Who is William C. Shuttleworth?

[sherryinutah]

I not really asking who he is but I believe; as an American that he deserves some attention.

William C. Shuttleworth, 71, is a retired superintendent and Air Force Armed Forces Veteran who is walking across the United States “for all veterans”.  He walks from 25-45 miles per day.

Shuttleworth started his cross-country walk on May 15 in Massachusetts and his final destination is Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.

This man is absolutely passionate about helping Veteran's in any way that he can.  He's also acting as spokesman and an advocate for veterans.

His Mission

“I am on a 7-month walk across America from Massachusetts to California. Along the way, I am meeting, sharing, and talking to any veteran and their loved ones I can, often in small groups at VA Centers, in American Legions, VFWs, coffee shops and across dining room tables,” Shuttleworth says.

“Veterans gave a lot and often have little to show for it,” he added.

More than 25 percent of all homeless men are veterans, and many of these forgotten warriors struggle with employment, addiction and sobriety, he reports.

“These men and women have little voice in Congress,” Shuttleworth says.

Today, less than 8 percent of Congress has served in the military, compared to 78 percent in 1972, according to his press release.

Shuttleworth’s five recommendations for American Vets

The Air Force Veteran offers five recommendations for veterans around the country:

Elect a vet, at the national, state and local levels.
Eliminate veteran homeless by 2030. It can be done if we want it done, he said.
Free medical care for any veteran who was ever drafted and was discharged with an Honorable Discharge. There are too many veterans that don’t qualify for veteran medical services because they didn’t meet service length obligations, Shuttleworth said.
Guarantee medical and mental health treatment within 30 days for all veterans
Increase starting pay for enlistees to a “livable wage”.

Shuttleworth and his supporters created a Vets Don’t Forget Vets GoFundMe Campaign, website and Facebook pages.

“Money raised will help offset my minimalist approach, such as tenting, sleeping in backyards and eating only to stay healthy. All other funds will be donated to the Disabled American Veteran programs,” Shuttleworth says.

I applaud this individual for all the good that he's doing.  Do you know a Veteran?

[gaylasue]

I know many, many veterans.  Several in my family.  I support veteran causes as often as possible.  I have an uncle who served four tours of Vietnam that is now struggling with cancer due to the exposure to Agent Orange.  May God bless our Veterans and War Heroes, those who returned home and the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom and liberties!!

[debidoo]

Ok this is one of the most interesting posts I have ever seen out of many interesting ones.  Kudo's to this gentleman and I am astounded at his efforts  WOW

[bremer51]

I did not know any of this.  Good post.

[nannycoe1]

Good information, and he sounds like a great guy

[plennis]

Tanks for this post, great information and good to know where you can help fund the cause.

[ngorecki]

I've heard about him. Go William!!!

[oldbuddy]

Yes I know at least one, ME. I fit the Free medical care for any veteran who was ever drafted and was discharged with an Honorable Discharge agenda and it sure would help.

[teresa3200]

Good for him for helping the vets. My husband is a vet and wishes he could do the same thing.

[alaskah]

Wow, that's amazing. Props to him for sure!