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New York, NY — June 2011: Troy Yocum is helping American military veterans …one step at a time. Iraq war veteran Troy Yocum’s historic 7,000 mile cross-country “Hike for Heroes” arrived in the Big Apple on Wednesday, June 15, to raise awareness and funds for U.S. military families in need. Yocum hopes to raise $5 million dollars for his fellow troops on his journey.

"Hiking for Heroes" in New York City

In the early morning hours, Youcum and his followers crossed the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan, hoisting an American flag and eliciting cheers from commuters. As he traversed the Hudson River during rush hour, Young enjoyed an escort from the Port Authority Police Honor Guard. Troy’s sixteen–month journey began on April 17, 2010 in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Mareike and his two dogs. To date, Yocum’s "Hike for Heroes" has logged in over 6,300 miles. In the final months of his journey, Yocum plans to walk up the East Coast before he makes his return to Kentucky in September 2011.

About Troy Yocum: Military Service - Inspiration to Walk Across America

Specialist Troy Yocum was born on June 25, 1979 in Louisville, Kentucky where he has lived most of his life. Troy joined the Army National Guard on August 21st, 2001 just days before 9/11. He spent 2 years in the 151st Infantry out of Southern Indiana. His unit transferred to Military Police and Yocum was placed into the Inactive Ready Reserve. He graduated from Yellow Ambulance Emergency Medical Service Bureau in 2002 while still in the National Guard, and worked as a Basic E.M.T. till 2004.

While Troy was deployed in southern Iraq he checked his emails and discovered a message from his good friend and Iraq war veteran who had finished his military career. Troy’s friend had just returned home from war to find that his job was closing down due to the economy. Yocum contacted various charities to help his friend, and he soon learned about the thousands of military families who were applying for financial assistance. The next day Troy decided that he could walk across America to raise awareness and money. He drew the first map with the hope that his walk, aptly entitled "Hike for Heroes," will achieve his goal of raising $5 million.