AT Happiness: For Our Veterans

Rev Kane with fellow hiker and vet Mao

One of the things I’ve noticed on the trail is the large number of veterans who are thru-hiking.  The other night I met Mao and over the next couple of days we spent some time talking.

He’s an exceptional young man, one who served his country in war but is now committed to keeping kindness, peace and compassion on his heart.  He’s one of my favorite people I’ve met out here on the trail.

He also told me about a charity he’s supporting through his hike in honor of a lost comrade. The site for the group is http://karellahikeat.org/donate-now/

You can donate directly and in honor of a fallen soldier or donate by buying a t-shirt at the following link:

http://purpletunatees.com/hike_for_higher_ground

Given this is memorial day I hope you will consider donating. We have a tendency to think of this holiday as the beginning of summer but it is so much more.

I have had the opportunity to talk with a number of veterans who have lost comrades both in action and through suicide once they have returned home. Their stories were powerful and touching. Our government, in our names, has sent a generation of men and women to war. Now we need to make sure we help take care of these veterans who were willing to lay down their lives for us.

Many who have returned are injured physically and/or psychologically. Please take this chance to help either by donating or by at least sharing this post.

Thank you, and have a happy Memorial Day my friends – Rev Kane