Seeking a solution for invisible injuries
Vets’ 3-month U.S. trek assists British soldiers
They have walked trails, back roads and city streets, a knot of men and a woman turning 1,000 miles across America into a campaign of outreach for veterans who bear the invisible injuries of war.
Nearing the end of almost three months walking 15 to 20 miles a day, six veterans — three American, three British — describe their journey not in miles but in inspiration and renewal.
The group logged its miles Wednesday in Settlers Cabin Park, on trails and narrow roadways.
Each day’s walk ends with driving to the next site. The stops have been chosen for their high concentrations of veterans.
With several support vehicles and staff from Walking With the Wounded and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, they left Los Angeles June 2 and arrive in New York City Sept. 6. Along the way, they have collected hugs and donations made to support mental health treatment. (Donations may be made at wwtw.org.uk/ woa.)
Walking with the Wounded is devoted to helping injured British veterans make a transition to civilian life. It is based in the United Kingdom, where Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a patron.
The walk “has been absolutely exceptional,” said Kev Carr, who served in the British Army’s Royal Logistics Corps in the
initial invasion of Iraq. “It took me 10 years to speak out about my issues — PTSD, depression, anxiety. I wasn’t really myself, in and out of jobs, homeless, always something missing.
“I have heard from people I don’t even know who say they are inspired to seek help because of what we are doing,” he said. “Before I came out here, I told myself that if one person contacts a charity, it will be worth it.”
The team picks high-visibility places to raise money and awareness and amasses miles in less busy places.
“Every couple years we do an exhibition to raise our profile, and Walk of America is one of them,” said Kate Sylvester, a spokesman. “Prince Harry wanted U.S. and U.K. veterans who fought together to walk together and heal together.”
Matt Fisher, the walk planner, bears the most visible sign of injury — a prosthetic leg from the left knee down. He was shot in the ankle while serving with the British Army in Afghanistan in 2009.
“I have this obvious injury,” he said, “but mentally, I’ve been OK. I do this to shine the spotlight on invisible injuries.”
“It’s been epic,” said Adele Loar referring to the walk. “Not only have we met amazing people, but we have encouraged them to get help. There are so many options out there.”
A master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, she lost her right eye when the vehicle she was in exploded in Iraq in 2006. She also suffered a brain injury and has memory problems.
“One of the greatest things I learned on this trip came from a gentleman who has (multiple sclerosis),” she said, relating a conversation about not being able to do as many things anymore. “I said, ‘I know who I used to be,’ and he said, ‘You don’t think I lived through that? Remember, it’s what you can do, not what you can’t.’”
Aftertwo tours in Iraq, plus deployments in Afghanistan “and a few other ‘stans’” on an anti-terrorism team, Ms. Loar said, she returned home with post-traumatic stress and depression. While teaching at the Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy at Quantico, Va., her memory problems sabotaged her confidence and she left her career of21 years.
She sought help and got therapy, she said, “but what helped me most was hiking. Up until about now, I was having a hard time, but I’m getting a greater sense of what I can do and a sense of purpose.”
Each participant was chosen based on applications and test walks to find the right mix among people who were most up for it. Those interviewed for this story said the experience has reinforced the desire to continue working to help veterans.
“I wanted to show people it was all right not to be OK,” said Freddie Perez, an Iraq War veteran with the U.S. Army National Guard. He was struck by an explosive device in 2005, suffering a traumatic brain injury. He also was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “But you have to surround yourself with people who help you get better.”
His efforts to heal included starting the Post Traumatic Art Foundation to offer support through music and art to veterans in Puerto Rico, where he lives.
“I have a particular concern for Vietnam veterans because they were treated like crap when they were broken,” Mr. Perez said. “When I meet a Vietnam veteran on this trip, I say, ‘Welcome home,’ and some guys cry on the spot.”
Several participants said they have embraced and cried with many veterans they meet along the way.
“I have been learning more about America on this trip,” Mr. Perez said, “and what I want to see before I die is a healthy, happy veterans’ community.”
Mr. Carr said he will return to Britain inspired.
“I had thought about ending my life” before finding help and supportive housing. “When this opportunity came up, I said, ‘I think this could change me life,’ and it has. The anxiety levels are starting to go down.
“I am inspired to work with veterans; that’s my purpose,” he said, “because the charity saved my life.”