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DEL.ICIO.USFamilies walk the walk for the 48th
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Deborah and Steve Johnston get to talk to their son, who commands a team in a Bradley fighting vehicle in Iraq, about once a week.
Of course, they think about him all the time. And when they walk together or with friends, that’s a special time to think about their 24-year-old son, 2nd Lt. Stephen Johnston.
Like many National Guard families across Georgia, the Johnstons have been keeping track of how many miles they’ve walked in honor of their soldier. Families and others with a loved one in the 48th Brigade Combat Team are striving for a total of 6,695 miles â€â€? the distance between the brigade’s base in Fort Stewart and their current assignment in Baghdad.
On Saturday, the Johnstons drove two hours to Pharr Elementary School in Snellville to join other families in a Walk to Baghdad event.
“Fellowship is always good,” said Deborah Johnston. “We’re from Rome and we don’t have much contact with the folks here … and even something like this, even though it’s symbolic, it makes you feel like you’ve contributed in some way or supported.”
The couple logged 8.1 miles each on Saturday and recorded a total of about 700 miles that they and friends have walked since July.
Some walkers have found sponsors to donate money for each mile they cover and others have sought donations from friends, co-workers or church members. Organizers hope to use the proceeds to buy needed items for 48th Brigade soldiers and their families, and to help the families of Louisiana Guard families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Groups also walked Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Canton and in Albany.
Kimberly Keene organized the Snellville walk for members of the 1/121st Infantry Regiment’s Alpha Company, which is based in Lawrenceville.
Keene, leader of Alpha Company’s family readiness group, said 48th Brigade families have hit the halfway point for their mileage.
When they reach their goal, they’ll start all over again. Then, Keene said, it will be the symbolic walk home.
Comments
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By S.
September 11, 2005 08:21 PM | Link to this
Congrats to all the FRGs and everyone who walked on Saturday. Wish I could have been there in person but family obligations kept me away. Glad I was able to contribute in other ways. Good Walking Families and Friends.
By Brooke Harrison
September 11, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
We did awesome! We had over 100 people come out. We had 62 walkers that averaged 5.5 miles a piece, with a grand total of 330 miles from just our Walk to Baghdad. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SUPPORT US!!!
By Stacey
September 12, 2005 12:01 PM | Link to this
AWESOME job everyone!!! This is a breath of fresh air, positiveness!!! Thanks to all that walked and everyone who supported it. I know the soldiers are proud!! You go 48th! God Speed.
By AnneMarie
September 22, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this
My husband is a member of the 29th BCT from Hawaii currently in Iraq. I want to congratulate you all on what you’re doing. It’s very positive - I wish our FRG had done something like that here. You have to keep yourself moving forward through a deployment… what a positive thing to have to focus on, and good for your health, too. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
By Bonnie Williams
September 23, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this
What a wonderful idea. I would love to be a part of the next walk in Atlanta. My son serves in the 48th brigade and it would be an honor for me participate in anything to support my son and his brigade.
Can you please let me know if there’s a contact number.
Many thanks and God bless our soldiers.
Bonnie, the mom of Sgt. Wanon Staley. Wanon is also celebrating a birthday today, September 23rd.