JACKSONVILLE, NC (WNCT) – Tim Day was on a mission this week. He’s almost done.
Day, a Purple Heart veteran activist, covered nearly the entire 252 mile walk this week – from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville to Marie Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock – all for a good cause. He took the walk to raise money and raise awareness. He is a member of the Warrior Bonfire Program, a national organization that focuses on veterans who have earned a Purple Heart.
“Well, I started at Fort Bragg a few miles ago on Sunday and walked every day to get 25 miles a day,” said Day.
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Day says it was both interesting and challenging, but it’s definitely worth it. He stopped near Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville on Friday to talk about how the walk has been for him so far.
“It’s going to be tough, but all you have to do is remember what you’re doing it for … 150 miles is overwhelming, but you know I only have 35 left … it feels good.”
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When he made it to Jacksonville, Day met another volunteer, Oscar Hernandez, a retired Marine, who accompanied him as he finished the hike to Cherry Point.
“I definitely recommend that more people join in … I enjoyed it,” said Hernandez. “It’s a nice walk … good cause.”
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Day emphasized how this walk taught him to take a minute to slow down and appreciate the things and people around you.
“People don’t slow down to really look at things,” said Day. “Just slow down and listen to others, stop all the shouting about this and that and put yourself in his shoes … that’s all.”
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You can donate to Purple Heart Veterans by using the Warrior Bonfire website.
Day plans to make this an annual event. He is hoping for more volunteers in the next year. He also said he has had a great response from the churches he has been through and now the only thing left is to get the word out.