Little Axe Teacher Walks 25 Miles In Memory Of Military Killed In Chattanooga

A Little Axe teacher was so heartbroken over the Chattanooga recruiter shootings he started a one-man walk to remember.

David Bounds left his home in Little Axe and walked 25 miles with a U.S. Marine Corps flag all the way to Norman.

That is where the Armed Forces Recruiting Center is located.

Bounds wanted to show his support for the military and especially recruiters.

He braved Highway 9 in Norman in triple digit heat in memory of four marines and one sailor shot dead by a gunman in Chattanooga last week.

“I decided somebody has to stand up for our guys and let them know the people of this country do support them,” Bounds said.

Bounds has taught at Little Axe for 33 years.

Walk into his history class and you will see pictures of students who later joined the military.

“I love the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces because I know I owe my freedom to them,” Bounds told News 9.

He left his home in Little Axe at 6 a.m.

“I've got arthritis in my left ankle,” Bounds explained.  “It's a little tough at times, but I just have to keep telling myself, ‘These Marines push through, that's what I've got to do.’”

He stopped for water breaks and hugs from Little Axe friends.

“He supports every branch of military, so it's nice of him to come out and support the fallen,” said Kelsie Smith, a Little Axe High School student.

Bounds’ community cheered and waved flags.

The Johnsons rooted for him along Highway 9 because their son is a Marine and former student of Bounds.

“I told my husband, we've got to take our two flags out there and support him,” Cindy Johnson said.

Bounds said this was the best way for him to show the recruitment center he stands with them.

“I want them to know that I love them, I want them to know that I support them and that the American people support them,” Bounds said.  “I think a lot of times, especially recruiters, they don't get thanks and this is my little way of saying thank you to them."

Bounds said some of his former students who are now Marines called him along the way to say how much they appreciate what he is doing.