If you have nothing to do and you’re looking to be a part of history, you can join in on a coast to coast run. 90 year old WWII veteran, Ernie Andrus, is making it his mission to raise several million dollars in order to bring the LST 325 back to Normandy for the 75th year anniversary. Andrus and his ship mates restored the vessel, so it holds a special place in his heart, 10News.com reports
He has 5 years to raise the estimated $5 million it will take to relocated the LST 325. Andrus believes that the run will take approximately 3 years to complete. He doesn’t doubt that people will join him, he just hopes enough will join so that they can raise enough money to make the trip to Normandy possible.
Andrus served as 3rd class petty officer and pharmacist mate 3rd class on the Pacific ocean during the war. He is an active member within the national LST association, which currently has 9,000 members.
He began running in the mid-1980’s when the Olympics went to Los Angeles. He ran the Olympic Torch Bearer Run and he says that when he finished, he kept wanting to run. At the age of 86 and 88, he participated in the Whiskey Row Marathon which is a half marathon.
“I always run in it, but usually I do the 10k,” he said.
If you’re interested in joining or even sponsoring Ernie in the coast to coast run or just want some more information, contact him at 928-445-6613 or by email at coast2coastruns@gmail.com