Welcome to Our Blog! The Veteran Bus Project is a three phase endeavor to provide a sense of dignity to the countless homeless and transitioning Veterans in our nation. #GetOnTheBusWithUs
Day 17 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Reveille was at 0400 and the Team along with MJ Motta were inserted back to the previous checkpoint. The Team was met by a local news photographer as they stepped off to begin another 11 miles. Panhandle Pioneer Settlement was good to us but we again needed to push forward and establish a new base camp. The Hitman was on the case again and found a Veteran Owned RV Park called Pine Lake RV Park who let us stay for 2 nights.
After the Marines and MJ marched off 11 before most people wake up, the team was extracted and returned to their new base camp for some much needed R&R. Shane took some time with the team to talk about how is business is different and by providing expert advise when providing mortgage products makes his company elite.
It was late when the Marines arrived and being a small town there were not a lot of choices for dinner, so the team grabbed some fast food and prepped for tomorrow.
Reveille was at 0500 and the team was inserted back to check point circle K2. The Team Marched out and Mobile Command pushed forward to the next base camp. Panhandle Pioneer Settlement. This place was not a camp ground, but they made room and allowed us to stay the night. We were welcomed with open arms and had 2 local news reporters showed up to get our story. As Night fell, Navy went to shower up and the boys decided to have alittle fun. Panhandle Pioneer Settlement has a ton of history, complete with cabins from the 1800's and a graveyard.
So the Boys decided to have aliitle fun. Later that night, The Marines laid in wait until Navy made his way from the bathhouse, in the dark, without a night light some 200 yds from Mobile Command...
Needless to say, a good laugh was had by all. Big Thanks to Panhandle Pioneer Settlement for giving the Team a place to post up for the night. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop in and see what a poineer settlement once looked like.
Day 15 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Sunday
With Missy and the kids spending the night and Ross & Kristi in, the Team took some time to appreciate friends and family and everyone who has supported the Booyah Veteran Bus Project. Ross & Kristi cooked up a huge breakfast and the Team took time to Get To Ross & Kristi (Click Here to Watch The FB Live Broadcast) The folks at the KOA were super kind and allowed us to stay just alittle bit longer while we did laundry and packed up.
We rolled out at 0200 and inserted the Marines and Ross back to the last checkpoint. Mobile Command and Mobile Command Two, pushed ahead 6 miles and set up a rally point. 2 hours later, the Team showed up, resupplied, hydrated and hit the road. We posted up at the Circle K and started chow as we knew it was going to be a long night. The Team ate well and sent The Hitman and wife on there way and the Marines powered forward. Mobile Command pushed forward to make the reservation that the Hitman made and set up base camp. Mobile Command got the call for extraction early in the morning.
After Check-in, Mobile Command went back to Rally point Circle K2 and extracted the Marines. The Team went back to base camp, had a few craft beers and some chow and called it a night. Shawn and Navy had a few additional brews as The Veteran manning the bar mentioned that they sold a 6 pack of the craft beer.
The park was situtated on the Lake and provided a peaceful view of the water.
Day 14 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
The Day started off with Navy meeting The Viking and "Q" at 0530 outside the RV. The day was supposed to be a day of rest, but when you get into a routine, sleeping in isn't an option. Ross rolled out at 0600 to join the men and headed out to McDonalds for coffee and to welcome the Hitman to the Team.
After coffee the team went back to base camp and found the rest of the Team suited n booted. Ross and Kristi cooked up bacon provided by BILL-E's and eggs. The rest of the afternoon was spent with family and friends telling stories and watching the kids play. It was a wonderful afternoon and allowed time to get to know Ross,Kristi,Missy, Charlie, Kenzie and Kendall.
Finally, it was time to put the Hitman to the test and step off to get 11 miles in. (Click here to watch the video) Since Ross was here, we took his vehicle, loaded up Missy, the kids and the Team and drove to the last checkpoint. Shane, Shawn, "Q" and Ross stepped off with the goal of humping 11 miles. Navy took Missy and the girls and went back to base camp. Navy went shopping at Walmart and Ray made a necessary stop. When we got the first message from the Team in the field that they already chewed up 4 miles and Air Force was hanging tight.
