A local veteran has already been awarded $10,000 in a CNN Heroes competition, but as a finalist for Hero of the Year, he could win an extra $100,000. And he needs your vote.
Sean Gobin, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, was honorably discharged in March 2012 after serving 12 years. Feeling the wages of war, and in an attempt to clear his head before starting UVA’s Darden School of Business, Gobin’s first stop was to hike all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
He has since founded Warrior Expeditions—the organization that made him eligible for the CNN Heroes award. The program helps combat veterans transition from military service by participating in long-distance outdoor expeditions to literally “walk off the war.”
“The additional publicity means more veterans who could benefit from our program are learning about it,” he says, “in addition to more supporters who could donate.” He says he’s already received 300 applications for next year.
Warrior Expeditions provides veterans with required equipment and supplies for their Warrior Hike, Warrior Bike or Warrior Paddle, and the program coordinates transportation, food and lodging along each veteran’s route. The program also assists veterans with job placement after their expedition.
A popular vote, which ends at midnight November 15, will determine who wins the additional $100,000. Vote here.