Fair, 52°
Weather sponsored by:

Brock gaining speed, notoriety in his journey to promote WWP

By Don Coble Managing Editor
Posted 3/20/19

IMBODEN, Ark. – Despite some interruptions, Ken Brock’s journey picked up speed last week.

The Army veteran put another 110 miles behind him, making it from Memphis, Tenn. to tiny Imboden on a …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for subscribing.

Single day pass

You also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass.

Brock gaining speed, notoriety in his journey to promote WWP


Posted

IMBODEN, Ark. – Despite some interruptions, Ken Brock’s journey picked up speed last week.

The Army veteran put another 110 miles behind him, making it from Memphis, Tenn. to tiny Imboden on a route that eventually will end in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, by July 4.

After trudging through a couple of weeks of deadly thunderstorms and tornadoes, Brock not only gained speed in his 2,664-mile walk from Amvets Post 86 in Keystone Heights, he gained some unexpected support.

“It was amazing,” Brock said after settling in late Tuesday. “I’ve had a couple of people stop me and talk about PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder]. I had one man who said he’s been afraid to tell anyone. After seeing me, he said he’s not afraid anymore. He was crying because he didn’t feel alone. Now he’s going to get help.

“The reason I’m doing this is I have PTSD. I’ve had it for years. This is how I’m dealing with it.”

Brock decided to make the difficult walk with his service dog Pam to raise awareness for Wounded Warrior Program. He said WWP helped him push through his emotional roadblocks to regain control of his life.

Now others are getting the message.

His walk also was derailed by a roadside interview by KAIT Region 8 News. The Jonesboro, Ark., station not only pumped new energy into his journey, but it also generated hundreds of new followers to his Facebook page. (A link to the story can be found at our Clay Today Newspaper Facebook page.)

“I’m getting better every day,” he said.

There are some rough days ahead. Arkansas is filled with big hills and steep mountains. After logging about 16 miles ahead for the past week, he hopes to push through eight miles of steep climbs a day until he gets to the Missouri state line later this weekend or early next week.

Up next are stops in the little towns of Ravenden, Ozark Acres, Hardy and Mammoth Springs before leaving Arkansas and entering Missouri in 40 miles at Thayer.

“I’m facing some monster hills,” he said. “But that’s all right. I’m not worried about it. When I get to the Plains, I’ll make up a lot of time. I will make it to Coeur d’Alene on time. I’ve learned to push through it.”

Pam has played a role in Brock’s success. She walks the first five miles every morning before climbing into his wagon to ride for a couple of hours.

“She’s been great,” he said. “She’s enjoyed making the trip. I couldn’t do it without her.”

You can follow Brock’s progress on his Facebook page. All donations will be forwarded to WWP, Brock said.