WEST FARGO – The soundtrack to Mark Lindquist’s life over the next 40 hours is simple:
“Chew. Chew. Chew. As the boots march over the icy snow on Veterans Boulevard in West Fargo.
The musician-turned-activist from Fargo participates in outdoor rack marches on Sundays and Mondays, running the roads from north to south from 5am Sunday to 9pm Monday.
He’s not prepared to face horribly cold temperatures on a two-day 100-mile (100-mile) walk.
I don’t know what lies ahead. I don’t know what these 40 hours will be. So do Ukrainian soldiers.
Mark Lindquist
“I have no food. I don’t have a wallet. And I have these thin little gloves. Nothing to cover my face with.”
However, his lack of proper equipment and nutrition is not a reckless choice. He does it on purpose to show the community what has been happening in Ukraine over the past year.
“I’m not ready. I’m not ready, just like the Ukrainian frontline soldiers. They’re not ready. They were technical workers. It was before they were deployed to the front line, they had office work, they weren’t ready, they just brought what they had in their apartment and they didn’t know what was going to happen. I don’t know what will happen in these 40 hours, the same with Ukrainian soldiers, ”he said.
A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Afghanistan War, Lindquist began a humanitarian mission to Ukraine in March 2022, not long after the war began. Since then, he has done many fundraising activities.
A popular campground in Times Square.
forum file photo
In addition to raising awareness about the situation in Ukraine, Lindquist is trying to raise $50,000 for a Veterans Rehabilitation Center in Kiev. He’s leaving on his March 1st, so time is of the essence.
“I am calling on 40 different churches, or groups of people, and nonprofits for capacity over the next few weeks, and by multiplying $1,250 by 40, we can reach our goal of $50,000,” he said. said.
Lindquist said he showed up to the first supporters about an hour and a half into the march with hot drinks and food. Fargo’s Charlie Webber delivered a breakfast sandwich.
Mark Lindquist
Lindquist says he posts his location on both Twitter and Facebook (his handle is Mark J. Lindquist on both sites). That way, anyone who wants to bring him food, drink, or clothing can easily find him. Posted at 8:30 on Sunday morning, there were already icicles on his mustache.
To learn more about Lindquist’s work and how to donate, visit his website.
.
Tracy Briggs is an Emmy-nominated News, Lifestyle and History reporter with over 35 years of experience in broadcast, print and digital journalism for Forum Communications.