Walk For The Wounded

As the Director of Special Projects for Operation First Response (OFR), I travel from Connecticut to Washington, D.C. often and write about my trips. At times, my travel takes me to other places such as Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, etc. I offered to share my travels on this blog so others may enjoy my adventures and may share the blog link.

I figured it was best to start with the most current and a very successful event. I do plan to add a few flashbacks starting with a trip in November and roll forward until I catch up. If that’s even possible.

The first annual Walk For The Wounded was on June 15, 2008 in Media, PA. The weekend starts with Friday, which means I have to start with Friday and make my way through the weekend. Okay, I don’t have to, but that hasn’t stopped me before.

Friday June 13, 2008: Windsor, CT: I know quite a few local bands and on this particular evening, I was at a place called Alberts Riverside to see the band ShovelHead perform. Connecticut musician and Air Force Veteran Lonesome Dave O’Hagan at the start of ShovelHead’s second set presented a check to OFR from the Kaman Aerospace Corporation to kick-off the OFR Motorcycle Poker Run on July 13. What a cool way to start the weekend, music on a deck overlooking the Connecticut River. Sweet!


Pictured left to right: Mark Sadler and Lonesome Dave O'Hagan of ShovelHead with Bob O'Donoghue (OFR)

Saturday I dragged myself out of bed after a, um, late night out. I drove to New Jersey to meet two friends for lunch in Newark, NJ at the Adega Grill. I enjoyed awesome food with good friends and setting good vibes for what lies ahead. Except the part where I was wearing jeans since it was cool in Connecticut and hot, hot, hot when I arrived in New Jersey. After lunch, I continued on my way to Pennsylvania. I stopped at one of the rest areas off the NJ Turnpike to call the mother of a wounded Hero to discuss arrangements for her trip to Washington, D.C. and I needed an ice coffee to continue the trip. Needed being the key word since I only started drinking coffee a few years ago to the surprise of my friends.

I arrived at Heather’s house in Warminster, PA. Heather is the Secretary for OFR and was having a graduation party for her oldest child, er, oldest young adult. Carolyn Crossley, OFR Vice President, had arrived earlier that day. Peggy Baker, President/Founder of OFR, and her family had gone straight to their lodging. My visit at Heather’s house was short, as I took Carolyn to check in at her lodging and then we visited with Peggy and crew. It started to rain in Media and OFR Senior Advisor, Nick Constantino, arrived with his family and food, lots of food. One more trip to Heather’s house to pick up CPL Wesley Leon and his wife; then drive to Glen Mills – as we were staying at the same hotel. The drive back to Heather’s house was interesting as lightning filled the sky vertically and at least one bolt going horizontal. I knew the rain would clear out for the walk, had that feeling.

Sunday, Carolyn, Peggy and family joined some of us, including Wes Schubert (a wounded Hero) and his wife at the hotel for breakfast. We then formed a caravan and headed for Rose Tree Park in Media, PA for the walk. Nick spearheaded the Walk and with the help of many appreciated volunteers, the set up was well underway by the time we arrived. For the first walk, things were going very smoothly that morning. As the staff of OFR set up a table and vendors were setting up, walkers were arriving. It was a gorgeous day for a walk. The catch phrase of the morning, heck most of the day was “Where’s Nick?”

Folks were encouraged to gather by the gazebo for the starting ceremonies before the walk started. We had an impressive color guard

and several speakers including; Tracy Davidson of NBC 10 out of Philadelphia and Peggy Baker led by Tore Fiore. CPL Carl Duda gave an emotional, personal account of how OFR made a difference to him. There were others and I’ll apologize for not listing everyone. I didn’t take notes, simply going by memory. We had approximately 1500 walkers at Rose Tree Hill Park and lots of excitement.

Just prior to the evening’s music portion by the Fabulous Grease Band, the crowd had already been claiming their lawn seats in front of the amphitheater and awaiting something special. In the distance you could hear the police sirens approaching. The police and the Patriot Guard Riders escorted PFC Justin Gindhart (a local Hero), who has just returned to the U.S.A. from Iraq, to Media, PA for this event. Justin rode on the back of one of the motorcycles making a grand entrance.


Heather introduced Justin to the crowd and told them how Justin saved CPL Wesley Leon when Wesley was injured in Iraq. Wesley lost both his legs, broke his back and his jaw. Heather then asked Justin what he would say to Wesley if he were present today. Justin spoke a few words when Heather interrupted him and asked him to turn to his right and tell Wesley directly. This was the FIRST time they had seen each other since Wesley was injured. With his prosthetics, Wesley had walked onto the stage for this emotional reunion.

PFC Justin Gindhart meets CPL Wesley Leon for the first time since Justin saved Wesley's life in Iraq.

The walk raised approximately $70,000 as well as the awareness that our wounded Heroes must NOT be forgotten. Support from their families and the community goes a long way to helping them focus on recovery. OFR relies on donations from individuals, families, businesses and fundraisers all across America. We are only able to assist our wounded Heroes through the generosity of others as one big family.

Pictured: Heather (OFR) with Justin and his family along with Wesley and his wife.

I’ve had several people ask what I will do once the war ends. I tell them our wounded Heroes do not go away when the war ends. They will still have needs and OFR and our supporters will be there for them so they are not forgotten.

Very Respectfully,
Bob O'Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)