By JOHNNY WALKER
Special to Veterans Life

What does the son of a World War II Navy frogman do after he retires from 35 years’ active-duty service as a SEAL? 

If you are retired Cmdr. Jack James, USN, you continue to challenge yourself, remain active, and serve others.

So in a September to remember, James accomplished all three this month when he and a friend, prior Marine Justin Schoener, completed a 50-mile hike over the Olympic Range to raise awareness for America’s Mighty Warriors, a service organization dedicated to supporting active military, the fallen, and their families.

“The idea started out as a bucket list item,” said James, referring to the challenge of hiking over Anderson Pass along the Dosewallips and Quinault River trails. But after talking it over with his wife Stacey, a retired U.S Air Force veteran of 32 years, they both agreed they should use the opportunity to raise awareness for a cause.

“We could have done the jog-walk to honor any number of special dates, remembrances or Wounded Warrior-type programs,” James said, “however, we chose the America’s Mighty Warriors program because it seems to speak to them all.”

According to www.americasmightywarriors.org, founder Debbie Lee established the service organization after her son, Petty Officer Marc A. Lee, became the first Navy SEAL killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Aug. 2, 2006. Lee was fatally wounded during a fierce two-hour firefight as his team evacuated wounded from the city of Ramadi.

“Losing Marc has been the toughest thing I have ever gone through,” Lee said. “I have been a widow for 20 years and had walked through death before, but losing a child is the toughest thing a parent could go through.

“I had no choice about the news that was given to me on Aug. 2, 2006 but I did have a choice in how I responded. I chose to put on Marc’s boots, pick up his weapon and stay in the fight for our troops and the families of the fallen. I’m not in a battle firing bullets, but it is a fight to make sure those who have sacrificed so much have everything they need and that the families they left behind are taken care of. It is the least we can do.”

After choosing a cause and a few months of physical preparation and planning, the 60-year-old James and 37-year-old Schoener embarked Sept. 6, at 5:30 in the morning, on what they expected would be a 12- hour hike. Walking briskly west along the scenic Dosewallips trail in good weather, a support vehicle would meet them on the other side of Anderson Pass at Graves Creek Road.

With a plan in place and resolve for the physical challenge ahead, there would be surprisingly little conversation along the way.

“Putting one sure foot in front of the other to keep pace and avoid injury requires focus and concentration,” Schoener said.

James added, “The ascent to Anderson Pass was a little more challenging than I expected. It was then that I began to worry things were slowing down and [whether] we could stay on schedule.”

Without cell phone coverage midway at the pass, both the hikers realized they might not be able to make the descent by nightfall.

“Stick to plan,” James said, “and we’ll be OK.”

After a 45-minute lunch break, it was time to make progress down the steep grade. At about 10 p.m. and well behind schedule, the pair agreed that fatigue and visibility had become a safety risk. Knowing that their support team knew to call the park ranger if they didn’t arrive by 9 p.m., the day trip became an overnight stay. Hot pizza for dinner would have to wait until breakfast. It was time to adapt and overcome with a quick camp on the trail, a small fire pit, and rest.

Rising at 6:15 a.m., reinvigorated and with good daylight, the descent resumed quickly and the hikers safely arrived at their pick-up point along Graves Creek Road at 8 a.m., much to the relief of their support team, wife Stacey and friend Amanda.

“It was a ‘high-five’ and a ‘job well done,’ ” Schoener said. “We were glad to be done and especially without any injuries. It was an honor to support Jack and help bring awareness to the plight of our military who sacrifice so much. I am considering doing it again next year.”

James said, “One of my first thoughts was how glad I was I didn’t have to drive. And I was ready for cold pizza and hot coffee, but our challenge going over the pass wasn’t anything like the challenge our military faces in combat. America’s mighty warriors like Marc Lee established themselves as warriors along the long and rough road of life. May God grant us grace to do the same in our own way and honor all of America’s Mighty Warriors.”

Reflecting on the completed hike, Debbie Lee commented, “I am so grateful to each and every man and woman who has served, no matter what conflict, no matter what branch of the military. I do know who pays the price for my freedoms that I wake up everyday and enjoy.

“I have dedicated my life to making sure that our warriors know they are loved and appreciated and never forgotten. [The]families of our fallen heroes have given their very best and we owe it to them to honor and remember their sacrifice. We owe it to them to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made.

“I founded America’s Mighty Warriors in response to Marc’s amazing last letter home that has inspired millions and millions of lives around the world. You can find it on our website, www.americasmightywarriors.org.”

Marc ends that letter with a request to family and friends to “pass on the kindness, the love, the precious gift of human life.”

— Johnny Walker is a retired Navy chief petty officer. He owns Almost Candid Photo, Frame and Fine Arts in Kingston.