The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tractor-driving farmer helps vets
CRAWFORD, TEXAS — When C. Ivan Stoltzfus recently pulled into the parking lot of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crawford on his modified 1948 John Deere Model A tractor, he had several stories to share from his 4,000plus miles on the road and the experiences that inspired his cross-country journeys.
“I started seeing friends that came back from the war who tried to adjust back into civil life and the pain from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and that just hit me,” Stoltzfus said. “I just thought I needed to do something to bring awareness and let them know that someone is listening to those stories.”
The Waco Tribune-Herald reports that, although the retired Pennsylvania farmer and part-time auctioneer has not served in the military, he decided he could do some good for veterans in need by taking his love of farming on the road.
Stoltzfus partnered his organization, Across America for Wounded Heroes, with Operation Second Chance to benefit wounded and struggling veterans.
Stoltzfus said he spends a lot of time thinking about veterans he meets, especially the veterans who live with mental health issues brought on by their time in the service.
He said he is collecting stories and phone numbers along the way with plans to share stories after his journey.
In May, he started his third trip across the country since 2014, collecting money for Operation Second Chance along his routes.
Dozens of McLennan County residents gathered recently for a potluck dinner at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Stoltzfus entertained with stories from his first two cross-country trips, made at 14 to 15 mph in his tractor, modified with a Peterbilt truck cab fitting on top and pulling a travel trailer.
He said he typically covers 60 to 70 miles a day.
“This is impressive. I am thankful someone recognizes and does something, because a lot of vets might not have spent 20 years in, but they’ve gone through a lot,” said Wade Bottoms, a Speegleville resident who served 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a sergeant first class.