The Team was 31 miles from Base Camp by the time Navy and Ray caught up with the Team, they were 33 miles out and made their 11 mile goal. Hitman hung in there and represented the Air Force like a trooper. The Team was in good spirits and headed back to base camp looking forward to the feast that Ross and Kristi were preparing. We arrived back at base camp and found Missy and the Kids preparing smores by the campfire. It wasn't long before everyone was enjoying Venison with pottoe salad, and peach cobbler. Everyone sat back and told stories of what a life altering journey and how it has changed something in all of us.
Taking time to decompress with friends and family is always important, think about the Veteran who doesn't have that support. These Veterans may seem they have no hope, no way to deal with the inner deamons that haunt them, the loneliness that never seems to end. You can give a Vet a small break from just showing there are people out there that care about what they have sacrificed and thank them for thier service. Even that brief interaction may help to save the life of a veteran.
On behalf of the Booyah Team we want to thank each and everyone who has reached out and supported all of us on this journey to end and epidemic that has been left dormant for entirely to long. In order to be successful we must take massive action and band together to cut the head of the snake that is poisoning our Veterans!
Day 13 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Reveille was at 0400 and Mobile Command rolled out and inserted Shane and "Q" at the last check point, at this point Shane has marched off nearly 200 miles. The Marines stepped off and got after it looking to get 11 miles before breakfast. Navy, Shawn and Ray posted up at McDonald's as the KOA that Hitman lined up was not open yet. Shawn got some rest and Navy and Ray got busy catching up with videos and blog. 11 miles out, Mobile Command inserted Shawn and "Q" was extracted. Mobile Command then got the call that The RV Mechanic was at the KOA, with the working Generator. Mobile Command checked into KOA, set up base camp and installed the Generator. Finally, after 10 days without a Generator, Mobile Command was fully Operational.
01200 The Marines called for Extraction and the Team stopped off for lunch, then returned to Base camp. Everyone got busy catching up with work. 0800 the Team headed to Deal's Oyster Restaurant and was treated, once again, by family. Navy was extremely happy with some of the best lightly battered shrimp he ever tasted. The boys were well fed and happy and rolled back to Base camp.
Tonight is a big night with the arrival of Missy and Charlie and Ross "The Hitman" Sykes and wife. Missy arrived around 1030 and the "Hitman" made it at 1100.
Tomorrow will be a family day and we will be welcoming Ross and his wife who made the journey from Lower Alabama (L.A.) to join the fight and provide some much need supplies. The Booyah Team want to Thank Ross and Welcome him to the Team.
Day 12 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Reveille was at 0300 and Shane and "Q" geared up and stepped off to get 11. The Team's feet are weathered and able to take the daily pounding. The 22 miles per day has now become a regiment with everyone waking up, knowing what to do and getting after it.
Most days the Team chews up 11 miles before breakfast and spend the rest of the morning talking with Veterans for all walks of life. Today 2 Vets stopped by and talked with Shane, they discussed what they do to give back and what more can be done.
The Team had lunch at base camp and stepped off in the afternoon to get another 11. Panama city is still quite a distance away, but at the Team's current pace, they will arrive with time to spare.
At 01600 Shane called for extraction and they were happy that dinner was provided by The Gathering Table set up once again my Ross "Hitman" Sykes. The entire team enjoyed a good meal and headed back to base camp.
The Team Pushed forward and relocated base camp to a new RV Park. It was quite a difference from the Williston Crossings.
