My Appalachian Trail Thru Hike

I'm a former Special Operations Combat Vet/ Security Contractor, and founder of Echelon Grey Foundation, a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) (pending) Charity. 

I'm constantly looking for positive/ clever ways to promote my foundation as we await federal approval. Echelon Grey's primary mission is to ensure everyone who has answered the call in direct support of the U.S. GWOT, has a soft place to land once they return home. Suicide intervention/ prevention is our number 1 goal as we develop a state-of-the-art Mental Health Institute, to address all aspects of mental health issues our heroes face once they return home. Our motto: "NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND AT HOME!"

My gofundme goal is this: I hope to promote and bring awareness to the public via a mini-documentary/hike along the AT. I feel the environment/ setting is the perfect backdrop for a Global War on Terror Documentary. Over the 4-5 months it will take me to complete the entire hike, I hope to interview 20-30 individuals who volunteer to meet me along the trail, and who represent all the traditional and non-traditional roles Americans serve in overseas. 

The book about my life, "Fire and Forget Soldier" is undergoing a final editing phase (should be out early fall). The country music song, "Forward", written in the spirit of 'Team Miami' Personal Security Detail/ Security Contractors should be on CDBaby.com in April. And, Echelon Grey Foundation should gain federal approval in 2015. Our fingers are crossed that everything will come together this year... so that we can help get the 22 Vet/Contractors Suicide daily rate down to 0! 

The $3,000 will be used for gear, equipment and food required for one person (me), to complete a 4-5 month thru hike of the AT while filming a mini (amateur) documentary. If you just donate 1 cent per mile for my cause, it will equal about $21 bucks.  My tentative departure date is 15 April 2015 (pending proper foster care for my two dogs). 

Please take a few minutes to watch my recent speech to a group of high school cadets, as I discuss my life, my foundation, and my new life mission! 

Thanks in advance for your support,

Lee Deckelman
President/ Founder Echelon Grey Foundation