Army Veteran Marching From Enfield To New London For 'Kabul 13'

ENFIELD-NEW LONDON, CT — A U.S. Army veteran from Stonington has embarked on a 2-day march of more than 70 miles, from one end of Connecticut to another, in an effort to raise funds for the Gold Star families of the 13 fallen service members of the recent Kabul Airport attack.

Anthony DiLizia, 25, began his trek at 8 a.m. Thursday from the veterans monument on the Enfield town green. He will march from Enfield through Somers, Stafford, Willington, Storrs and Willimantic the first day, then Friday from Willimantic through Franklin, Norwich and Uncasville, concluding at Ocean Beach Park in New London. The total distance is about 72 miles.

"I'm doing this march across the state because of this one thing that connects all of us branches; we all do marches and so it's something that we can all relate to," DiLizia told Patch just prior to setting off on his journey. "We're just trying to get people to donate to show the world what Connecticut is capable of when we rally behind a good cause such as this."

A Facebook page called Walk for the Warriors of Kabul contains a donation link, as well as his planned route and estimated timelines.

DiLizia was an Army intelligence analyst in his first tour of duty, spending some time overseas, then was a behaviorial specialist during his second tour.

He chose to start in Enfield not only because it is at the northernmost point in the state, but also because of the permanent tribute to veterans on the green.

"Once I realized that they had the veterans memorial, I decided this is where it's happening because it's a gorgeous, gorgeous tribute to veterans, both fallen and still alive," he said.

He coordinated his efforts with town leaders, police and fire departments in each community through which he will be traversing.

"He's always been a kid that always wanted to go above and beyond, to do what he can for people," his mom, Kim Roche, told Patch. "This one is especially close to the heart because he's a veteran and felt he needed to do something. I'm just proud of him, I think it's incredible that he's doing it. I hope he gets to raise some money for these Gold Star families."

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