Robert Luna’s Walk Across America: Raising Mental Health Awareness for Veterans

What inspired you to choose a walk across America as your vehicle to raise awareness of mental health for Veterans versus another activity?

After I retired, I purchased a home in Alabama and thought things were going well..until they weren’t. I began having intrusive thoughts- all of the search and rescue (SAR) cases that did not end well. I was often the last person someone in distress spoke to after making their distress call. All of those people- their voices- what I could have done differently- all stormed my mind daily. It got to the point where I just couldn’t even function and the desire to take my own life to get away from it all became clearer to me as the only option for relief. After a really difficult 72 hour period, I knew I had to get more help. It would take more than 6 months through to get help, so I had to go through private channels. I was strong enough to come out of this- but it took way too long for that assistance to come. People like me need more than an appointment weeks away. They need help now.

In the days to follow, whenever I had an intrusive thought, I got out of my environment. I strapped on my sneakers and I walked. On some days I would cover twenty or thirty miles before I felt safe enough to go home. On some days it was 40 miles.  So with those miles logged regularly, I knew I could take my walk to the rest of the country and help those in need along the way. So often we do programs and things, but not everyone gets reached. While walking, I was able to have individual interactions that deepened the strength of human connection. It helped me just as much as it helped them while we talked openly about mental health and getting help. For many, hope was finally felt.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far on your journey?

There were distinct challenges on this journey:

The first was from day 1 to day 14: me fighting every day to believe in myself that this was going to be something special. And I realized that it was going to be special in Muscle Shoals, Alabama where I had the opportunity to play on the pianos that Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Lynyrd Skynyrd played on and to see where Helen Keller grew up as a little girl. That’s when I knew this was going to be a special journey.

The second: The elements of mother earth. Rain, heat, dust, unkept roads/trails (difficult for the cart) on the daily grind. That was a struggle because that was causing me to believe that I wasn’t going to finish.

Third: In the last two months, me believing that what I have accomplished has made a difference in other people’s lives after all of my interactions across the country. That is something that I am still struggling with today, even with the emails and texts of affirmations from people that I have made a difference.

The common theme is believing in oneself and believing that these small gestures- sometimes just by smiling and giving someone a hug- can change the course of their own histories. Having that belief and that acknowledging that vulnerability is indeed a challenge that I believe we all struggle with. That’s why it’s important to talk about it.

How have you been recovering along the way?

My walks were basically an 18 hour orchestrated event.  Immediately following my walk I tasked myself in setting up my area (in my tent or at a hotel)- lay down for at least three to fours and take a nap or watch a movie if I couldn’t sleep. Then getting up and replenishing my calories. Walk around the town and meet people, do talks and meetings if I had one scheduled, and then go to bed after that. This regular rhythm kept me in a cycle from one to the next- I knew what I had to do, where I was going, and what I needed to recover.

How has Firefly helped you get to the finish line?

Firefly exceeded my expectations on how my legs felt on a daily basis. I was consistent in using the recovering bands for 1-2 hours per night and it literally took all of my soreness away. There were days I forgot to put them on and truly reiterated to me that I could not forget to put this product on- I hope others will buy into the system and use it on a regular basis. Firefly was indeed an integral part of my recovery. I don’t think I would have been able to finish in the shape I am currently in if it weren’t for Firefly. I am eternally grateful to you for this product. It really changed my life for the better while I was on the road.

Do you have any big goals after completing your Walk Across America?

Yes! Our Phase II- The AL2LA Foundation- will continue our advocacy efforts in connecting veterans and first responders to mental health resources and free treatment. We are very excited for what comes next. In two years, I plan on doing the Appalachian trail with other veteran to help them with their own mental health journey and allow mother earth to heal them- with the help of Firefly of course!!! Stay tuned!