Brothers, veterans walking from Naples to Seattle for awareness of veterans' issues

PALMETTO, Fla. (FOX 13) - Two brothers are walking thousands of miles across the country to raise awareness on issues they said are affecting many veterans.

Jeff and Rick Harrison started in Naples and were in Palmetto by Wednesday. They plan to walk all the way to Seattle.

The brothers said the journey started as a promise to their dad who passed away last year from dementia. Veterans themselves, the Harrison brothers decided to do it for a greater cause, calling it Veterans Walk For Dad.

They hope to raise awareness for many issues that impact veterans - dementia, but also depression and PTSD.

"It's just another brother helping another brother out," Rick Harrison said.

Averaging about 20 miles a day, the Harrisons hope to make it to Seattle by July.

Originally from Iowa, they said they chose Florida as a starting point, in hopes the weather up north would warm up by the time they make it there.

"We're really sore and really tired but we're getting stronger every day," said Jeff Harrison. "I never thought I'd walk across the United States, but you know, since I'm doing it for dad, it's what motivates us to get along."