Veteran’s Cross-Country Odyssey Has Important Educational Purpose
By DAN SULLIVAN
RICHFIELD SPRINGS
In 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson completed the first automobile trip ever across the United States. The journey began on May 23, and 65 days later Jackson arrived in New York City, on July 26.
The trip was remarkable, since at the time there was no highway system in the U.S.; indeed, Jackson drove many hundreds of miles on old pioneer wagon tracks like the Oregon Trail. Oh, and there weren’t any gas stations outside major coastal cities then, either. Talk about range anxiety! Cars didn’t yet have windshields, so Jackson was exposed to the elements.
Years after his feat, Jackson would rise to the rank of colonel while serving as a medic in World War I, then go on to be a founding father of the American Legion.
It is this legacy that motivates Captain Scott Montefusco, a Marine vet and retired FBI agent, to copy as closely as possible the route taken by Jackson—a route he has nearly completed, without a windshield, to boot.
On Thursday, July 13, driving his restored Korean War-era Kaiser Willys Jeep, Montefusco rolled into Richfield Springs looking for the local vets club. He soon found it, and received a warm welcome and overnight accommodations courtesy of the Hugick Purcell Shepard Post 616 vets. By Friday morning, he was rested and ready for the next leg of the journey to Albany. Fortunately, Montefusco was able to linger in Richfield long enough to share his mission with a few vets and this reporter.
Asked why he was undertaking such a complicated and costly venture, Montefusco was eloquent in his response.
“Our organization, Gartforvets.org (the first four letters stand for “Great American Road Trip”), supports the education of all Americans, especially young people, in the value and importance of service to our country. I stop frequently on my way, talking to school groups, firefighters and other first responders, anyone I can get to listen, about the importance of knowing our history, and supporting those who help keep us safe and free.”
Montefusco’s Jeep is itself a lesson in such history, containing mementos and messages about many aspects of America’s past. His organization is also an official supporter of T2T.org, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“T2T has a lofty and very worthy goal,” Montefusco said. “We aim to provide mortgage-free housing to veterans, first responders and their families.”
T2T.org is a registered 501c3 charitable organization.
At the conclusion of his cross-country ride, Montefusco will attend two events in New York City, at McSorley’s and O’Hara’s pubs.
“These places have special significance to first responders. There are countless items of historical importance housed in both places,” he said.
T2T is sponsoring both these events.
For more information about Capt. Montefusco and his work, visit www.gartforvets.org. Montefusco can be contacted at thecaptain@gartforvets.org.