Veterans Walk 60 Miles In 3 Days To Spread 1 Message

By Breanna Fuss

“We started with eight of us, we’re at 13 now and six of us are from the very beginning,” Sergeant First Class Sean Smith, U.S. Army Veteran said.

It’s no casual stroll down the Erie Canalway Trail either. These 13 veterans are on a mission.

“We’re trying to raise awareness for veteran services, primarily the Battle Buddy Program at the Veterans Outreach Center,” Sean said.

The peer-to-peer mentoring program began about a month ago. Sean is coordinator. He said so far in Rochester alone, 60 veterans have signed up.

“Veterans really relate to veterans,” Sean said. “I know when I got back I wish I had someone to guide me through some of the veteran service organizations out there.”

Veteran combat engineer Donnie Smith is one of the mentors. While he never served overseas, Donnie said he’s looking forward to helping out those who have.

“To connect with guys, to be there for them as much as I can and to show my appreciation,” Donnie Smith, a veteran combat engineer said.

Donnie said he’s already learned some valuable lessons. “Keep me grounded, keep me leveled and keep me accountable,” Donnie said.

Fran Murphy, a Navy Veteran, is already learning too. “Army [guys] isn’t too bad,” Fran laughed.

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