By Kerri Linsinbigler
Features Editor
Years ago, the Colorado River rushed through Arizona carving through layers of rock and dirt to produce one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Among the millions of tourists visiting the Grand Canyon this year is Bonaventure graduate Paul Monahan. Unlike the majority of visitors, however, Monahan has bigger plans than just sightseeing.
Monahan, ’87, has been planning a 23-mile hike of the Canyon starting Oct. 16 in support of wounded soldiers.
“This hike that we’re taking in two weeks is a hike that I did for the first time two years ago with a colleague of mine and his dad,” Monahan said. “It’s an incredible experience once you trek down into the canyon. It was a really important goal of mine to get back.”
With the dream of returning to the Grand Canyon lingering in the back of his mind, Monahan had a spark of inspiration while watching TV with his family.
“‘ABC’s Home Makeover was on,” Monahan said. “They had built a house for a veteran who had returned from Iraq. They built this incredible house, but the story was about the community pulling together to help this person who had given so much.”
That’s when Monahan decided to combine his desire to help others with his longing to return to the Grand Canyon. To accomplish this task, Monahan sent a written appeal to 30 of his friends asking if they would participate in his fundraising hike. Among the final list of 13 hikers were Monahan’s former roommate, Jim Froetscher, ’87, and former classmate, Marie Lux, ’87.
“Paul sent me a letter very early in the year describing what he wanted to do,” Lux said. “It was an invitation I could not refuse.”
According to Froetscher, raising money for wounded soldiers was personal.
“My neighbor in Long Valley, N.J. lost his leg in Afghanistan,” Froetscher said. “He is a young kid that gave up almost everything for people like me. It’s the least I can do for him and his family.”
Lux also said she thought it was important to help wounded soldiers because of her personal connection with the military. Lux’s brother served in the military for a few years, she said, but never saw active combat.
“I never forget the fear I had should he be in combat,” Lux said. “We were fortunate that he was never in that situation, but … I am proud to honor those who serve us and protect our rights. It’s a small step I can take to give back to those who are heroic for us.”
While researching groups which support soldiers, Monahan came across a foundation called the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to helping and empowering wounded service members. From the start, Monahan said he trusted the organization and believed it would be a great charity to donate the money raised from the hike.
“(The Wounded Warrior Project has) a very clear mission,” Monahan said. “You know exactly what they’re doing, who they’re serving and how they’re serving them. And I love that.”
With a set group of hikers and a charity secured, training for the event could begin. A grueling, 23-mile hike is unlike preparing for a marathon, Monahan said.
“Training for me was a lot, a lot of walking,” Monahan said. “I probably have about 80 miles in. In addition to that, I like to rollerblade. I’ve got about 60 miles of rollerblading in the last three months.”
Lux and Froetscher agree the key to preparing for this type of hike is staying fit and active. Froetscher said he hikes the Appalachian Trail near his home. Lux said she has also added hiking to her usual swimming and biking workouts.
“We had the whole summer to really prepare, and that’s perfect,” Monahan said.
Besides summer training, the group has also been hard at work getting donations. So far, the group has raised almost $16,000. To donate, go to www.crowdrise.com/stepsforsoldiers.
According to Froetscher, it is important to support our troops in any way we can.
“We are just so lucky to live in the United States,” Froetscher said. “We have great freedom and we are protected by citizens who go overseas to fight for us and protect our nation.”
