VFW Marine Completes Walk to Arlington

On Monday afternoon, VFW member and Marine Corps veteran Justin Kuhel walked onto the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and into the arms of his mother, Nancy, completing a 17-day, 400-mile trek from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to help raise the nation's awareness of wounded veterans.

Kuhel, an active member of VFW Buckeye Post No. 1598 and a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, set out on the journey as a way to raise funds to support wounded veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project. Kuhel's goal was to raise $10,000 to support his brothers and sisters-in-arms, and surpassed his goal shortly after arriving at Arlington with a $2,000 pledge from Azalea Charities in Fairfax, Va.

VFW Washington Office staff were on hand to greet Kuhel as he reached his destination, and accompanied the Marine to Section 60 so he could pay his respects to a fallen comrade.

In order to successfully complete the journey, Kuhel walked about 25 miles each day, followed closely behind in a car by fellow Marine veteran Steve Stucky. Family, friends, veterans and supporters came out at points all along the journey to cheer on Kuhel, who proudly carried the American flag along his route.

Kuhel chronicled his journey via Facebook, posting photos and messages along the 400-mile route.

(Image: Marine Corps veteran and VFW member Justin Kuhel hugs his mother, Nancy, upon his arrival at Arlington National Cemetery, completing his 400-mile walk to support wounded veterans. Photo by Joe Davis.)