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Walk Across America to Help Veterans

MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP — A man from Scotland walking across America to help veterans had to make an extended stop in the Poconos because of a leg inju...

MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP -- A man from Scotland walking across America to help veterans had to make an extended stop in the Poconos because of a leg injury, but he's still finding a way to carry out his mission.

Neil Davis of Scotland began walking across America in early August in Maine. He has made it more than 300 miles already. His mission is to raise awareness for veterans, both here and in the U.K.

"We talk about leaving no man behind, and I'm not sure that some of us actually know what that means," said Davis.

Davis worked as a contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense and was embedded in Afghanistan for some time. It was those experiences that inspired him to help others, but along his walk, Davis hit some hurdles of his own and had severe leg pain.

"It just got worse and worse and worse and by the time I got here, from knee to foot just ballooned up quite badly."

Doctors in the Poconos told him it was cellulitis in his leg. He was 48 hours away from a serious infection.

Davis has been resting at Pocono Palace, trying to get back on track. While Davis is healing, he's partnered with Middle Smithfield Township and now is hosting a dinner at the Country Club of the Poconos to continue helping the vets.

Township supervisors heard about Davis and his walk and helped plan that all-you-can-eat benefit dinner.

"We figured since he needed to rest and heal his leg again, we might as well make good use of the time," said Middle Smithfield Township supervisor Annette Atkinson.

Through 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, you can dine and help this man's cause.

Township leaders even added the event to their website.

"If you go there, you'll see constant updates of Neil's Walk Across America. We'll have all of his information up there and his links so you can donate to Neil's organizations."

Davis plans to carry on by the end of the week.

"(This unexpected stop) exceeded all of my expectations, that people could be so generous."

Davis hopes to reach California by the end of November.

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