Ivan Stoltzfus began his “Across America for Wounded Heroes 2016” on a tractor from Honey Brook farm on Oct. 15.
West Caln Township Police Chief Martinez with lights flashing and police officers in tow, the sound of motorcycles humming and the “putt-putting ” of Johnabilt, a 1948 Model A tractor, turned onto Route 10 headed south for Florida from Honey Brook early that morning.
Like a band of gypsies Red Rooster, Johnabilt, Ivan, Teddy, Mr. Camper and Smiley were on the road again.
This is their second dream trip across America with a goal to raise $1 million for Across America for Wounded Heroes Inc., a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. His book “A Dream to Reality” is available on Amazon.com.
On that beautiful, crisp, clear fall day, neighbors, well-wishers, friends and family began gathering for final goodbyes.
Ivan was greeting all, shaking hands, giving hugs and with his usual wit, smiling broadly. He had gotten up at 5:30 a.m. after spending the night in Mr. Camper, “It was just like old times. I can’t wait to get on the road again.”
Pastor Jim Olsen commenced a brief ceremony, then offering up a prayer with his hand on Ivan, the gathered group surrounded him with the laying-on of hands and joined in the blessing for a safe and prosperous journey.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to escort you to Bird-In-Hand. I wish we could have taken you to the Maryland line. Safe travels and we look forward to escorting you on your way home,” said Paul Morrison as he and Candy Burkhart lined up the group of motorcycle riders behind the police cars.
Johnabilt and the crew followed behind and off they went.
They expect to arrive back in Pennsylvania in roughly one year after crossing the USA to raise awareness of the sacrifices that men and women in the military make for their country. Their donations will provide funds for organizations that especially deal with veterans’ mental health and family issues. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has soared to 23 veterans a day committing suicide.
The previous Sunday, Stoltzfus had been the featured speaker at Grace and Truth Fellowship Church’s morning service in Morgantown.
“I will be covering about 9,500 miles at 15 miles an hour on a 1948 Model A tractor with a fitted Peterbilt cab, pulling a 26′ trailer and Smiley my motor scooter,” he said. “I will be visiting VA hospitals and stopping at different PTSD organizations, hoping to plant just one seed of hope in one person and it will be worth it.”
“In 2014 I had many “heart to heart talks” with veterans, some traveled miles to see me. They wanted to tell their stories, they wanted to be appreciated for their service. Many said to me” You might not see the harvest now, but it will come down the road. Just being there as a loving person can reach people,” he continued.
“The trip is exciting, especially at 10,000 feet above sea level. We tend to draw crowds. One day in Jackson Hole, Wyoming I was trying to adjust the carburetor. Smoke had been billowing out. The crowd surrounded me and as I talked to Steve Koser, a team member back in Pennsylvania on speaker phone… he walked me through it. The crowd would shout back in unison to his questions, “white smoke’ or “no smoke”, everybody gets into the act,” he laughed.
The service continued with prayers, songs and one that touched the congregation and Ivan’s heart.
A home-made dinner of traditional PA Dutch food, pot pie, macaroni and cheese, red beets, deviled eggs, baked corn, shoofly pie, coconut custard pie, followed the service.
Alvin Horning said, “Ivan is an auctioneer, a realtor, and retired farmer. He works for Horning Farm Agency for over 25 years and also in Sarasota, Florida. He is very compassionate with a very sensitive heart. When he likes you he will go to every length to help you.”
“As a Navy veteran,” said Thomas Shappell of Flying Hills, “I appreciate his mission, I served on an aircraft carrier, and have seen the ravages of PTSD and how they treat the vets in veteran hospitals. We need more Ivans.”
Ivan’s daughter Tina Martin said, “I am very proud of my father. He has the gift of encouragement and uses it to minister.”
Ivan’s granddaughter Emily chimed in, “I gave him Teddy so he won’t get lonely on the trip; and to keep him straight.” Her sister Ellie added, “He is doing it for a good cause.”
Find his blog and photos at http://helpamericanheroes.com. His GPS tracking is turned on so you will be able to see Ivan’s whereabouts in real time. Ivan tanks US Fleet Tracking and S&S Storm Chasing and Forecasting Team LLC for setting that up.
Donate on his website and like his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AcrossAmericaForWoundedWarriors.
