VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) -
A former marine who's walking to every state capital in the country made a stop in Valdosta today. He's walking to raise money for wounded and homeless veterans.
51-year-old Mac McQuown is on a six year journey- to walk to every capital in the United States.
"This walk has changed my life in many ways and I love what I'm doing," said McQuown.
McQuown is walking to raise money for injured and homeless veterans through the charity Silver Star Families of America.
"Our main focus is to get the veterans off the streets, we believe the word homeless and veterans should not be on the same sentence," said McQuown.
He started his journey on 9/11, 2011 and first stopped at ground zero. So far he's made it to six capitals and has walked 1,500 miles. McQuown says it'll take six years to finish his walk.
"These particular boots are dedicated to my father who served 20 years in the U.S. Army," said McQuown.
With his dad's memory on his boots and a 60 pound cart full of the essentials to survive, McQuown says whenever he gets too tired he remembers his friend Travis Mills.
"An IED blew off all four of his limbs but he's still passionate about his country. If I feel like stopping I look back to Travis and tell myself what have I got to complain about," said McQuown.
With 15,000 more miles to go, McQuown says he's thankful for the people he's met along his journey.
"80-percent of my time on this walk I sleep at fire departments and they never hesitate to open their doors to me."
And Tonight the guys with the Valdosta Fire Department are putting McQuown up in a hotel.
So far McQuown has raised $6,000 on his journey. To find out more about his journey and track his trip online, CLICK HERE.
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