Veterans walk 60 miles to shed light on challenges vets face
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RUSTON, Wash. -- When the ferry Salish docked at Point Defiance Tuesday afternoon, the usual trickle of pedestrians and cars began to filter off the boat and into the terminal.
On the horizon, three large American flags appeared bobbing in the distance, like three buoys in a sea of normalcy. Each flag, though, was tethered to a soldier, and each soldier was tethered to an emotional journey.
"I haven't been back there," said Will Carroll, fighting back tears.
"When I left, I just…" he said, his voice trailing off, his words quivering. "I haven't been back (to the base)."
To say Carroll's 60-mile walk back to Joint Base Lewis-McChord was an emotional one Monday would be an understatement.
Flanked by friends Chess Johnson and Andy Britt, it's just like when the three were in Iraq in 2003 and then later in 2006; only, this time, Johnson is missing his right eye, and all three bear the emotional scars of war.
"It just didn't seem real," Britt says, recalling his time in Iraq. "It's nothing you'll see in America. Kind of apocalyptic."
Britt, who admits he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, says his diagnosis is one of the major reasons he decided to join Johnson and Carroll in making the nearly 60-mile trek from Naval Base Kitsap to Lewis-McChord.
The group started on Sunday in Bremerton and hoped to wrap by nightfall on Veterans Day in Lakewood, although they stopped along the way to talk to strangers about PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and the high rate of suicide among soldiers returning from war.
"That guy gets back from war -- he's treated like a hero for a day 'til you find out he's got PTSD," Britt said. "Then he's the crazy guy. Then no one wants to be around him."
"Six years ago, I had a doctor walk into Walter Reed (Hospital) and state that I would never intelligently communicate or walk again," Johnson said. "I fell into alcoholism. (But now,) no matter what obstacle's in front of me, I'm better than that. I'm bigger than it."
Johnson and the group spent more than an hour walking down Pearl Street in Ruston Monday afternoon, making their way towards Lakewood in the brilliant sunshine. Cars honked, while a couple of kids -- off from school because of the holiday -- paused during a football game to watch the large American flags pass by.
"I just think it was awesome," said Taras Snitko, an 11-year old who stood on a fence to watch the group march past. "Sixty miles -- I couldn't do that."
Johnson remarked that he had blisters on his feet -- and at least 10 miles to go -- Monday afternoon, but that the walk -- and the message -- were well worth it.
"Let's take care of the people who have fought and defended our freedom," he said.
On the horizon, three large American flags appeared bobbing in the distance, like three buoys in a sea of normalcy. Each flag, though, was tethered to a soldier, and each soldier was tethered to an emotional journey.
"I haven't been back there," said Will Carroll, fighting back tears.
"When I left, I just…" he said, his voice trailing off, his words quivering. "I haven't been back (to the base)."
To say Carroll's 60-mile walk back to Joint Base Lewis-McChord was an emotional one Monday would be an understatement.
Flanked by friends Chess Johnson and Andy Britt, it's just like when the three were in Iraq in 2003 and then later in 2006; only, this time, Johnson is missing his right eye, and all three bear the emotional scars of war.
"It just didn't seem real," Britt says, recalling his time in Iraq. "It's nothing you'll see in America. Kind of apocalyptic."
Britt, who admits he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, says his diagnosis is one of the major reasons he decided to join Johnson and Carroll in making the nearly 60-mile trek from Naval Base Kitsap to Lewis-McChord.
The group started on Sunday in Bremerton and hoped to wrap by nightfall on Veterans Day in Lakewood, although they stopped along the way to talk to strangers about PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and the high rate of suicide among soldiers returning from war.
"That guy gets back from war -- he's treated like a hero for a day 'til you find out he's got PTSD," Britt said. "Then he's the crazy guy. Then no one wants to be around him."
"Six years ago, I had a doctor walk into Walter Reed (Hospital) and state that I would never intelligently communicate or walk again," Johnson said. "I fell into alcoholism. (But now,) no matter what obstacle's in front of me, I'm better than that. I'm bigger than it."
Johnson and the group spent more than an hour walking down Pearl Street in Ruston Monday afternoon, making their way towards Lakewood in the brilliant sunshine. Cars honked, while a couple of kids -- off from school because of the holiday -- paused during a football game to watch the large American flags pass by.
"I just think it was awesome," said Taras Snitko, an 11-year old who stood on a fence to watch the group march past. "Sixty miles -- I couldn't do that."
Johnson remarked that he had blisters on his feet -- and at least 10 miles to go -- Monday afternoon, but that the walk -- and the message -- were well worth it.
"Let's take care of the people who have fought and defended our freedom," he said.
This is pretty darn awesome. Please share the story with your friends on your social networking sites.
Thank you Lindsay Cohan and Komo 4 for helping us spread the word. From all three of us we thank you and are greatfull for the everything you and your crew has done.
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PS. you should get you man a rear view mirror
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I really wish it was mandatory for all service personnel and independent contractors who get deployed to war zones to get a counseling assessment and follow up care. There are too many people who suffer from PTSD that won't seek treatment on their own and it not only affects their lives, but the lives of their families. The atrocities these men and women have witnessed are far beyond what most people can even imagine. I've seen first hand what it can do and it is devastating.  I personally have written letters to our senators asking for this. I know the up front costs would be higher, but I feel it is worth it to improve the lives of these men and women and their families.Â
We saw them walking through Fircrest! Great job veterans!Â
Bless these men, Â and all of their brothers and sisters who keep us safe at a great personal price. Â I've been thinking about you all today. Â I also had the luxury of spending part of my day going over my family tree and inwardly thanking all the veterans in my own family, from the one who took a bullet or an arrow at Ft. Duquesne in 1758, to the poor soul who died at the Battle of the Bulge a week before his discharge home. Â We owe you, and all who came before you, a huge debt. Â Thanks.