John Cote' at the Gates of Fort Benning, GA

When I decided to walk across the country to raise funds for the Fisher House Foundation and to garner interest for the families of wounded servicemen and women, I knew that I would have to have focus. I trained for eight months to get my body ready for the 100 day effort. The other preparation involved concentrating on the goal which was as much mental as physical: walking 2,140 miles across the country, come what may, keeping the families of our wounded in mind.

The journey was full of wind storms, hail, and oppressive heat. I think I had two days where the temperature dipped below 95 degrees. I got used to the heat and miraculously I never really got sick. In fact, I felt great almost the whole way. I met so many people who told me their stories about their military experiences, their disabilities, and even their stays at Fisher House. Because I was so focused on the task at hand, people met me to talk on topic of the wounded and their families wherever I went. It was uncanny.

It has been my experience that whenever I give something to someone it is I who has received the greater gift. I had the opportunity to walk across this great nation, full of veterans and active duty military, some of whom had given everything they had in service of their country. I met an America that did not resemble the media's portrayal of its people. I met a family oriented, duty bound citizenry that was polite and generous and deeply patriotic. The Walk for Warriors was the greatest experience of my life, and the Fisher House Foundation was an outstanding partner every step of the way.

Read an article about John's Walk in the Fort Benning Bayonet