I'm not going to tell you a big sob story or try to pull on your heartstrings.
I'm a 70-year-old, retired, 100% disabled Army veteran. I spent 21 years in the Army, with more than 10 years of that time deployed or stationed overseas. I was one of those lucky individuals who seemed to get assigned to a lot of shit assignments.
There were times I froze my ass off standing over a 55-gallon drum fire just trying to stay warm, and other times when the heat in the desert was almost unbearable. I could go on and on, as just about any veteran who actually served for any length of time could.
But I wouldn't trade those 21 years. I'm proud of my service, and I've had a pretty damn good life.
These days, however, getting around isn't as easy as it used to be. I can walk short distances with a cane, but anything farther requires a walker. My traveling days aren't going to last forever.
So here's my deal.
I want one last great journey before my world gets a whole lot smaller and I retire to my chair in front of the TV.
I want to rent a nice RV and hit the road for a few weeks. I want to see some of the beauty of this country firsthand—the country I spent 21 years serving. There are places I've seen in pictures and on television my entire life that I've never actually stood in front of and seen with my own eyes.
And I'm not planning to go alone. Another Vietnam-era veteran would be making the journey with me. Two old soldiers, an RV, a few weeks on the road, and hopefully enough common sense between the two of us to make it back home.
That's the plan.
The amount I'm trying to raise may sound like a lot at first, but renting an RV for several weeks, fuel, campground fees, food, insurance and the other expenses of being on the road add up quickly. I'm not looking for luxury, and I'm not asking anyone to finance some extravagant vacation.
I'm asking for some help making one last adventure possible while I'm still physically able to do it.
If you'd like to contribute, I would sincerely appreciate it. If you can't, I understand completely. And if you'd simply share this with someone who might appreciate what we're trying to do, that would help too.
I've had a good life. I've served my country, raised a family, made plenty of mistakes, had some great adventures and collected more than a few stories along the way.
I'd just like to add one more story before I hang up the traveling shoes for good.
Two old soldiers. One RV. A few weeks on the open road.
That's my pitch.
