by Doug La Rocque
Men and woman, many encumbered with heavy ruck sacks, some veterans and some who walk to help those who gave so much for this country, made the Grafton VFW Hall their turning point in a grueling 24.8 mile march to support and bring attention to vets suffering from a myriad of physical and mental challenges. [private] The march is sponsored by the Rensselaer County organization called Heroes at Home. They work with members of the military who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries, substance abuse and mental health problems, as well as reintegration and employment difficulties. The march is an offshoot of an annual event in New Mexico, the Bataan Memorial Death March, which commemorates the death of thousands of GIs marching through the jungles of the Philippines.
All those who walked through the doors of the VFW were greeted with a warm round of applause from support and medical staffs. As they took a break before they returned to the VFW in Poestenkill, many shared stories of their lives, often impacted by brothers and sisters in arms, who have or are going through difficult times. Lee Hilt and sons Liam and Patrick, all from Colonie, say they take pride in participating in many such events. Their companion, Peggy Phillips of East Schodack, has a son who served in Afghanistan and is now working with programs to help returning service members. Others, such as Lt. Brennan Thierry of Schodack, along with Andrew Stephan and his wife Monica from Washingtonville, walked with a much heavier heart. A member of their military unit took his own life just two weeks ago. They talked about as many as 22 former service personnel committing suicide each day, and that so much more has to been done to help returning veterans.
Support Available Weekly In Hoosick Falls
Heroes at Home is a peer support group, funded in part by New York State, dedicated to ensuring a healthy and successful reintegration for members of the military and their loved ones. The group has an office in Hoosick Falls at American Legion Post #40 at 140 Main St. They are open Wednesday 10 am to noon or by appointment. The number to call is 518-279-7861. Services include individual and group support, social activities, referrals and information, training, workshops and advocacy groups.
This is the second year for the March. More than 50 people walked either to Grafton from Poestenkill and back, or opted to turn around in Cropseyville. The number is up from 19 marchers last year. [/private]