OCALA-

Drivers showed their appreciation by honking at former marine Mac McQuwon.
A man who's honoring veterans from all over the country.

"When 911 happened the first thing I wanted to do was reenlist and fight for my country again, but I was too old. So I decided I can't fight for my country anymore, I will fight to bring attention back to our veterans," said McQuwon.

From those who fought during the civil war to those who fight for our country today, so he started "Operation Walk America."
The goal is to walk to all 50 capitals.
His journey began in Sanford, Virginia on September 11, 2011.
McQuown said he's met hundreds of vets during his adventure, but there's one that has really had an impact on his life.
his name is Travis Mills.
Mills lost both arms and legs by an IED while fighting in afghanistan.

"I am 51 years old and this walk beats up my body every day. That cart is 50 pounds and when I am having a bad day and my blisters are screaming and my body is hurting and I feel like stopping, I think back to Travis and millions just like him and it pushes me to move on," said McQuown.

 
He's walked more than 1300 miles since last September.
We caught up with McQuown while he was in Ocala visitng relatives.

On Monday morning McQuowns' relatives and citizens of Marion County gathered at Baseline Bar and Grill to see McQuown take off from Ocala and head to his next capital of Atlanta, Georgia.

That will be the seventh capital he's walked  and he says he has about six more years to go.
People thanked McQuown with a hand shake, a kind hug and donations.

McQuown has raised just over $6000 for wounded and homeless vets.
The funds go to a foundation called the Silver Star Families of America
John Gariano who is a former marine describes what "Operation Walk America" means to him.

"To get an individual marine or army, I don't care which branch of service, to take the time and effort to help veterans, I mean it's just beyond belief," said Gariano.

To donate visit the link below.
http://operationwalkamerica.webs.com/