1,000 Mile Journey To Honor Fallen Soldier

It’s the beginning of a long journey for the family of a fallen soldier.

Staff Sgt. Kennith Mayne was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in September of 2008. Now, Mayne’s parents. Dan and Michelle Benavidez plan to walk 1,000 miles in his honor and to raise awareness of the challenges soldiers and their families face.

“It was the biggest craziest thing we could come up with,” said Michelle.

On Friday, Fort Carson hosted an honor rally to commemorate the beginning of their walk.

After the ceremony, soldiers and Ft. Carson leadership marched behind the family for the first mile of their march.

“We don’t want anyone to ever forget what he did, what he stood for… this is our way of keeping his memory alive,” said Dan.

Cpt. Geoffrey Shrager was among those participating in the first mile. He was with Mayne when he was killed.

“He was our lead truck commander. We were just coming back to the outpost… their was an improvised explosive device behind some barrier… it was impossible to see,” described Shrager.

The Benavidez’ plan to walk about 18 miles a day. Their final destination is Marseilles, Illinois to see their son’s name on the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall.