WALK BY FAITH

Christopher Michael Boncek served with the 3/187 Iron Rakkasans. He completed two combat tours, and suffers from PTSD and TBI. Wendy, his wonderful wife of four years is his caregiver and advocate. Together they face the challenges of PTSD and TBI. Mike and Wendy have a blended family of four daughters and live a simple lifestyle in the rural eastern part of North Carolina.

Mike has extensive training in all aspects of outdoor survival and has logged many hours of hiking long distances.

Last year, Mike and Wendy decided that it was time to stop — to look around and say ENOUGH! They have seen time and time again how our veterans, young and old, are being treated when they come home from combat. All too many are suffering — physically, mentally and emotionally. The suicide rate is 22 a day — 22 too many.

Wendy and Michael decided that they would embark on a journey to raise awareness — with the ultimate goal being to walk across this great nation. Michael is taking the lead. Later this spring (mid-March, weather permitting) he will step off on a 2,200 mile journey from sea to mountain and return in honor of our brothers and sisters in arms. He will step off on the Mountain to Sea trail in Jockey’s Ridge, NC, hike across the state and conclude phase one at Clingsman Dome on the NC / TN border then hike the return path. As he hikes this path, he looks forward to the opportunity to share his mission and his faith; to bring light to the silent struggle of PTSD and to break the barriers of stigmatization.

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