A few years ago I came across a movie entitled “The Long Way Round” in which a couple of buddies rode motorcycles around the world from London to New York City, but took “The Long Way Round”. The movie was simple and raw and it captured adventurous spirits all over the world, and I was one of them.
I mentioned to a good buddy, and fellow SEAL, Lance Vaccaro, that we should do something similar. Not that we could take enough time off to go around the world, nor were we movie stars that could receive funding for such an adventure, but we could do something a bit more modest, and probably achieve the same ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure, that everyone craves (whether they admit it or not), and one that we would talk about for the rest of our lives. Lance’s only concern was “when?”. So we agreed to keep a watchful eye on our schedules and our mission was ‘to be continued…’
On March 6th 2008 Lance was killed in a skydiving training accident. I was out of the country at the time and received word via a long distance phone call that I will remember for the rest of my life. I returned home a couple of days later to make the arrangements to say farewell to my friend. During a reception following Lance’s funeral I mentioned my regret for not making the time to pursue our wild adventure, and I mentioned that I would regret it for the rest of my life. A friend of mine responded “let’s do it”, a few other friends showed interest, and now thanks to the support from family, friends, and the Naval Special Warfare Foundation the trip is finally on the calendar.
- Jim G.
Lance
Lance enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1991. He graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL., in August and began his first tour of duty aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in Norfolk, Va. In April, 1994, he transferred to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in Yokosuka, Japan, before entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., in July 1996.
Following graduation from BUD/S Class 210, Vaccaro attended advanced training courses and reported to an East Coast-based SEAL Team in June 1997. He continued to serve in various East Coast-based SEAL Teams the remainder of his career.
His military awards and decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Joint Service Commendation Medals including one with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service
Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Medal, Pistol Expert Medal.
