Holmdel officer’s heroic three-day walk raises money for veterans with PTSD

This week's #BlueFriday honoree went to great lengths to raise money for a cause that not only affects many veterans but affected himself as well.

Michael Dowens is a Holmdel Police Officer who recently marched from our NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. to raise funds for treatment of servicemen and women with PTSD. After his endeavor received exposure and his heroic 3 DAY WALK to D.C. from Holmdel, NJ, he had raised over $30,000.00 for his cause. For his efforts Bill Spadea names his as the weekly Blue Friday honoree.

Michael walked non-stop for 3 days. "I couldn't eat, my body wouldn't let me eat," Dowens stated. The only time he stopped was to go to the bathroom. Ironically, the only time he was stopped along the route, was while he was still in New Jersey after someone said he looked "suspicious." "I guess someone carrying an American Flag these days is suspicious," Dowens joked.

Dowens actually did a second walk later in the summer from Seaside Heights to Sea Bright, New Jersey as well. When I asked Officer Dowens if he was planning another walk he replied, "probably not for a while, I'm going to give my feet a break."

What stood out to me most, is the fact that Officer Dowens did this with the goal of raising money directly to help veterans. It wasn't about awareness, it was about actions. Sometimes you have to put in some extra effort for people to write a check and Dowens certainly accomplished that goal.

A special thank you to this week's honoree, Holmdel Police Officer Michael Dowens, this week's Blue Friday honoree.

Know someone who would be deserving of being a #BlueFriday honoree? Let us hear about it by Tweeting at NJ1015 or BillSpadea .