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Goal to walk mile for every fallen soldier in Iraq war
niedbala@observer-reporter.com
WAYNESBURG - Terry Ronzio II of Holbrook has again taken to the road to rally support for the troops in Iraq.
Motorists should know Ronzio by now. He's the man who could often be seen last year walking along Route 21, carrying high his large American flag.
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This year, his goal is to walk 1,000 miles by Christmas.
Ronzio, 43, said it was his frustration with all the "negative" news of the war that persuaded him to do what he does.
"I just want to show support for the troops," he said. "They really don't see that much support in the news or on television."
Ronzio walks to call attention to the sacrifices of the young men and women serving in this country's military but also to unite others in the same cause.
Through his "Myspace.com" Web site, Ronzio has received messages from numerous people including those serving in Iraq thanking him and supporting him for his efforts.
He has even inspired several others to pick up the flag and walk for the troops. At least 13 others are doing similar walks, he said. Some were inspired by his story; others simply came up with the same idea on their own, he said.
Ronzio, who works as a disc jockey, chef and herbalist, said he walks whenever he gets the chance. "I basically sleep, work and walk and I'm in the greatest shape I've been in my life," he said.
For his newest challenge, he will be walking Route 21 in Greene County and Route 119 between Connellsville and Uniontown. He also is putting in a few miles on the Youghiogheny Trail in Fayette County.
Ronzio said he always receives strong support from motorists, who honk their horns or stop to talk or offer food or water. About 98 percent of the motorists who stop are veterans, he said.
Ronzio also has begun holding "Patriot" meetings each month in Greene County and Fayette County at which people get together and talk about patriotism, American history or the founding fathers. His next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at My Friend's Place Restaurant in Waynesburg.
Through Friday, Ronzio had already walked 385 miles toward his goal, which he believes he will reach well before Christmas.
He doesn't plan to stop after that. Ronzio refers to those in the military as "our guardian angels" who are there, ready to serve in the defense of our country.
Ultimately, he said, he wants to walk a mile for every soldier who is killed in Iraq.
"They gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives," he said. "I want to walk a mile for every soldier lost in this war. It is the least I can do to honor them."
