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.

Since you were kind enough to ask, I wanted you to read Dennis McCool's inspiring report from today. I won't be posting any more updates here.
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Day 13: We love Spotsylvania County

Rough start, but God heard all your prayers and things evened out for me early on today. We were joined at the start by Don Blosser carrying the Guidon while Randy Shrader and Ron Crouch from the Legion Riders, Post 320 kept us moving and motivated.

Lots of excitement all day because of the terrific support for WFLS radio in Fredericksburg. We were joined at the first stop by Col.Harry Riley and Brad Riley for Eagles UP. Harry carried the guidon and marched as Brad did a live Podcast to the Internet. HOOAH. Many walkers accompanied us in the morning including Lorie Hoffa and Elyse Buongiorno.

Lunch was hectic and exciting as we talked with many supporters and did a live radio show interview.

John and Louise Dodd spent the afternoon with us representing their son-in-law in Iraq, CAPT Louis Gomez.. Mary Rowe an Richard McClure made nice donations as did American Legion Post 320, VFW Post 3103 and Don Blosser. Thanks to all of you.

We were greeted at our third stop by many well wishers, including 4 WWII Vets. The Honor Guard for Post 320 met us at the third stop and marched with us the entire 4 leg and we were joined by two bagpipe musicians as we closed in on our destination (VFW Post 3103). It was very energizing. It is not possible to list everyone name who walked with us, stopped to show support and give us energy, but I feel compelled to list a few: Bruce Mognesen, Junior and Linda Rose, Ed and Lee Cole, Ken Creasy and Inga, Bucky Dabnay, Edward Luesker, Kenneth and Karen Weakley, Bill Mickelson, Renee Parham-King, Bob Sussan, Dean Strong, Catherine Massey, Jimmy James, Ken Kreitz, Kevin Shanahan, Dave Fischer, John W. Cain, Ted Prasatek

In closing I wanted to pass on a comment forwarded to me from General Petraeus. "Wonderful support.....deeply appreciate the support for our Troopers. Thanks/Best from Baghdad" General David Petraeus HOOAH.

See you tomorrow on US 1 from Fredericksburg to Woodbridge. Please sign our Guest Book. God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America.

Dennis McCool

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