Alaska Highway

This weekend Cape Girardeau residents John Reed and Dave Hutson will start an ambitious trip to commemorate the Alaska Highway.

The monthlong trip, about 4,100 miles through Canada and Alaska, is part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the highway. About 80 vehicles and an estimated 300 people will participate, according to Hutson.

If you attended the send-off reception this weekend for the two men you had a chance to see Hutson's 1951 Willys M38 U.S. Army jeep. Photos of the vehicle have also appeared in the Southeast Missourian and online at semissourian.com.

While the story is an interesting one, for Reed and Hutson the trip is more than a commemorative journey. It's an opportunity to raise funds for veterans. The two have encouraged people to pledge some amount of money for each mile traveled. Hutson said a penny-per-mile pledge would total $41. A dime-per-mile pledge would result in a $410 donation.

Pledges may be made by contacting Hutson's Fine Furniture in Cape Girardeau at 334-6251. Upon their return to Cape Girardeau, those who have pledged will be contacted and Hutson will deliver the checks to the veterans organization requested by the donor.

Raising money for veterans groups is a noble effort. We wish Reed and Hutson well and hope you consider supporting their efforts.