PA Hero Walk makes stops in Lancaster to raise funds for veterans

The PA Hero Walk, an annual event raising money for Pennsylvania veterans facing financial hardship, made its latest stop at Mountville VFW Post as part of its more than 300-mile journey across the state. Walk supports veterans in need“They are an organization that collects money for veterans and helps veterans in need,” said Tom Beaulieu, commander of VFW Post 8757. The walk, which began in Philadelphia on June 7 and will end in Pittsburgh on June 20, has been bringing communities together for nearly two decades.“We would come over to the eastern side of Pennsylvania from the west, and we would walk back along the old Forbes Trail, commonly known as Route 30,” said Dave Rapacchietta of PA Hero Walk.Local groups help raise donationsAt each of the 28 stops, walkers meet with local veterans’ organizations that support the cause.“We will go in. We will have a meal with them, veterans like us, and then they are kind enough to raise money through the course of the year, and they hand this over, a portion of what they raise,” Rapacchietta said. Beaulieu said his VFW raised $2,500.“We’ve collected here over the course of months and like to donate to them,” Beaulieu said. Funds cover essential expenses for veteransThe funds raised help the organization provide financial assistance to veterans who meet their requirements. This assistance can cover essential expenses.“A house payment, car payments, utility bills that are past due, vehicle repair, things like that,” Rapacchietta said. Support extends to veterans’ familiesThe organization also occasionally provides additional support for families during Christmas.“I want to make sure there’s food on the table or to give the kids some presents. So we’ll throw like another $500 for them in addition to whatever bill we pay for them,” Rapacchietta said. The walk continues with scheduled stops across Pennsylvania, bringing communities together to support those who have served the country.To learn more about how you can donate, click here.Below is the rest of their journey in the Susquehanna Valley.Thursday, June 11, 2026 Depart: 8 a.m. Porky’s BBQArrive: 12 p.m. VFW Post 7374 York, PAArrive: 4 p.m. Abbottstown (Rt. 30 & Rt. 194) (20.8 miles)Arrive: 5:30 p.m. (Turkey Hill Store) for parade to VFW Post 556 York, PATotal Distance Completed to Date: 103.9 miles.Friday, June 12, 2026 Depart: 8 a.m. Abbottstown, Rt. 30 & Rt. 194Arrive: 12:45 p.m. Gettysburg (13.9 miles); Arrive: 3:30 p.m. McKnightstown (Fruit Market near intersection of Rt. 30 @ Pine Valley Rd.) (19.9 miles)Arrive: 6 p.m. American Legion Post 202, GettysburgTotal Distance Completed to Date: 123.8 miles.Saturday, June 13, 2026 Depart: 8 a.m. McKnightstown (Rt. 30 @ Pine Valley Rd.)Arrive: 4 p.m. Chambersburg Town Square (18.9 miles)Arrive: 6 p.m. VFW Post 1599, ChambersburgTotal Distance Completed to Date: 142.7 miles.

The PA Hero Walk, an annual event raising money for Pennsylvania veterans facing financial hardship, made its latest stop at Mountville VFW Post as part of its more than 300-mile journey across the state.

Walk supports veterans in need

“They are an organization that collects money for veterans and helps veterans in need,” said Tom Beaulieu, commander of VFW Post 8757.

The walk, which began in Philadelphia on June 7 and will end in Pittsburgh on June 20, has been bringing communities together for nearly two decades.

“We would come over to the eastern side of Pennsylvania from the west, and we would walk back along the old Forbes Trail, commonly known as Route 30,” said Dave Rapacchietta of PA Hero Walk.

Local groups help raise donations

At each of the 28 stops, walkers meet with local veterans’ organizations that support the cause.

“We will go in. We will have a meal with them, veterans like us, and then they are kind enough to raise money through the course of the year, and they hand this over, a portion of what they raise,” Rapacchietta said.

Beaulieu said his VFW raised $2,500.

“We’ve collected here over the course of months and like to donate to them,” Beaulieu said.

Funds cover essential expenses for veterans

The funds raised help the organization provide financial assistance to veterans who meet their requirements.

This assistance can cover essential expenses.

“A house payment, car payments, utility bills that are past due, vehicle repair, things like that,” Rapacchietta said.

Support extends to veterans’ families

The organization also occasionally provides additional support for families during Christmas.

“I want to make sure there’s food on the table or to give the kids some presents. So we’ll throw like another $500 for them in addition to whatever bill we pay for them,” Rapacchietta said.

The walk continues with scheduled stops across Pennsylvania, bringing communities together to support those who have served the country.

To learn more about how you can donate, click here.

Below is the rest of their journey in the Susquehanna Valley.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Depart: 8 a.m. Porky’s BBQ

Arrive: 12 p.m. VFW Post 7374 York, PA

Arrive: 4 p.m. Abbottstown (Rt. 30 & Rt. 194) (20.8 miles)

Arrive: 5:30 p.m. (Turkey Hill Store) for parade to VFW Post 556 York, PA

Total Distance Completed to Date: 103.9 miles.

Friday, June 12, 2026

Depart: 8 a.m. Abbottstown, Rt. 30 & Rt. 194

Arrive: 12:45 p.m. Gettysburg (13.9 miles); Arrive: 3:30 p.m. McKnightstown (Fruit Market near intersection of Rt. 30 @ Pine Valley Rd.) (19.9 miles)

Arrive: 6 p.m. American Legion Post 202, Gettysburg

Total Distance Completed to Date: 123.8 miles.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Depart: 8 a.m. McKnightstown (Rt. 30 @ Pine Valley Rd.)

Arrive: 4 p.m. Chambersburg Town Square (18.9 miles)

Arrive: 6 p.m. VFW Post 1599, Chambersburg

Total Distance Completed to Date: 142.7 miles.