November 11, 2014

230 days ago, I left Ontario California on a journey to walk across the United States.
Today I reach my end point in Washington D.C.
The primary reason for the walk was to raise awareness for homeless veterans and veterans with behavioral health issues. In a time when veteran suicide is at an all time high, I felt like this was a positive way for me to combat the situation.
As I made my way across 12 states and encountered numerous people along the way, I saw first hand the effects of veteran hardship outside of my own community.
With each encounter, the walk became less about my own personal experience, but more of a collective effort to bring light to a harsh reality.
So as I take these final steps towards the capital building, there is a nation of people walking in spirit with me. A nation proud of its veterans. A nation as one.


Happy Veterans Day.

November 3, 2014

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update:
I've made it to Herndon VA, and have been staying with a friend from the Marines while I try to arrange meetings and possible interviews for the end of the walk. As of right now I still need to contact some people but its looking good so far. I still cant believe Im 25 miles away from downtown DC. This has truly been an amazing experience and Im grateful for the help I have recieved to get me here.
If you have any ideas or inquires feel free to message me and I will try to get back to you in a timely manner.

October 28, 2014

I'm in Virginia. 

This past week has been pretty rough (hills), but I'm glad I'm out of the Appalachians and heading towards DC. It's crazy to think that yesterday was the 7 month mark of the trip, and I'm almost at my destination. With everything that's happened so far it was a bittersweet moment. There are still issues surrounding veteran welfare that have not been addressed, but hopefully once the walk is completed we can bring them to light. 

Thank you to the road angles who have helped me along the way, whether through words of encouragement, food, shelter, or donations. 

See you on the road. 

October 25, 2014

These past couple says have been pretty challenging, mainly due to the hills, but it has also been very rewarding. I'm now in Maryland, meeting great people along the way, and seeing some amazing scenery along the way. Plus I got to talk to my mom yesterday on her birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing her in a couple weeks. 

Thank you to Jeff and Brenda Martin for housing me for the night after I made the trek up Uniontown mountain. I had a fantastic time getting to know you both, talking about the walk, and meeting your daughter and granddaughter. 

It's pretty cool knowing I'm almost done with the walk, but at the same time I'm not there yet which means I have to stay focused and continue taking it a day at a time. 

And with that, I'll see you on the road. 

October 22, 2014

Well Ive made it to Pennsylvania and I have to say, the area is extremely hilly. I know im approaching the mountains, and as long as I keep up this pace, I should be in Virgina before to long. There is about 200 miles left, so I really need to just remain focused and continue walking. 

Id like to thank all the road angels who continue to stop and talk with me, as well as giving me a place to sleep/ set up my tent for the night. 

Ray and Amy, thank you again for opening up your home to me and letting me relax for the day. It was a pleasure meeting you two. 

Its a pretty quick update today, but if you have any questions feel free to message me. 

Also, please continiue donating to the walk at Crowdrise Donation. 

See you on the road. 

October 17, 2014

I seem to be getting back into the groove of things. It's a really amazing sight to see the landscape change as I approach West Virginia and into the Appalachians. The leaves are also changing color which adds to the scenery that much more. 

The people I have encountered have been extremely welcoming and interested in what I'm walking for. Thank you to the road angels who continue to help me out with supplies and donations. Even though there's less than 300 miles till my goal, every little bit helps. 

I really can't thank you all enough, and hope to see more of you on the road. 

October 15, 2014

Today I'm heading out from Mount Vernon after taking a much needed break. I had been in somewhat of a funk the past couple days, doing a lot of thinking about how far I've come and how the walk will be coming to an end here shortly. 

To be honest, I've been kind of worried about what the next step in the journey of life is for me. It becomes a bit more frustrating when in all reality I won't know until I complete this chapter in my life. I guess that's all part of the adventure and as my dad said last night " it adds to the story". There's definitely some nervousness considering the past six months all I've had to do was walk. Now comes the result of all the hard effort. Something that I do not have control over.

It's times like this that I'm reminded to try and relax. "The Earth will provide" has been somewhat of a montra throughout the walk, with it meaning if I stay on course and just do what I believe to be right, things have a way of coming together in a positive manner. 

I know there is a plan in motion, but I also need to focus on it a day at a time. 

That's really all I can do. 

