Vets Hoofing It In Support Of Troops In Iraq

Three retired U.S. Army veterans decided to do something different to support the troops in Iraq.

On Saturday, Maj. Dennis McCool, Maj. Carl Heerup and Lt. Col. Mark Breslow departed South of the Border near Dillon, S.C., for a 400-mile walk to Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the "Resolve To Win" march is to show support for the troops and their mission by demonstrating resolve to do a difficult task, Maj. McCool said.

"We wanted to do something difficult," he said. "If we did something easy it wouldn't draw any attention. It's taking us three weeks to get the job done."

The purpose of the march is to show support for the troops in Iraq. All three served together on Gen. David Petraeus' staff, the commanding general of Multi-National Force in Iraq.

"He has turned the tide in Iraq," Maj. McCool said. "The surge is working. The troops don't want to come home until they achieve victory. They've earned that right."

Maj. McCool said he believes most Americans want to support the troops but don't know how.

Day Six View From The Road:

Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:02 PMby BlogMasters

Another beautiful day in NC as we started our days journey from just south of Wilson, NC. We did our daily “on-air” interview with Fox 35 TV in Orlando.

Tim Williford, County Commissioner from Wilson County met us at our first break area, expressing his strong support for our March effort and made a nice donation. Thank you Commissioner.

Before noon we were joined by Jerry Tart, who walked with us for the third day. During our lunch break Jerry hung a Battle Streamer for AL Post 58, Benson, NC. HOOAH.

Larry Hoffa joined us again, this time riding his Harley. He parked his Harley at the Lunch stop and walked the next six miles with us.

Carl Smith joined us in the late morning and provided continual rear guard and recon for the remainder of the day. Thank you, Carl.

We picked up Doug Jones and several other members of the Patriot Guard Riders enroute to the third stop and they followed us along with Larry Hoffa to our final stop of the day. Nancy Winters stopped one of the Patriot Guard Riders and gave them a nice donation for us. Thank you, Nancy.

Bill Lomain from WRAL Radio did an on air interview with Carl, Marc and I as we approached our third stop. The Rocky Mount Telegram did an interview at the 3rd rest stop. Many supporters were waiting at the third stop.

We ended the days March with a terrific reception at American Legion Post 58. Many Legion leaders were there for our arrival, offering their support. Particularly notable was Mr. Eugene Thomas an 85 year old WWII veteran who has been a member of the American Legion for 61 Years. WOW!!! He has been a member longer than I have been alive.

Particularly noteworthy today, I must mention again that it is Carl Heerup’s 52d birthday. What a way to spend your birthday, but I promise he will never forget what he was doing on his 52d. We also spent the day, as I mentioned earlier, for the third time, with Jerry Tart. Today is Jerry’s 65th birthday. Happy Birthday Carl and Jerry, we are honored to have spent the day with you.

More tomorrow. We will see you on the road from Rocky Mount to Halifax.

God Bless America.

Dennis

http://www.vfwwebcom.org/resolvetowin

Coop and I arrived just in time to catch the RTW RV as it was traveling to the step off point for the 8th day of the Resolve to Win Walk. I had dropped my vehicle at the VA/NC State line and rode with Coop. I was not prepared for the level of motivation displayed by these men and the people with them. I knew it was high; but when you experience it first-hand, it's truly inspirational.

These men had spent their lives in service to their country and retired to enjoy the benefits of the freedoms they had fought to preserve. They voluntarily returned to active duty and went to Iraq. What they saw there convinced them, in spite of news reports to the contrary, that we can win if only we have the Reslove to Win. They didn't have to do this. They could have stayed home and enjoyed every minute of the rest of their lives and no one would have questioned it. Instead, they decided it was time to make a statement. It was time to show the American people, and the world, that America is a force for good and we need to win.

The Major runs a tight ship.

We stepped off promptly at 0730 with Gunny taking the Guidon, Major Heerup holding the American flag and just as promptly, it began to rain. Not too bad. The first leg of the walk was mildly uncomfortable, with intermittment rain squalls, but we had two young active duty Army recruiters on point and spirits were high. No way was I gonna go girly in front of these Warriors. I am a former Marine after all. I had prepared with rain gear, and knew I could handle just about anything short of a hurricaine or tornado.

