Troy Yocum
Encyclopedia
Troy Yocum is a veteran of the Iraq war, who hiked over seven thousand miles across America in 2010-2011 to help bring awareness to issues faced by veterans and their families.
grandfather, who took his own life, and a close military friend, who lost his home after returning from deployment, Yocum decided to make it his personal mission to help struggling veterans. He began a 16-month journey, dubbed "The Drum Hike" on April 17, 2010 at the Kentucky Derby
's "Thunder Over Louisville" celebration. Yocum bangs his drum when entering towns and cities to bring attention to his cause and carries a bat for mayors and governors to sign. Averaging 20 miles per day, the hike will take him, his wife, and two dogs over more than seven thousand miles and 37 major U.S. cities by the time they make it home. Troy's goal is to raise five million dollars and was sponsored by nonprofit Soldiers' Angels. Due to the extreme physical activity, he has suffered several different medical complications. While in Colorado
, he suffered an attack of kidney stones, which required hospitalization and in January 2011, Yocum's foot became infected and hence slowed the hike. In January 2011, Soldier's Angels pulled their support for Yocum due to concern for his health and well being. He has raised more than $134,000 toward his cause through donations and sponsorships. he soon picked up sponsorship from Wish upon A Hero Foundation
and finished the remaining 2500 miles all the way to the east coast and back home to Louisville KY. In the final 6 months of the Hike for Heroes Troy Yocum raised another $1.1 million.
On May 26, 2011, Yocum was welcomed to Washington, DC by Congressman John Yarmuth
(D-KY) accompanied by firefighters, veterans, and a police escort.
Yocum completed his 7,880 mi. walk on Sept. 3, 2011.
, Kentucky
, Yocum met his wife Mareike in Germany
. He proposed marriage to her on the 100th mile of the hike, and they were married at mile 256. She walked over 4,000 miles with him during the course of the walk. Yocum was also accompanied by his Shiba Inu
dog, Emmie.
in St. Matthews
, Kentucky, and spent two years in the Army National Guard
with the 151st Infantry of southern Indiana
.
Drum hike
Inspired by his World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
grandfather, who took his own life, and a close military friend, who lost his home after returning from deployment, Yocum decided to make it his personal mission to help struggling veterans. He began a 16-month journey, dubbed "The Drum Hike" on April 17, 2010 at the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
's "Thunder Over Louisville" celebration. Yocum bangs his drum when entering towns and cities to bring attention to his cause and carries a bat for mayors and governors to sign. Averaging 20 miles per day, the hike will take him, his wife, and two dogs over more than seven thousand miles and 37 major U.S. cities by the time they make it home. Troy's goal is to raise five million dollars and was sponsored by nonprofit Soldiers' Angels. Due to the extreme physical activity, he has suffered several different medical complications. While in Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, he suffered an attack of kidney stones, which required hospitalization and in January 2011, Yocum's foot became infected and hence slowed the hike. In January 2011, Soldier's Angels pulled their support for Yocum due to concern for his health and well being. He has raised more than $134,000 toward his cause through donations and sponsorships. he soon picked up sponsorship from Wish upon A Hero Foundation
Wish Upon A Hero
Wish Upon a Hero is a social helping network in the United States, which connects those in need with people who are willing to help.-History and Organization Background:...
and finished the remaining 2500 miles all the way to the east coast and back home to Louisville KY. In the final 6 months of the Hike for Heroes Troy Yocum raised another $1.1 million.
On May 26, 2011, Yocum was welcomed to Washington, DC by Congressman John Yarmuth
John Yarmuth
John Yarmuth is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party.- Early life, education and career :...
(D-KY) accompanied by firefighters, veterans, and a police escort.
Yocum completed his 7,880 mi. walk on Sept. 3, 2011.
Personal life
A native of LouisvilleLouisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, Yocum met his wife Mareike in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. He proposed marriage to her on the 100th mile of the hike, and they were married at mile 256. She walked over 4,000 miles with him during the course of the walk. Yocum was also accompanied by his Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
The is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature...
dog, Emmie.
Military career
Yocum graduated in 1997 from Trinity High SchoolTrinity High School (Louisville)
Trinity High School is a Catholic, all-boys, college preparatory high school located in St. Matthews, Kentucky, a city within the Louisville Metro governmental area. Trinity first opened its doors in 1953, when Archbishop John Floersh anticipated the growth of Louisville's eastern suburbs by...
in St. Matthews
St. Matthews, Kentucky
St. Matthews is the 20th largest city in Kentucky, United States and is a prominent suburb of Louisville. It is located 8 miles east of downtown Louisville in Jefferson County. It is one of the state's major shopping areas, being home to second and fifth largest malls in Kentucky St. Matthews is...
, Kentucky, and spent two years in the Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
with the 151st Infantry of southern Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
.