Veteran walks across nation to raise funds

Iraq War veteran Troy Yocum spent the past 17 months slogging through knee-deep floodwaters, walking across bone-dry desert highways, and climbing cold mountain passes before finally stepping into a Times Square sporting goods store Wednesday.

He has racked up 6,400 miles across America and acquired a nasty foot infection, all in an effort to bring attention to the plight of fellow Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans -- many dealing with depression, post-traumatic stress, unemployment and homelessness.

Wednesday, the Army vet hiked across the George Washington Bridge and even survived the hazards of midtown Manhattan traffic on his way to collecting $250,000 from several local retailers during a ceremony at Modells. He hopes to collect $5 million before he finishes the remaining 1,400-mile trek in September where he started, in Louisville, Ky.

"I thought if I walked across the nation and back I could tell people across America how veterans are suffering," he said.

Before Yocum heard that Modell's and other businesses were stepping up, he had raised $200,000 and wasn't sure he'd reach his $5 million goal.

"I was praying for a miracle,'' said Yocum, who was flanked by reporters and FDNY firefighters, who presented him with official FDNY T-shirts "I felt at times that I was alone on a mountaintop and no one could hear me tell the stories of veterans and their families who need our help."

Stephen Downing, 12, was also there yesterday. His father was killed in Iraq in 2004. Yocum donated $2,000 to Stephen so he could go to a space camp in Alabama.

Last month, Mitchell Modell, chief executive of Modell's Sporting Goods, heard his story and rallied other stores to pony up $250,000 together and start a campaign nationwide where customers will be asked to donate $1 at the cash register when shopping at their stores. Other stores include Party City, Mandee, Annie Sez, U.S. Polo Assn., Danice stores and 10 Spot Plus.

"Troy Yocum is an incredible human being," said Modell, who got JPMorgan Chase & Co. to donate $10,000 to Yocum's "Hike For Heroes."

With his wife, Mareike, 28, Yocum said he treaded waters of the Mississippi, slept in tents a hundred times over, in a car his wife drove, in motels and in places with no electricity or running water.

In Abilene, Texas, Yocum's recreational vehicle caught fire. He had to be hospitalized for a foot infection and a neck and shoulder injury. "I just hope I can dance after this again," he said jokingly.

Yocum will be in the city for three days to promote his fundraising effort and will then head for Boston, walking along Route 1.