I had emailed two morning radio shows about this event and had called in around 0630 to the Lee Brothers on WRVA.

I was informed that they would take my call at 0750. Coop is giving me five minute warnings as the clock ticked. Promptly at 0750 I made the call and was put right through. Scott Lee spoke to Major Heerup and emailed at 0759 to tell me that VNN had picked up the story.

I mentioned two morning shows didn't I? The second show was John Boy and Billy out of Charlotte. I never heard a response back from this one, and no one picked up the phone during the broadcast. I'm disappointed with these people and will let it be known just how disappointed I am shortly. They have always been good supporters of the troops in the past, but apparently, three retired Army officers just back from Iraq who decide to walk 400 miles to show their resolve that we can win this thing isn't worthy of their time. I would appreciate it if anyone reading this would take a minute and let them know how I feel as well.

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Our first stop came, and we rested for thirty minutes and stepped off again. I noticed a white SUV parked on the side and assumed it was a LEO waiting for us. As I walked past, I looked back and saw a license plate with 173DABN Sky Soldiers mounted on the front. Well, I wasn't going to walk past THIS vehicle without a question. Turned out to be the parents of two soldiers with the 2nd Battalion 508BCT. They had heard of the walk and brought two little ones with them. They met us twice more during the walk and the video is Major McCool speaking to the parents at the VA/NC state line.

A little more rain, and now my feet are starting to bark. I have good boots; I never had a problem with my feet. Suddenly, I'm feeling pain where there usually isn't any. Shifting my weight from the ball to the heel helped; the burning on the bottom of my heels subsides and then it becomes a contest to see how long it takes to relieve the pain in my heels, versus the pain in my calves as I shift my weight.

I think the thing that impressed me most was the fact that Major Heerup and I share a common interest. Major Heerup is a structural engineer in civilian life. Because my job involves the construction of infrastructure, I had questions about the conditions in Iraq, and whether he had used his skills as an engineer during his deployment. We spoke about the conditions of the infrastructure in Iraq. He told me it was bad. Insurgents apparently do not appreciate the basic neccessities we here in America take for granted and really don't think about until they cease to function: clean water, waste water treatment, and power. Not only do the insurgents not appreciate them, they don't want anyone else to have them either. Major Heerup spoke of an incident where a WWTP (waste water treatment plant) had been repaired and put online. Within days, the insurgents had stripped and removed every piece of equipment, every run of wire, anything that could have been sold for scrap. Clean water is the basis of a civilized society. When you provide a sustainable source of clean water to any area, you can build from there. PRT's (Provincial Reconstruction Teams) are working daily in Iraq and Afghanistan to provide these people with the basic neccessiities and AQI and the Taliban are working just as hard to keep these people in the Dark Ages.

The left in this country don't seem to understand this fact either; and if they do, their actions make them culpable with the terrorists. They are either incredibly stupid or they are traitors.

The day ended for me at the VA/NC state line. Gunny and his wife Lori were impressed. Lori chastised me for not getting in the car with her for the last 1/2 mile. Fussed at me is more like it. She could tell I was hurting, and frankly, the thought had crossed my mind until I saw that Georgia-Pacific water tower in the distance. Thats in VA. Just across the line. From my position as "Tail-end Charlie" I called out to the group "Ya see that water tower? THAT'S IN VIRGINIA!!!"

I hurt in places I haven't hurt in since boot camp. I moved like an old man this morning. But you know what, I'm going to join them again in Fairfax on Sunday and walk the last 16 miles with them.

You couldn't keep me away with a shotgun.

A message from my brother in feets

When my alarm buzzed at 3:30 a.m., I was surprised at how quickly this olÂ’ fortysomething got moving. Despite the early hour and challenges ahead, I was excited to join AmericaÂ’s finest for a small part of an epic walk from the NC/SC border up to Washington D.C. After a quick shower and an accelerated morning routine, I departed at 4:02 for the 160 mile or so drive to Emporia. There I met up with Bob Miller, a friend and Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. We grabbed some coffee and Mountain Dew and intended to welcome the walkers to Virginia by escorting them across the state line.

