“It is super difficult for veterans, especially if you have been in an active role. You can almost become an adrenaline junkie, and … I hope to raise money to help other veterans, my brothers and sisters.”

***

Type in directions from Waco, Texas to Portland, Oregon on Google Maps and hit the “walking” option, and within seconds a daunting trek lays out in a jagged blue line, peppered with white dots. It also generates a fairly large number on the lefthand side.

“669.”

One off from 670. As in hours. As in, if one were to walk continuously — without any breaks whatsoever — it would take the average human being a little over 27 days to reach the “City of Roses” from the Texas town wedged between Dallas and Austin.

It’s a formidable adventure, but for United States Army veteran Chance Huffman it’s no scarier than anything else he’s done in his life. Plus, he plans on walking the immense trail above for a damn good reason: to raise awareness for other Americans who served their country.

A former U.S. Army specialist, the 31-year-old volunteered with the Iraqi Kurdistan Peshmerga military after his discharge, and has only been back home for about a month.

“Before I came back from Iraq, I started thinking of ways that I could help out veterans. One of my battle buddies lived here in Waco and he just moved back to his original home in Portland, so I did the drive with him and I kept thinking this would be the perfect route.”

More on his travel plans from the Waco Tribune:

He divided his perfect route into a 40-to-50-day backpacking hike through New Mexico, Utah and Nevada to meet up with his combat friend in Portland, Huffman said.

“I hope this will inspire people to donate, get involved with the veteran community or inspire them to get involved in something they are passionate about,” Huffman said. “I really just want people to care as much for veterans as I do.”

Huffman said online research plotted a 27-day travel itinerary, but he plans on taking breaks for meals and sleep.

During the weekend, Huffman launched GoFundMe and PayPal accounts to collect donations and said the response has been inspiring.

“Since I started the fund-raising efforts, I have gotten more than $1,000,” he said. “People have even written me messages, offering me places to stay or a shower and even offering to walk with me for part of the way.”

To donate to his cause, click here.