[PHOENIX, Ariz.] – As Nate Thompson finalizes details for what will prove to be a life-changing trip cross country with his brother and another friend, he never thought he’d be doing it without his buddy Joe Lusk.

In honor of Lusk, who was killed in an Apache helicopter crash in Kuwait on Jan. 21, 2005, Nathan Thompson, Aaron Thompson and Nolan Meyers have decided to drop everything and travel to all 31 NFL stadiums and nine college games during the 2009 season. Along the way the three will be hosting tailgate fundraisers at 40 pro and college football games throughout the season to raise money for the Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund (joelusk.org). Thompson and Meyers will also be training for the Rock N’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix to raise additional money for the fund.

The Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund was set up by his family to help as many people as possible in his name. The current focus is to provide financial assistance to families of military personnel who have been killed or wounded while defending the country.

“Joe and I planned this trip together when we were in flight school at Fort Rucker,” said Thompson. “I just finished my second tour in Iraq, and now it’s time to pursue a dream that’s been a long-time coming, because I know Joe would do it for me.”

The three will kick off the season on Sept. 7 when they visit Tallahassee, FL for the Florida State vs. Miami Monday night game. They will then travel to Pittsburgh for the NFL season opener on Sept. 14 – Steelers vs. Titans. After the start of the trip, the guys will travel by RV nearly 30,000 miles and through over 40 states to accomplish this feat. Follow along with this adventure on their website at 31stadiums.com.

The guys have also linked up with Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix.org). Vet Tix will be sponsoring the RV as it travels around the country and hosts tailgates at each stadium. Vet Tix provides free tickets to sporting and non-sporting events to all Veterans, Active Duty Military members and their families as a way of saying “thank you.”

31stadiums.com was created in 2009 to allow others to follow three friends around the country. The site offers information, blogs, pictures, and video of the adventure and also offers a chance to donate to the cause. Visit 31stadiums.com to follow an adventure of a lifetime.
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