PAPILLION, Neb. —

Starting Saturday, Nebraskans will be making the trek from Lincoln to Omaha, all on foot, for the annual 50 Mile March.

This is all to support veterans who face mental health challenges and homelessness.

In Papillion, a group is doing their own version of the march.

Veteran John Jones is a resident at Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge.

Last year, he set out to complete the 50-mile march and made it halfway through.

Now, this year, he’s rallying the troops.

For months now, dozens of them have been training for an abbreviated version of the race.

“We decided that maybe we could do something a little less aggressive, and this is the first time that we’ll be doing the 5.0-mile march,” said Jones.

Over the course of five hours, residents will walk five miles around Hillcrest’s property, but they will have some breaks in between, too.

“We don’t do it all at once. So, you know, we come back and have something to drink and then go back and do another one,” said resident Judy Chick.

Many of the walkers are veterans themselves, or are spouses of veterans, so they understand the challenges that many face when they retire from service.

“I remember it being a very difficult time for me. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, and I was in the middle of raising a family. There are a lot of uncertainties at that time,” said Jones.

They say they’re glad to have the opportunity to support veterans going through those same challenges.

“They do a lot for us. They give up everything for us. And so anything that we can fundraise, give money, give clothing, give whatever. This building’s very generous doing that,” said Chick.

They hope their march can be an inspiration, too.

“We all have hurts and aches and pains. But still, take a step while you can. While you can, take another step,” said Pauley.

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