United States Navy Veteran Scott Williams has seen first-hand the struggles of his fellow veterans who were injured and what they deal with when returning home.
“Currently the only legislation the government has in place to help these brave men and women is a $60,000 adaptation grant, which is only available to homeowners.” He points out men and women who enlist are between the ages of 18 and 23 and very few of them are homeowners. “Therein lies the problem, a problem which we intend to fix.”
Williams is promoting a 2,650-mile walk called Trek for Troops, with Paul Rose and Matt Walker. The trek is the length of the Pacific Crest Trail, which goes from Mexico to Canada. The walk will take the men approximately four months to complete.
The goal of the ‘Trek’ is to raise $100,000 for the Homes for Our Troops charity.
Williams, Rose and Walker have risen over $10,000 for the charity and $3,000 for equipment costs. Some editors of major news networks have contacted Williams and he believes that it is a matter of time before their story goes national. He is confident that once the national news picks up the story, they will reach their goal of $100,000.
“We need the people of our community and the students of Moorpark College to assist us in our endeavor and help us inspire Americans to help us in our cause,” said Williams.
To help obtain donations, Williams, Rose and Walker do performances using their singing skills acquired from their high school days.
“I started singing at the age of 16 when my best friend and fellow Trek for Troops trooper Paul Rose convinced me to join the Westlake High School Choir, which is directed by Paul’s father Alan Rose,” said Williams. “Our first Trek for Troops performance was at the Westlake High School Christmas show on December 3, 2008.”
Williams perfected his singing while in the service. Joseph Frechette served with Williams in Japan and understood where his passion for singing comes in.
“He’s been singing ever since I have known him, three years. At the karaoke place, he would sing anything,” said Frechette.
Andrew Lopez, another military buddy of Williams, also remembers the karaoke fun.
“He was a legend at the karaoke places in Japan,” Frechette. “We would go during the weekends and while we were at port. We would spend hours singing and everyone knew him.”
The group has a song for their trek and their own version of the National Anthem and “Proud to be an American.” Search “Trek for Troops” on http:\youtube.com.
Catch Williams, Rose and Walker live at the Westlake Choir shows March 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and March 7 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Students can volunteer with Trek for Troops by sending an email to [email protected] and asking to become part of the volunteer corps.
