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. 

September 4, 2014

Quick update:

I left Council Bluffs on Tuesday, traveling east on highway 6. I had numerous people tell me Iowa would be very flat, but that road was one hill after another. Needless to say, the first day back walking after that long break was killer. 

I made it to Oakland Iowa and camped out at the park.

Wednesday was a bit better, primarily due to cloud coverage and wind keeping me somewhat cool. Again, the day was humid and full of hills. I ended my day in Atlantic Iowa, which is the Coca cola Capitol of Iowa. 

One thing I wish I'd known before choosing this route was the lack of highway shoulder. For the most part there was always less than three feet of space and it's unpaved. I would not recommend this road at all to anyone cycling or walking. 

On a positive note, numerous people have come out to show their support by bringing me waters, gatorades, and even some fruit. Thank You all so very much. 

If this is your first time on the site, I hope you continue reading as to get a better idea of what this walk is for. My primary goal is to raise awareness for veterans with behavioral health issues, as well as homeless veterans. 

I should be updating in a couple days as I  go through Adair, Stuart, and into Des Moines. 

Thanks again for reading. 

And a special Happy Birthday to my Dad.

47 years young. Love you pops.