MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- While the rest of the United States celebrated Memorial Day and Independence Day, one former Army officer was trekking 4,288 miles from St. Augustine, Fla., to Camp Pendleton, via bicycle.

Ed F. Acevedo, a 41-year-old from St. Augustine, Fla., began his 111 day journey March 23, hoping to raise awareness and support for America’s Wounded Warriors.

“I didn’t do this for a political cause. I did it to show my support and appreciation for our service members by more than just a bumper sticker,” Acevado said.

“There’s no politics involved when Marines and soldiers are giving their lives and obtaining injuries that could affect them for the rest of their lives. It’s not about doing what is politically right. It’s about Americans. The government can only do so much,” he added.

During Acevado’s ride, he visited several different military installations to help Americans realize the sacrifice of our wounded veterans. He spoke with retirees and injured Marines and soldiers to show his thanks for what they have done.

“My mission was to make sure that those who have been injured and who have served are not forgotten,” he said. “Speaking with them and passing through those bases is how I show my gratitude.”

While stopping and visiting with service members on the various installations, several Marines and soldiers hopped on bikes and joined him for a small portion of the journey.

“Having other people ride with me gave me motivation to keep going and helped me keep focus on the goal of my mission,” Acevado said. “I rode roughly 55 miles from San Antonio to Fredricksburg, Texas, with a Marine who had lost a leg in Iraq. He attached his prosthetic leg to the bike pedal and just kept going. "Once I saw that, I told myself whenever there was a little rain, or I was feeling a little pain, to suck it up and keep going. That’s why I’m doing this, for people like him.”

The focus of Acevado’s 4,200-mile challenge was to recognize the sacrifices made by today’s military and to garner support for them from private organizations and individuals.

“I had a few soldiers ride with me for a few days and that was great,” he said. “They joined me, chatted with me, camped out and headed on their way. I respect what they did because they could just as easily not come.”

Acevado arrived at Camp Pendleton July 11 to a warm welcome from supporters. Four Wounded Warriors even rode the last two-mile stretch of his journey, from San Margarita ranch House to the Camp Pendleton Wounded Warrior Center.

“Riding with Acevado, even for a short period of time, was fun and a great experience,” said Houston resident Cpl. Samual Reyes, police sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 1st marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and Wounded Warrior. “we all really appreciate that someone would do something like this to raise awareness for us and our families.”

Arriving at Camp Pendleton was the highlight of his trip.

“It’s an honor to be at Camp Pendleton,” Acevado said. “I have the feeling of accomplishment, like the purpose of this trip has been fulfilled.”