"Walk off the War" program - sponsoring veterans hiking AT

[Susie]

I came across this post on EMS's blog today:

www.emsexploration.com/wordpress/semper-hike-two-veterans-walk-off-the-war-on-the-appalachian-trail/

about 3 USMC veterans (two human, one canine) who are hiking the Appalachian Trail as a post deployment, head-clearing, re-entering civilian life trip.

"Nearly three months ago Bill, trail-name Glacier, left to hike the Appalachian Trail in search of walking off lingering stress from his previous deployment to Kuwait. The trail is treating him very well. We spoke just before the 4th of July and he sounded more like the pre-deployment Bill I remember: engaged, upbeat and with depth to his tone. A former Marine, he has walked far into Virginia and has every intention of completing his journey to Katahdin and, more importantly, to clarity and resolution. To “walk off the war.”

I read through the post and thought it sounded like a really awesome program.  I really enjoy the solitude of backpacking, and I can really see how that could be a really cathartic experience after going through the stress and trauma of active duty in a combat zone. 

There is, apparently, a (501(c)(3)) program to sponsor vets to be able to do this:  warriorhike.com/  How awesome is that?  What a great program to support!

Just thought I'd share.