Man Set To Walk Across the United States
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Many consider it a huge accomplishment to go 26.2 miles and finish just one marathon. Sinh Tho Nguyen has walked about that distance every day since June 10.
Nguyen, who moved to Fort Worth after growing up in Vietnam, is about 1,000 miles into his walk across America. The 40-year-old said his mission is to remind Americans to have faith in their country and take pride in their nation. And, on Wednesday, he finally made it to Dallas-Fort Worth – home for one week before he hits the road again.
"I owe to America so much, and I don't have any talent at all," Nguyen said. "I have two legs and a heart. So I decided to walk across America to give thanks to her."
The water-meter reader – whose walking-intensive job gave him the idea to walk across America – is not getting paid for his cross-country trek or raising money for a cause. The walk, he said, is just his way of saying thanks to America and its troops.
"This walk is about America and those who suffer," he said.
Nguyen said his father was a U.S. soldier in Vietnam but that they never met. In 1992, Nguyen applied for a visa to come to the United States and was approved in 60 days. He enlisted in the National Guard and Army after moving to the United States.
Nguyen's 2,600-mile journey began in Atlantic Beach, Fla. Nguyen's co-worker David Dominguez drives behind him in his silver Ford Focus, which sometimes doubles as the men's lodging. Nguyen hopes to reach his destination, San Diego, by Thanksgiving.
Nguyen always carries an American flag and has a sign strapped to his back displaying his message: "Shore to Shore: A Walk Across America to Honor Those Who Serve."
He arrived in Dallas on Wednesday wearing a U.S. Army-issued T-shirt and Crocs on his feet – with padded inserts at the bottom.
The shoes, which have traveled 700 miles of the trip, were falling apart – and Nguyen's feet were showing wear as well. While he is back in Fort Worth, Nguyen said he will have a doctor look at his feet. He joked that the blisters on his soles formed the shape of America.
Nguyen said the support he gets from people keeps him going. He told of folks bringing him homegrown tomatoes and money – and offering words of encouragement.
"Without their support, I don't think I could make this far," he said.
Nguyen added: "This is about America and it belongs to the troops and their family members. I am a messenger. I carry the flag. America is behind me now."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...html?nTar=OPUR
It's a shame more nationally born Americans aren't this greatful.