October 11, 2014

I arrived in Marion last night from Kenton. I took highway 309, which had the smallest shoulders of any road I've been on with that amount of traffic. Regardless, I made it through and now am heading towards Mt. Gilead. 

Thank you to the road angels who stopped to talk with me and even brought me some fruits and a sandwich. 

I look forward to meeting more of you. 

See you on the road. 

October 10, 2014

Today im heading east towards Marion. Arriving in Kenton yesterday, I recieved an incredibley warm welcome from people driving by. Thank You to the road angels who brought me waters, food, and donations to help with any necessities i may have needed. Thank you for stopping and talking with me, and sharing my story with friends and family.
This is a pretty short update, but I'll see you on the road.

October 9, 2014

Today I'm heading out from Lima towards Kenton, and continuing east. I left Van Wert a bit late on tuesday, and realized I wasn't going to make it to Lima that night. Luckily I met Tyler in Delphos and he offered me a place to stay for the night. It was awesome meeting him and his roommate Torey and their friend Nate. I definitely needed to rest a bit more after the 38 miles from Fort Wayne, so I can not thank them enough. 

Another huge Thank you to the road angels who have stopped to talk with me (Gary, you really helped me out in refocusing my perception of the day), and those who have donated to help me out with food and shelter. 

See you on the road. 

October 7, 2014

Yesterday was awesome. Leaving Fort Wayne, I had a news interview with channel 21 in which they were able to help me shed light on the walk and what inspired me to start. The response from viewers was fantastic, as I received countless emails of support and kind words. 

After the interview I headed towards Van Wert in Ohio, which proved to be quite the test of endurance as it rained the majority of the time. I kept walking, listening to music, and just knowing that soon enough it would pass. 

I finished my day around 11pm, with a total of 38 miles walked. 

Today seems to a bit more of the same. Heading to Lima, Ohio in the rain. 

Thank you to all the road angels. Elden and Ana, your words of inspiration and purpose will help guide me through these next couple of weeks. 

And a special thank you to those who donated through the website. You allow me to continue walking, and wake up the next day feeling well rested and ready for another adventure. 

Feel free to share the blog on Facebook or any social media platform you use. 

See you on the road. 

October 6, 2014

I made it to Fort Wayne yesterday, and met some awesome people on the way in. Thank you to Scott for the snacks and donation, and Megan for the cool pepsi Fleece and gatorades.
Today I'll be crossing into Ohio, and end my day in Van Wert. Gotta keep moving.
Kind of a quicj post today, but feel free to share the website with friends/family and have a good day.
See you on the road.

October 5, 2014

Today I'm leaving Columbia City and heading towards Fort Wayne. The weather has been particularly cold the past couple days, and yesterday it started to snow a little bit. Hopefully the snow can hold off for another month or so until I arrive in DC. A couple people stopped throughout the day to talk with me and even brought some hot chocolate. Thank You. 

October 1, 2014

Well it's the first day of October, which means that the walk will be over before I know it (I started walking on March 27th 2014 from Ontario California in order to raise awareness for homeless veterans and veterans with behavioral health issues). Granted there is still 600 miles between where I'm currently at ($tay 4 Le$$) and Washington DC but I should be able to make that distance before the end of the month. This past Monday brought an awesome surprise. Having meet Brenda and Ryan upon entering Indiana, they asked me if I'd be interested in going with them to Chicago for the night to see WWE Monday Night Raw. I had never been to a wrestling event, so I jumped at the chance and had a blast. Hulk Hogan was even there. I had a great time not only there but also getting to know Brenda and Ryan. They were very curious about my walk and what inspired me to start. I told them about my own struggle with the VA system after being in the Marine Corps, and how I felt a huge injustice was being done to prior service members. 

After going to Walmart to buy some new inner tubes and tires for my cart, I thanked them again for their generosity, said goodbye and continued walking east. 

From here Im hoping to be in Fort Wayne by the weekend, and continue on before the weather decides to get really cold. 

Special Thank you to those of you who helped spread the website on Facebook or brought me gatorades and waters. Your support allows me to continue on each day. 

For those of you who would like to contribute to the walk, you can donate at www.crowdrise.com/natewalks 

The money received through that website helps provide me with essentials needed for the walk, such as warm clothing, inner tubes, food, and even a motel room every now and then. 

Thank you again

See you on the road. 

