For the fifth year, Operation Healing teamed up with Heroes on the Water to feed the Carry the Load (CTL) West Coast relay team as they trekked through Portland on the second day of their 32-day march.  Relay teams start from five different points around the country, covering 20,000 miles to pay respects and honor our nation’s heroes.

Rallies are held at national cemeteries and other locations along the way, with marchers converging in Dallas TX for a 2-day final Memorial Day weekend event honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members and their families. 

Starting in Seattle the previous day, the team walked, biked and rode the CTL bus, arriving at the site of the old Bomber restaurant in Milwaukie, following a flag ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery.  They had addressed 250 supporters on Day 1 in Seattle, and shared that they had also reunited and exchanged hugs with a returning gold star family at Willamette. This family endured the loss of both a fire 1st responder and military member during Covid.  The CTL march reminds countless others that they are not forgotten. 

 These folks appreciate a good meal as they trek to raise both money and awareness for fallen heroes, while generating support for non-profits.  We helped prepare and serve a hot and hearty meal to over a dozen people, and were joined by some Gold Star families, who accompanied the team as they set off towards Tualatin. Our Portland dinner continues to be a favorite stop for the team members and it’s a pleasure for us rub elbows with these big hearted people, and help to propel these great patriots on their way to Dallas. See Memorial May Events - Relay, Marches & Rallies - Carry The Load for more information and photos of the relays across the country and the final rally on Memorial Day.