Former soldier Keith Wingad hikes the Appalachian Trail to inspire, support fellow veterans
While you may hear people proclaim a desire to hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail, it is far more rare to find someone who will actually embark on this most daunting quest.
The Appalachian Trail spans 2,191 miles of wilderness from Georgia to Maine, crossing 14 states. Training for the hike takes months or years depending on one’s level of fitness and must be completed in less than one year for those who wish to be credited with the “thru-hike.” Its grueling elevation changes make it the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 16 times, and its distance equates to 83 full marathons.
And yet the challenge is calling DAV life member Keith Wingad, 65, who hopes his journey will raise funds and awareness for causes close to his heart—including DAV.
Wingad begins his incredible hike in April 2017, and plans to finish in approximately 180 days.
“I have always found adventure enticing,” said Wingad. “Whether it is flying helicopters or skydiving or tackling the challenges of the Ironman, I say sign me up!”
Wingad flew helicopters for the Army for 20 years, serving during Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm and is no stranger to difficult missions. But since 1930, only 17,510 individuals have completed the thru-hike, so this promises to be no ordinary walk in the woods.
Wingad, who has also completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, said there is no fine point on why he decided to pursue this hike.
“To be honest, my answer is a moving target,” he said. “What it was originally isn’t what it is now, and won’t be what it is before I take my first step.”
Wingad is working with organizations like DAV in the hopes that fellow veterans will be inspired and recognize the awesome potential of the human spirit.
If you’re interested in keeping up with Wingad’s quest, you can follow him on Facebook.
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