For the past two weeks, sporting a reflective vest has become second nature to Gene Curtis.
Curtis, of York, completed a 100-mile “Boot Walk” from the Grand Island Airport to the Lincoln Airport on Nov. 11, also known as Veterans Day.
On the final day, he stopped at the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward and talked with the Seward County Independent about the experience.
“This is the first year I’ve done this, but have been planning on it for some time,” Curtis said. “(The COVID-19 pandemic) actually opened up my schedule.”
Curtis began his journey Nov. 2, traveling from west to east, clocking in an estimated 12 miles per day through Nov. 11.
He prepared ahead of time, packing in layers and doing some training before setting off. Curtis works at the 104.9 Max Country radio station in York, and a colleague followed behind him in a vehicle all through the trip.
The only thing Curtis did not prepare for was a weather day earlier last week, but he still managed to complete the trek on time.
He plans to continue this event next year, or perhaps participate in a relay format with members of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association sometime in the future, anything to raise awareness and monetary donations to veterans and what they go through.
“We’ve been very grateful for the support and a lot of people have been paying attention,” Curtis said. “If people want to donate money, that’s great, but what I really want to do is open some eyes.”
All donations go toward the Hunter HD Hogan Foundation and you can donate by visiting the 104.9 website at 1049maxcountry.com/boot-walk.
