Couple Walks Across Midwest to Honor Their Fallen Son - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Clark Young

KPTM (Omaha) - Dan and Michelle Benavidez walked across the Iowa Nebraska border on Monday, marking another significant milestone in their journey.

"This is one way we could bring some awareness to everybody and its a journey to honor our son," says Dan Benavidez.

In 2008 their son was killed while serving in Iraq.  Since the tragic news, the Benavidez have gotten involved with several Veterans organizations, including the American Military Family group.

"I tell people we can't change what happened to our son, but maybe we can raise some awareness, help some non-profits, and help those returning vets," says Michelle Benavidez.

This year the Benavidez's decided to do a little more to honor their son.  On April 13th they set out on a 1,080 mile walk from their home town of Fort Collins, CO to Marseilles, Ill.  just to see their son's name on the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall.

"I want our son to be as proud of us as we are of him and what he stood for," says Michelle Benavidez.

The American Military Family organization has got behind the Benavidez's and is helping promote their journey by calling it, "American Military Family Honor Rally," and when the arrive at the memorial wall, a special ceremony will be held for the family.

"if everybody who heard our voice donated a little something, money, time, something we could work miracles for our troops as they come home," added the Benavidez's.

You can follow their journey on Facebook at the American Military Family Honor Rally page.