Home Local News Richmond County detective organizes veterans walk at Hinson Lake

Richmond County detective organizes veterans walk at Hinson Lake

Richmond County Sheriff's Office detective James Hamby has organized the inaugural "Walk for a Purpose" for fellow veterans and others with disabilities. The walk is slated for 10 a.m. Nov. 2 at Hinson Lake.
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ROCKINGHAM — After participating in the “No Barriers” expedition for veterans in Asheville this past May, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office detective James Hamby decided to organize something similar back home.

During the three-phase trek, Hamby and the rest of the group camped in the mountains and shared their life struggles and goals over a three-day period.

For Phase 1, the group took time to get to know each other, as well as training and familiarizing themselves with the expedition. They also discussed their pasts as well as their daily challenges.

Phase 2 is when they began the difficult 32-mile journey up the mountain. Along the way they took time to talk about the problems they encounter and how to overcome them. They also discussed their futures as well as the purpose for their lives. This is when they were asked to come up with a personal pledge.

It was at that point when Hamby realized the desire he had to make a difference in others’ lives.

“My pledge is to make a difference in my community,” Hamby said.

For Phase 3, after they returned home, participants would refine their pledges by asking the question “What can I do?”

For Hamby, a 12-year Marine veteran, it was the creation of “Walk for a Purpose,” to help veterans and others who struggle with disabilities. 

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The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Hinson Lake, will be one of many similar walks taking place across the United States that connect with the “Walk with the Warriors” held in Denver, Colorado, on Nov. 3,  which helps veterans through the No Barriers USA Foundation.

No Barriers was founded by Erik Weihenmayor who started going blind at the age of 14, but didn’t let the disability stop him from achieving his goals: In 2001, he became the first blind man to summit Mount Everest.

Weihenmayor had a strong desire to form a foundation which would help others overcome their disabilities, thus No Barriers USA was born. He also saw a great need in the veteran community, so he extended the life journey in order to help promote veterans’ healings.

“Walk for a Purpose” will include one full lap around Hinson Lake, with Hamby speaking about his experiences along the way.

“I didn’t go for distance because I wanted everyone interested to be able to participate,” he said. 

There is no fee to enter, but donations will be accepted. Music and food will be provided free-of-charge. Anyone interested in walking can register by logging onto walkwiththewarriors.org and click on “Walk for a Purpose” to join the team. No one will be turned away the morning of the walk. Donations will go to No Barriers USA to fund future expeditions in order to help other veterans.

For questions or more information on the walk, contact James Hamby at 910-813-8597 or email jhamby0311@hotmail.com 

 



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