Dover’s Appalachian Trail welcomes warrior hikers

DOVER PLAINS— On Sunday, July 12, the Warrior Hike Welcome and BBQ will be held at 5 p.m. at The Inn at Dover Furnace. 

Welcome and support combat veterans as they make their 2,185-mile adventure along the Appalachian Trail. The trail goes from Georgia to Maine. The Warrior Hike “Walk Off the War” Program helps combat veterans adjust to civilian life. 

The event is open to anyone in the community who would like to attend, but in order to attend the dinner, guests must RSVP by Saturday, July 5. Attendees can donate at www.warriorhike.org/donate. From there, add “HVATC/Warrior Hike Dinner” and the number of people attending in the special instructions box. 

The barbecue dinner will be hosted by the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community in partnership with Veterans of Foreign War (VFW ) Post 5444, American Legion Posts 1949 and 215.

“There will be grilled food such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken and all the fixings for a homestyle barbecue dinner,” said board member Christine Walters, who is in charge of organizing the event. Walters is also director of development at Warrior Hike.

Stancy DuHamel is the co-chair in charge of the barbecue dinner, and Dave Kelly is the interim co-chair. Kelly is also the Pawling town supervisor.

“Warrior Hike is a 501(c)3 veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program of Warrior Expeditions that supports combat veterans transitioning from their military service by thru-hiking America’s National Scenic Trails,” said Walters.

Those who participate in the “Walk Off The War” Program receive support during and after their hike. They are supplied with the equipment and supplies that are needed for a successful hike. 

“Full sets of gear for thru-hiking from their tent, sleeping bag, backpack, hiking poles, stove, water filter, etc., to clothing and hiking shoes,” said Walters when asked about the equipment Warrior Hike supplies the warriors with.

Warrior Hike offers “trail town support” along the trip to help attend to veterans’ needs.  For instance, there are several veteran organizations and local communities that are found along the National Scenic Trails. Trail town support provides transportation, food and lodging. Veterans also benefit from trail town support by interacting with other veterans and community groups. 

“Our local community support involves lodging at the Inn at Dover Furnace (donated by the inn), lunch and dinner on July 12, as well as a pancake breakfast on July 13, laundry and transportation in the area for resupply of items as needed,” Walters said. 

In addition, giving the warriors the opportunity to communicate with community members allows them to adapt to social norms, build friendships and network for potential jobs.

“Currently there are nine veterans hiking the Appalachian Trail. We have veterans throughout the country on six trails this year and are about to launch Warrior Paddle on the Mississippi in July. At the July 12 dinner we expect eight veterans in attendance,” said Walters.

Warrior Hike has an important impact on veterans, providing key assistance in finding them employment. The Warrior Hike is capable of doing so by receiving job offers from the supporters of “Walk Off the War” Program. Warrior Hike is also partnered with job placement companies and hiring services for veterans.

To apply for The Warrior Hike “Walk off the War” Program a veteran must have served in a combat zone and been honorably discharged.

Warrior Hike has many supporters and contributors for this event such as Fujifilm, Enoch Crosby Chapter, NSDAR, town of Pawling, town of Dover, Heart of the Hudson Girl Scouts, Boy Scout Troop 34, Arch Street Communications, Newburgh Brewing Company, Crown Maple, WholeyOats, Native Landscape, Dutchess County Veterans’ Services and The Inn at Dover Furnace.

The event will be at 115 Dover Furnace Road, Dover Plains. To find out more information about Warrior Hike go to www.warriorhike.org.