We were graciously given a place to park Mobile Command and discovered that we were surrounded by Veterans. However, these Veterans were not so fortunate. We took time to get to know our neighbor and a few others. He was tearing apart an old wheelchair to repair his wheel chair. He had lost his legs in a work accident, after he got out of the service and was currently living in a 5x7 pull behind next to us. His story is too long and sad to repeat here, but we did capture the entire interview on camera and will be held for release. The story is heartbreaking. We met several other Veterans with somewhat similar stories, missing limbs, living in conditions that, lets just say, are not optimial. They all told the same story about the trouble they have getting to the VA, trouble with the VA and the limitations of care received at the VA.
This stop had to be one of the most eye opening so far. Considering we just came from a beautiful RV camp where everyone was successful, to this RV park where most were struggling to pay for the next weeks stay. it really puts things into perspective and makes one wonder how things can be so different. Now, Just for the record, we spoke to several Vets at the Williston Crossings RV park that had complained about the VA, however they, unlike the Vets at this RV park, choose to obtain addition medical coverage so that the VA was only a "back up" and NOT their primary form of healthcare.
One Vet told me a story about a Veteran Friend of his that when to the VA to see a specialist because of chest pains...
The story goes, the doctor told the Vet he needed to have an "incident" before the Dr. could authorize seeing a specialist... essentially, saying he needed to have a heart attack before he would be seen...
There are literally 10's of thousands of Veterans who are suffering because of a broken system. The public treats stray pets better than Homeless Veterans and yet without them, the freedom they take for granted would not be there. Their sacrifice is what enables the public to get their panties in a punch about the most inconsequential shit. So, just remember the next time you see a Veteran, Homeless or Not, imagine what they sacrificed to allow you to tweet stupidity about our great nation and know that your imagination is are puppy dogs and rainbows in comparison to what they actually saw and lived through.
So, the next time you see a guy with the gray beard and a hat that says "Vietnam Veteran" or "Korean Veteran" or just "Veteran", Reach out and thank him for his service. tell him you appreciate everything he or she sacrificed for our Nation and without Everything and I mean EVERYTHING you take for granted would be just a dream.
Hike Update - Team Pushed out 40+ miles and we will be advancing to the next RV camp. Ross "Hitman" Sykes continues to be our "Eyes in the Skies" and working his magic locating Veteran Friendly business who are helping us with the Project.
Day 10 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Reveille was again at 0300 and the Marines were inserted at Check Point Checkers and busted out 11 before breakfast. The night before we met Peter Bouley USMC Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Combat V. He had an amazing story and has a company that we believe will be an asset to Phase 3 of the Booyah Veteran Bus Project. We will be keeping in touch with Mr. Bouley and want to take this opportunity to say Thank you sir for your service.
(Mr. Bouley is the President of Construction Management & Training Inc. Office Number is (401) 710-7373 He helps Veterans Help Themselves by providing training and job placement in high paying construction jobs. Visit his website and see what he can do for our Brothers In Arms.)
The Team had lunch at the clubhouse, Taco Tuesday and Everyone was extremely Kind and VERY generous with donations to the Project. The RV Park and folks there provided a much needed environment to rest and get some good chow. The internet was extremely slow but Mobile Command was able to catch up offline with making videos and writing the blog.
Shane and Shawn busted out 11 miles after lunch. The entire experience was OUTSTANDING. The Hitman came through AGAIN and lined up an interview with the local newspaper (Click Here To Read The Article) and dinner at BubbaQues and the meal was great!!! So far, this stop was by far the nicest RV Park and provided the best food on the trip.
Day 9 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project - A Busy Day
Reveille was at 0300 and Shane and Mccuen were inserted back at Check Point ChinaTop and marched off 22 miles by 1300. They marched through Ocala and advanced towards Williston, FL. Beautiful Horse Country.
Shawn and Ray got some needed rest, while Navy went to Dennys and worked on Social Media until day break. At 0800 Navy jumped on the blower and started working on getting the RV Mech onsite and creating Plan B. The RV Mech arrived at 01045 and Navy and The Mech immediately pulled the generator. The Mech opened it up and inserted the new voltage Regulator but because there was no ground, he could not test it, so He and Navy put the generator back in place to discover that they brushes were not turning... broken belt. They immediately pulled it again and loaded on the Mech truck to take to the shop.
