Local Veteran Planning to Walk From Florida to Kentucky For Suicide Awareness

You know that song that goes, "And I would walk 500 miles. And I would walk 500 more?" That will have to be on local veteran Greg Norris' playlist as he embarks on his epic journey next year.

Greg Norris is an Air National Guard veteran and former fireman from Daviess County. This week, he announced his plans to walk 1,012 miles from Naples, Florida, to Masonville, Kentucky, to raise awareness for suicide among veterans. His hope is to inspire those who are struggling

Departing Naples at the end of January, he will walk about 20 miles a day to make it back home over the course of 48 days. However, this journey actually began years ago in 2023 after being diagnosed with a form of brain cancer called astrocytoma. After serving nine years in the National Guard and working as a firefighter, this, of course, flipped his world upside down.

With a heart for service, Greg was inspired to find new purpose. He began substitute teaching and going for walks. Two miles led to six. Six miles led to ten, and then "all of a sudden" one day, he reached 18 miles!

“I realized I could make this my mission,” Norris said. “I’m going to walk a thousand miles home from Florida. I’m going to share my journey and do what I can to help veterans get the support they need.”

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Before he embarks, you can follow along on his social media pages for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at his route and the challenges that may arise on the way. I'm sure he will meet plenty of characters and encounter support for his mission as well over the course of almost seven weeks.

Be prepared to help us give him a BIG welcome home at Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville. Once Greg is close to the finish line, they will announce the details for what is sure to be an amazing celebration of his accomplishment and the cause. Host Tamarra Brasher shared with me, "Miles for Tomorrow is more than a walk home. It is a journey for the veterans who did not make it home, and an effort to make sure more veterans are here tomorrow."

****Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members experiencing a crisis (and anyone concerned about one) can receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day through the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.*****