Retired Sgt. Maj. Paul Gaumond and his daughter will be hiking the Appalachian Trail next March to raise money and awareness for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, reported Fox News. 

The Appalachian Trail is more than 2,100 miles and extends between the Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. 

American Military News reported that thousands of hikers begin an attempt to "Thru-hike" the trail every year, but only 25 percent ever achieve their goal.

"Thru-hiker" is a coveted title that distinguishes those with the determination to go on four to six monthlong hikes from recreational hikers. The title is earned by completing the 2,100-plus-mile hike within one calendar year.

Beginning next March, Gaumond will try for the coveted title while also hoping to raise $25,000 for charity that will go toward funding college scholarships for children of fallen special operations service members, family and education counseling, and financial grants awarded to those special operations service members who have been severely wounded in combat.

Donations will be collected through September 2018 via Gaumond's GoFundMe page. Plus, since Gaumond has promised to post photos on both his website and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation's website, you can follow the adventurous duo throughout their journey.

"We should look back at those (soldiers) that didn't come home and not forget why we have what we have," Gaumond told Fox News.

About Rachael Kalinyak

Rachael Kalinyak is an editorial intern with Network Solutions.

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