In the meantime, The Hitman was working his magic and contacted Navy directly with some important intell. Ross got us a free nights stay at Willston Crossings RV Park, Dinner at Green Shutter Restraunt and scheduled an Interview with the Local Newspaper... OUTSTANDING Job Hitman.
Alpha Team contacted Mobile Command and requested extraction at Check Point Checkers and advanced to Base Camp where we were met by Betty. We parked the RV and immediately had guests. We went to dinner at the Green Shutter...
Hustled back to speak before Bingo started at the camp ground Community Center where Mccuen did bang up job. The Team then went back to Mobile Command where they met Peter Boyle a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Vietnam Veteran.
Day 8 - Sunday - Reveille was at 0930 and everyone got some much needed rest. The day was relatively uneventful,housekeeping, laundry, and catching up on paperwork. The Marines regrouped and prepped for the next evolution. The Team took time to pray for the things we are grateful for. God, Family and Country. The Road Warriors got some necessary medical attention, iced their ankles and got some necessary downtime.
The Team also re-evaluated the route and coordinated Check Points, Rally Points and potential Base Camps. The Team took some time to reflect on the journey and how many people have joined the fight. We are all so grateful for your assistance and support. It means the world to us to know that the Booyah Veteran Bus Project is really gaining momentum.
But the fight is not over, as a matter of fact, it has just begun. This hike is not about us, but to raise awareness for the next phase of the battle - Phase II the actual Booyah Veteran Buses... with the end goal being the transition base to eliminate the problem and boost our Brothers in Arms when they exit the Military and re-enter Civilian Life.
It important to remember the end goal. To help out our Vets in need now and train our Military brothers when they exit service. Everyone one of our brothers in arms is heavily trained. Our government spends huge amounts of money to take recruits and turn them into valuable members of a highly functioning team. A Team unlike any other on the planet. A team that can feed 100,000 men in a single place at the same time, keep 20 year old planes in the air, conduct covert operations where the enemy never new we were there or launch a F-14 off a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. These highly trained individuals, our men and women of the Armed Forces, can do more than be minimum wage earners, they have already proved that.
This project is a step up not a hand out Our Veterans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The Government has left our Veterans behind to deal with a Veterans Administration system that is broken. So, spread the word about the Booyah Veteran Bus Project, share our posts, read the blogs, watch the videos and most importantly do not quit. The men and women in our Military NEVER quit, Never surrender and Never Ever leave a Man Behind.
Day 7 - Reveille was at 0400 and Mobile Command inserted Shane and "Q" back to Check Point Foxtrot at 0500. Mobile Command returned to base camp where Ray and Shawn got some much needed rest. Navy met with the RV Mechanic and diagnosed the problem as a bad voltage regulator (This is basically the brain of the generator, it tells the engine when to increase RPM when there is a large amp draw or throttle back when there is less) However, since it is now Saturday, no shops are open to get the necessary part. The RV mechanic will have to catch us on the road on Monday. In the meantime, we continue as before.
Navy went back to work on videos and blogs while Shane and "Q" chewed up 15.1 miles through some "shady" backwoods territory. More than once, the 2 Marines were happy that they had each others back. The Marines made it into "town" and called for extraction from Rally Point Chinatop. Shawn and Navy got their hair cut and Navy asked for "Just alittle off the Top"... Click Here to see Shane & Charles recall the haircut.
The Team went back to base camp did some housekeeping and took the evening off as Shane eagerly awaited the arrival of Seabear and Missy. Missy prepared a feast for the team and upon arrival, the Booyah Veteran Bus Project Team were quickly enjoying an OUTSTANDING home cooked meal. From all of us, Thank You Missy.
We all spent the evening enjoy having Seabear at Mobile Command. They girls left early and the Team hit the sack. Tomorrow, is Sunday and the Team will take the day to honor God, Family and Country.
