CLEVELAND — Carry The Load is traveling 20,000 miles by foot and bus to 48 states this year to raise awareness for the true meaning of Memorial Day.

What You Need To Know

  • “Carry The Load” is traveling 20,000 miles by foot and bus to 48 states to raise awareness for the true meaning of Memorial Day 

  • Cleveland Firefighter and former Marine Jake Konys is honoring his friend, fallen CFD veteran John Tetrick 

  • The organization has raised nearly $40 million for various programming

“Being able to get out here, get together as a group, support a great cause, I think it’s a good thing,” said Cleveland Firefighter and Marine Veteran, Jake Konys. 

Konys walks in memory of his fallen brother John Tetrick, a 27-year veteran with the fire department who was killed by a hit-and-run driver this past November. 

And fresh in his mind, was a veteran friend who passed away in March.  

“Corporal Tim Reed was buried in Florida. Great guy I served with. From the military side, just letting guys know that likewise, we’re here to support them,” Konys said. 

Texas native Jason Ash is one of dozens of veterans traveling the country with Carry The Load, a nonprofit that connects Americans to the sacrifices of military veterans, first responders, and their families. 

Overall, group members will travel 20,000 miles by car and on foot to 48 states, taking part In 85 rallies to raise awareness for the true meaning of Memorial Day. 

“I’ve been struggling with some PTSD and some other issues and my buddies convinced me to walk with them. And along the walk I met people, and we traded stories and kind of got re-connected to that brotherhood,” Ash said. “We’re still out there to remember the people that gave the ultimate sacrifice. That’s the main mission.”

For Konys, although he’s been away from the Marines for 12 years, he still acknowledges the significance of service in our military and continues to support his fellow veterans. 

“Whether it’s 12 years or 12 days, try to stay in touch with guys. And love talking to people at these events to share stories. You know, the world’s a lot smaller than you think it is and you pick up right where you left off.”