Another highlight was Guilford’s


presentation of her “Our Veterans – Now and Forever” award to Sean Gobin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who, after returning from three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, spent six months hiking all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. He was following in the footsteps of a man named Earl Shaffer, who told a friend many decades ago that he was going “to walk off the war” – World War II. He was the first person to hike the entire length of the trail. After his own similar journey, Gobin


realized the therapeutic benefits of long distance outdoor expeditions and this inspired him to found Warrior Expeditions and with it, the Warrior Hike, Warrior Bike and Warrior Paddle programs, all of which are designed to help combat veterans transition from military service. In years past, military units would


historically experience a lengthy trek home after fighting a campaign abroad. During this voyage home, warriors could process and come to terms with wartime experiences, a transition all but lost in today’s age of modern transportation when military personnel can find themselves home within days of serving in a combat zone. Other special guests included


Al Lugo from the VFW Veterans Village in Florida; Mike DeRosa, VFW Foundation Board member and BURGER KING® franchise owner and his wife, Sherry; representatives from


10 | VFW Auxiliary Magazine


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