05/17/2026
Meet Rick Miller – Hiking for a Mission
Please join us in supporting and thanking Miller - A man on a mission to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Rick is taking on this incredible challenge not only to push himself physically and mentally, but also to raise awareness and donations for PVA-WI. Please like and share this post to help maximize its impact.
Rick is a retired IT professional and a proud Army National Guard veteran. He enlisted in the Guard at just 17 years old and was assigned to the 1150th Medical (Air Ambulance) Detachment as a UH-1 helicopter pilot. After two years, he was promoted to commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 113th Heavy Lift Aviation Battalion.
Several years later, Rick married and relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he joined the 832d Medical Company. There, he trained as the unit’s Maintenance/Test Pilot and was activated in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rick retired from military service in 2008.
Following his retirement from his IT career in 2023, Rick set out to explore the country—a dream he had held for many years. His travels have taken him across the western United States, Canada, and throughout Alaska. Most recently, he completed an impressive 8,500-mile transcontinental backcountry motorcycle journey along the Trans-America Trail.
Now, Rick is embarking on a lifelong dream: hiking the Appalachian Trail. He began his journey TODAY March 24, 2026, with an anticipated completion date of September 30, 2026.
To further support this cause, Rick has committed to matching donations made during his hike, to PVA-WI up to $500—and possibly up to $1,000.
How to Donate:
Visit: https://wisconsinpva.org/
Click the red “Donate Now” button
Under “Select an Initiative,” choose “Appalachian Trail Fundraiser”
Fun Facts About Rick’s Journey:
-You can follow him on along his journey on his YouTube Channel
-6 months across 14 states
-2,189.8 miles total distance
-464,464 feet of elevation change
-Fewer than 22,000 people have completed the trail in under a year
-Limited access to showers
-Traveling with minimal gear (including just two pairs of underwear!)
-Only eating cold food
-No plans for shaving or haircuts along the way
-Navigating by map
-Potential encounters with wildlife, including bears, snakes, squirrels, and more
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