Will it be physically demanding? Will it be grueling? Will it be repetitive? Will it be outdoors? Will it be undertaken with five comrades? Will it involve self sacrifice? Will it require utmost determination?
For the vast majority of us, myself included,the answers will indicate a rather comfortable few weeks. Perhaps monotonous routines at work. Maybe some quality time with family. Or maybe just the routine that defines our lives. Suffice it to say, for six individuals, these weeks will be anything but routine.
For six veterans (Anne Dios – Army; Anthony Jaramillo – Army; Sharon Smith – Air Force; Eric Sorensen – Army; Joshua Staggs – Army; and Stephen Thomas – Marine Corps) anything but routine is defined as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, all 2.650 miles of it. Mexico to Canada. They are "walking off the war" as members of the Warrior Hike Program. (Look up Walking Off the War on the Internet to learn its history.)
As the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan depart national consciousness, so will the men and women of our military. Volunteers all, they are seeing the active duty force precipitously shrunk, weapons systems costs explode, benefits and pay eroded, retirement threatened, health care manipulated for political purposes, and training reduced. Concurrently, unlike what some elected officials say, danger in the world is increasing. Sadly, the service and sacrifice of these six vets are being taken for granted by those who haven't the faintest clue as to what they mean.
Veterans under the age of 35 make up less than one-half of one percent of our nation. I can't think of another minority group that is this small.
Sadly, only other veterans and their families fully recognize and appreciate what service and sacrifice mean. As these six vets continue their hike, I wish it were possible for fellow citizens to comprehend what it means to put on the uniform of a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine. Sadly, that won't be the case.
As they trek along, what will you be doing?
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