Rhode Island VFW post commander Joe “Tiger” Patrick started trekking through the rain on Friday morning in order to raise awareness for the new 52 mile-long Purple Heart Trail and veterans in need.
Rhode Island VFW post commander Joe "Tiger" Patrick started trekking through the rain on Friday morning in order to raise awareness for the new 52 mile-long Purple Heart Trail and veterans in need.
According to local outlet NBC 10 News, Patrick himself had spearheaded the effort to inaugurate the stretch of Route 4, which was delayed due to the pandemic.
"I wanted to be the first one to walk it," said Patrick via press statement. "I want to help advertise it and teach our community about the Purple Heart Trail, what it means, and how much it means to veterans and their families, especially the Purple Hearts." The Purple Heart designation is given to members of the military who were killed or wounded while in combat in the line of duty.
"Many people have never heard of the Purple Heart Trail, and it's our job to educate them to its tender significance," Patrick said. "We'll have a dedication ceremony there and we're real excited about that."
When asked how he plans to stay energized and hydrated along the route, the VFW post commander replied simply, "Snickers and Mountain Dew."
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