Soldier, Sailor Walk Across Country To Raise Awareness Of Veterans Issues

BOSTON (CBS) - Kevin Kinkead and Daniel Taylor are walking across the country raise awareness of the issues facing veterans.

Kinkead, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, said he was inspired by a friend who was injured in combat.

"He always wanted to do a walk like this but he was injured in Afghanistan. He took an AK round and ended up losing his leg from complications," Kinkead.

The Nebraska native started his journey in Maine and continued to New Hampshire where he met former Navy sailor Daniel Taylor. The two continued through Vermont and into Massachusetts, a total of roughly 600 miles.

"I talked to him. I said, do you need a battle buddy? Somebody to walk around with?" Taylor said.

The men said they are trying to highlight issues such as veteran suicides, homelessness, and problems with healthcare delivered by the VA.

"I'm trying to reach enough ears and reach the right ears that we can actually make the changes," Kinkead said.

They are posting updates from their journey on the Facebook page Walk For Veterans.

Kinkead estimates that the trip will take them two years. He said he is raising money for the trip and will donate the rest to veterans' charities.