Army veteran makes journey to raise awareness about PTSD
By Staff Reports
Published in News on July 31, 2016 1:45 AM
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News-Argus/DENNIS HILL
Michael Boncek, third from left, and Kimberly Brookshire, second from left, are hiking across the state to raise awareness of veterans who suffer from PTSD. They are being helped by Bonita Meeks, left, and Ronnie Meeks, right.
An Army veteran is hiking across the state and back to raise awareness of the need for Americans to reach out and help its veterans, especially those who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Michael Boncek was making his way through Wayne County this weekend on the last leg of his journey.
Boncek, 40, is a former member of the 101st Airborne. He said he chose to hike from the sea to the mountains and back to raise money for and to raise awareness of veterans who are in need.
"I'm walking for my brothers and sisters who are suffering in silence," Boncek said early Saturday as he began to make his way across Wayne from near the Johnston County line.
Boncek left Jockey's Ridge 153 days ago. He reached Clingman's Dome near the Tennessee state line on March 5 and turned around and started back east.
He was expecting to kayak for part of the journey, but the rivers proved to be a navigational nightmare.
"Mother Nature threw us a curveball," he said.
He is continuing his walk with Kimberly Brookshire, who began hiking with him in the mountains and who shares his passion for helping veterans. His wife, Wendy, helps with the logistics of the journey.
Ronnie and Bonita Meeks are a Wayne County couple who are helping the two hikers with food, shelter and logistical support along this stretch of the way.
"These guys are truly a blessing to us," Boncek said. "They are part of our walk by faith."
Meeks, also a veteran, said Boncek not only talks about veterans' issues, he "walks the walk." Their son, Sam, 13, also joined in with Boncek and Brookshire for part of their Wayne County leg.
Boncek said 22 veterans who suffer from PTSD commit suicide every day. He said his purpose is to bring awareness of their needs to the public.
He is also hiking to help raise money for a specific veteran who lost both legs in war. Aaron Causey is a double amputee who lives in Alabama.
He is trying to build a home, and Boncek said he is walking to help Causey in his efforts.
Boncek said that he has encountered every kind of weather and that the current heat wave does not deter him.
"You just push on and persevere," he said. "The whole point of the walk is to show these veterans 'never give up.'"
To learn more about Boncek and his cause, visit his web site at www.Walkbyfaith.com.