Who were these walkers? Three retired veterans who had recently been voluntarily recalled and served over in Iraq. They determined to do something significant and difficult to show America that many of us want our troops to come home as winners, having accomplished a very challenging mission. ThatÂ’s how Resolve to Win was born. They also hope to build excitement and momentum along the way, resulting in a large following in northern Virginia next weekend.

Route and schedule here:
http://www.vfwwebcom.org/ResolveToWin/10113/March+Route+and+Schedule.html

Bob and I staged his vehicle at the VA/NC state line, then drove south on Hwy 301 and soon (by pure coincidence) found ourselves behind the Resolve to Win recreational vehicle. We knew from photos this was the walkersÂ’ main support vehicle, so we followed behind it all the way to this morningÂ’s starting point in Halifax County. There, in a light drizzle, we met up with walkers Dennis McCool, Carl Heerup and Marc Breslow, plus their support crew (Ada, Don, Carl, Pearl Â– my apologies if I missed anyone). We learned the unfortunate news that Marc, after walking seven consecutive days, was going to depart for much-needed medical attention on his feet. So the core group of four was down to two (Dennis and Carl). The fourth member, an Army major or lieutenant colonel and DennisÂ’ son Gerry McCool, walked for several days in the beginning before needing to return to work. However, he will rejoin the group for the last few days. The group wished Marc a fond farewell, a speedy recovery, and plans to see him in D.C. on March 16th.

We stepped off at 7:30 in a light rain, which over the next couple of hours faded on and off, with one stretch of 10-15 minutes of fairly heavy rain that unfortunately soaked our footwear. In addition to Dennis, Carl, Bob and I, we were joined by two active duty Army recruiters (Darrick and Trey, who were determined to escort these amazing veterans through their area of operations) and another old Marine Corps friend, Larry Hoffa (whom we did not realize until just then would be walking with us). Each walking segment was 6-7 miles, taking about two hours. ThereÂ’s a half-hour morning break, a 45-minute lunch, a half-hour afternoon break, with each day completed about 6:00 p.m.

http://www.vfwwebcom.org/ResolveToWin/10184/Battle+Rhythm.html

During the first leg Bob called in to a Richmond radio station, and the DJs interviewed Bob and Carl. Dennis normally receives a daily morning call from a Fox affiliate in Orlando FL that has been tracking their progress. However, this morning for some reason there was no call. People took turns carrying the American flag and the guidon (a long wooden stick with a metal pike on top, holding a small banner usually denoting a particular unit. This blue banner with fringe says Resolve to Win.) Since the recruiters and Larry were only planning to walk until lunch, I held off carrying the guidon until the later legs. We walked along the right edge of Hwy 301 and were blessed to have NC sheriff and police escorts all the way to the lunch break. I was disappointed that Virginia did not have anyone (police or otherwise) greeting us at the state line. But the support crew and walkers all have Nextel phones, so they managed traffic very professionally with no significant problems all day.

During the second leg we heard a disturbance behind us, and saw an elderly veteran with an American flag double timing (running) to catch up to us. We slowed down, and he walked with Dennis McCool up to a bridge (where his wife picked him up) just to show us his support. Very motivating! And during this leg another gentleman pulled his southbound vehicle over, jumped out, snapped a couple of photos and thanked us for walking.

The rain cleared up after the first leg, and by lunchtime the sun was coming out. A reporter from Littleton NC took pictures and interviewed some of the folks. We ate and then bid a fond farewell to our Army recruiter friends, Darrick and Trey, as they had to prepare for an ROTC ball that evening. Both were fun to have around, sharing knowledge of the local area, trail mix and HersheyÂ’s kisses! And Darrick kindly gave me a pair of hiking socks. I had neglected to bring a back-up pair, and the wet shoes & socks resulted in a couple of blisters on my right foot by lunch. So those socks did considerably cut down on my discomfort. Larry was feeling pretty good, so he wanted to walk the third leg with us. His wife Lori, following in a support vehicle, good naturedly agreed to go to work a little later so Larry could have some more fun with us (in a masochistic sort of way).

