Author & Publisher donate to Iraq vet’s dream of a cross-country hike to raise 5M for combat vets

Jan. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Kilbride’s donation is aimed at helping Yocum cover pre-event expenses that will ensure his mission begins on schedule and will subsequently help him and his team survive along the route.

During Yocum’s deployment in Iraq, he dreamed of hiking across America to help clear his head. Upon his return home, he learned many of his fellow National Guard and Reserve Warriors were struggling financially because of their deployment. Troy responded the only way he could. He designed a hike path across America to help educate and bring awareness to their plight. He was surprised to learn that in the last six years more than 19,000 Military families had needed assistance. Due to a lack of funding, only half of those families were able to receive help. “These are men and women who wear the uniform in defense of our country – the Citizen Soldier,” said Yocum. By spreading awareness, Yocum hopes to help save the homes and lives of his fellow warriors and their families. "My goal is to raise $5 million dollars to help those who sacrifice so much so we can be free in this country," he says.

After learning of Spc. Yocum’s mission, Kilbride felt a sense of pride and admiration for this young soldier’s mission, and wanted to help him achieve his goal. She contacted her publisher, Father’s Press, and together, they came up with a plan of action. “Ms. Kilbride has a soft spot in her heart for those in the military, which is shown throughout ‘Soul of American Warrior’ so this endeavor doesn’t surprise me in the least,” said Mike Smitley, founder and publisher. “When we took on her book, Elizabeth was adamant that a portion of the proceeds be given to special projects to help educate and raise awareness of what it’s like to put on the uniform of our Armed Forces, and help those who might be in need of assistance,” said Smitley. “When she came to me with this idea, I saw the value immediately and without hesitation agreed to join forces with Elizabeth to help Spc. Yocum complete his mission,” he added.

“Just as his fellow warriors are in need of a helping hand, Troy needs help in covering event expenses. Troy can’t help them without a helping hand before the hike begins. I believe in the mission and want to do everything I can to help him succeed. There are military personnel out there who serve honorably for our country every day, they shouldn’t suffer a hardship because they were deployed,” said Kilbride.

When asked how every American can help Yocum achieve his goal, Kilbride responded with a simple solution. “Type the word ‘HIKE’ into the special instructions box when ordering your copy of Soul of American Warrior through www.fatherspress.com website. It’s as simple as that. With each order, $4 will be donated to Yocum so he can raise the needed funds to take on this endeavor. I am proud of what this Veteran is attempting to accomplish and I pray everyone does his or her part to help him too. I have been to Iraq, and I know first-hand the struggles our warriors endure while away from home on deployment. His mission is both admirable and honorable. I am pleased to be able to offer something to his supporters in return for their assisting him in his goal to help his fellow Warriors,” Kilbride responded.

Find out more about Yocum’s mission at www.Drumhike.com and order your copy of “Soul of American Warrior” at www.fatherspress.com