Meet the man who's trekking 2,200 miles to raise awareness for veterans

U.S. Army veteran Ernesto Rodriguez has been on a 2,200-mile walk from Tennessee to the Pacific Ocean to draw attention to the plight of the veterans who need help. He talked with TheBlaze Radio's Mike Opelka on "Pure Opelka" Wednesday to tell Americans how they can join the cause.

Rodriguez has been carrying a rucksack and a flag for the journey and doesn't plan on lightening the load at any time during his trek.

"I will be carrying the bag all the way through, especially since I have that flag with me. I'm also carrying a lanyard with 22 veterans who we lost to suicide with me," he said, noting that the lanyard that was given to him from another walker a few years ago.

Rodriguez also said the bag he's carrying has been signed by various retired veterans, including retired Navy Seal Jason Redman, and will be auctioned off to raise funds for Redman's nonprofit organization.

To see more from Mike, visit his channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “Pure Opelka” weekdays 7–10 p.m. ET and Saturdays 6–9 a.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.