About Us
Vision:
A country where all Veterans are empowered to live and serve their families and communities.
Mission:
Helping Veterans and their loved ones through a proprietary unique set of challenges to discover a new mission, be
intentional, heal relationships and stop Veterans from taking their lives.
Belief System:
We believe every Veteran’s life matters and everyone is responsible for helping them redefine their mission. We
believe in empowering Veterans to have a positive impact on their communities and families.
How We Do It:
By empowering Veterans and military families to overcome life’s obstacles and transform into strong community leaders through a unique set of programs and services: peer support for Veterans, suicide prevention (ASIST), 10 Challenges to Service, wellness workshops, outreach events, and a resource database.
Ron Zaleski:
A Barefoot Journey Across America
Ron's Journey
Ron Zaleski was born on November 11th, 1950 in Southampton, NY and attended Hampton Bays High School. At 19 years of age he joined the United State Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam era from 1970 to 1972. When Ron Zaleski returned home from the military, he learned that two members of his squadron had been shot and killed in combat, the other three injured. He was hit by a wave of emotions: anger, guilt, shame, the list went on. After hearing the news, Ron vowed to stop wearing shoes in 1972 as a memorial to his fallen brothers, and to protest against the horrors of war. Ron still walks barefoot to this day.
Ron would go on to own both a scuba shop and gym, but the anger and guilt he felt still lingered. In 2006, he sold his businesses and founded the Long Walk Home. The same year, he set out to walk barefoot across the Appalachian Trail. He traversed 2,200 of woods and wildlife, learning self-forgiveness, empathy and finding a purpose greater than himself, all the while without shoes. He was met by many curious trailblazers who were eager to hear his story. Many of them were on their own journey of self-discovery. Others were Veterans, or had Veterans in their family, and related to Ron’s experience. However, they all had one thing in common: they were in awe of Ron’s bare feet. The Appalachian taught Ron that he wasn’t the only Veteran who felt lost, aimless, and isolated.
While his journey along the Appalachian Trail was in part an effort to create awareness for Veterans experiencing PTSD, Ron admits that he did it primarily for himself, to find peace. Having found that peace, Ron set his sights on a new mission. In 2010, he upped the stakes and walked barefoot from Concord, MA to Santa Monica, CA. He traversed over 3,400 miles without shoes, carrying a sign that read “18 Vets a Day Commit Suicide!” and a petition for military personnel to receive mandatory counseling. In 2011 he brought that same petition, which had at that point accumulated over 20,000 signatures, to Washington D.C. There, he spoke to politicians and pleaded his case on behalf of Veterans. While his calls for reform largely seemed to fall on deaf ears, Ron refused to bow out.
For over a decade, Ron has worked tirelessly to build The Long Walk Home from the ground up. He lives in Venice, FL developing programs, events, and services to extend to Veterans and their families on the local and national level. The Long Walk Home is ever-growing in its mission to bring awareness to and, more importantly, prevent Veteran suicide. Without Ron, the organization would not be where it is today.
Our Volunteers
We appreciate you!
Proud Members Of:
American Legion No-Vel Post No. 159
With over 2,000 members, NO-VEL Post 159 is among the largest Legion Posts in the largest Veterans Service Organization in the Nation. They provide aid and assistance to local Veterans and military families.
- 1770 E. Venice Ave. Venice, FL 34292
- (941) 485-4748
- novelpost159.org
Englewood Chamber of Commerce
The Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization acting as an advocate to meet the needs of the business community. The objective of the Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce is to advance the development of business and economic growth through professional and community services for the enhancement of Englewood and surrounding areas.
- 601 S Indiana Ave Englewood, FL 34223
- 941.474.5511
- englewoodchamber.com
Venice Chamber of Commerce
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce believes in creating a thriving, vibrant, and prosperous business community for the greater Venice Area. Promoting Business Growth & Success Since 1925.
- 597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
- (941) 488-2236
- venicechamber.com
Get Involved
Be the Change You Want to See
The 10 Challenges to Service are supported by our passionate network of Mentors. The Long Walk Home is always looking for candidates to join our team and help Veterans and their family members embark on their self-empowerment journey.
