Honey Brook auctioneer C. Ivan Stolzfus prepares for his second trip across America for Wounded Heroes on his 1948 John Deere Model A Tractor.
From Honey Brook, PA to the Gulf of Mexico then on to the West Coast, Stoltzfus embarks on Oct. 15 on his second dream trip across America in support of wounded heroes. His slogan is “Changing lives one mile at a time.”
Across America for Wounded Heroes, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) (3) tax exempt corporation. With local and national help, his goal is to raise more than $1 million for Across America for Wounded Heroes. Along with sponsors he conducts fund raisers along the way. Proceeds will go to various organizations.
“Did you know that currently less than 2 percent of Americans serve in the military and 23 veterans a day commit suicide? That means that less than 2 percent of American citizens protect and fight for the freedom of the remaining 98 percent. We must rally behind our American heroes who sacrifice time, energy, health, and life for the rest of us,” said Stoltzfus
His recently published book, “Dreams to Reality” tells his story of growing up on the farm with John Deere tractors and loving the sound of the 2-cylinder engine. Though never serving in the military he developed a passion to serve his country.
The boy grew up to become a retired farmer, an auctioneer and Florida real estate broker never forgetting his father’s words, “If you have a dream don’t wait until you are too old to do it.”
And thus was born the great machine “Johnabilt,” a 1948 John Deere Model A that could “putter along” with the best of them. With the help of a tractor club, Waterloo Boys of Southeastern, Pa the tractor was restored and retrofitted with a 1984 Peterbilt model 350 cab.
This unique tractor is led by Red Rooster, a hood ornament, and carries Smiley, a bright yellow scooter on its rear, while towing the 24 foot camper donated by Stoltzfus RV of West Chester, PA. In 2014 he drove the tractor from Atlantic to Pacific, raising up quite a fuss going 15 miles an hour across country. For their adventures visit their blog on the website.
All are invited to his send-off on Oct. 15, from his former family farm at 3000 Compass Road, about 5 miles south of Honey Brook, Rt. 10. A small ceremony starting at 7:45 a.m. will include parting words, along with Pastor Dr. James Olson giving a prayer. At 8 a.m. West Calm Police Chief Martinez and a motorcycle escort will lead him out of Honey Brook.
“This trip isn’t only about raising money it is about supporting and encouraging veterans through words, visits, and acknowledgment of their sacrifices,” he said.
Back roads, small towns, campgrounds, national parks, hometown and state police, military escorts, governors, mayors and dignitaries, cattle farmers and ranchers along with newspapers, radio and TV stations were some of the many supporters that came out to cheer him on. People waving money at him to stop, buying him food, filling the gas tank, providing shelter for Johnabilt from rain and hail storms. This was down home America at its best.
His fondest memories were the veterans who reached out to him, some traveling miles just to talk about their experiences. Through this Ivan developed a great love to help those suffering with PTSD sparking this year’s special mission for Mental Health and Family Counseling.
Early on in his trip, a veteran who had been tracking Stoltzfus’s progress on the website GPS tracker, arranged to meet him at the motel where he was spending the night, near Pittsburgh.
“He said he was a wounded vet. He showed me the 13-inch scar on his left upper bicep,” Stoltzfus said.
Jackson was shot by a sniper on Aug. 13, 2005. He rehabbed and stayed in the Army, retiring in April 2009. Nine years and 13 surgeries later his wife, Kelly, must tie his shoes and neck tie because his arm is partially paralyzed. With his wife and his two young boys standing by him, Army Sgt. Jeremy Jackson, of Delmont, gave Stoltzfus a box. He said, “I want you to have this.'”
It was his Purple Heart. Stoltzfus tried to give it back, but Jackson insisted. He humbly accepted it with honor and he keeps it in Johnabilt’s cab along with Jackson’s photo; it has traveled the distance.
Other items in the cab include “Teddy”, a gift from his granddaughter Emily so that Grandpa won’t get lonely so many miles away, along with photos and notes from several wounded American heroes reminding him each day of his mission to love and cherish each moment with those who we love. And those who have fought so bravely for our freedom.
“Life is short, follow your dream and God’s calling,” he said.
Stoltzfus thanks the following sponsors: Earl Stoltzfus of Stoltzfus RV, Earl R Martin Inc., Waterloo Boys of Southeastern PA, S&S Storm Chasing & Forecasting Team, Hunter Truck Sales, AE Young & Associates, EBY Trailers, CREATIVE Loupe, Bella Vista Farms LLC, Malinda Powell, Keystone Wood Specialties Inc., Blue Ox – Automatic Equipment Mfg., James Whalen.
Donations can be made on the Sponsors tab on http://helpamericanheroes.com. Visit them daily on Facebook AcrossAmericaForWoundedWarriors, Follow Ivan’s GPS journey on the website. Email admin@helpamericanheroes.com.
