WOW - November Miles

What an amazing journey this has been and we aren't even halfway done!!!  When we started this program, I was told that we would probably only make it about halfway to Afghanistan...however I am so proud to tell you that after collecting miles for the month of December we have traveled 16,327 miles!!!!!

Because of that amazing miles collected since we've begun, we have not only made it to Afghanistan, but we have made it BACK to 29 Palms.  With all the miles we have logged, we are back on our way back to Afghanistan, so let's keep moving!!

Here are some interesting facts as to where we are now in Richfield, Utah

• Richfield, Utah falls almost halfway between Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO and is often a stopping point for travelers along the way.  While not large it is the largest city in southern-central Utah.
• The state tree: blue spruce.  The state flower: sego lily. The state bird: California gull.
• Prehistoric people occupied the area of Richfield area for more than 7,000 years ago.

Remember it is never to late to join!  We will be collecting miles until the entire Battalion returns!  For more information, please email walkingtoandfromafghanistan@gmail.com

The First Leg of the Journey - October Miles

A month down into our journey and I am so happy to report our progress for the first month....we have traveled a total of 1837.3 miles!!!!!!  I am so impressed with our success...and our enthusiasm that you all have shown!

This mileage brings us to Indianapolis, Indiana.  This is a picture of the capital building in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Here are some fun facts about the first stop on our journey:

• Indianapolis is the 13th largest city in the United States. It is the only major city not on a River. 
• The state tree: Tulip Tree & Poplar Tree; The state bird: Cardinal; The state flower: Peoney 
• Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. There are approximately 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land. 
• The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is one of only 18 full time orchestras in the United States.
• Indiana is the top popcorn-producing state in the nation. Orville Redenbacher is from Brazil, Indiana.  90% of the world’s popcorn is grown in Indiana.

Remember it is never too late to join!  We will be collecting miles until entire the Battalion returns!  For more information email walkingtoandfromafghanistan@gmail.com.

Stepping Off

As we begin this journey, here are some interesting facts about our starting point...

• Twentynine Palms was named for the palm trees located in the Oasis of Mara at the Joshua Tree National Park headquarters.  When the area was settled by gold miners in the late 19th century, there were 29 palm trees growing in the oasis, most of which are still standing today.
• On August 20, 1952, Camp Pendleton Base Headquarters issued Post Order 343, and Marine Corps Training Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif, was born.   Only 70 Marines comprised the initial Marine detachment at the Center and by mid-December 1952, a fresh 3rd Marine Division with assistance from the 12th Marine Regiment conducted the first large-scale, live-fire field exercise aboard the new base. This “FEX-1” gave Marines a glimpse of the facility’s potential and foreshadowed the large-scale combined-arms exercises for which the base is now famous.
• Throughout the years, the vibrant and vital relationship between the base and the City of Twentynine Palms and other Hi-Desert communities has been a source of comfort and pride to the command. From those early days when the survival of 70-odd Marines depended almost solely upon what the budding town provided, to today, the relationship has always been one of mutual respect and support.

I am so excited to start on this journey and see how far we are able to travel in a demonstration of our support for our Marines of 3rd Battalion 7th Marines.

All the Details!!

Who's Joining Us...

Anyone can can participate...a spouse, child family member, or loved one of a 3/7 Marine or Sailor.  We will officially kick-off the program on October 1st, but if you done any miles in September please add them to your October total.  We will be doing this for the duration of the deployment...so it is never too late to join!!!

The First Step...

It's simple to join us...email me at "walkingtoandfromafghanistan@gmail.com" and I will send you the registration form.  Once the registration form is completed and returned, start moving and logging those miles!  Each month, an e-mail will be sent to collect your monthly total. If you do not have e-mail, please be sure to mail your miles every month to the address on the registration form.  Any updates and totals will be posted on the blog, so be sure to check back often!!

Where We Are Headed...

The total distance from Twentynine Palms, California to Afghanistan is 7,900 miles; getting there and back is 15,800 miles.  If we have 100 people commit to walking 5.6 miles a week, a total of 22.5 miles a month for 12 months,we can get all those miles!

 Remember, this is fun - get the kids involved, swim, dust off that jogging stroller, take the dog for a walk...whatever you need to do to get your feet moving!!  If a class or workout is more your speed - log a mile for every 15 minutes of exercise.  For example, if your Zumba class is 60 minutes, that is equivalent to 4 miles.


As you get started, please keep your current fitness level in mind!!

Keeping In Touch...

To submit your progress or if you have questions or comments about the "Walking To and From Afghanistan" program, please write to:

walkingtoandfromafghanistan@gmail.com