With an American flag propped on his shoulder and one hand waving at passers-by along U.S. 80, Sinh Tho Nguyen said he won’t stop walking until he sees the Pacific Ocean.

“As a Vietnamese-American I walk on behalf of all Vietnamese-Americans to show our gratitude and thankfulness for the opportunities in America for all of us,” said the 40-year-old Vietnamese immigrant, U.S. military veteran and water meter reader from Texas.

“We drove from Fort Worth to Atlantic Beach in Florida on June 10,” said Nguyen, who is traveling with friend David Dominguez, 25, also a former meter reader in Fort Worth. Dominguez drives about two miles ahead, scouting road conditions.

“The social impact for this is that we started out to support troops… America is so great,” Nguyen said. “I’m closer to my spiritual life, closer to God because of this.”

In their westward trip, the two have headed into towns sleeping in their car and showering at the most convenient places possible, such as a carwash or lawn sprinklers.

“A car wash is the best place to shower or use a 20-ounce bottle of water that people sometimes give us,” said a hot and sweaty Nguyen.

The budget for the trip is roughly $25,000, which Nguyen said he has saved from his time as a meter reader.

Nguyen, a two-time marathon runner, spent six years in the Texas National Guard and five years on active duty with the U.S. Army.

After coming to America in 1992, Nguyen felt pride and honor being able to live in a “great” country.

The roughly 2,300-mile walk has already taken its toll on Nguyen’s feet which are badly blistered and ragged. Nguyen just smiles and says “Despite all the hardships, the heat, the loneliness, the traffic, the roads, I don’t regret it.”

“To all the troops I wanted to say ‘I was once a soldier and I will always be one. I’m honored to do this.’”

Nguyen’s sign that he carries tied to camouflage backpack straps reads “Shore to Shore A Walk Across America To Honor Those Who Serve.”

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Contact Matthew Breazeale at mbreazeale@vicksburgpost.com