Maynard, a floor installer from Pocatello, Idaho, says he woke up one morning in 2006 with the idea to do something to show his honor and gratitude for those military people and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He vowed to walk a mile for every one of them, and started his journey on the steps of the Nevada Capitol building in Carson City on December 17, 2006.
Maynard said, “This is not a political protest, but the best way I know to honor those who have lost their lives in the war fighting for the freedom of America and other countries as well.”
Maynard has run into some criticism of the war along the way, but says it only strengthens his cause.
He says, “We as a people are supposed to be biased, but biased for our own people. I want to bring a little bit of bond back to America that we've lost. This shows the military that someone appreciates them.”
More often than not, Maynard runs into people who support him for what he's doing. Maynard’s logbook is filled with hundreds of notes and signatures from the people he’s met and talked to along the way. He also receives small donations for food and water, and sometimes a stay at a local hotel or motel.
In addition to carrying the flag, Maynard struggles with an 80-pound backpack filled with a military tent, sleeping gear, maps, a knife, machete, some extra shirts, logbooks, personal hygiene supplies, water and a cell phone. Maynard uses the cell phone to stay in touch with his wife and young daughter back in Idaho, who are very supportive of his cause.
Maynard averages walking about 15 miles a day, and most nights sleeps in wooded areas along the side of the road. As of Sunday, while resting at the Pilot truck stop east of Plymouth, Maynard said he had logged more than 2,300 miles so far. He hopes to finish his walk on the Capitol steps in Washington D. C. on Sept. 11 of this year. He plans to write a book on the experience when his journey has concluded.