SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT MAKE OUR MISSION POSSIBLE because of him. He taught me how to be like this and I want to do the same thing for my grandson.” Anthony says that is one reason that he journals as he travels - keeping notes along the trail, “so that one day, when he’s all grown up, he’ll look back at the words on the pages that I wrote for him, or hear the stories about me, and decide to do something great for himself and great things for other people.” Having found a bit of an audience in his accomplishments thus far, Anthony says he hopes his story will not only inspire children, but also reach the ears of those who place themselves alongside him in the “Baby Boomer” category. “We have so much more value to offer as grandparents than just being good babysitters. That’s what I remind myself of when I start getting tired or questioning why I am doing this – it’s not only for others, it’s for myself as well.” Anthony says he has also found that when he lives in a space of grati- tude, that same energy finds its way back to him – especially on the trail. Not always opting to camp under a tent, Roddy says hikers often find small town hostels to stay in where they can sleep in an actual bed, enjoy a warm meal, and do laundry. Recently, he told of one such hostel he found along the route, run by a humble Jewish family nestled in the hills of Virginia. They shared conversation over a warm breakfast, inviting him into their traditions, stories, and lives. Following breakfast, he said they all sat together in a circle, strangers in essence, listing all of the things they were thankful for. Roddy says he took that opportunity to give thanks for the blessing of the journey, for his health, and for the unexpected family found along the way. And while he’s found so many blessings in the wilderness, he hopes to one day take his knowledge and experience into the city. “My ultimate goal is to create a program that helps inner-city kids of color experience the woods. I hope to be able to show them that there is so much more to life than a cell phone, computer, or television screen. So many kids these days spend all of their time looking for things outside of themselves when everything they need is right there inside.” But for now, Anthony’s focus is on the mission at hand in walking the Appalachian Trail, which extends more 2,000 miles. His goal is to reach Maine by early October – before winter sets in. ATTENTION NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND URANIUM WORKERS! Do you need free support accessing benefits for work-related illnesses? Taylor Moore King and Nikki Clark, Outreach Representatives from Professional Case Management, are your local experts on the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). They can help you understand the compensation and health benefits you may qualify for and assist you throughout the claims process. Professional Case Management was the first enrolled home health provider under EEOICP and has cared for more nuclear weapons and uranium workers than any other provider. Our services include: • Resources for filing new, complex or denied EEOICP claims • Impairment evaluations and fall risk assessments • Medication management and vitals tracking • Customizable in-home health care Contact Us Today! Call Taylor Moore King and Nikki Clark today at 270-572-4819 to maximize your EEOICP benefits! 12 JULY 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM Legacy Appalachian Trail Only about 1 in 4 who start a thru-hike will finish the entire trail in one year.
