92-year-old Andrus crosses Louisiana in his endeavor

What do you think you will be doing when you’re 90 years old? How about jogging coast-to-coast across the United States?
That is exactly what World War II veteran Ernie Andrus of California decided to do in hopes of raising funds to return the LST 325 to Normandy for the 75th anniversary D-Day memorial service. An LST is a Landing Ship, Tank used in World War II to support amphibious operations by carrying vehicles, cargo and landing troops directly onto an unimproved shore.
“When you want to do something, do it while you can,” was the sage advice he offered his family.
He was on the crew that brought the 325 back from the Isle of Crete, Greece, in 2000-01. The History Channel aired “The Return of LST 325” special in 2001 and video is available on YouTube.com by searching “The Return of LST 325.”
Andrus’ journey began Oct. 7, 2013, near San Diego where he dipped his toe in the Pacific Ocean. He anticipates finishing his coast-to-coast challenge in August or September 2016 in Georgia when he touches the Atlantic Ocean.
The 92-year-old Navy veteran is preparing to head into Baton Rouge today if logistics can be worked out to cross the Highway 190 bridge. If not, he will either run a different part of the route then come back when it is safe to cross or detour to the I-10 bridge.
Either way, he will keep up the proper mileage for his fundraising journey.
Andrus welcomes anyone interested in sharing his journey to join him on each leg of his route.
“I jog slow,” he says to his followers after telling them they will need to walk to keep pace!
As he jogged a 5.9-mile stretch Saturday, he was accompanied by Lynette and Abby Callahan, and Kelly and Joe B. King Jr. of Houma; Shila and Connor Crow, and Melvin Comeaux of Krotz Springs; and myself. Acting as an escort was Sybil Comeaux and Emma Crow, also of Krotz Springs.
“I had a guy come from Japan,” Andrus said of a man that coordinated leave in order to join him while passing his Texas hometown.
People from across America have flown or driven to his route in order to take part in Andrus’ endeavor, he said. Some more than once, as was the case with the Crows, Callahans and Kings.
When accompanying him, walking next to Andrus is the best spot to be. He will relate stories of his coast-to-coast run, stories of his World War II time and many other interesting life adventures, along with snippets of history.
For example, he informed his Saturday crew that it happened to be the anniversary of the day that the first B12 bomber came off the assembly line in 1942!
Anyone interested in hearing interesting stories first-hand can join Andrus as he continues his trek across Louisiana and America. Donations to his cause are also welcomed.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the “USS LST Ship Memorial” for the effort to return it to Normandy in 2019. Andrus also accepts personal donations to help defray his personal expenses. Donations can be mailed to 304 Brooklawn Drive, Banning, CA 92220 or given to Andrus on a run day.
To follow his progress, visit his Facebook pages “Ernie Andrus” and “Coast2CoastRuns.” Andrus usually runs three days a week with each stretch taking between 2½ to 3½ hours. To check on an exact date and time, call Andrus at 928-308-5478.
And remember, walk by his side to share in his life’s stories!
—To learn more about the LST 325, visit www.lstmemorial.org.