These guys? It’s a long story…

Hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive in Newport via Highway 20 every year. But, this Saturday, Dec. 17, the community will turn out in force to welcome three visitors who made the journey that hard way.

Justin “JD” LeHew and Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer, both retired US Marine Corp sergeants major, set off on a cross-country journey from Boston to Newport on June 6.

On Aug. 18, they were joined in Elgin, Illinois, by veteran Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond Shinohara, who served with both JD and Rocky during their time in the marines. The walk became known as “The Long Road.”

The three Marines are walking to draw attention to the 81,000 US military personal declared missing or killed in action since World War II.

The choice of Highway 20, America’s longest road, also represents America’s longest wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the men and women who have fought there throughout the past 20 years.

Through their epic journey, the trio aim to support Gold Star families and to highlight numerous other great charitable causes in support of helping and continuing to give back to others from all walks of life.

Newport will welcome the walkers with a reception at the Vietnam Memorial at Don and Ann Davis Park. Community members are encouraged to line Olive Street, west of the American Legion at 424 West Olive Street, to welcome the trio on their final approach to the memorial.

For details of timing, check The Long Road group on Facebook.

A second opportunity to meet and greet The Long Road walkers is at a spaghetti dinner prepared and donated by the American Legion on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 4 to 7 pm at the National Guard Armory, 541 SW Coast Highway. The dinner is $15, with all funds donated to History Flight.