Day 6 - Reveille was at 0400 and and this time, Shane ordered Shawn on light duty as his feet swole to where he could not fit into his boots. The good news was that Mccuen was back.
Mobile Command inserted Shane and "Q" to Check point Echo and pulled forward to Rally Point Churchstop. A Quick layover and the Marines were on their way. Rally Point Churchstop was a dead zone and Mobile Command was without Coms but hung tight at the Rally Point to work offline. The Marines crushed 11 miles to reach Check Point Foxtrot. The Marines were extracted by Mobile Command and the Team advanced forward to Base Camp at Silver Springs RV Park Campers Garden owned and operated by an Army Veteran.
The Team stayed in base camp for the night waiting on the RV mechanic who was supposed to show between 1600-1700. We got a call at 1730 saying he would be another hour... Needless to say, the Marines and Navy were not happy. The Team then went to Walmart, where Ross "Hitman" Sykes got a $50 donation .
Due to the Mech not showing up, the Team ate Burger King and returned to base camp for the night. This caused a 3 hour time loss.
So far, Mobile Command has been 5 days without a generator. Using cell phones for GPS, internet and Coms puts the battery life at about 2 hours, meaning that the Mobile Command Team needs to plugin Mobile Command to keep Coms and Nav Operational. This has put extra pressure on the Team for several reasons.
1. Mobile Command has to set up at base camp to power up, then break down to resupply the marines at Rally point, instead of dropping them off at a Check point, pushing forward to a Rally Point and having the Marines push up to Mobile Command to rest and resupply. Then take off from the Rally Point to push forward to the next check point which, mobile command would have already set up as base camp. This means that Mobile Command has not provided maximum support, and from the Pics above, you can see some of the results.
2. As the Mobile Command Team has to stop working 30 Mikes early to pack up and reach the Rally Point to resupply the Marines, Then the Team has to come back to Base Camp, Reset Up and resume working. This results in Mobile Command not reaching max production which has resulted in delays in Posting blogs, Creating videos and Updating Status. It has also caused the Mobile Command Team to get less sleep since the work has to still be done.
The Team is still on schedule and advancing forward at a commendable pace despite any and all challenges.
Improvise, Adapt and Overcome...
Day 5 - Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Reveille was 0500 and Shane & Shawn hit the road wired, fired and inspired. Mobile Command stayed back and allowed the Marines to push forward. This downtime allowed for "Q"to do a live Facebook broadcast which can be see here, and in 24 hrs had 1,000 views. Thank You All for Your Support. The team also took advantage of the facilities, did some house keeping and caught up on paperwork.
The 2 Marines on the road made great time and called for extraction at 1200 and headed to Publix for chow. While there, Navy spoke to the assistant Manager, Danielle Webster, who made a personal donation by purchasing 2 cases of water for the Team. Thank You Dear.
Navy also spoke to the Manager about getting some support for the team, however as it is corporate, he need to get approval. We are standing bye for a decision. He did mentioned that a Army Veteran ran a smoke house called The "Dam" Smoker and we should eat there. The Team did some shopping, got chow and were back on the road at 1500 for the 2nd leg.
Ross Sykes contacted Mobile Command to arrange chow for the Team. Navy mentioned The Army Vet who had a smoke house and Ross made contact to treat the Team to Dinner, but The "Dam" Smoker cowboy-ed up and dished out chow for the team. Booyah !!!
Turns out that they also do a program called VORRH, which provides a meal to homeless Veterans once a month... OUTSTANDING !!!
Ross "Hitman" Sykes has been blowing up social media and did a live broadcast on FB (Click Here to Watch), The "Hitman" Sykes is definitely on the bus and has been providing support from Alabama by sharing our posts and following our progress and providing logistical support at every tune... Thank you Brother for your support.
Christina Pepper also did a moving Live Broadcast on FB (Click Here to Watch) It was so inspirational and amazing, no words can describe. You have to click the link and watch it.
