NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 34-year-old combat veteran is cycling across the United States to raise awareness about about the Project Hero, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders affected by PTSD, TBI and other injuries.
Retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Mark Gutierrez plans to bike from Washington D.C. to San Diego; a thousands-mile long journey that will take months to finish. He said he hopes the ride will help bring attention to Project Hero and the obstacles facing veterans and first responders. Gutierrez, who is a combat veteran himself, said the issue is close to his heart. He suffered from PTSD and TBI symptoms before he retired from the Navy.
On Sunday Gutierrez stopped in Nashville, riding into Shelby Bottoms early in the afternoon. On his way into town, he stopped in Lebanan to talk to local police officers.
This isn't Gutierrez’s first trek across the country. He did a similar bike ride in 2015.
You can learn more about Project Hero on their website. You can donate to Gutierrez's ride and his cause through his fundraising website.
