COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – A military veteran who has been walking across the United States since Feb. 1 arrived in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday, June 27.
Ken Brock and his service dog Pam began their journey in Florida and have since walked 2,650 miles and a total of almost 7 million steps.
He and Pam walked across the country to spread awareness and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit providing services for wounded post-9/11 service members and their families. Brock’s fundraiser on the Wounded Warrior Project website has raised nearly $9,400.
Brock has suffered from PTSD for years.
"Waking up with nightmares a lot," he said.
He decided to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project to raise money for PTSD education.
Brock told KREM in June that he will participate in the Coeur d'Alene Fourth of July Parade, waving both U.S. and Wounded Warrior Project flags as he walks.
He lives in Florida but decided to end his walking journey in Coeur d'Alene, where his children and grandchildren live.
"I just wanted to finish around people I knew would be celebrating with me," Brock said.
As he walked, Brock dealt with strong winds and severe storms. He was even side-swept by an 18-wheeler on the interstate in Alabama.
"I was about ready to throw in the towel," he said. "The only reason why I didn't was because I was doing it for a cause, and the cause was for the Wounded Warrior project and the wounded warriors themselves."
As he walked with his dog, he knew he couldn't lose sight of his mission.
Finally, after a walk spanning nearly five months, Brock arrived in Coeur d'Alene.
His family and friends greeted him when he arrived as deputies with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office escorted him on the last mile of his trip.
"There's excitement and to be able to say, 'That's my Dad.' It's just been one heck of a ride and we're so proud of him," said Alexis Morris, Brock's daughter.
Brock son's Arek Brock, who serves as a Patrol Deputy with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, also gave him a warm welcome when he arrived in the city.
After his walk, Brock said he will continue to raise awareness and funds for Wounded Warrior Project.
“I’ll be their cheerleader, per se. I’ve been through the main headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and met everybody, and they’re all phenomenal people,” he added.