Nate

September 27, 2014

Today marks the sixth month I've been walking on the road. I started March 27th out of Ontario California, and have been heading east towards Washington DC raising awareness for homeless Veterans and Veterans with behavioral health issues (such as post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression). I'm excited to also cross over into Indiana today, knowing I'm that much closer to reaching my goal.   Yesterday's walk was fairly short but I was still able to meet quite a few people who stopped to talk with me and even brought gatorades and a nice home cooked meal. I could not have made it this far with out the help and support of people I have encountered and I truly am grateful for your generosity. Thank You. 

I had some pictures I wasn't able to upload from my train ride into the city so I figured I'd put them up now. Thanks again for reading and if you'd like to support me in my Walk to Washington you can donate at www.crowdrise.com/natewalks 

See you on the road. 

September 26, 2014

Ive had a great time in Chicago, but now its time to continue walking east.

I will continue walking mainly on highway30 through Indiana and into Ohio. 

A huge thank you to everyone who has continued to support me by calling the local news stationd, and newspapers trying to help me get some coverage. I still am on schedule to make it to DC by early November so I hope I can continue with the pace I have set.

EDIT:

For those who are visiting the site for the first time, I'm walking across America (California to Washington DC) raising awareness for homeless Veterans and Veterans with behavioral health issues. 

September 25, 2014

Taking a day off to walk around Chicago. Funny how even on my days off I'm still moving.

September 24, 2014

Quick Update:

Ive made it Aurora IL and am now heading towards Lombard for the night.
Huge thank you to everyone who stopped yesterday to talk with me, bring gatorades, or make sure i was on the correct streets. I appreciate the kindness and hope it continues. I still cant believe at timed how far Ive walked, and how many incredible people I have met along the way.
If this is your first time on the site, Im walking from Ontario California to Washington DC to raise awareness for homeless veterans and veterans with behavioral health issues. Crazy to think there is somewhere around 700 miles left.
Time sure flies.

September 20, 2014

Quick update:

Ive made it to Morrison Illinois. Thank you for the continued support. These past couple days have been awesome, and I hope it continues. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by channel 8 who had heard of the walk and wanted to help spread the word. Again, this walk from California to Washington DC is to raise awareness for homeless veterans and veterans with behavioral health issues. From here, I plan to continue on highway 30 for as long as possible. Hope to see you on the road.
If you'd like to donate to the walk, you can visit www.crowdrise.com/natewalks

Thank You again to everyone who has helped me get this far. Lets keep going and reach DC.

September 17, 2014

Quick Update: 

After spending almost a week in Cedar Rapids, I'm heading out today. I had an awesome time hanging out with Chris Ross, meeting his friends, and having a couple drinks with fellow veterans (including Chris's dad Tim). From here I'll be making my way towards Clinton Iowa and through Illinois on highway 30. I need to pick up the pace if I plan to reach DC by November, but not by much. 

Thank you to everyone who has come out in support of the walk (raising awareness for homeless veterans and veterans with behavioral health issues) or helped me in anyway pertaining to it. I could not have made it this far without your kindness, and I hope that I can continue to be blessed with these opportunities. 

September 8, 2014

There is less than 1000 miles left in the walk and to be quite honest, it's a bit nerve wrecking. I've had multiple people ask me what I plan to do, or who I intend to talk with when I reach Washington DC. Numerous ideas have floated in and out, but as of right now nothing is set in stone. I do like the idea of ending the walk at the Iraq/Afghanistan memorial with my anticipated date of arrival being November 11th. That gives me the next two months to figure out some more of the details. I am open to suggestion if anyone has an idea or someone I should get in contact with. 

For the next couple days I will be continuing on highway 6. The shoulder has widened out a bit between Newton and Grinnell, but not by much. 

I'm hoping this weather allows me to cover the distance needed between here and Iowa city in a relatively short time. 

Thank You too all the road angels who have stopped and supported me these past couple days. 

A special thank you to Cameron and Dakota for what can only be called true kindness. I'm glad I was able to meet you two and see parts of Iowa I would have missed had we not spoken. 

I was especially thankful for being able to see "The Freedom Rock" in Menlo IA. Artist Ray Sorensen has captured the struggle many veterans are facing today with an iconic image that resonated with me very deeply. I look forward to seeing his continued work every year. 

Thank you again for reading and if you would like to donate to the walk please visit crowdrise.com/natewalks 

See you on the road.