Week One: Done!
Walk of Britain conquers Scotland
Arriving in Edinburgh, the entire Walk of Britain team — comprised of four British and two American veterans — completed week one of their 10 week journey, Aug. 28.
Their trek began at Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, led off by bagpipes. Over the course of 117 miles, they meandered south, visiting Scottish villages, cities and castles like the historic Scone Palace, along the way.
More importantly, they have generated awareness for the issues injured and ill veterans face, which is the purpose of the Walking With The Wounded expedition.
“Week one has treated us well. As a team we're gelling extremely quickly, and are quickly getting our ‘trail legs’ under us,” said Capt. Andrew Bement, one of the American walkers. “I'm very excited for what the rest of the walk has in store for us!”
Bement, from Orono, Maine, served two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, as a Marine infantry assaultman. He was medically retired earlier this year, due to a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. Nearly 1-in-5 post-9/11 vets struggle with these hidden wounds of war. (Follow his blog here)
While some of the walk has followed roadways, there have been more than a few challenging days on the trail — none more so than the climb of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles.
“I have never in my life done, or even imagined doing, something so difficult as this,” said Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, from Milton, Fla. “I have felt more disabled over the course of this past week than ever in my recovery, but it has been the most rewarding and reassuring experience that I have ever been apart of.”
A former Marine helicopter door gunner and airframes mechanic, Ennis has undergone 38 surgeries, so far, for injuries sustained when her CH-53E crashed during her second deployment to Afghanistan, in 2012. Her left leg remains severely damaged, and she walks with the support of an IDEO brace.
Atop Ben Nevis, Ennis left behind a dog tag in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas O’Brien, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan, June 9, 2011. Ennis brought 25 dog tags representing colleagues who were killed in war, or who lost their battles with PTS at home. She is leaving one of them, along with a note, every 40 miles for strangers to find.
Bement and Ennis were selected for the Walk of Britain by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which helps ensure that post-9/11 injured service members, veterans and their families are thriving after returning home.
“Our nations went to war together, so this is a great opportunity for our injured veterans to heal together,” said Lee Woodruff, co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We are pleased to be a part of this effort to generate awareness and ensure that our veterans are thriving on both sides of the Atlantic.”
After some much-needed rest, the walkers will resume their 1,000-mile journey by crossing the border into England. The Walk of Britain will come to an end in London, Nov. 1. They will be joined at points along the way by supporters and fellow veterans — including Prince Harry, who is the patron of the expedition.
Staff and supporters from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, along with family members of the American walkers, will join the team during week 5 in Wales.
In the meantime, all of the walkers are confident that they will reach their goal and look forward to the next nine weeks.
“Come November 1, we will know that we are capable of overcoming any adversity and any obstacle that could ever come our way,” said Ennis.
Keep up with the Walk of Britain via social media by following @supportthewalk and @Stand4Heroes using #WalkOfBritain. Donate through the Bob Woodruff Foundation here.
