There are many reasons for me doing the 50 Mile March.
I was first introduced to this organization in early 2023 when a friend of mine signed up do the March for 23’. I was immediately interested but a little apprehensive as well. Long way of saying I chickened out.
One reason I was interested is for the challenge of marching 50 miles in a day. But more than that, it was for the cause of helping American Veterans. I have long felt that our vets have been shamefully forgotten and not supported for the sacrifices that they made on our behalf. This is a small way that I can help make a difference locally to the lives of vets that just need a hand up.
I have always had a great respect for the military. My brothers and I had wanted to join the military but were not able to since we have taken heart medication since we were in our early teens. We also found out towards the end of my dad’s life that he had served in the Korean War. The fact that my dad kept this from all of us, his family, until the last years of his life showed me that even those that you think are doing fine, still have ghosts they are trying to hide from.
I am sorry to add this other reason. Very recently a good friend, Mark Williamson, a US Airforce veteran, former Wing Commander at Offit Airforce Base, suddenly passed away due to a stroke. Mark was an inspirational man, always driving men to be better and to delve deeper into their faith in God. He will be greatly missed, but because of his example I believe many that knew him will be inspired to do more.
So, my reasons are many, a challenge, to help my fellow man, to give back to those that served us, a small way to kind of be part of what I could not fully be a part of, a way to pay tribute to my dad and my friend Mark, all these and many more.
They served for us, we march for them.
