By EVAN THOMPSON

Terri Desrosiers wakes up each day in pain.

But she’s found a simple remedy that helps her cope — walking.

Desrosiers, a Langley resident, received medical treatments for depression while serving in the Army from 1975 to 1985, which had a cumulative effect that has negatively impacted her life.

It’s the pain in her legs, feet, and back that typically stir her awake, usually in the early morning hours, and what initially prompted her to put her waking hours to better use.

So, as a way of dealing with the discomfort, Desrosiers walks. Beginning on Furman Avenue, she hoofs it to the edge of town or as far as the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club.

Lingering pains like shin splints can force her to the sidelines for a bit, but even then, her resolve remains strong.

“I feel like I let myself down,” Desrosiers said. “I made the commitment and I’m sticking to it.”

This is her routine.

This is her walk.

Desrosiers,  a volunteer at the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center (or VRC), recently organized a movement and fundraiser called Stepping Forward for Veterans, also known as Walk4Vets, in an effort to help the VRC better connect with, educate and serve veterans, their families and the community.

Stepping Forward for Veterans’ first event was Aug. 1, in conjunction with the center’s Veterans Stand Down.

Veterans and community members alike are invited to join in a 3k/5k walk/run that will begin near American Legion Post 141 in Bayview.

Beginning in April, Desrosiers’ initial goal was to walk 1,000 miles. With the help of friends and the community over the past few months — as well as a big boost of support during the July 3rd Celebration in Freeland — that mark was reached.

So, a new goal will be set prior to the event: Walk 10,000 miles in 100 days. The end mark is set for around Veterans Day.

Desrosiers purposely set the new mark to be far higher than her previous so veterans and community members have the opportunity to participate.

“The community walking together is more symbolic than anything,” said Dana Sawyers, a member of the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center advisory board and the Island County Veterans Service coordinator.

The ambition of the movement is symbolic in terms of what Desrosiers has been able to overcome in her personal life.

Desrosiers was once idle and most comfortable within the confines of her home. It was the help of her friends and counseling that aided in her coming out of her shell.

“I didn’t leave my house. Now I leave my house,” Desrosiers said. “I go places, I’m doing things, I’m out doing this walk for one thing. I’m volunteering. I’m doing things I normally wouldn’t do. I would usually just sit at home and watch TV because that would be my world.”

Desrosiers’ efforts in helping the Whidbey Veteran Resource Center build a bigger presence on South Whidbey didn’t begin with Stepping Forward for Veterans.

She first sold her personal art and gave the proceeds to the VRC, while also staffing a booth that provided information about the VRC. But when that wasn’t a viable option anymore, she felt walking was an appropriate way of garnering awareness around the community as well as helping veterans reconnect in a positive and reinforcing environment.

“I just thought that I wasn’t making enough money in donations. I thought (walking) would be a better way to make more money for the VRC,” Desrosiers said. “I got this (walking band), and I just decided, ‘Wow, I want to do something.’ ”

It was a combination of putting her mind toward an objective, while also being able to share her thoughts with those who attended the VRC’s support groups that helped her escape her shell.

Now, as board director Chris Thorsen puts it, Desrosiers is the at the forefront of rallying support and awareness for the agency.

“She’s demonstrated leadership for the VRC,” Thorsen said. “The important thing is that she’s raising awareness that we exist. She’s the silhouette of all that.”

Donations to support the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center programs can be done online at www.whidbeyvrc.org/pay-pal or directly to the center.