Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — Some days Matt Parrish sings to himself as he walks across the country to raise money for American soldiers.
Other days he passes time by checking Facebook on his iPhone and emailing friends.
But as he started another 15-to-20-mile trek in Arlington on Friday, the 31-year-old didn’t need any extra distractions to put one foot in front of the other.
“Cowboys Stadium is up ahead,” said Parrish, a reserve Army combat medic. “What could be better?”
Parrish began his Trek for Hope — a walking journey from Tampa, Fla., to Los Angeles and back — in mid-January with the goal of raising $25,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The charity supports families of special operations military personnel who have been killed or wounded in action.
“The nature of these soldiers’ business requires that they stay silent,” he said. “So we forget they exist. We forget they have families.”
Parrish, who served a tour in Iraq, was looking for a unique way to gather donations, and he decided the long walk was the most feasible option.
Nearly every day, Parrish pushes a 60-pound pack - complete with a tent and sleeping bag - in a jogging stroller he bought along the way. He packs snacks, toiletries and lots of water. His iPhone is his main source of entertainment.
He’s had painful blisters. He’s dodged some of the frightening weather that’s swept across the country.
But Parrish has been buoyed by small acts of kindness. Supporters — and sometimes complete strangers - have given him food, shelter and donations.
As he passed through the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week, his fundraising total stood at about $8,600. And with eight months left in his journey, Parrish was hopeful he could reach his goal.