On Sunday, November 8, 2009 a trio of walkers will step-off on a four-day 135-mile trek across Oahu to raise awareness and to benefit severely wounded service members and disabled veterans of the current military conflicts.

The inaugural Walk Across Oahu event was developed as a charity walk to honor team member Mika's childhood friend, Sgt. Sualauvi "Malua" Tuimalealiifano, who became a quadriplegic after being thrown off his army HUMVEE during a battle with the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2007. Mindful of the fact that over 34,000 service men and women have been wounded in action since the global war on terrorism began, the purpose of the walk was eventually expanded to encompass the following goals:

1. Show Gratitude - We want to say THANK YOU to all of our disabled war veterans for their service to our country.

2. Raise Awareness - We want to raise public awareness to the needs and issues affecting our disabled vets.

3. Raise Monetary Donations -

a. To finance costs of renovating Sgt. Sualauvi "Malua" Tuimalealiifano's home into a handicapped accessible home.

b. To finance programs at the Oahu Veteran's Center and Disabled American Veterans national organization specifically geared at benefiting disabled war veterans.

All donations are tax deductible and will be accepted directly or at any Bank of Hawaii branch location.

The charity walk will begin on Sunday November 8th and end four-days later on Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11th, 2009. The WAO team's journey will take them from the gates of Yokohama Bay on the west coast of Oahu and up through central Oahu. They will travel along the north and eastern shoreline of the island and finish off the final leg of the trip embarking through urban Honolulu.

WAO team members include Yvette Lee, John M. Cummings III and Tofi Mika Jr. WAO members have been training heavily over past few months in anticipation of the upcoming 135-mile walk. "I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to honor our disabled veterans", said Yvette Lee, "they are our true American heroes today, tomorrow and forever."

A special public rally and a quarter-mile charity walk will take place at the Hawaii State Capitol on Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11, 2009 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This particular event is free to the public and participants are asked to wear the color "yellow" for show of unity and showcase written signs of support. After the State Capitol program, the team will then complete the walk by traveling to the Oahu Veterans Center at Foster Village arriving at approximately 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

The public will not be allowed to join in on any other portion of the walk because of safety concerns and are instead encouraged to join in at the State Capitol and Oahu Veterans Center.

Part of the journey will also include brief stops at the gates of three military bases; Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base and Fort Shafter for presentations of large yellow ribbons to signify friendship and remembrance for troops that have died in the line of duty.

To learn more about this incredible journey please visit our website:

http://WalkAcrossOahu.com. The website contains the complete story, team profile and instructions on how to make a donation to the cause.