Photo; Coordinator, Liz Lopez and Gold Star Mom, Kay Beeman prepare for the “Walk for the Heroes” walk from Hurley to Deming on September 13. Left to right are Frank Donohue, Rob Narvaez, Liz Lopez, Ernie Sandoval, Kay Beeman, Mark MacDonald, Gary Romero, Larry Himes. (Courtesy PHoto by Rob Narvaez)
The James Heath Pirtle “Walk For The Heroes” Annual Walk To Reflect, Remember And Honor Is Set For September 13, 2013, 11pm.
This year’s Annual James H Pirtle “Walk for the Heroes” will start at the Gateway Motel in Hurley NM beginning at 11pm. The walk will continue through the night and is expected to reach Diaz Farms in Deming NM around 2pm, Saturday, September 14. Since September 11 is on a weekday the walk will happen on the Friday following. The event has been steadily growing in size, popularity and attractes a variety of people. Walkers reflect on different memories and connections to 9/11.
The “Walk for the Heroes” is an undertaking to honor the losses we have suffered after 9/11. “It’s not just to commemorate the Americans who died for our country but First Responders, Firefighters, Policemen and Civilians as well” Liz Lopez, Race Coordinator said “also we want to honor our “Gold Star Moms” and families who lost loved ones and struggle every day after the attack on the twin towers” Liz also stated.
The “Walk for the Heroes” is approximately 36.5 miles long, monetary donations, contributions, support vehicles, volunteers and people helping people will help pull it off. “In past years we have had as few as 15 walkers up to 30. This year we expect to get over 100 walkers just because of popularity,” Lopez also stated. Anyone wishing to participate, donate or contribute in any way may contact Liz at (575) 654-8226.
Donations and any form of contributions are requested. Proceeds from any money raised will fund the “James H Pirtle Walk for the Heroes Scholarship.” Excess funds raised will go to the future success of the walk,assistance for “Homeless Veterans,” and the Marine Corps Reserve “Toys For Tots,” handled locally by the Marine Corps League. Other corresponding events being worked on are a Bike Run, organized by local biker Gary Romero, a possible run/walk Marathon, and a caravan of walkers for the final five miles. More updates will be made available closer to the event or you are invited to join us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/WalkForTheHeroes for updates.
Brief History. Somewhere between Hurley and Deming during many trips to Las Cruces for Doctor appointments, Mike Lopez (Liz Lopez’s husband), who could not walk due to a back injury would tell her “Someday I am going to walk this Highway!” This was his motivation for healing and walking after being told he might never walk again. As time went by Mike did heal and holding true to his word organized the first walk. Mike chose 9/11 as a great day to make the walk, being an Army Veteran he felt a connection with this day. Before the walk began Kay Beeman who is the Mother of James Heath Pirtle and a “Gold Star Mother” approached Mike and asked “would you carry this photo of my son? To me it was because of 9/11 that my son went to war.” James Heath Pirtle gave his life for our liberties on October 4, 2003. Mike proudly carried the photo Kay gave to him; he still carries the photo, and has named this walk after her son.
2013 is the first year the Silver City, Marine Corps League, Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment 1328 has joined forces with the “Walk for the Heroes.” Kay Beeman, Mike and Liz Lopez are members of the League and requested their assistance. The “James H Pirtle, Walk for the Heroes” is a 501C Non-Profit event under the direction of the Marine Corps League, Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment 1328.