This all happened while the 2 Road Warriors were chewing up asphalt and spitting out gravel. With the knowledge of BBQ for dinner, the Marines made record time and called for extraction 90 minutes early. (It could have also been the black bear they came across) Mobile Command arrived on time and the Team Headed to The "Dam" Smoker for Chow.
The Road Warriors hit the sack around 2100, and Navy and Ray caught up on paperwork and crashed around 2300. A video of the day can be seen below.... So, What are you waiting for??? #GetOnTheBusWithUs and watch the video, share the blog, visit the website and like and share our facebook page.
Reveille was at 0400 and bagels
and coffee were served to the Marines before they headed out on the 1st
leg.
They Humped 14 miles before Mobile
Command caught up with them at the Circle K.
While resting the crew from Circle K Store #7275 Donated a case of water
to keep the Marines hydrated.
While
there we also met up with LT John Peters with Orange County Fire Station Truck
51 and Air Force Veteran.
The break was
short but Lunch was provided by Chick-Fil-A and Everyone had 2 chicken
sandwiches for lunch.
The Marines were
back on the road. Mobile Command pushed
ahead and set up the FOB at Sun RV Park where we met another Marine.
Q was certain that the Mustang
outside was owned by the Marine and bet Charles 22 pushups that it was. Click Here to see who won….
Q, Charles and Ray set up Base Camp
and got busy getting the word out.
Charles & Ray worked on videos and Q was busy on Social Media.
Q has been on “light duty” for 3
days now, as ordered by the Viking. His
feet are healing nicely and expect to rejoin the walk after 1 more day.
The Booyah Veteran Bus Project
Team are in good spirits and have met many Veterans in just a few days. Now that the Team is completely assembled,
they are pushing north towards Panama City Beach fast and hard.
Day 3 - Update
Richard Mccuen (AKA - Q) was put on Overwatch by the Viking as his feet were ruined on days 1 & 722. Day 1 the Road Warriors chewed up 46 miles of asphalt, Day 2 they did 26, so after 72 miles, Q's feet were done. Watch the Video Below and check out those Dogs...
The 2nd leg of the Day 3 hike took The Booyah Veteran Bus Team to the Debary Golf & Country Club where they were recognized since the project is the local recipient of the Club Corp Charity Classic fund raiser. They club was amazing and the folks there treated the team like family. Thank you to everyone there from the Team. It was an amazing experience. The entire team took a moment to say a few words, click the video below and watch and share.
Oct 23, 2016 - Starting Off Day 2 by Recapping Day 1
Before the 3 marines resumed their journey today, Shane Johnson took a moment to recap yesterdays journey. Give the video a watch, Like and Share our Facebook page and subscribe to our Youtube Channel as we will be doing daily videos of our journey from the VA Hospital to Panama City.
Shane, Shawn and Richard began their journey leaving the VA
Hospital around 1030. The 3 marines walk
until nearly 1 am when they finally called it a day. The support from everyone so far as been
amazing. Some of the Amazing people
Shane and the boys met today were:
Anderson Zamora
Michele DeGennaro
Trent Stokes
We would like to take the time to Thank you and showing your
support. We need you but more
importantly, our Veterans need you.
The Marines put on over 40 miles yesterday leaving from the
VA Hospital which is 22 miles South and finally bedding down for the night near
Lake Mary, nearly 20 North of Orlando.
They didn’t get much rest and the blisters are already popping,
but they are in good spirits…
This is an
amazing charity that helps our friends and family who have served our country become
more than just a Vet in our society once done serving in the military. This is
something that goes completely unnoticed in our world today and with the proper
training, determination & guidance from BOOYAH these heroes can become more
than they ever imagined possible!
Let's stand behind our Vets and help support
BOOYAH while they put their sweat and tears into our selfless, brilliant,
diligent hardworking Veterans!
Get Some... Here's How...
