Woman treks across country to speak with first lady

The day war erupted in Iraq, Lori Bohannon began her own battle against injustices she sees coming from Washington, D.C.

"I am deeply concerned with the quality of life the government has in store for our children," she said. "I'm concerned about education. The president is withholding money from it to support the military."

Bohannon, 40, left her 10-year-old son, Josh, and stepdaughter, Mandela, 15, at home in Mendocino, Calif., with her husband, Paul, and set out on foot for Washington on March 20.

She plans to arrive in October, when she hopes to speak directly with First Lady Laura Bush about the policies of the federal government.

"I'm not a radical, I'm a mother who's frustrated," Bohannon said. "This isn't just an anti-war march. Our actions are hurting children, and I want to know why."

She arrived in Carson City Monday afternoon after being delayed for three days in Tahoe by an unexpected snowstorm.

"My tent looked like an igloo," she explained. "I haven't seen that much snow in 13 years."

She walked into town leading her Labrador-mix, Ebony, on a red leash.

The two are running low on food and water, are unsure of the terrain ahead, and have little outside support.

But Bohannon is driven by an inner force.

She said 5,000 Iraqis under age 5 have died as a result of sanctions placed by the United States.

"This is my government," she said. "It is not only my right, but it is my responsibility to speak out if I see things the government is doing that is hurting people.

"If I don't say anything, I'm just as guilty. I'm not will to be guilty of such horrific actions anymore."

ON THE WEB:

To make contributions to Bohannon or follow her journey, go to trekfortruth.org.