One man's journey

Vietnam veteran walks to combat homelessness

STAFFORD — Jimmy Harris, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, is on a journey.

Harris, of Beaver Dam in Hanover County, is on a quest to combat homelessness, and educate the public. So, he decided to take part in a 100-mile walk from Richmond to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the increasing number of homeless veterans.

Harris said it all started when he was watching the local news one evening and saw a homeless woman who had been badly beaten and raped in Henrico County, near a busy shopping center. She had been living near some Evergreen trees.

“I knew I had to do something,” said Harris. “Someone took advantage of that woman, just because she was homeless.”

His walk began Aug. 14 in Richmond and will end Friday at the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

His plan was to walk about 15 miles per day to make the journey. In the local area, he trekked through Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Quantico, Dumfries, Fort Belvoir, Alexandria and on to Washington, D.C.

Along the way, he stopped to speak with organizations, faith groups and media about the plight of veterans and about programs to help homeless veterans. He also carried a pledge sheet so that supporters could assist in his cause.

Harris, who served in Vietnam from 1966-1967, said that one-third of all homeless people are veterans. His goal, he said, is to cut that down.

He also noted that his own experience with post-traumatic stress disorder has made him empathetic to the plight of homelessness, although now, life is good. He said he’d like to reach out and help those who are struggling though.

Harris advised that if people see a loved one depressed or down, to reach out and help them. Everyone should pull together and help others facing hard times, he said.

Tracy Bell is managing editor of the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.