WW2 Misson of Honor
Donation protected
Two years ago, I began a family mission to make the 7000 mile trek to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska in search of a place to honor the WW2 momentos of Robert W. Lynch, from his time served in the region.
My name is Karen Abel and F/O Robert W. Lynch was my grandfather (PaPa). And you did read it correctly- Alaska. In June, 1942 Alaska was attacked. American and Canadian troops spent several years directly defending our continnet from enemy invasion. It is known as the "Forgotten War" and it is clear that it does not get the recogniiton it deserves. I know that my grandfather felt that way and I am guessing that many of his fellow servicemen did also, which is why I started a blog, www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com, that is dedicated to those service men and the tireless sacrifice in the bitter cold under the most treacherous conditions, so we could be safe.
A few weeks ago, I was presented with the most amazing opportunity. A personal invitiation to accompany 10 other adventurous types on an Aleutian Island WW2 historical voyage.
My name is Karen Abel and F/O Robert W. Lynch was my grandfather (PaPa). And you did read it correctly- Alaska. In June, 1942 Alaska was attacked. American and Canadian troops spent several years directly defending our continnet from enemy invasion. It is known as the "Forgotten War" and it is clear that it does not get the recogniiton it deserves. I know that my grandfather felt that way and I am guessing that many of his fellow servicemen did also, which is why I started a blog, www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com, that is dedicated to those service men and the tireless sacrifice in the bitter cold under the most treacherous conditions, so we could be safe.
A few weeks ago, I was presented with the most amazing opportunity. A personal invitiation to accompany 10 other adventurous types on an Aleutian Island WW2 historical voyage.
It is organized through a tour company named Valor Tours, Ltd. They specialize in WW2 tours through out the world. They had their inaugural Aleutian voyage last summer on the 70th Anniversary of the Aleutian Campaign.
The second trip will take place this June 15-30th. The itinerary includes first flying from Achorage to Adak, from there aboard the 72ft M/V Pukuk with Capt Billy Choate and set sail in the Bering Sea to Adak, Kiska, Attu and then back to Dutch Harbor with a few stops along the way. From Dutch a plane back to Anchorage. Renowned Alaska war historian Col. John Cloe as our guide. I added a Kodiak leg to the journey which is not part of the tour. It is something I am doing on my own. Since I am already in Alaska, I want to be able to see every place possible my grandfather was stationed. Kodiak is a big part of that. I am very excited of this once in a lifetime opportunity to honor my grandfather's war legacy in this way. But really, my mission has morphed into honoring all the forgotten service people up there who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
This GoFundMe page is the result of having only had a three week notice of my departure. A strong and rapid fundraising campaign needed to be implemented to help raise the rest of the money I still need to cover the heavy cost of the trip. If you have it with in your means, I lovingly ask that you please consider donating to my family's mission of honor.
And if you would like to follow my journey along the way please visit my blog and hit 'Follow' on the right hand side of the page so you are sure to get my entries as I post them.
With my greatest of grattitude, I thank you for your support.
The second trip will take place this June 15-30th. The itinerary includes first flying from Achorage to Adak, from there aboard the 72ft M/V Pukuk with Capt Billy Choate and set sail in the Bering Sea to Adak, Kiska, Attu and then back to Dutch Harbor with a few stops along the way. From Dutch a plane back to Anchorage. Renowned Alaska war historian Col. John Cloe as our guide. I added a Kodiak leg to the journey which is not part of the tour. It is something I am doing on my own. Since I am already in Alaska, I want to be able to see every place possible my grandfather was stationed. Kodiak is a big part of that. I am very excited of this once in a lifetime opportunity to honor my grandfather's war legacy in this way. But really, my mission has morphed into honoring all the forgotten service people up there who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
This GoFundMe page is the result of having only had a three week notice of my departure. A strong and rapid fundraising campaign needed to be implemented to help raise the rest of the money I still need to cover the heavy cost of the trip. If you have it with in your means, I lovingly ask that you please consider donating to my family's mission of honor.
And if you would like to follow my journey along the way please visit my blog and hit 'Follow' on the right hand side of the page so you are sure to get my entries as I post them.
With my greatest of grattitude, I thank you for your support.
Give $100 to help get this fundraiser to its goal
Organizer
Karen Abel
Organizer
Bradenton Beach, FL
