Chelsea To Host Trek For Vets Walk

Community members can join part of Lawrence Miller’s 500-mile Michigan trek.

A welcome in Chelsea stayed with Lawrence Miller.

Last year, Miller, a Marine veteran and founder of Trek For Vets, came through Chelsea during the organization’s first walk. Rev. Rodney Gasaway said the visit was more impromptu then. Miller was walking with a backpack and a flag, often calling police departments ahead of time so local agencies knew who he was and why he was passing through.

That call eventually connected Miller with Gasaway, Chelsea public safety officials and local supporters. Miller stayed nearby, then walked into Chelsea the next day, where he was greeted by residents, church members and public safety officials.

Gasaway said the welcome made enough of an impression that Miller adjusted this year’s route to include Chelsea again.

Now, Chelsea residents will have a chance to walk with him.

Trek For Vets will come through Chelsea on May 22 as part of Miller’s 500-mile walk across Michigan. The Chelsea event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a 1.4-mile community walk from the M-52 roundabout near Robin Hills Farm and Mugg & Bopps into downtown Chelsea.

After the walk, the community is invited to gather at Palmer Commons for a free cookout, music and presentations.

Trek For Vets began this year’s route May 1 in St. Ignace and is scheduled to end in Royal Oak on Memorial Day. The walk covers about 20 miles a day for 25 days and is intended to raise awareness of isolation, homelessness and suicide among veterans.

Gasaway, deacon at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, director of Pro Allies and chaplain for the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, helped bring the Chelsea event together with local partners.

This year, Chelsea is planning a larger community welcome. The event is supported by Pro Allies, Chelsea First United Methodist Church, local public safety agencies, veterans groups, businesses and volunteers.

Partners include the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, Chelsea Police Department, City of Chelsea, Chelsea American Legion Post 31, Washtenaw County Veteran Services, Grass Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10194, W.A.V.E., 5 Healthy Towns, Culver’s, Mugg & Bopps, The Lake House Bakery, Brian’s Service, Robin Hills Farm, Ursula Hoppe Photography and the Chelsea High School varsity football team.

Pro Allies, founded by Gasaway, is a grassroots nonprofit that supports current and former military members, first responders and their families through peer connection, shared stories and help connecting to resources. The group was previously featured in The Sun Times News for its peer-support work with veterans, first responders and their families.

W.A.V.E., the local transportation service, will provide shuttles from Palmer Commons to the starting point at 5, 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. Return trips from Palmer Commons are planned for 7 and 7:15 p.m.

The Chelsea American Legion is expected to help cook and serve food, Culver’s is providing custard, and the Chelsea varsity football team is expected to help with cleanup.

The event is open to the public. Community members may walk the full 1.4-mile route, take part as they are able or attend the gathering afterward at Palmer Commons.

Featured image: Trek For Vets founder Lawrence Miller stands with Chelsea Area Fire Authority members and Rev. Rodney Gasaway. Photo courtesy of Rev. Rodney Gasaway