A One Man Mission with One World Support

    This battle, though, does not take place in the caves and deserts of Afghanistan, but instead the back roads and foregrounds of America, and after today's event, Asia. 

    "The Smile Trek," a non-profit campaign that has Sgt. Fiore walking all across the world, will be stopping in the Permian Basin for the second time, a claim not even the biggest cities in the country can make.

    The reason? The last time he was here, he raised more money than he had in the bigger cities like Nashville, Austin and San Antonio, a pleasant surprise to both him and his cause.

    The foot-bound journey continues Friday afternoon at 11am at the Staples parking lot in Odessa. It is the starting point of the "Odessa to Midland Mini Walk," co-sponsored in part by Big 2 News.

    The walk is expected to end around 6pm in Midland at the Clear Springs Cafe followed by the "Party on the Patio." The restaurant will reportedly be  giving away a free small order of onion rings for anyone who donates between 4 and 6pm

    Many local businesses along the way are also getting involved in the cause, in a way bringing the cities of Odessa and Midland together like never before in an effort of unity, if even for a day.

   Free Unflood Services, for example, will be giving away free vehicle cleanings for anyone who donates when he arrives there, one of his three tentative stops along the day's trek. 

   During the walk, Sgt. Fiore will be walking with his flag, but this one doesn't feature stars and stripes, but rather an advertisement for his website "smiletrek.org." 

    He is expected to have a vehicle following him for the duration of the walk, which will be easily identifiable, as it too will feature the website address.

    Anyone in the Permian Basin who is interested in the cause is encouraged to join along in the walk at any point, and of course, donations for his cause will be taken throughout the day.

    Saturday morning he leaves for Singapore to continue the global trek throughout south east Asia. The next part of his journey is expected to take an entire year.  

    As he walks on Friday, Sgt. Fiore will be taking his last steps on American soil until he can come home victorious in a war that may one day find an end.

    Until that day, though, he walks.

    A one man mission, with one-world support.

  "I find it amazing that after a nationwide tour through big cities and small, he's chosen our little community as his last stop in the US before he heads out.  It's a true testament to the warmth and generosity of the people who live here as seen through the eyes of a stranger who was just passing through. Please contact me with any questions or anything I can do to help!" 

--Andrea Free, Local Press and Public Contact  (432) 349-6992