"Patches" Walk For Vietnam Veterans Victims Of Agent Orange

Steve Hay-Chapman had this to say when I asked him for more information regarding his upcoming "Patches" walk.  He will be walking on this Veterans Day, November 11th 2008, between Reno and Carson City, Nevada.

"In this fast paced world we sometimes forget to say *thank you* to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces."

Steve is walking to raise funds for three Veterans Groups:  A/O Victims & Widows Support Network Inc., Wounded Warrior Project and the Veterans Guest House located in Reno, NV.

"My initial purpose is to honor the memory of my deceased father, Retired. Lt Col Lorimer Hay-Chapman, who flew the C-123 plane *Patches* in Vietnam in 1964-65. This plane was one of several  which sprayed *Agent Orange* in Vietnam. This plane Patches is on display in the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio as taking the most enemy hits while in Vietnam."

I was curious upon seeing some information on this walk and asked Steve, why he was walking......"to honor his father" and why he chose these particular charities to support.

"This is my initial concept of the "Patches Memorial Walk" as it relates to me. The "Patches" name seemed appropriate because it is a reality that these guys need patching up, when they arrive home just as the plane my father flew in needed in Vietnam."

"Unfortunately I was never in the military even though I grew up in household that was as close to the military as anyone could get. My father retired after 27 years, participating in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Wars. He was the father of ten children, eight of which were boys. So growing up and traveling back then seemed as if we were his personal platoon."

As for the Vietnam war over 60,000 names are on the memorial wall and over 250,00 deaths have been attributed to Agent Orange (A/O) exposure. We need to take care of these Veterans and that is why "Agent Orange Quilt of Tears" (A/O Victims & Widows Support Network Inc.) was selected.

As for the "Wounded Warrior Project" my son works on the TV show CSI New York which stars Gary Sinise, whom has been instrumental in bringing attention to this worthy cause.

The final, "Veterans Guest House" found locally in Reno, assists many families who need a place to stay while their loved ones are being treated at the Veterans Hospital here in Reno, Nevada.

So how can YOU help Steve to help our veterans?  Simple!

There are several different ways you can donate to support these fine groups:

• You may choose to donate on a per-mile basis and your donations will be
  divided among the three charities.

• You may also choose to make a donation directly to any of the three charities Steve is supporting and stipulate it is in conjunction with the "Patches Walk."  Your donation/gift is tax-deductible.
  

Just how far is this walk Steve is taking?  I did a quick check online and from Reno, NV to Carson City, NV is right around 33 miles.

We all are motivated by various means to reach out and help others. With some it is simply a cause they believe in, others wish to honor the memory of a loved one, or a close friend, or to bring attention to a worthy cause or even to provide free information for others online through a blog or website.

Steve has chosen to honor his father, now deceased, Retired. Lt Col Lorimer Hay-Chapman and the service he gave to our country in not one, but three different wars.  In addition to honoring his father, he is honoring those now serving by seeing that the donations he receives will also benefit the "Wounded Warrior Project" and the "Veterans Guest House".

Steve will be encompassing Veterans Day in his own personal and special way.  Please find it within yourself to help him as he puts one foot in front of the other in honor of not only his father, but ALL veterans.  He hopes to have this become an annual event.

"In this fast paced world we sometimes forget to say *thank you* to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces."

Don't you be one of the ones who is too busy to remember our veterans!  Donate today!

Steve can be reached at:

Steven Hay-Chapman
schapman@washoe.k12.nv.us
(775) 348-0336

Copyright 2008 MsMarti. All rights reserved.

Comments

[Lynn Fox]

Hello Steve
You don't know me, but I am your Aunt. Your father and I were never close as he was a grown man serving in WWII when I was born and our families never saw each other past Connie and Larry Jr.s birth. I found your web page when I typed in my father's name Lorimer Hay Chapman. I congratulate you for what you are doing in your father's name. I am 65 now. Life is strange. Just so you know-I cried when my brother died.

[Tom Schuckman]

I like your blog and wish to use this page as my next post, please. I am a disabled Vietnam Vet: 68-70, helicopter door gunner with the 240th AHC at Bear Cat, RVN. I also write a blog that helps combat Vets deal the corrupt VA system.
Take care.

Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Wisconsin.