Yosemite Hike in Honor of Purple Heart Day

 Hike in majestic Yosemite National park in honor of California’s Purple Heart Day (PHD)! AmpSurf along with other groups will be making the hike  as part of the Lewis B. Puller memorial hike in honor of the disabled Vietnam veteran and author who is the son of legendary Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller.

 The trip will consist of three days at the park starting Aug.5^th and ending on PHD Aug. 7^th. Hiking will begin on the 6^th at Happy Isles and continue through Vernal Falls, which is also known as the ‘Mist trail.’ After a stop at the Emerald Pool for lunch and potential swim the group will proceed up to Nevada Falls and to the Cables. A final hike will take place on PHD up to Glacier Point, which overlooks Yosemite Valley. A small ceremony will be held to commemorate the sacrifices made by all of America’s heroes past and present and those who have been recipients of the Purple Heart. AmpSurf’s is doing this hike for several reasons. One is to inspire people to appreciate our nation’s heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have literally given parts of themselves for our country. Another is to give the participants many of who will be wounded veterans and their caregivers the inspiration to push themselves beyond his/her normal comfort level. 

“This is a lifelong dream come true! To hike these trails with my fellow Purple Heart recipients is truly an honor.” Said Tim Haley, a Marine and Purple Heart recipient from his combat action in Vietnam. Tim will be leading the team for the Yosemite hike. Tim was also the 2010 recipient of the California Veteran of the Year award and will be joined by 2011 recipient and director of AmpSurf Dana Cummings. 

” This is an exciting time for AmpSurf as we continue to grow and fulfill our mission of reaching out to help our fellow veterans feel the healing power of the ocean and other outdoor activities. Going from the beaches to the mountains is amazing! I feel honored to be a part of this!” said Dana Cummings, Executive Director of AmpSurf. 

If you would like to join this event please contact AmpSurf at participate@ampsurf.org.  If you would like to support this adventure please go to www.ampsurf.org/donate. Funds are still needed to make this event happen, so please help us if you can. Your donations will be used to support these brave men and women as they climb to honor and the sacrifices made so that we can be able to hold these events.