The Spirit of Liberty Foundation’s “Crossing of America” tour made a stop at Victory Junction on Thursday, August 18 to meet racing legend Richard Petty and see first-hand what makes this camp such a magical place. Petty, a long-time supporter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Wounded Warrior Project, was happy to take time out of his day to show support of the tour’s cause and add his name to the list of celebrities who have driven the patriotic Jeeps making their way from California to New York.

The Jeeps began their journey 85 days ago in San Diego, CA and will end their journey on September 8 in New York with a special ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid commemorating the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11. They are guided by Tour Director, David Ogen, Marine Corp Veteran, Jason Figuueroa, and Social Media Director, Jorden Harvey.

“It’s an honor to be able to do this,” said Ogen. “These men and women are sacrificing their dreams so that we can live ours, and witnessing the support from people all across the nation for our Armed Forces has renewed my faith in humanity.”

The mission of the Foundation is to share liberty with Americans and to create high profile, national programs that reinforce the meaning and symbolism of that liberty. The Crossing of America tour is one of those programs, and there is no doubt that it has been a success in the eyes of Social Media Director, Jorden Harvey.

“Getting to meet the Gold Star mothers and their families has been one of the most rewarding experiences on this trip for me,” said Harvey. “They serve as a constant reminder that freedom is a liberty we enjoy 365 days a year, and that it’s worth recognizing the sacrifices behind that freedom every single day.”

To learn more about the Crossing of America tour visit www.crossingofamerica.org or call 855.2TROOPS to make a donation. To make a $10 text donation text TROOPS to 85944. The Spirit of Liberty Foundation operates solely through donations and receives no government funding. All donations go directly to support our Wounded Warriors and their families and the Families of Fallen Heroes.

Photo Credit: Larry Penkava/The Randolph Guide

Richard Petty is shown with, from the left, David Ojena, Jorden Harvey and Jason Figueroa

About Spirit of Liberty Foundation

The Spirit of Liberty Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit foundation, was formed to raise funds and to assist in the restoration and maintenance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Now that the restoration is complete, and as a result of 9/11, the Foundation’s mission is to share Liberty with America and to create high profile, national programs to reinforce the meaning and symbolism of American liberty for all our citizens and the world. In 2005 the Foundation’s name was changed to the Spirit of Liberty Foundation to reflect its broader mission – to enhance the meaning of Liberty and to support our Armed Forces and their families, with emphasis on Wounded Warriors and Families of Fallen Heroes. For more information visit www.spiritoflibertyfoundation.com .

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.