29
Apr
2013
-- stepping forward for our Planet, our Future --
Dear Friends,
Setting up a 3,000 mile march involves a lot more than drawing a bright-colored line across a map of the US. We are fortune to have Courtney Kain on board to coordinate this mammoth task. Courtney's background includes a four-year stint with the Army National Guard, managing logistics for several thousand troops at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
"We'd go on training marches through a variety of terrains, often for a week or two, camping in a lot of different places under some pretty adverse circumstances," said Courtney. "There was a lot of integration between planning the route and planning our equipment needs. Of course, we carried 60-pound packs on our backs and had our guns. Honestly, I'm looking forward to not having to deal with hauling either of those on the Climate March!"
Like any big event, much of Courtney's work with the National Guard involved tedious behind-the-scenes labor. "Often, we'd be out on the base at o'dark thirty, sometimes in sub-zero weather, doing vehicle maintenance and what not. We not only had to issue equipment but keep tabs on it as well. Marching boots were probably the most important piece of equipment. I remember a lovely set of massive blisters during my early days with the Guard."
Courtney appreciates all the folks in communities across the country who are stepping forward to help with on-the-ground challenges in setting up the route. "We can do a lot from our headquarters here in Des Moines, especially with the help of the Internet," said Courtney. "But there's no way we can figure out all the details without our supporters' eyes and ears helping to identify the best routes and campsites in communities we'll march through."
Our plan is to release the full description of the March route sometime next month. In the meantime, we need your help, not just working with Courtney on setting up the route, but helping pay for all the costs involved. To that end . . .
If you haven't already, please become a March Starter. Donate between 1 cent and 33-1/3 cents per mile - between $30 and $1,000 - to help Courtney finish this task at a pace that would impress the US Army. Click here for details, and thanks to all who have stepped forward so far.
Dear Friends,
Setting up a 3,000 mile march involves a lot more than drawing a bright-colored line across a map of the US. We are fortune to have Courtney Kain on board to coordinate this mammoth task. Courtney's background includes a four-year stint with the Army National Guard, managing logistics for several thousand troops at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
"We'd go on training marches through a variety of terrains, often for a week or two, camping in a lot of different places under some pretty adverse circumstances," said Courtney. "There was a lot of integration between planning the route and planning our equipment needs. Of course, we carried 60-pound packs on our backs and had our guns. Honestly, I'm looking forward to not having to deal with hauling either of those on the Climate March!"
Like any big event, much of Courtney's work with the National Guard involved tedious behind-the-scenes labor. "Often, we'd be out on the base at o'dark thirty, sometimes in sub-zero weather, doing vehicle maintenance and what not. We not only had to issue equipment but keep tabs on it as well. Marching boots were probably the most important piece of equipment. I remember a lovely set of massive blisters during my early days with the Guard."
Courtney appreciates all the folks in communities across the country who are stepping forward to help with on-the-ground challenges in setting up the route. "We can do a lot from our headquarters here in Des Moines, especially with the help of the Internet," said Courtney. "But there's no way we can figure out all the details without our supporters' eyes and ears helping to identify the best routes and campsites in communities we'll march through."
Our plan is to release the full description of the March route sometime next month. In the meantime, we need your help, not just working with Courtney on setting up the route, but helping pay for all the costs involved. To that end . . .
If you haven't already, please become a March Starter. Donate between 1 cent and 33-1/3 cents per mile - between $30 and $1,000 - to help Courtney finish this task at a pace that would impress the US Army. Click here for details, and thanks to all who have stepped forward so far.
