Each step along what must seem like an endless road for Ken Brock is followed by cars and trucks that leave blasts of wind and sandy spray in their wakes.

His solitude often is interrupted by a honking horn or a stereo so loud it blurs his vision.

But Brock keeps walking. And walking.

The Army veteran left Amvets Post 86 in Keystone Heights on Feb. 1 with his service dog Pam for a 2,664-mile walk to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to bring more awareness to Wounded Warrior Project.

Together they were as far as Montgomery, Ala., on Feb. 26.

Only 2,324 miles to go.

“Wounded Warrior Project does phenomenal things,” Brock said. “I just wanted to do something big to make everyone aware of it. I chose to do this. And it’s big.”

Brock already has worn out three pairs of shoes, but the fatigue and pain that comes with each passing day is another step toward being empowered to escaping the emotional torture that comes with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“I’ve been kind of down and out with PTSD,” Brock said. “I’ve had years of extreme PTSD.”

A lot of his depression started to melt 18 months ago when Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. gave him a service dog, Pam.

“She motivated me to get back out there,” he said. “She’s been with me every step of the way.”

The journey has been difficult. He tries to cover at least 10 miles a day. And when his daily route is done, he pitches a tent – sometimes on the side of the road or behind a fire station – to prepare for the next day’s voyage.

He’s been through a couple severe weather fronts, including one on Feb. 22 that resulted in tornadoes in central Georgia. It was so bad, he had to take refuge in his tent while using his arms to keep it from imploding from the wind and rain.

And then there’s the shoes.

“It’s been pretty tough,” Brock said. “It’s taken me awhile to find the right pair of shoes. I think I finally found some that don’t hurt my feet. It’s been tougher than I thought with all these rolling hills in Georgia and Alabama. It’s taken a toll on me.

“But it’s getting me ready for the push to Coeur d’Alene. Montana is going to be a big climb, especially as you get ready to cross into Idaho at Coeur d’Alene.”

Brock admits the loneliness of the trek has been difficult. Without anyone else to talk with, there are moments when he wonders if anyone notices, or cares.

“I get on Facebook at night and I see all the encouragement and support and it keeps me going,” he said.

And going. And walking.