ETNA GREEN – The image of an older man lugging a small oxygen tank on the side of the road along US 30 near Etna Green on a sunny Sunday morning was a bit jarring.

But a van following closely behind, touting a large American flag and a Wounded Warriors Project flag, put things a little more into perspective.

Jerry Meadows, a 62-year-old US Air Force veteran who served four years in the mid-1970s, began walking from Bemidji, Minn., in March of 2019 and is continuing en route to Jacksonville, Fla., as a way to raise awareness for Wounded Warriors.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a national group that helps veterans, their families and caregivers.

Jerry and Virginia Meadows are pictured next to their van outside of Etna Green Sunday morning. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

“I like how they focus on the veteran and family,” Meadows said. “This is something I haven’t found with any other organization.”

Meadows has a website that updates his travel and includes a link to donate to Wounded Warriors.

“It’s my belief that in some way, I’m still serving my country and I love it,” he said.

Meadows said he’s been on oxygen 24/7 since he suffered the effects of a complicated heart surgery. He said he’s had ten stents implanted and suffers from an enlarged heart.

“I probably got every reason not to do it, but you’re only as disabled as you think you are,” he said.

His wife, Virginia, trails behind in a van that they say they often use for overnight accommodations.

They were headed east on US 30. Once they reach Fort Wayne, he said they will head south on US 27.

Jerry Meadows was passing through Etna Green Sunday morning, headed east on US 30 as his wife follows behind in a van. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.