Shuttleworth (right) lent a listening ear to veterans across the country. Many veterans met him on his journey, using the opportunity to share their stories. “Veterans gave a lot and often have little to show for it,” he said. “More than 25% of all homeless men are veterans, and many of these forgotten warriors struggle with employment, addiction and sobriety. I wanted [donated funds] to go directly to the men and women that served [and to] services that needed it most.” The DAV Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, enhances research and mobility for veterans with amputations and spinal cord injuries, benefits aging veterans, aids and shelters homeless veterans, and evaluates and addresses the needs of veterans wounded in recent wars and conflicts. For those of every era, the Trust also supports programs that benefit the caregivers and families of ill and injured veterans. “We are extremely grateful to William for— literally—going to great lengths to support our mission,” said Richard Marbes, president of the Trust. “He saw a need in our veteran community, and he sounded the alarm and brought attention to these critical issues veterans and their families face all across America.” “I felt that … a veteran myself, an older guy, I had some appeal of meeting people in small towns and having conversations,” Shuttleworth said. “I didn’t actually expect it to be the news events and sort of the hype event that it became. And even though I was tried and tested a number of times across the country, I never thought—not one time—that I would not complete my walk.” DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | Shuttleworth’s 115-day mission ended in San Diego, Aug. 31. He was greeted by supporters from all eras of service and all walks of life. After averaging 30 miles a day, Shuttleworth’s walk ended Aug. 31 at the San Diego waterfront alongside the USS Midway. He said the hardest part of the trip was the last 10 days, when it was seldom below 100 degrees. But, he said, it was worth it. “I wore out five pairs of shoes on my journey,” he said. “I saw ‘America the Beautiful,’ and it starts with her people—the kindest, most hardworking and generous people to give their shirt off their backs and do anything in the world for each other. They’re who this country is all about.” n Veterans gave a lot and often have little to show for it.” —William Shuttleworth, Air Force veteran DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 25 COMPANY/DAVHQ |