When Jake Sansing laced up his boots in 2012, he wasn’t just preparing for a walk—he was beginning a life-changing journey that would stretch over 10,000 miles and alter the course of his future.
From Soldier to Survivor
After his time in the U.S. Army, Jake found himself struggling with PTSD and homelessness. Rather than sinking into despair, he took a step that would change everything—literally. He started walking, moving from town to town in search of work. But soon, he realized that walking wasn’t just helping him find a job. Since he didn’t have a car and no reliable transportation that was required potential employers kept turning him down. But the walk was providing him with something deeper: peace and healing. With each step, he was reconnecting with himself and the world around him.
A Journey Across America
Jake’s journey took him from coast to coast, covering routes from Tennessee to Delaware, Delaware to California, and even a trek from Alaska to Florida. Along the way, Jake wasn’t just walking for his own healing—he was raising awareness about PTSD, homelessness, and the power of movement. His memoir, Walking America: A 10,000 Mile Journey of Self-Healing, chronicles his years-long journey, sharing the highs and lows, the emotional toll, and the quiet victories that each mile brought.
Going Viral and Finding Support
In the age of social media, Jake’s story caught the attention of thousands, with his viral video about his travels through West Tennessee reaching millions. He’s also amassed an incredible following on social media, where he now has over 80,000 supporters who follow his journey. But the path to fame hasn’t always been easy—Jake still faces challenges, but his fans and the countless people who resonate with his story continue to cheer him on.
Bucyrus Stop: Dining at Bakers and Reflections on His Walk
Recently, Jake stopped in Bucyrus, during his latest journey from Oregon to Maine, aimed at promoting his memoir and raising awareness about PTSD. He had dinner at Bakers, where he was treated to their famous Bakers Fries and a hoodie—a small but memorable moment on a journey that spans thousands of miles. During the FreeWire interview with Logan, Jake shared insights into his walk, his motivations, and the people he’s met along the way. One of the most touching moments of his walk came last year during the solar eclipse in Indiana, where Jake met a woman who would later become his girlfriend and a major source of support for him.
The Message Behind the Walk
Jake’s walk is more than just a physical journey—it’s a mission to raise awareness about the struggles of homelessness and PTSD. Through his social media platforms and book, Jake is spreading a message of hope and resilience.
What’s Next for Jake?
Jake’s journey is far from over. He continues his walk from Oregon to Maine, meeting people along the way and sharing his story with a wider audience. He’s also been working on a photography project to document his travels and the landscapes he encounters, with stunning prints available for purchase. For those looking to learn more, watch Jake’s interview with Logan from FreeWire Magazine below, and consider picking up a copy of his book to understand just how far one man can go in his quest for healing.
Connect with Jake Walks America: Jake’s journey continues to inspire many. If you’d like to support him or follow his walk, check out his social media pages for the latest updates: Jake Walks America
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Watch Logan's interview with Jake at the link above.
