20/21DEC2010-Tampa/Valdosta

20DEC- So this morning I met with Edie Rosenthal who is the Public Relations Director for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in Tampa. I have to say that I was a little nervous as to the outcome of the meeting. I wasn't really sure the extent of why they wanted to meet with me, maybe to be sure I wasn't a total nut-job ha ha, but as the meeting progressed I felt better about the outcome and as we ended it was definite they were excited about the Trek. After the initial introductions to the staff Edie gave me a tour of the facility and explained some of the inner workings of the foundation. In the foyer of the building were pictures of injured Special Ops Warriors, as well as children both young and old of fallen Warriors. Some of the young boys were holding pictures of their father and wearing his uniform. It was sad because they were young enough not to fully understand that dad wont be coming back. There was a picture of a young Marine in a hospital bed wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts. He had several areas of his left leg wrapped in bandages. Edie told me that he was attacked by an RPG and he is currently in a fight to save his leg. The doctors say they may end up having to amputate all the way up to his hip. Even though he is faced with this adversity the young Marine had the biggest smile on his face in the picture. There were so many others with so many stories, there isn't enough time to write about them all. After Edie and I sat down and spoke for a while about my plans and purpose for this Trek she generously gave me several T-shirts and hats along with other goodies from the foundations goodie closet. We then set a date of Jan19, 2011 for me to depart Tampa on my Trek. The foundation is willing to help with press releases and media coverage of the event both locally and abroad. It was also said that they will be working on a send off brunch for the 19th that will involve the media. Anyone in the area is personally invited to come to this event. The more the merrier!

I am going to take a few lines here and try to explain a little better about what exactly I am going to do.
It is my plan to set out from Tampa Florida carrying only my Army rucksack(backpack), a cellphone, bare necessities, and a flag that will denote the purpose of the walk. I will carry large amounts of water and as much food as I can on my person but I will really be relying on the compassion of strangers that I meet on my Trek to keep me going with food, water and the occasional shower/laundry use. I am fortunate to know a few people along my route that have agreed to put me up for a night but these friends are few and far between at the moment. The foundation said they will keep track of me and my route and notify ahead of me the cities I will be in along with the VFW so people that may wish to help by supplying food, water and other necessities can do so. The only real financial help I will need is with my monthly cell phone bill. You may not want to donate to the foundation directly but you can still help with the cause by keeping my ability to communicate alive. I'll be using my phone to update this blog, communicate with the foundation,  and for GPS. If this interest you then email me at babyboyparrish@hotmail.com and I'll give you the info. Again, this foundation is doing a great thing. Essentially they are helping the orphaned and the widowed. My mom pointed out that in the book of James in the Bible, it talks about helping the widows and the orphaned and how this is a high calling. Whether or not you read/ believe in God or the Bible you at least have to agree that coming to the aid of those left behind in this manner is a worthy cause. That is why I believe in this foundation and its purpose.

21DEC- Since I got in at like 1AM and didn't fall asleep till around 3, I slept late. Once I woke up fully I hit the gym at Moody Air Force Base. I spoke to a female Airmen who was working the front desk in the gym about my Trek and the foundation. She was very interested in the walk and said she had not heard of the foundation and wanted to know more. I ended up giving her some of the brochures about the foundation and I wrote the blog address and the donations page address down for her. She said she would pass the info up to her leadership. I think its great that already my purpose is being served by bringing awareness to the SOWF. Several others overheard our conversation and became interested as well so I am hoping that I can garner support here at Moody. Besides the gym there isnt much else to tell about today. Just emailing and texting and more emailing and texting.......trying to get the word out and keep everyone updated.

I will call it a night and let this be all for now........I'll keep updating as I get more news and as I get closer to my leave date. This will probably be my last entry until after Christmas so Merry Christmas everyone. Until next time........