For weeks, students at St. Michael School in Augusta have gathered pledges from their families, friends, and community members for the fourth annual St. Michael School and Travis Mills Foundation Walk-athon.

The walk-athon will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, at the school on 56 Sewall St., in Augusta. Students will begin walking laps around the school block with parent volunteers supervising. Before the event gets underway, Travis Mills will deliver a speech for participants and community members in the school gymnasium at 9 a.m., according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

A free barbecue lunch will be offered to students and staff at 11 a.m. The proceeds from the walk-athon will benefit the Travis Mills Foundation.

“The funds raised by our students will help our school and help sponsor wounded veterans and their families to rehab at the Travis Mills Foundation,” said Kevin Cullen, principal at St. Michael, according to the release. “It’s great when the public come out and cheer on our students as they walk. We are so thankful to all of the people who have made this event a success each year.”

According to the release, Mills, a retired United States Army staff sergeant of the 82nd Airborne, is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device during his third tour in Afghanistan in 2012. During his recovery, Mills discovered a passion for inspiring fellow wounded servicemen and women. He founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans and their families. He has traveled around the country as a motivational speaker, inspiring thousands to overcome life’s challenges and defy odds. In 2015, his book, “Tough as They Come,” was published.

Pledges can be made by the lap or for a flat pledge. To offer a pledge or for more information about the event, call the school office at 623-3491.

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