![Louisiana Graduate Braves The Elements to Honor Veterans [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-27-at-3.07.00-PM.png?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Graduate Braves The Elements to Honor Veterans [VIDEO]
After graduation, many students use the beginning weeks of summer to destress and relax after the strenuous task of taking on another year of school. But for one graduate out of Covington, Louisiana, he took the break as a chance to raise money for our nation's veterans.
"I walked about 15 hours a day and averaged over 40 miles."
Covington High Alum Austin Firmin took to a "Warrior's Walk," which consisted of a 165-mile ruck march from Covington to the Vicksburg National Battlefield in Mississippi.
"People really think that alright you walked 165-miles, but then our veterans, do that almost every single day."
Firmin completed his march in 4 days all while carrying 35 pounds of military gear.
"When a soldier is on deployment, he has to carry everything that he needs to survive, And that just kind of adds a little extra meaning. It's not just a walk."
What was his reason why?
"It was kind of thinking back to what our service men and women have sacrificed for us. people have died so that I could be here right now. it would be shameful for me not to pay it forward"
Firmin's cause raised over 3,500 dollars that will be split between four organizations. Those organizations include The American Legion, Semper Fi Fund, K-9's for warriors, and Operation Homefront.
Austin will attend LSU in the fall and is enrolled in LSU’s Air Force ROTC program. His dreams of taking on the skies as an Air Force Pilot.
Check out the full video below:
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