On 6 June 2022, Justin “JD” LeHew and Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer, both retired USMC SgtsMaj, will set off on a cross country journey across America in support of America’s Missing and Killed In Action from all wars and conflicts, Gold Star families, as well as highlight numerous other great charitable causes in support of helping and continuing to give back to others from all walks and challenges of life.
JD and Rocky collectively served in the United States Marine Corps for a total of 56 years on active duty and are two of America’s most highly decorated combat veterans who have served since the end of the Vietnam War, so they know very well what that service and sacrifice truly means. They have been working together for years, not just in uniform, but also outside of it as they have been circumnavigating the globe in the search for America’s missing and killed in action since departing the active ranks of the US Military, investing tens of thousands of dollars of their own retirement money in the search and recovery of our nations lost heroes. JD was also just recently selected by an esteemed body of great Americans to serve as the National Commander of America’s oldest Veterans Service Organization, The Legion of Valor. Established in 1890, the Legion is comprised of the holders of our nation’s most senior level awards for valor in combat, the Medal of Honor, The Distinguished Service Cross, The Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross.
This journey will begin at the USS Constitution in Boston harbor and end in Newport, Oregon. The route selected is the historic US Highway 20…America’s longest road. This specific road was selected to highlight the long journey home that over 81,000 missing US Servicemembers have been trying to make since World War Two. It also represents America’s longest wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the men and women who fought there. It has been 20 years since 9/11 happened thrusting America into war…Highway 20 is our tribute to all those who served and sacrificed so much in the service of this nation, both past and present The USS Constitution was selected as the journey start point to honor our Naval traditions and service to this nation as Marines. The rucksacks we carry represent the heavy burden carried by generations of warriors who have served in our nations ranks since 1775 as well as the weight of a nation that we carry in combat to live up to the promise that we will never surrender and never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Embarking on this journey with the principle of “You are not in this alone”, JD and Rocky chose to take on this challenge together, rather than conduct this journey individually, to highlight and reinforce the military principle of the buddy system and “I am my brother and sister’s keeper”. JD and Rocky are crossing the United States for that very purpose as well, to inspire and remind others that regardless of the challenges being thrown at you…you are not in this alone. There is no blueprint for how to go about making it through this life, you just have to ruck up every day and do it the best you can, surround yourself with some good people…and keep moving. Keep pushing. It’s exactly that never quit mentality, determination and resilience that made this nation the greatest nation on the face of the planet.
Point of contact for all media engagement, questions, queries, donations, partnerships or sponsorships can be addressed to:
Cynthia LeHew
910-382-4730
To find out more and If you’d like to follow along, please visit The Long Road Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/698444134910085
If you’d like to donate to support, please visit History Flight: https://historyflight.com/
Read more about History Flight: https://mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/History-Flight-1.pdf