Walking For Our Troops- Earlier This Week

Al "Iron Grandpa" Slusser, a 72-year-old Arizona native, is walking from Key West, Fla., to
the Canadian border north of Maine to honor U.S veterans and troops.


PHOTO  Linda Cicoira

He stopped at Melfa Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. for a short rest Tuesday. Slusser said he’s gone about 4,200 miles since April 5, 2011, when his eastern coastline walk began.

A friend drove him over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel earlier this week.

A Navy veteran who served in Europe during the Vietnam Era, Slusser already has walked "from sea to shining sea." He went from San Diego to Annapolis last year while pulling his cart of belongings, which includes a cell phone, a  satellite locator, flags from all branches of the service and pins in his hat from all but the Air Force.

He dedicated that journey to seniors and disabled Americans, including veterans.

Slusser said hehopes to walk the western coastline next year,completing 7,300 miles by age 73. "I don’t mind the heat but the humidity" is a different story, he said

 I’m losing weight by the gallons." Slusser said everyone has been really nice to him. He is collecting

 names of loved ones who were POW, MIA or KIA for a memorial service at the border.

To follow his travels or offer a name, go to www.c2cw.com

Source;  easternshorepost.com