CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

N.D. man plans walk from Bemidji to St. Paul to raise funds for veterans

Bemidji Pioneer - 3/10/2019

March 10-- Mar. 10--BEMIDJI -- Starting Thursday, March 14, two men plan to walk from Bemidji to St. Paul to raise funding and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans who have suffered physical and mental injuries since Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Jerry Meadows said he decided to make the trip because of the good the organization does helping those who have sacrificed for the country.

"The reason why I support them is because they not only support the veterans, but they help their families, too."

Meadows, 60, will make the journey with a friend of his, Ricky Wietzema Jr., 33. When Meadows began planning to make the trip a few months back, Wietzema volunteered to go alone. Although not a veteran himself, he reiterated the same sentiment about supporting those who have served.

"I have family that has military experience, so it's a little bit personal for me," Wietzema said. "If it wasn't for the brothers and sisters that fought for this country, we wouldn't be able to walk down the street today."

Although he's from North Dakota, Meadows said he chose to make his walk in Minnesota because of the scenic countryside. He said he chose to start in Bemidji to bring some positive attention to the area.

He also made a previous walk from Wahpeton, N.D., to Fargo, which is about 50 miles, to raise money for a children's hospital. With a number of health issues, he made the walk while pulling along an oxygen tank.

Meadows' wife, Virginia Miller, will drive a "safety vehicle" and follow the two men as they make their way down to the capital. Along the way, they plan to either sleep in the vehicle or, weather permitting, alongside the road.

Meadows and Wietzema hope to make the trek of more than 200 miles over a month's time. They hope to raise $20,000 from the walk to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Meadows said he's unsure if he'll meet with anyone once he reaches St. Paul, although he's trying to get in touch with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Regardless of whether they reach they're financial goal, Meadows said the journey will still have been worth the effort. Those who would like to learn how to donate can contact Meadows at (701) 403-4993 or visit https://bit.ly/2XK9SBf.

"I know we already made our statement," Meadows said. "So if I raise $1, we have done a really cool thing."

___

(c)2019 The Bemidji Pioneer (Bemidji, Minn.)

Visit The Bemidji Pioneer (Bemidji, Minn.) at www.bemidjipioneer.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.