Submitted
Ex-soldier Kate MacEachern is walking 2,700 km from Nipawin, Sask, to Chilliwack B.C. to raise awareness for PTSD and to raise money for service dogs for veterans. On Saturday, local veteran Kyle Dalum and his Irish Wolf Hound companion, Phelen, walked with Kate's team into Cranbrook and to the Cranbrook Fire Hall. Unfortunately, on Saturday Kate's PTSD did not allow her to participate in the walk and fellow team member Lisa took over for her. Kyle proudly carried Kate's 45 lb rucksack for the final 10 km into Cranbrook which Kate carries to signify the load people with PTSD carry every day.
Kyle and Lisa were escorted into Cranbrook from Fraggle Rock by RCMP Jim Hagel, Fire Fighter Murray Robertson who drove Vietnam Veteran Lynda in the 1939 International Firetruck. Kyle and Lisa were followed by The Long Way Home team. Not present were the two riders on horses who were having a veterinarian day and the accompanying motor home.
Both veterans Kyle and Lynda, who are regular attendees at Military Ames social group were honored and proud to be a part of the campaign to raise awareness for PTSD and to support other veterans.
To see more of Kate's journey and to support her cause, go to Kate MacEachern The Long Way Home.
Military Ames, a local support/camaraderie group for veterans meets twice monthly in Kimberley and encourages all veterans who'd like to connect with brothers and sisters to join us. For further information, call Cindy at 250 919 3137.