DIXIE – Bob Brock is on a mission of healing, though he's going about it in an unconventional means.

On May 15, he will depart Walla Walla and travel to Washington, D.C., in his Your Patriots Jeep, thanking and honoring veterans and law enforcement all along the way. Once in Washington, he will drive before the White House in the National Memorial Day parade.

Brock lives with his wife, Jacque, on a small farm on Biscuit Ridge outside Dixie. He is a member of the Waitsburg American Legion and served in the Air Force from 1967-1971. He spent 1968 stationed at the Pleiku Air Base in Vietnam.

After retiring as a realtor in Walla Walla, Brock said he had the idea of converting his white 1997 Jeep Wrangler into a Your Patriot Jeep. Brock said the idea had been blowing around in his head for some time.

"The inspiration came through all the incidents that have happened since 9/11, particularly after Benghazi. I began feeling frustrated at not being able to reach out and thank the people that go through those experiences," Brock said.

"I love this land and what it has provided for us. Veterans have done so much for us. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This was a way to do something more to honor them," he added.

Brock shared his vision with Carl Christianson of College Place, who took the concept and transformed the Jeep into a patriotic work of art.

"He did an extraordinary job and really captured my thoughts of what I wanted to do," Brock said.

The Jeep was finished in the summer of 2015. Brock added outside speakers and flags, and debuted the Jeep at Walla Walla's Veterans Day Parade.

Local veterans who have ridden on the parade trailer include: Ernie Schrader, Jim Hilton, Dave Hilton, Bob Radke, Jacob Radke, Bobby Radke, Dr. Jim Duncan, Rod Baker, Jenny Wade, Jack McCaw, Bill Hinchliffe, Ed Stonecipher, and Ivan Keve.

"It's been really rewarding for me. Many veterans have never been in a parade or even gotten a thank you. A man who was riding in the Jeep in the last parade we did said it was an incredible experience. When you look down and see little kids holding signs that say 'Thank You, Veterans,' that's what it's all about," Brock said.

"It's worked out well and I'm really enjoying the feedback from the people and veterans. People will often stop to give a hug. It's kind of a healing thing. I like that," he added.

Brock has decided to take the concept even further by traveling through Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota, on his way to Washington D.C. Brock said he'll be driving alone – except for portions of the ride where veterans will join him – but he's looking forward to the adventure.

"It's a fun way to see the country. I'm going to do it, and this little Jeep is going to take me," Brock said.

Brock plans to visit VA hospitals, VFW halls and AMVET organizations all along the way. He also hopes to bring attention to veteran support organizations, such as Wounded Warriors and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Brock said he will also be adding a "thin blue line" flag to the back of the Jeep in honor police.

"I have a lot of admirations for those folks. Many of them pull double duty, serving in the military, then putting on a police uniform to serve the country again. I give them a double handshake when I see them. It means a lot to me to be able to give positive recognition," Brock said.

"I know the country has a lot of problems, but we're not going to fix them by putting our head in the sand. This is not the first thing I've done alone and I'm happy and proud to be able to do it. Our mission is to thank as many veterans across this great land as we can – one day, one mile at a time. God Bless America!" he said.