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Highlands Today

Heacock Walking For The Disabled

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: February 4, 2009

SEBRING - Austie Heacock began taking a walk Monday for veterans who can't.
Heacock calls it a hike, but it's really a long trek - 150 miles or so across the state - to benefit the Wheelin' Sportsmen, which provides the disabled with opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and birdwatching.

The National Wild Turkey Federation has partnered with the Disabled American Veterans to provide outdoor opportunities for disabled vets. Every dollar raised from Heacock's walk will be sent to the federation.

Heacock, the federation's regional director, began walking from Fort Pierce Beach on Monday in the rain.

"It was terrible," he said.

He was walking in Okeechobee County on Tuesday and expects to cross the Kissimmee River into Highlands County today. He plans to finish the walk in Sarasota either Sunday or Monday.
Heacock is not camping along the route. His wife is picking him up after logging 20 to 30 miles each day, and then brings him back to the spot he left off the next day.

This is the third time Heacock has made the walk. How does he pass the time?

"You get a lot of thinking done," he said.

His goal is to raise $15,000. He said he will "be lucky" to bring in $6,000 to $7,000.

Those who would like to donate can pledge so much per mile. Checks may be sent to Austie Heacock, 100 S. Huckleberry Lake Drive, Sebring, Fla. 33875.

Bill Rogers may be reached at 863386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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