Hunsucker doing walk to support disabled veterans

BONIFAY and CHIPLEY - Two team-members, Richard Hunsucker U.S.M.C. “the walking vet” and one Internet support member came through Chipley and Bonifay last weekend.

Their mission is to walk across America raising both donations and awareness for the Disabled Veterans of America.

“We decided to start on Veteran's Day, leaving the Duvall County War Memorial in Jacksonville to go on a 202 day, 2,650 mile walk across eight states and end at the Balboa Park War Memorial in San Diego, Calif. on Memorial Day 2010,” said Hunsucker. “During this walk I'll visit veteran's medical centers and outpatient clinics interviewing disabled veterans, doctors, nurses and civilians.”

Hunsucker arrived in Chipley on Nov. 28, spending the night at the American Veterans Post 7 on Hwy 90 and crossed the Washington County line in Caryville on Nov. 29.

“I wanted to do something positive for our disabled vets,” said Hunsucker. “If it weren't for our veterans we wouldn't have the freedoms we have now.”

Support of the disabled vet was what he was pressing for.

“We need to do the honorable thing and take care of those who fought and were injured for our freedoms and not have so much red tape involved,” Hunsucker said. “When a man gives all he's got to fight for his country, we as a country should give all we can to help those who come back injured.”

He said that this walk is to focus on disabled veterans and not himself as a veteran.

“They've came back with more than just physical injuries,” he said. “They've come back mentally and emotionally scared and need our support.”

Hunsucker said this was the first time doing something of this capacity.

“I've never done anything like this in my life; I've never done anything that I would consider honorable,” he said. “This is my first time doing for someone else; it is important that I finish this walk and I will finish this walk no matter what.”

So far, he said that his walk has been very enjoyable.

“I will always remember the places that I've been, the people I've meet, the scenery I've seen; I have received nothing but positive support during my trip,” he said. “God's been with me every step of the way; every time someone comes by and honks their horn, waves or salutes me I can feel all the encouragement and it gives me strength to go on, no matter how tired I may be.”

He said it is that support that the nation needs to show for its veterans.

“We just need to remember that freedom isn't free,” he said. “Take those people who listen to the Star Spangled Banner and get goose bumps and have tears welling in their eyes because they are such a proud patriot that they would give anything to keep their country safe and free of terrorism.”

Hunsucker said they sent a request for President Barack Obama to walk a mile in support of the Disabled Veterans of America and he  refused.

“All we wanted was a mile out of him, but it's been that way with most of the local government representatives who can talk the talk, but not walk the walk,” he said. “We received quite a few of those 'Dear John' letters where they say they're all for supporting us, but won't come out and show their support.”

He said that it was an honor to visit and talk with the disabled veterans he met.

“I've had the rare opportunities to meet some of those heroes from WWI and WWII who are still proud to have served their country,” he said. “I even had the distinct honor to march with those wounded warriors from Iraq.”

It was impossible, he said, to feel sorry for any of those disabled or injured veterans because their enthusiasm made it hard to do so.

“Their enthusiasm is just overwhelming,” he said. “They were all overflowing with such patriotic pride and you could tell they were all still very proud to be an American.”

Hunsucker encourages everyone he can to come walk with him, to show their support for the disabled veterans.

To find out more information about Walk Across America or to follow Hunsucker's progress, visit www.vetwalking.org.

You can contact Hunsucker via email at vetwalking@vetwalking.org or  by phone at (902) 562-4250.