Lewis on his first day of walking.
Rocks pelt the side of Sgt Chuck Lewis’ legs as he continues to put one foot in front of the other, determined to complete his mission. To his right, an 18-wheeler breezes by, giving him breathing room but still close enough to take your breath away. The gust dislodges his Veteran ball cap; Lewis stops to fetch it as an Amtrak rattles by on his left.
This is Big Sky Country, there’s no doubt. The small blip on the online Spot satellite tracker gives no clue of the vast nothingness that makes up the Montana Hi-Line.
Yet it’s out here that the heart and soul of America thrives as friendly residents stop to offer a Gatorade, or a night’s rest in their family home, a far better offer than the hard ground beneath his sleeping bag.
Yet Lewis doesn’t complain. The 62-year-old Marine Corps veteran is tough, both mentally and physically. He’s also compassionate and driven to make this personal tribute on foot for those who can no longer walk, for those who gave their life for all Americans conservative, liberal and everyone in between.
Lewis’ 3,300-mile trek, aptly called “Walking for the Fallen,” is both fundraiser for wounded veterans and visual reminder to support our troops while remaining demonstrative about patriotism and love of country.
Lewis left Everett, Wash. on Easter Sunday, March 31, heading east along Highway 2 on his destination to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
As of May 13, Lewis has logged more than 800 miles and raised nearly $10,000 for a variety of programs that offer services to wounded and disabled veterans many who are a fraction of Lewis’ age.
In his hometown of Ronan, Mont., a young soldier recently returned with a hero’s welcome but no legs. The response was remarkable, and the community still supports this fine soldier as he finds his new purpose and direction in life.
Yet another Marine, home on leave just 15 miles south, received no fanfare when he returned seemingly unscathed in June 2012. No one heard of his return until days later when the Honor Guard Lewis serves with was asked to perform full Military Honors at the young man’s funeral.
Lewis is quick to point out that Department of Defense records indicate that America has lost more active-duty servicemen and women to suicide than to enemy fire. That is a statistic Lewis wants to change.
No one really knows why the suicide rate is so high, but Lewis has some theories:
While serving, your “brothers” have your back. You have clear direction daily, your service is important, and you are risking your life to keep America free, explained Lewis.
“Then you come home to no job, no purpose, and, because culture wants to eliminate God from everything public, no hope,” he said. “I don’t have the skills or resources to directly help veterans who return with PTSD, but I can walk and raise funds for those who do.”
Sgt. Lewis will be speaking at the Memorial Day event in Sidney on Monday, May 27.
For more information about Walking for the Fallen, to track Lewis’ progress or to donate online, visit http://www.walkingforthefallen.com
Story by Linda Sappington, Walking for the Fallen Public Relations
Questions? Please e-mail me at [email protected] or call (406) 270-5733.
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