Board Of Directors
Sean is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, LCpl, from 1992-1996. He enjoys volunteering for TLWH because it gives him a direct way to give back to veterans who are not as fortunate as him. Sean has spent the last 20 years working in the electric utility industry. He has spent the majority of that time in the field as a Journeyman Substation Electrician. In this time he has worked 6 hurricanes and multiple large storms to ensure electric service for customers throughout Florida. Sean loves fishing and running with his dog Summer who just turned two. He also enjoys participating in mud-runs, BBQing, and his favorite sports are football and hockey. Sean established our Annual Independence Day Salute To Our Veteran’s BBQ which was free to all military in Islamorada, FL.
Heath served five years in the U.S. Army before embarking on a 15-year law enforcement career, retiring at the rank of Sergeant. During that time he worked as a Patrol Officer, Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, and Firearms Instructor, and oversaw the Firearms Training Unit for the Ludlow and Fisher Police Departments. He has also consulted for law enforcement and military equipment manufacturers in sales and training roles.
Committed to service beyond his career, Heath has sat on the boards of three nonprofits focused on PTSD awareness and suicide prevention among veterans and first responders. He currently serves as Outreach Coordinator for The Long Walk Home, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and supporting military-to-civilian transition.
For over 25 years, Heath has developed and taught women’s self-defense curricula, covering everything from home defense preparation to advanced handgun and shotgun techniques, empowering hundreds of women along the way.
Bruce W. McLaughlin is a proud retired Army JAG officer and an attorney who runs his own law firm in Leesburg, Virginia.
As a criminal defense attorney falsely accused and jailed during an emotionally charged divorce, McLaughlin found himself ill-prepared for the challenges to proving his innocence. More than 80% of abuse accusations leveled amid divorce proceedings prove to be false, McLaughlin has since learned. He was one of the very, very few with the expertise, resources, and network necessary to eventually overturn his conviction, after spending 4 years in jail for an abhorrent crime he did not commit. Bruce’s eventual redemption allowed him to restore his law license, reputation, and life. He continues to rebuild his relationship with his family.
Bruce lives with his family in Frederick, Maryland, and is an avid cyclist who loves to ride in the Catoctin Mountain’s foothills. He spends his free time with his family and helping recovering addicts transition back into the workplace.
Bill Vanderstine was enlisted to the Coast Guard in 1970. He served as a boatswain’s mate on the USCGC Mariposa, an Iris-class buoy tender vessel that patrolled the Thames River in New London, CT. He worked in search and rescue as well as aids to navigation. Today, he has continued living a life of service to others, working as a clinical therapist in Florida.
Bill met Ron Zaleski, founder of The Long Walk Home, in the 80’s at a gym that Ron owned at the time. They reconnected in 2019 and since then, Bill has been a huge help to The Long Walk Home. He has assisted the organization as both a Mentor and volunteer.
Anton Posner
Board Member
After his academic career at SUNY Maritime, Anton served as an officer in the United States Naval Reserve, including as a junior officer in Naval Control of Shipping unit in New York. Anton has held positions at supply chain management companies and steamship lines. He shares a passion for helping veterans and has been a long-time volunteer and friend of The Long Walk Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Long Walk Home’s mentorship program is open to all Veterans, Family Members, and Supporters. To learn more about how you can become a mentor, contact us or attend a weekly workshop.
If you would like to become a volunteer either online or in-person please fill out the Volunteer application. Click below
If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for The Long Walk Home please fill out our Sponsorship Form by clicking below.
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey of 1,853 veterans. While more than seven-in-ten veterans (72%) report they had an easy time readjusting to civilian life, 27% say re-entry was difficult for them, a proportion that swells to 44% among veterans who served in the ten years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
According to the VA, about 1 in 10 veterans seen in VA healthcare experience serious problem with alcohol or other drugs. Substance use disorders can include alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. Substance abuse and suicide are commonly linked.
In recent years, estimates have suggested as many as 22 Veterans and active duty military personnel die to suicide every day.
Veterans, especially those who have experienced combat or prolonged deployments, have been found to face higher divorce rates compared to civilians. Military service can introduce unique stressors such as frequent relocations, extended separations, and adjustment difficulties post-deployment.
Additionally, military families are reported to experience higher rates of clinically recognized externalizing behavioral conditions (attention-deficit disorder/attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or conduct disorder).