Format is 4 person scramble-8:30am shotgun -1:00pm silent auction & award luncheon $60 - Golf & Award Luncheon $50 - Members $15 - Award Luncheon Sponsorship opportunities available on website
soon. To register: Please click above "tickets
available" or copy and paste this link into your browser. http://classic.als.net/Club/?id=47&f=s&r=12 Please visit http://www.booyahveteranbusproject.com/ for more info on this amazing cause! #GetOnTheBusWithUs #novetleftbehind #walkitdonttalkit #BOOYAHVeteranbusproject
On November 13th, 2016, Booyah Mortgage is sponsoring the Orlando Harley Davidson Bike & Car Show hosted by
Orlando Harley Davidson. This event is
a fundraiser for Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, who if you do not know who she is, WATCH
THIS VIDEO...
So, Marine
Veteran Sgt Kirstie Ennis is heading to South Korea in represent the United
States of American at the 2018 Paralympic Trials. This fundraiser will help her
get there and show the world what a Marine is made of.
In addition,
on February 25, 2017, Sgt Kirstie Ennis will be "cutting the ribbon"
for the New Booyah Veteran Bus at the Kissimmee Civic Center !!!
So, Muster up,
and share the news... The Booyah Veterans Bus Project has gained another
soldier to help us raise awareness for our homeless vets. The Booyah Veteran Bus Project is gaining
ground, but we still need your help. Share
our project, that's an order !!!
Booyah Veteran Bus Project Warriors to Launch 360 Mile Trek to Promote Awareness of Homeless Veterans
The Booyah Veteran Bus Project 360 Mile Trek will launch from Lake Nona Veterans Medical Center near Orlando on Saturday, October 22. The 360 Mile Trek is the idea of Booyah Veteran Bus Project Founder, Booyah Mortgage CEO and a Marine, Shane Johnson. To highlight this initiative, Shane will be walking for 21 days with fellow Veterans, Shawn Moore (Force Recon) & Richard Mccuen (Infantry) to promote awareness of the Booyah Bus Project.
The 360 Mile Trek will be 21 days beginning October 22nd and end on Veterans Day, November 11th here in Panama City, Florida. Shane and these Veteran Warriors will walk 22 miles a day representing and reflecting on the number of Veterans that commit suicide each day. Finally, Shane and the Veteran Warriors will join into the actual ongoing Panama City Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11 to officially end their Booyah Veteran Bus Project 360 Mile trek.
The Booyah Veteran Bus Project is a new, forward thinking initiative. In the United States, we have 50,000 Veterans that are homeless. The first Booyah bus is currently being constructed and will be used to assist homeless vets on the streets and provide them with clothing, haircuts, laundry services and food. In addition, it will work to get these homeless Veterans permanently off the streets into shelters and work programs. The bus will also be used to drive Veterans without vehicles to much needed Veterans Administration medical appointments. The first Booyah Bus is scheduled for completion in March 2017. Booyah is working to grow this project nationally, so every community will be able to provide these services to Veterans in need.
Shane and his fellow 360 Mile Trek Warriors are available do interviews before, during or after the Trek to promote awareness of the Booyah Veteran Bus Project. Please call to schedule them on your TV and Radio Shows or for any Print Interviews. Help us take our project national, so we can once and for all get Homeless Veterans off the street. These Veterans have served our Nation so let us serve them now! Booyah!
Booyah Social with Bill Price, an Army Veteran and owner of the Price Law Firm. Price graciously wrote a $10,000 check in the fight to get Veterans off the street! Bill is a True Patriot! Thank you to all our Booyah Veteran Bus Project Supporters who attended our event as well. This is only the beginning...God Bless!
The official route of the Booyah Veteran Bus project hike!
Thank you Richard Mccuen for the hard work on this route!
This will be the first phase of the Booyah Veteran Bus Project. We will be walking over 360 Miles from the Lake Nona, FL VA Hospital starting 10/22/2016 to the Panama City, FL Veterans Day parade arriving 11/11/2016 for the Parade.
