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October 06, 2009
A Proud American Walks To Thank Her!
Army and National Guard veteran Sinh Tho Nguyen, of Fort Worth, is walking across America to honor America and its troops. Nguyen said his father was a U.S. soldier in Vietnam but that they never met. In 1992, Nguyen applied for a visa to come to the United States and was approved in 60 days. He enlisted in the National Guard and Army after moving to the United States.
A Proud American Walks To Thank Her!
This gentleman’s name is Sinh Tho Nguyen, a resident of Ft. Worth, Texas, but his history is more interesting than his current residence.
Born in Viet Nam in 1969 to a Viet Namese mother, and a U.S. Army father he never knew, Sinh immigrated to the U.S. in 1992. Since that time he has become a U.S. citizen, graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington, served in the U.S. Army, and earned his Masters degree while serving at Fort Mead, Maryland, taking night courses.
Just over a year and a half ago he got the idea to walk from shore to shore to thank America, and it’s military active duty and vets. Working as a contract meter reader in Ft. Worth, he was able to fund his journey with twenty five thousand dollars, and some good advice, not to cross from California to Texas in the summer. Sinh’s original plan was to cross from San Diego, California to Atlantic Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville. Instead, he reversed his course, and began his trek at Atlantic Beach.
As recently as 26 Sep 09, he was in Mesa, Arizona, with a planned arrival in San Diego by Thanksgiving, averaging about twenty four miles a day.
Sinh’s planned trip required a two week stay in Ft. Worth, as his badly battered feet required medical attention, due to the blisters and bruises caused by the heat, the walking, and the wearing of Croc shoes.
Carrying a U.S. flag, with a sign on his back which states “Shore to Shore, A walk across America to honor those who serve,” Sinh has an infectious positive attitude, and a radiant smile. Taking time off from his Phd program, Sinh has nearly completed his journey, and has found out more about the true nature of America for his effort. Not only is he expressing his love of this country, he has found many that share that feeling, and have given back to him what they could in support of his effort.
I hope one day I can meet with Sinh. His expression of patriotism is inspiring, and he possesses the gratitude that too many Americans have never known, or forget unless reminded.
While Sinh’s story won’t command the headlines that the latest salacious celebrity faux pas or our current president’s apology for America’s existence will, he is truly a man to be admired and respected.
Fort Worth man puts heart, soles into message with walk across America
The 40-year-old said his mission is to remind Americans to have faith in their country and take pride in their nation. And, on Wednesday, he finally made it to Dallas-Fort Worth – home for one week before he hits the road again.
"I owe to America so much, and I don't have any talent at all," Nguyen said. "I have two legs and a heart. So I decided to walk across America to give thanks to her."
The water-meter reader – whose walking-intensive job gave him the idea to walk across America – is not getting paid for his cross-country trek or raising money for a cause. The walk, he said, is just his way of saying thanks to America and its troops.
"This walk is about America and those who suffer," he said.
Nguyen said his father was a U.S. soldier in Vietnam but that they never met. In 1992, Nguyen applied for a visa to come to the United States and was approved in 60 days. He enlisted in the National Guard and Army after moving to the United States.
Nguyen's 2,600-mile journey began in Atlantic Beach, Fla. Nguyen's co-worker David Dominguez drives behind him in his silver FordFocus, which sometimes doubles as the men's lodging. Nguyen hopes to reach his destination, San Diego, by Thanksgiving.
Nguyen always carries an American flag and has a sign strapped to his back displaying his message: "Shore to Shore: A Walk Across America to Honor Those Who Serve."
He arrived in Dallas on Wednesday wearing a U.S. Army-issued T-shirt and Crocs on his feet – with padded inserts at the bottom.
The shoes, which have traveled 700 miles of the trip, were falling apart – and Nguyen's feet were showing wear as well. While he is back in Fort Worth, Nguyen said he will have a doctor look at his feet. He joked that the blisters on his soles formed the shape of America.
Nguyen said the support he gets from people keeps him going. He told of folks bringing him homegrown tomatoes and money – and offering words of encouragement.
"Without their support, I don't think I could make this far," he said.
Nguyen added: "This is about America and it belongs to the troops and their family members. I am a messenger. I carry the flag. America is behind me now."
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Wild Thing's comment........
God bless Sinh. I love to see people love our country and Sinh’s love is special. I also love how he appreciates our Vietnam Vets and all Veterans and those who serve today. How he respects our Flag and he knows what it stands for.
What a marvelous story and man.
....Thank you Tom for sending this to me.
Tom
US Army Aviation
Vietnam 1966-68
US Army Special Forces
1970-72
Posted by Wild Thing at October 6, 2009 06:55 AM
Comments
Sinh came to America the legal way, served her in uniform and now walks to show his appreciation of her. He has already done more for America than most Americans. This is in sharp contrast to those who tear down America, like our president.
Posted by: TomR at October 6, 2009 10:31 AM
Tom. I reckon it wasn't all for naught after all, there is one American left and he came from a place we sweated and bled for. Thank you vets. He walks tall for us, so can we. Thank you Chrissie and Tom and especially Sinh Tho Nguyen.
Posted by: Jack at October 6, 2009 01:21 PM
Jack - our colleges and work places are full of Vietnamese that are successful and proud to be Americans. They are also working to change the government of Vietnam from communist to capitalist. In this way the war continues, but via capitalism instead of military arms. We may win yet.
Posted by: TomR at October 6, 2009 03:57 PM
Isn't it amazing how a person like Sinh can come to this country legally and through hard work and perseverance, enjoy the many blessings this country has to offer. It's also amazing how he gave back to America, served her in the Armed Forces before he became a citizen and is now sacrificing to show his appreciation for how he has been blessed.
It's also amazing how those who are born and raised here only complain about America. They have no drive and ambition to succeed and only expect others to provide and care for them. They are provided everything but refuse to take advantage of the opportunities given them because they involve hard work.
Posted by: BobF at October 6, 2009 05:58 PM
Tom, it sure is, I love this story.
Posted by: Wild Thing at October 6, 2009 06:49 PM
Jack, beautifully said.
It is so wonderful to hear this kind
of appreciation and it so deserved
by all of you big time.
Posted by: Wild Thing at October 6, 2009 06:52 PM
BobF., I agree it really is amazing the
difference.
Posted by: Wild Thing at October 6, 2009 06:58 PM
Sinh is the, now, fading symbol of the true American dream. This is what it use to be. Come to America, work hard and realize what no other country can offer. The freedom to dream to realize your dream and the satisfaction to know that nobody can take it from you once it is achieved. If not quite what you imagined change it and go after the new one.
The American dream never has been a handout from the government but the government to stay out of your way while you grasp and work for it.
Great Story Tom.
Posted by: Mark at October 6, 2009 07:24 PM
That is a great story and one worth remembering when many native Americans have turned their backs on patriotism.
Posted by: Ron Russell at October 6, 2009 08:15 PM
What a lovely video, Sinh brings tears to my eyes. We have a great nation and the people of this nation will bring back the glory to her.
cb
Posted by: cb at October 6, 2009 08:43 PM
Damn straight! How come folks here (Democrats) can't be like this?
Posted by: Anonymous at October 6, 2009 10:58 PM
Thank-you Tom and Chrissie for this wonderful and positive story. The face of the American dream lived out in all its glory.
Posted by: James M at October 7, 2009 06:19 AM
