The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Local veteran plans fundraiser walk
A local veteran has found a way to give back to those who serve and protect our country and freedoms.
A local veteran who loves his country and enjoys walking has found a way to give back to those who serve and protect our country and freedoms.
Ed Hendershott, 78, of Lorain, is planning to walk more than 14 miles through Lorain County on July Fourth in a fundraising effort he’s coined “Victory for Vets.” All pledges, sponsors and donations will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which is a charity and veterans service organization offering a variety of programs, events and services for wounded veterans of military action following Sept. 11, 2001.
“I wanted to help,” he said. “I’m just one person, but everything starts with one.”
Hendershott’s desire to do more for those who served in the military was sparked last year while doing an activity he loves: walking.
“When I walk I think,” he said, explaining he began feeling somewhat selfish only walking for his own benefit.
It was then that Hendershott decided to make a trek from Lorain to Oberlin in honor of veterans, and he successfully completed the more than 14 mile walk on Aug. 14, 2016. Organizations to benefit from the funds the walk generates include the VFW in Lorain, the VFW in Elyria and Amvets Post 22 in Vermilion.
Hendershott said he didn’t get the traction he wanted last year and ended up completing the walk on his own, but he’s hoping that changes this year.
“I’m not expecting people to be able to walk as far as I do,” he said. “If you want to join me, walk what you can.”
Hendershott said he can tell people are starting to believe in him, and proof of that is a letter from Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer commending Hendershott for his ongoing efforts “to raise awareness about the sacrifices, bravery and courage of all veterans of the United States armed forces.” The letter, which was sent to Hendershott in late March, also expresses Ritenauer’s support of “Victory for Vets.”
Local businesses such as Mike Bass Ford, Montrose Kia and Huntington National Bank are all considering sponsoring Hendershott. He said Northwest Savings Bank recently confirmed their sponsorship.
But Hendershott, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-1958, said the event isn’t about him.
“This is not about me, but I have to bring attention to myself in order to get out my message; and people are starting to listen to me,” he said, noting the point is to honor and thank veterans for their commitment to their country.
“I get emotional, because I do love my country,” Hendershott said as he fought back tears. “I love the people in it.”
Hendershott hopes “Victory for Vets” gets a great turnout and develops into an annual event.
“If I get to the point where I can’t walk, I’m hoping somebody would carry it on, because I don’t want it to just die,” he said.
The walk will begin rain or shine at 8 a.m. on July Fourth at Veterans Memorial Park at 1800 West Erie Avenue in Lorain. From there, Hendershott and the other participants will head south on Broadway Avenue, continue as it turns into Middle Ridge Road, turn left onto Oberlin Road, then right onto E. College Street and a left on S. Main Street to Oberlin City Hall at 85 S. Main St.
To prepare for the trek, which Google Maps says takes around four and a half hours to walk, Hendershott walks around his community and the city of Lorain.
“I’ve been working very hard,” he said, referring to setting up the event and preparing to complete the walk. “Would they (veterans) do any less for us? I’m proud to do what little bit I do, but now I’ve got a chance to really prove myself and show people I can be a good Marine and a good American.”
Those wishing to contribute to the fundraising effort are encouraged to send monetary donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas, 66675. The “Victory for Vets” fundraiser number is 8778326997.
Hendershott said he hasn’t really set a goal and hopes to raise as much as possible.
“I need all the help I can get,” he said. “It’s for a good cause.”
Online: Find a google map of the July 4th route from Lorain to Oberlin http://bit.ly/2oUmE0A.