World War II Navy Veteran, Ernie Andrus turned 90 on August 19, 2013 and it was Ernie who ran across the U. S. from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean beginning his run by touching the Pacific ocean at Mission Beach, San Diego, California on October 7, 2013. He would reach the Atlantic ocean at the old Coast Guard Station, Saint Simons Island on August 20, 2016, one day after his 93rd birthday.
After a two year break, where he kept in shape by running the same course in Banning California, his boredom led him to decide that he would run across the country once again, but this time he would begin his run at the old Coast Guard Station on Saint Simons Island on March 16, 2019. Since Ernie is now 95 years old, he is only going to run about 13 miles per week so it will take him five years to reach the Pacific and he will be 100 years old.
So why does Ernie Andrus run?
This feat is being undertaken to raise money for the LST 325 Ship Memorial. The LST 325 is a World War II era ship used to land equipment and troops on hostel shores. Ernie was one of the crew that brought the ship back from the Isle. of Crete, Greece to the U.S. in 2000/2001, as aired on the History Chanel. (The Return of LST 325). One thousand fifty one LST’s were built during World War II. The 325 is the only one left that is restored and operational. My dream is to take the ship back to Normandy for a D-Day Memorial. I didn’t raise near enough money on my first run so I’m trying again.
He undertakes these feats to raise money for the LST 325 Ship Memorial. He was one of the crew that brought the ship back from the Isle of Crete, Greece in 2000 and 2001. The LST 325 is a World War II era ship used to land equipment and troops on hostel shores. There was 1051 LST’s built during World War II, but the LST 325 is the only LST left that has been fully restored and operational. It is the dream of Ernie Andrus and others to be able to take the ship back to Normandy for a D-Day Memorial, but he didn’t raise near enough money on his first run so he is going at it one more time.
If you are interested in helping Ernie Andrus reach his goals, he always needs runners and volunteers to join him on his journey. Visit his website Coast2CoastRuns.com where you can donate or contact him to volunteer to help!
