"Ironman Grandpa" Al Slusser walks the length of Oklahoma; pays Blackwell a visit

by Charles Gerian

Walking down the street to the gas station might be “exhausting” for some and “liberating” for others.

But have you ever walked across the state? What about the country? 


Chaplain Al Slusser, known as America's “Ironman Grandpa,” recently completed a walk from the Oklahoma-Texas border up to Kansas.

Along the way, he stopped by Blackwell to discuss his physical journey across America – and his spiritual journey beyond all borders. 
The Arizona native, now 80 years old, was recognized at the age of 73 for being “the oldest and only documented person to walk the width and length of America as well as Arizona.”

Now, he has added Oklahoma to that list, and he has been walking to raise awareness for our nation's heroes and first responders. 


“These heroes – EMTs, fire protection, law enforcement, 911 operators, ambulance drivers, helicopter crews, clergymen, crisis intervention, hotshot crews, search and rescue, and many others – are always ready to rescue and assist others during local and national emergencies. I believe every American owes them a great debt of gratitude,” said Slusser.

Slusser discussed how he began his journey here in the Sooner State.
“I started at the Red River, and I'm walking to the state line on I-35,” Slusser said. “The people have been very kind everywhere I've gone through in Oklahoma. The churches all take me in, and I always make sure to stop by the police and fire departments to thank them for their service.
“I thank them. I am an ordained chaplain, so I like to pray with them if they allow me to.”

Slusser also discussed how he is able to witness to others along his walk.


“On my journeys, I meet many people who are searching for reality in their faith,” he said. “Because of the experiences of divine intervention on these walks and throughout my life, I have no hesitation to share the Biblical solution with them.” 


When asked what it was like walking across the state in the dead of summer, Slusser replied with a comical sigh. “The humidity is murder,” he said.


Slusser's current trip began in Arizona and took him to Jacksonville, Florida. He then walked to North Carolina. In total, Slusser has walked 230 miles in Oklahoma.


Once his Oklahoma walk is completed, Slusser said he will go to Stillwater for a military reunion – which he will be “driving” to, he quipped.


He made his way to Blackwell from Tonkawa last week. He walked up 13th Street and cut across the intersection at Hubbard Road before coming into town at the Shepherds gas station on South Main Street. 


“Blackwell was a bit further away than I expected,” Slusser said.

“I travel with two bottles of Monster Energy, and on the way, I met a man who was very dehydrated and sun-beaten. I offered him a drink and he swallowed the whole thing, thanked me, and kept walking.”


Slusser said that he has to keep his eyes peeled when walking. But he isn't concerned about looking out for cars: He has to watch out for dogs.


“You get into some of the rural areas, and these farm dogs will just come running up at you,” he laughed. 
Nowadays, Slusser travels in his truck and trailer, parks it in one town, walks through another, and doubles back. These “in-town” miles came at the request of his children, who requested he be more careful in his age.

Throughout his walks he has set up along highways, in parks, police and fire years, and more. Slusser says “Most Americans are really kind people,” and invite him to stay in their homes, churches, and more while buying him meals and helping to support his cause.

Chaplain Al's journey came from a goal of walking from “Sea to shining sea”- from The Pacific to the Atlantic. He also walked up the entirety of the East Coast, and as mentioned up and across Arizona, with the three walks spanning a total of 5 thousand miles and a year.

He currently has a book, “Shoe Leather Faith: The Great American Walk” available to download for free on Amazon.