Iraq war veteran Troy Yocum is walking across the United States banging a drum to raise $5,000,000 for Soldiers’ Angels, a charity that helps military families in need. There’s a song originally done by rock band Bon Jovi called “Bang A Drum.”

He’s raised more than $105,000 in a walk that has taken him across 10 states since April 17, 2010. He’s not alone on this adventure, dubbed Drum Hike. Yocum is a newlywed, with German wife Mareike walking alongside him. He proudly recalls their wedding took place at mile marker 256. The couple is also joined by their dogs, “Emmie the Superdog,” a Shiba Inu, and a Chihuahua named Harley.

Yocum said people told him his idea to walk across America was crazy. But he didn’t let that stop him. “No matter what they said, I thought, ‘As long as I just work on this idea, I can be successful,” he said. “I don’t really know how much I can be successful. But maybe I can help even one family.’”

• Visit the website to make a donation and track Yocum as he walks across the U.S.
• You can also purchase a commemorative “Never Walk Alone” T-shirt from DogIsGood.com.
• Learn more about Soldiers’ Angels and make a donation at: soldiersangels.org.