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Walking Across America for Wounded VeteransAwareness By YMSgt Spencer Northcutt Music City TN Earlier this past year when Music City Young Marines unit were sent some in- formation about a retired Marine walk- ing across America we were intrigued. We read that he was walking across America to bring a better understanding to Americans of the Combat Wounded Veterans program to include veterans from all wars past and present. I pon- dered how can he be doing this physi- cally and mentally I was fortunate to meet Roy Brady Jr. Gunnery Sergeant USMC for dinner. Mr. Bob Cook com- mandant of Music Citys Marine Corps League Detachment had also been con- tacted and knew Gunny Bradys sched- ule. Music City Young Marines had the opportunity to meet GySgt Brady and discuss his walk across America at din- ner that evening. Upon Bradys arrival in Nashville we met him in the lobby of his hotel and Gunny Brady immediately assisted with a slight cor- rection of my Alpha tie. He was very de- tailed from that point on. Over dinner we discussed his motivation for the walk he stated that the Wounded Veterans pro- gram does not get enough support or recognition and he wanted to give back to veterans. Since departing from Charlotte NC at the beginning of Marchhe has met with many people and he told us of the sup- port he encounted along the way. He walks with the USMC flag draped over his back. In fact he never walks without it and many conversations are started as a result of people seeing the flag. His goal is to raise 35000 for the wounded veterans program. I asked him about the weather. Up to that point it had rained every day but three but he said that weather has not deterred him from his mission. His walk through the Smoky Mountains was a bit edgy many roads were so narrow and he needed some vehicle assistance. He packs only his large backpack. Look- ing ahead to crossing the desert hes made plans to carry more water a larger amount be- yond his canteens. We dis- cussed his shoes he will change to higher temper- ature shoe for the desert walk as well. He is his sole means of support but has the Tarpon Springs Florida staff at Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge assist- ing him with communica- tions. He has participated in numerous television interviews along the way. In talking about his career with USMC he says it went so fast retirement seemed so quick. He asked many questions about Mu- sic City Young Marines. When we spoke about the Silent Drill Team he said that brought back so many vivid memories. He asked about our upcoming Saturday drill.I explained to himwe work directly with our Unit Commander he always has the plan for the next week at final formation. He asked my future plans in life and I soaked in his advice for me If I remem- ber anything from Gunnery Sergeant Brady it was always have a backup plan in everything you do. It was price- less time well-spent with a knowledge- able former United States Marine. More about Gunny Bradys trek thru Nashville He surprised our unit and visited our drill Saturday. He spoke with the entire Music City Young Marines telling stories of his whole career in the Marine Corps plus his adventure across America after 21 days. He answered questions about the Marine Corps and told us some of some of his personal stories and his current objective I remember him saying the most memorable part about joining the Ma- rines is boot camp because thats where your adventure starts. He also talked to us about duty stations. When he talked about being on active duty I could see all the Young Marines were very in- trigued by his stories. Our Music City Young Marines silent drill platoon performed for him. After- wards he told us that our drill perfor- mance was on the level of U.S. Marines He was extremely impressed and told us that has been one of his favorite parts of his trip. When we presented Gunny Brady with a Music City Young Marine unit T-shirt he grinned and said Thank you for all you have done for me while in Nashville. GySgt Roy Brady with Music CIty UC Harry Mercer. Spencer Northcutt with GySgt Roy Brady. Brady spoke and answered questions. Watching an impressive drill performance. Gunny Roy Brady accepts a gift T-shirt from the Music City Young Marines. Page 28 ESPRIT