Locals complete 90 Mile March to raise awareness on veterans issues

Nov. 23, 2020 | Carolyn Noel
carolynn@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – On Nov. 6 James Chartier completed his fifth “90 Mile March.” The march started at the AmVets Post 12 in Chicopee and ended at the State House in Boston. Chartier started this march to help raise awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD and those left homeless.

Chartier, a former staff sergeant and Cold War veteran himself, began planning the idea for the march about six years ago.

According to Chartier, he asked himself, “What can I do that’s different that will stand out to help our veterans?”

It took about two months for him to convince himself he could do it, he said. He then brought it to his wife’s attention who supported and encouraged him to pursue it. Since then, Chartier has marched every year and has gained support along the way.

This year two people completed all four days of the march with him. Dustin Vean completed it for the second time, and Michelle Dunfield completed all days for her first time. People joined the march along the way, whether it be for a mile or more, and many cars honked to show their support, said Chartier.

Those completing the march walked 22 1/2 miles a day. Twenty-two miles represents the twenty-two veterans who commit suicide across the country every day. Chartier said that he hopes veterans will see this march and know that they aren’t alone.

“Hopefully with our veterans seeing us out there, we’re saving a life. We’re letting them know that we’re there for them, we’re advocating for them,” he said.

Chartier said that he felt the march was needed more than ever this year. He emphasized how COVID-19, job losses and political differences have brought about many struggles for all.

“This year it seemed more important to get out there,” he said.

Chartier said he wanted to continue to spread his message of love and patriotism.

According to Chartier, this march also helps him personally. He said he struggles with some post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his Cold War days. He served in the 1980s, all prior to Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Chartier is now a member of AmVets Post 12 in Chicopee and the American Legion 351.

“Now my mission in life is to help all our veterans,” he said.

Chartier hopes to continue to march every year until he can’t anymore. He spoke about the amount of support they get every year and how that keeps him going.

“Here we are five years later and we’re drawing a crowd,” he said.

All donation proceeds from this march will go towards supporting veterans through Project New Hope and Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts. Those interested in submitting a donation are encouraged to visit https://www.90milemarch.org/.

Despite this year’s march already occurring, Chartier still encourages those who are struggling to reach out.

“If you need help, please seek us out,” he said.

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