearing a superman shirt. He was a little shy but we got him in a picture handing me their donation. The owners of the cafe, son just returned from his deployment. Started back walking and the flies continued to get worse. A marine named Doug Heard stopped to thank us. It was 99 degrees at one o’clock when he stopped. Made it up to the Interstate and that was a little farther than today’s walk called for. At least we had a little breeze or it would have been unbearable. Stopped and picked up some food to cook for supper. Made hamburger steaks, mashed potatoes and green beans. After the sun started going down we sat outside and talked about our walk with other hotel guest. Getting close to San Diego and we are getting pumped. Our flag is starting to get a little character. The top corner is starting to fray. I’ve thought about what to do with the flag when we are done. Today I made that decision. I’ve decided to give it to our  man behind the scene. Even though he couldn’t physically walk with us, he was always there taking care of the awesome website he developed for our cause. His faith in me making the walk was a lot of motivation and no one could have a better friend. Thanks Jack Dixon for everything. Well its time to crash and  I’ll see you soon Jack. Its all so good.

Day 180
 
Up early walking on I-10 for a few miles today. After walking a few miles and getting to the pace car I noticed a tire problem. At least we are on a exit but there’s nothing there. Finally a Marine stopped and gave us a hand. Thanks Sir. Oh well stuff happens. Decided to head back to the room. We’ll make the miles up tomorrow. Glad we walked extra yesterday. Not suppose to walk on the interstate but we got an okay but not on the pavement. There’s a lot of roads off the interstate but at points we have to get out on I-10 the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway. After getting back to the room I started washing the pace car. It was really getting dirty and we want to have it clean when we get into California. Jose’s wife cooked us supper. Thanks and it was awesome. Talked with Jose for awhile and we exchanged gifts. He gave me a silver Peso and I gave him a DAV coin. Well its time to crash so we can get up early to start walking to help make up some miles. We have 5 days to play with before we get to San Diego. Its all good.

Day 181
 
Started walking just as daylight came. Walking along I-10 till we get to Quartzsite, AZ. Another beautiful day walking across America. After getting off the interstate we met Marsha McFadden who was on an electric wheelchair. Stopped to talk to her and get a picture. What an awesome sweet lady. She was headed to mail a letter but we did it for her. As we got into Quartzsite we were asked to stop by VFW Post 769. Once we got there we were fed and invited back for supper after our walk. A lot of vets signed the car before we continued our walk. They arranged for us a room at the Yacht Club Motel. They even started a collection jug for our cause. Had to get back walking so we said good bye and would see them later for supper. Took the Cap Rock service road along the I-10. Finished our walk a few miles from the Colorado River. We will walk into California in the morning. Went and checked into the room and cleaned up. Went to eat at VFW Post 769. They served us steak and potatoes. The food was great and we got stuffed. After eating we were interviewed by a reporter for the Quartzsite Press newspaper. More press for the Disabled Vets. Thanks so much. Hung around and talked to the members before heading back to the room. The Post asked us to come for breakfast before starting our walk tomorrow. They wanted us there by 5 am. We will have to get up at 4:30 am. Off to sleep looking forward to leaving Arizona behind and walking into California tomorrow. Its all good. Thanks Post 769 you all rock!!

Day 182

Up at 4:30 ready to head over to VFW Post 769 to eat breakfast. They wanted to make sure we ate before walking today. Our last meal in Arizona. Its so cool that they are doing this for us so early this morning. We are honored and humbled. When we arrived at the Post they were there waiting for us. We started with coffee as they prepared a first class meal. It was one of the best post that we visited so far. The vets here really let us know how much they appreciated what we were trying to get accomplished with our walk across America. After breakfast we thanked them for there gratitude and kindness then we headed out to start our walk out of Arizona and into California. A little chilly as we started walking. It was nice to finally arrive at the Colorado River. Tagged the walkway and headed across the bridge. Halfway across we crossed into California our final state. Been looking forward to this for 181 days. After today we only have 20 days and about 220 miles. The next town we reach is Blythe, Ca. As we were walking into Blythe we received a call from the VFW Post 2987. They told us to stop in and let them know how they can help us while we are walking thru. A lot of people stopped and chatted as we were walking into the city limits. Once we arrived at the post we met Patricia Howard the commander of the post. Actually she is the first woman commander I have met on our walk. They all came out to sign the car and then gave us a c-note for a room and meal for tonight. After leaving the post we started back walking, heading for Hwy. 78. Right as we were finishing our walk we met Art and Shirley Plemming who invited us to follow them to there house for some chow. We talked while Shirley cooked up some grub. Really enjoyed chatting with them and hearing Art talk about his service to our country in Vietnam. He was a chopper pilot and did a few tours over there. The food was awesome and they invited us to stay with them tomorrow after our walk. Headed back to Blythe and checked into the motel. Thanks Post 2987. Cleaned up and worked on the blog. Went and got some Chinese food for supper. Finally finished the blog and watched some TV before crashing out. Its all good and thanks for everything Post 2987.

VetPedes, Semper Pedes