The Veteran Bus Project is a three phase endeavor to provide a sense of dignity to the countless homeless and transitioning Veterans in our nation. Phase 1 is a 360+ mile hike from the Lake Nona, FL VA hospital to Panama City, FL raising awareness for Veteran homelessness and the fact that many of them have to walk just to get to the VA hospital. The hike begins on October 22nd and ends on Veteran’s Day; it will be segmented into 22 mile intervals representing the number of Veterans that commit suicide every day.
Shane Johnson Aloma, FL · Awesome time at this event! Thank you to Veronica Kemeny for putting this together!
A huge Thank you to Bill Price for the generous donation of $10,000 to the Booyah Veteran Bus Project. I really can't Thank you enough sir!
The Veteran Bus Project is a three phase endeavor to provide a sense of dignity to the countless homeless and transitioning Veterans in our nation.
Phase 1 is a 360+ mile hike from the Lake Nona, FL VA hospital to Panama City, FL raising awareness for Veteran homelessness and the fact that many of them have to walk just to get to the VA hospital. The hike begins on October 22nd and ends on Veteran’s Day; it will be segmented into 22 mile intervals representing the number of Veterans that commit suicide every day.
Phase 2 involves giving homeless Veterans a place to shower, get a haircut, and a meal to eat, through the use of refurbished transit buses and also providing them transportation to their respective VA Hospitals. Due to the fact that many of our Veterans are taking their lives because they don’t have anybody to talk to, we will be partnering with counselors, pastors, and organizations in their communities that they can speak with and stay connected with long after we are gone. These buses will be turned into mobile showers providing a safe place for Veterans to get clean. By focusing on this segment it gives us a way to help fight back against this epidemic that is plaguing our nation, homelessness.
Helping the Veteran is our concern.
Phase 3 provides a safe place for Veterans as they transition out of active duty service back into the civilian sector. This phase involves Transitional Housing. Too many Veterans are neglected in this stage of your lives and often end up homeless because of a lack of knowledge of resources and education outside of military life. The Veteran Bus Project will put the Veteran into a 13 week housing program, providing them with vocational training in the industry they desire to enter. They will be provided with a mentor and a job opportunity upon graduation.
The Veteran Bus Project will remain steadfast in its vision of having a bus in every major city becoming a beckon of hope for the many that will use its service. As reported in the 2015 CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations report, there are over 47000 homeless veterans in the United States. With over 4000 homeless Veterans according to the same report, Florida is an optimal location to launch this endeavor. The Veteran Bus Project will appeal to the Veterans need of honor, dignity, and camaraderie. These are our brothers and sisters and we are here to cover their six.
The Veteran Bus Project will be led by Founder and Marine, Shane Johnson. With his leadership at the helm we are aggressively planning to provide this service where ever the need arises.
The Veteran Bus Project is a three phase endeavor to provide a sense of dignity to the countless homeless and transitioning Veterans in our nation. Phase 1 is a 360+ mile hike from the Lake Nona, FL VA hospital to Panama City, FL raising awareness for Veteran homelessness and the fact that many of them have to walk just to get to the VA hospital. The hike begins on October 22nd and ends on Veteran’s Day; it will be segmented into 22 mile intervals representing the number of Veterans that commit suicide every day.
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PANAMA CITY BEACH — Some military veterans sleep on park benches because they are homeless. Others have trouble getting to a VA clinic because they have no transportation.
Those hardships hit home for Marine veteran and Lake Mary resident Shane Johnson, so much so that he is planning a three-week hike from Orlando to Panama City Beach to raise awareness about the issues veterans endure, particularly homelessness.
Johnson is the founder of BOOYAH Mortgage, which only offers home loans to veterans, but he’s not stopping his efforts there. He will begin his three-week hike Oct. 22 at the VA facility in Lake Nona and arrive at the Beach for Veterans Day events Nov. 11. At the same time, Johnson also is launching a statewide campaign called the BOOYAH Veteran Bus Project, which aims to provide buses to transport veterans to VA facilities. A charitable organization linked to the project, the BOOYAH Veteran Bus Project Foundation, already is accepting donations.