As Carl, Dennis, Bob, Larry and I set off on Leg 3 after a lunch of sandwiches, pickles and potato chips (and lots of fluids!), a white SUV pulled over in front of us. It was a NC family of four who had heard about us on the radio and wanted to say Â“HelloÂ” and cheer us on. They chatted briefly with Bob, then drove ahead of us. They pulled out a large unit flag for the 173rd Airborne, in which they have two sons (Sean and Chase, I believe) currently serving in Iraq. 9-year old Gavin was waving the flag, which was twice as big as him, in a strong wind, while 3-year old Raven was on the SUVÂ’s hood waving to us as we walked by. At DennisÂ’ urging I ran back to a trail vehicle and retrieved some small American flags for the kids, Mom and Dad. Bob and I went over to chat and snapped some photos. They wanted to purchase some Resolve to Win t-shirts and hats, which were in the RV. They decided to meet us at the state line (our third break area) to buy those, and then handed me a nice donation for RTW. Raven had a picture of soldier brother Sean on her t-shirt. If you canÂ’t tell, those cute kids were the highlight of my day.  Bob and I then ran to catch up to the core group, and the running actually felt good to use some different muscles for a while. True to their word, they were waiting for us at the state line. They bought a load of shirts and hats and spoke for a while with Dennis. He cut short his rest and foot maintenance just to speak with them. During the third break I needed to lance a couple of huge blisters on my right foot, and Dennis gave me some moleskin which helped considerably.

After the break we all Â– walkers and support crew - posed for photos at the Â“Welcome to VirginiaÂ” sign. We said goodbye to Lori and Larry Hoffa, who were gracious enough to run Bob back to retrieve my vehicle at the starting point. That enabled me to walk the final leg with Dennis and Carl, who otherwise would have been alone. Most of our route paralleled railroad tracks, and the trains were all honking, so we surmised they were talking about our march on the radio. I started carrying the guidon early in Leg 3, and never gave it up after that. Leg 4 was extremely windy, and the fairly comfortable temperatures from the morning had dropped a good 15-20 degrees. My hands were cold, but not enough to retrieve my gloves from the trail vehicle. We heard via radio there were gale warnings in the area. We werenÂ’t surprised! Early in Leg 4 we heard a snap, looked ahead about 40-50 yards as the crown of an old tree plummeted into the roadway. Fortunately it was on the other side of the highway and no cars were coming. I quickly cleared the debris and we continued. We saw homes with shingles missing and at least two sheds with the roofs peeled back like tin can tops. Needless to say, managing the guidon and American flag in those conditions was challenging. Twice (during Legs 2 and 4) the American flag separated from the pole and was retired to the support vehicles.

As we approached the dayÂ’s final destination (a church parking lot 25-26 miles from the morningÂ’s starting point), I could see Concrete Bob waiting with his vehicle. HeÂ’s never looked so beautiful (he was my ride back to MY vehicle!). Dennis and Carl decided to skip going out for dinner and instead focus on warm baths and caring for their feet. So we posed for more pictures, including one for a nice veterans group in Missouri that sent a check for Resolve To Win. ItÂ’s nice to see the donations, because Dennis, Carl and the others have put a lot of their own money into this effort of love, with some wonderful support from American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. We then said our goodbyes and everyone departed. Don, one of the support crew, said Day 8 was the most challenging with the rain and wind, so I was especially glad to have joined these fine folks on this day and hopefully provided some good company and encouragement.

As Bob drove me back to retrieve my vehicle, the first song coming from the radio was Alan JacksonÂ’s Â“Where We You (When the World Stop Turning,Â” a moving reminder of the horrible slaughter of 9/11/01 and its impact on our lives. A very fitting ending to an amazing day dedicated to our troops.

I am sore, with a few blisters, but have no regrets. However, itÂ’s absolutely incredible to me that two gentlemen (one ten years and the other 19 years my senior) have done this eight consecutive days, with another eight still to come. These guys are first-class studs! What keeps them going is not only the knowledge theyÂ’re walking for everyone in uniform defending our freedom, but also the support of everyone who walks with them or simply stands along the route to clap, cheer on and thank them. I urge everyone reading this to:
Â• tell a friend and local/national media organizations about this epic journey
Â• visit the below website to post a short note of encouragement and/or buy a t-shirt or hat
Â• consider meeting them somewhere between Emporia and D.C. through March 16th.

Maybe YOU could be one of the thousands they hope to have escorting them over the Memorial Bridge from Arlington National Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial on March 16th. God willing, IÂ’ll be there. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/ResolveToWin/ Semper Fi, Eric

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