There is so much downer news out there lately that it is nice to hear an uplifting story about a veteran who is doing something to help wounded Marines.
Former marine Tim Tuomey undertook his journey to walk from Canada to Mexico in an effort to raise $100,000 that will present to the Semper Fi Fund which describes itself on its website as follows:
The Semper Fi Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities.
It is a worthy cause and an example that one man can indeed make a difference in the lives of our wounded warriors who often have a difficult time readjusting once they return from the battlefield only to find that an ungrateful public cares little for their sacrifice.
The treatment of wounded and homeless veterans in this country is one of the most under-reported stories of modern times.
Mr. Tuomey made it to southern Oregon last week where he was greeted by patriotic members of the Old Guard Riders who gave him $1,000 toward his goal.
Man walks from Canada to Mexico to raise money for injured Marines https://t.co/1wW6B7HVWZ
— News10 (@KTVL) August 10, 2017
According to Medford, Oregon CBS affiliate News 10 “Man walks from Canada to Mexico to raise money for injured Marines”:
A former marine walking from Canada to Mexico in order to raise money for wounded marines, stopped in Mt. Ashland today.
The hiker, Tim Tuomey, calls his project Operation Awakening 2, he hopes to raise $100,000 dollars through his walk. 100 percent of proceeds will go to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund at Camp Pendleton California.
He has already raised around $40,000.
Throughout his journey he has received help from the Marine Corps League through the hike, feeding him throughout the way.
The Old Guard Riders, a local chapter met him at Callahan’s Lodge in Mt. Ashland today and presented him with $1,000 for his project.
“There’s something about being a marine that we as brothers; we take care of our own. I think that’s what we’re seeing here. One marine’s effort to try to raise awareness and funding for those coming home has garnered this massive support and output for other marines and sailors coming out to greet me. The support has been absolutely phenomenal,” Tuomey said.
At the end of his journey, he hopes to personally hand deliver all the money he raises.
“It’s a few more dollars in their pockets, it’s the ability to pay bills, live comfortably, to make the transition to the combat environment to the peace time world. If I can just make a tiny piece of it, it’s the greatest thing I can give myself next to completing the hike,” said Tuomey.
https://twitter.com/TuomeyTim/status/899638244656238593
Tuomey’s own website at Operation Awakening II describes his monumental walk as:
June 2017, the event portion of Operation Awakening II will commence. I will step off at the US (WA) and Canada border and walk through the entire Pacific Crest Trail to the US (CA) and Mexico border (2,600 miles). The entire trek will take me approximately 4 months. At the end of the hike I will end all operations at Camp Pendleton CA home of The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and 1st Marine Division. Estimated time of arrival 11/10/2017.
November 10 2017 has a significance to our beloved Marine Corps. It is the birth date of the US Marine Corps. I am hoping for a good turn out once I cross the final PHASE LINE (SEMPER FI) in Camp Pendleton, home of 1st Marine Division. So if you are in the San Diego area on November 10th, 2017, please help me celebrate our wounded, their families and the United States Marine Corps.
The website has a link to donate directly to the Semper Fi Fund or if you happen to be along the route of this fine American man of great patriotism, principle, and compassion, go and donate to him personally and shake his hand for this great service.
You can also help by spreading awareness so that he not only gets the credit that he deserves, but also so that attention can be brought to the cause.
Let our prayers and gratitude walk with him