JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Green Beret's went on a cross-country trek to raise funds for a heart-felt cause Tuesday evening,
News4Jax spoke with active duty Green Beret Chris Valley in Jacksonville Beach, whose coast-to-coast mission was originally created in memory of his comrade and friend who said was shot and killed while serving in Afghanistan three years ago.
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It's been about a year since Valley made a stop at Go Ruck headquarters, a company that sells outdoor gear, excited about Valley's trek across the country.
Valley is raising funds for the children of special operation soldiers who were killed in action.
"This is the second year and added more stops and I'm going from Coronado to Arlington National Cemetery where Ryan's buried," said Valley.
Ryan Savard is a Green Beret, sergeant first class who was killed while fighting in northern Afghanistan in 2012. Valley was with Savard, when he was shot and killed.
"I saw his dying breaths and I saw fight in him-- made me want to do the ride, and carry on his spirit and his positivity to help out."
This year, Valley's riding his motorcycle to honor Master Sgt. Andrew McKenna killed in action this past August.
In Valley's travels from California, different supporters have joined him along the way for parts of the ride, but Valley -- using his vacation time -- is determined to ride the distance.
"The more I do this the more I feel like I get to know Ryan and I feel his spirit and I feel his positivity as I ride," he said.
Valley is working with the Duskin and Stephens Foundation which supports the families of fallen members of special operations forces.
If you would like to donate to the cause, visit duskinandstephens.com.