Michael Gmur during his last mile.
Photo courtesy Michael Gmur
Michael Gmur has made it to California!
In early September, Salina Post reported about Gmur, a former actor and Marine veteran who was walking across the United States from Portland, Maine, to San Diego, Calif., to raise awareness of and money for homeless veterans. His route brought him through Salina.
At that time, Gmur said he started the walk at Portland, Maine, on June 8, because being an actor in Los Angeles was no longer fulfilling. He explained that he had become an actor to make a lot of money that he could use to help homeless people and people in need of food. While he was able to make a living as an actor, the big money eluded him.
“I decided I needed to do something more and I decided to start with homeless veterans,” Gmur said.
On Friday night, Gmur posted a YouTube video on his Facebook page of his final mile to the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.
"It has been absolutely amazing. I've met so many wonderful people. I've been helped by complete strangers," Gmur said in the video.
On Saturday, Gmur plans to officially end the his cross-continential journey when he jumps into the Pacific Ocean at noon Pacific Time.
"The trip was an absolute success," Gmur told Salina Post on Saturday. "I raised money and awareness for homeless veterans. I met amazing people, my soul found peace and healing that I didn't realize I needed so much. I'm a changed man and feel amazing!"
Gmur said the lesson he learned was "follow your gut, listen to your heart and don't ask for the help you think someone can offer, ask for the help you need and don't be afraid to do it."
He continued, "Life is not necessarily short, but it could be over tomorrow. If you want to do something do it and don't worry about what other people think. If you die tomorrow do you want it to be having lived a life to make someone else happy while you live in misery or make yourself happy? Own your Gangster: Unapologetically follow your heart and live without excuses."
Former actor, Marine vet now walking along US 24 in Kansas (posted Sept. 7)
With route change, Gmur plans to walk into Salina on Thursday (posted Sept. 11)