Boise, Idaho native Jeremy Miller is making his way across America to raise awareness of veteran suicides. Miller, 30, is no stranger to the trauma of a war zone. Miller joined the Army Reserves in 2006 and then in 2011 he served a tour in Iraq.

“I want veterans to know they aren’t alone in the pain they are feeling,” he said.

Miller said there are 22 veteran suicides a day and he almost became one of those statistics in May.

“I lost three guys that I personally knew to this horrible crazy epidemic,” he said.

In May, Miller got in his car and started driving towards a cliff but stopped himself at the last minute.“I got to it and just slammed on the breaks, got out of my car and just sat there and cried.”

As a result, Miller wanted to do something to help not only himself but to reach out and help others as well. He enjoys the great outdoors. Being in nature makes him happy and what better way to raise awareness than to make a cross country trek across America?

Three pairs of shoes and nearly 2,000 miles later Miller said, “I’ve finally found my happiness.” He encourages anyone who is struggling to open up and talk to someone about their feelings.

He started his journey May 22 in Crescent City, Calif. and is making his way towards Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. His traveling gear weighs about 200 pounds. Fueled entirely on donations through his GOFundMe account and the generosity of strangers, “Kansas has been the most welcoming and hospitable places” he has been.

Miller has a 4-year-old son at home and said there have been times when he just wanted to quit and go home. The encouragement and support he has received along the way has kept him going. On his tough days, Miller is reminded why he’s doing this and says it will make him a stronger man for himself, his family, and others.

On Sunday morning, the American Legion sponsored a sendoff ceremony for Miller as he headed east on Kansas Highway 140 out of Ellsworth. His next destination was Brookville for the night.

“ I travel 25-30 miles everyday unless I’m too tired or sore then I’ll only go about 15-20 miles that day,” he said.

Pastor Dennis Carter from Ellsworth’s United Methodist Church joined the ceremony and said a prayer for Miller. Students Adam Vehring and twins Noah and Logan Erichsen from the Ellsworth High School band played the Star Spangled Banner as a tribute.

Deputy Tiller with the Ellsworth County Sheriff ’s Office and a few members of the American Legion Riders blocked off the intersection of Kansas Highways 156 and 140 so Miller could cross safely.

“Finding a safe place to set my tent up has been one of the hardest parts of my journey,” Miller said.