August 28, 2014

Well it has been a long time since I've last updated, and for that I apologize. Seems we last left when I was on my way out of Grand Island, NE.

I traveled along highway 34, continuing east through Aurora and on to Seward. Upon arrival, I stayed with my longtime friends Brian and Julia Foersch, and their two children Layla and Dylan. 

To my surprise, my friend Kieran McGuirk had flown in from Miami Florida, and was also going to be staying for a couple of days. It was incredibly awesome to see the gang again, and catch up on what has happened to us in the past year. 

On Wednesday the 20th, we took a trip up to Columbus NE to visit our friends Brett and Kim Fluckiger at his family farm. The day consisted of shooting guns, playing horseshoes, and of course drinking beer. 

It had been two years since we'd gotten out of the Marines, yet the saying rings true about the brotherhood of the Corps, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". The rest of the week was spent relaxing and meeting the neighbors around Brian's house.

I even participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by my sister.

Ice Bucket Challenge.

On Monday Aug 25th, the Foersch family were flying out to San Diego from the Omaha airport. I decided to ride with them into the city since my friends Joel and Alicia Lavelle live at the Offutt, Air Force base. 

It was sad to say goodbye to the Foersch's, but I knew I needed to continue on the walk, and they were in need of California vacation. 

Walking through downtown Omaha was quite an experience. Of course I had secretly hoped of running into Conor Oberst, but knew that was highly unlikely. I did happen to meet a couple of nice folks along the way, including the incredible Jim and Kate Bygrave, who let me stay the night at their place after hearing about the cause and message I was trying to spread.

Tuesday I met with Alicia, Joel, and their 11 month old baby boy Eion. Though Alicia and I had not seen each other since her family moved out to Omaha in 2004 from California, it felt as if no time had passed. 

Wednesday night we visited Joel parents in South Omaha for dinner. To see how happy they were when playing with baby Eion was an incredible sight. There was so much love in the house, and perhaps a bit of rivalry when we played a game of Phase 10 Twist.

Despite the past couple days of rain, we managed to visit the Omaha Zoo and Aquarium for a couple of hours today. The forecast predicts rain until Saturday the 30th, at which time I plan to get back on the road, and make my way through Iowa. 

Also, I'd like to take this time to share my Aunt Therese's Blog that will keep you updated as she begins treatment to combat her recent breast cancer diagnosis. She has always been a strong supporter of me, and I know you will get a kick out of her wit and positive outlook on things as she kicks cancers ass.

A Day In The Life of Therese.

I had mentioned in a previous update, but never got around to posting the news article from 

The Holyoke Enterprise.

Again, I would like to give a huge Thank You to everyone who has supported me along this walk. I truly could not have made it this far without you by my side; in mind, body, and spirit. 

For those of you who would like to help me continue my walk, you can donate at 

Click Here to Donate.

Thanks again, and hope to see you all on the road.

North Platte River

Farmland

Downtown Omaha Park

Fountain Downtown Omaha

August 16, 2014

Ths past week has been pretty awesome. After being on highway 30 since Sutherland, I arrived in Grand Island which means I'll be back on the 34. From here I'll be continuing east, through York, and on to Seward. 

Huge thank you to everyone who has stopped and shown their support, through donations, prayers, and kind words. 

And I finally had to part ways with the pair of brooks shoes I've had since Phoenix AZ. 

See you on the road. 

August 12, 2014

Quick update. 

I've made it to Cozad, NE

I'll be continuing east on highway 30, through Lexington and Kearney. 

For those who have seen the sign and are curious as to what the walk is for, it's to bring awareness to homeless Veterans and Veterans with behavioral health issues (Post Traumatic Stress, Depression). 

Thank you for reading, and your continued support. 

See you on the road. 

August 7, 2014

I've made it to Nebraska. 

After leaving Holyoke CO, I took highway 23 towards Grant. Along the way I received support from quite a few road angels. Thank you to Deputy Sheriff Griffin for the shoes. I'll be putting them to good use. In Grant I ate at 310 American grill courtesy of the Bishops, and met some great people who were curious about the walk and how they could help out. 

From Grant I made my way to Wallace. Some of the guys from Sisco fertilizer came out with water and snacks, and told me to stop by the shop to take a break. 

Once in Wallace, I stayed at the Wallace hotel, and ate a really good bacon double cheese burger at T's bar and grill. 

I'll be heading towards North Platte, then taking highway 30 east. Hope to see you on the road. 

August 4, 2014

First I'd like to say Happy Birthday to my brother Jacob Petrovick. You're doing amazing things, and it's awesome to see you set and accomplish your career goals. I'm extremely proud of you. 

These past couple days have been truly incredible. After meeting Kenyon, he reminded me that I needed to put a sign on my cart to let people know what I'm walking for. Throughout the walk I've had various placards and the "walking cards" I hand out, but always wanted to find an alternative method to communicating with people driving by on the highway. When I finally arrived in Sterling, I decided to get a dry erase board, with a couple markers to help me get the message out. 

It's funny how such a simple addition can have such a huge impact. 

Upon leaving Sterling, people were honking, waving, switching lanes to allow  me more room on the shoulder, and some pulled over to personally ask exactly what it is I was doing. 

I was about 5-10 miles outside of Fleming, when a car pulled over and a Woman stepped out of the vehicle. 

"I read about you" she exclaimed. 

Apparently she (Kate) had seen me walking in Greeley sometime last week, and again while on her way to Fort Morgan to drop her daughter's (Lauren) friend off. 

When talked for a bit, and I explained exactly why I was on the road. She handed me a hamburger from McDonald's, and told me when I got to Holyoke, I had a place to stay. 

The day continued to get better, with "Road Angels" showing their support through donations, or kind words. In fact, after stopping in at a restaurant named "Bully's" to fill up my water jugs, I had gotten 5 miles down the road when the couple I was talking to outside pulled up and game me a burger, fries, and a beer courtesy of everyone at the restaurant. 

As the day was drawing to a close and I arrived in Haxtun CO, I noticed a truck pulling over and a couple guys getting out. They informed me that they had read my blog, and if I needed a place to stay for the night, the Haxtun fire department had a bed and a place to shower for me. 

I was speechless, but was able to muster up "sure, that'd be great". 

The next day, I headed out around 7am, knowing the temperature was going to be in the 90's again. The day was much like the last; tons of support, curious people, and kind angels who wanted to see me succeed in meeting the goal. It was pretty emotional. That, and uncomfortably hot. Thanks to my sunglasses, I now have raccoon eyes. 

Arriving in Holyoke was a bittersweet feeling. I made it through the days sun, but when I got to the gas station, the city's power went out. Gas pumps stopped working while people were filling up, and others were waiting. 

Luckily I was able to get in contact with Kate, and she picked me up from the gas station and brought me to her home. There I met her son Ben, his girlfriend, and Kate's boyfriend. Once the power was back on we had an awesome Sunday dinner, and played Cards against Humanity. 

This morning, I was lucky enough to get an interview with the town newspaper. I'll post a link when the story is printed, and by then, I'll have more information to share regarding the walk. 

Thank you again to everyone that has shown their support, through sharing my stories, donating, cheering me on, or by reading the blog. I couldn't have made it this far without you. 

It's been real Colorado, but now it's time to head on to Nebraska.

Foersch family, here I come. Haha.