Motorists in Crossville probably notice a man walking on the side of the road holding a pole with a large American flag attached to it.

Some know this man but others are not familiar with who he is or what his mission is by walking.

He is Tim French and his walks are in memory of soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defending our freedom.

French is originally from Crawfordville, Indiana. He moved to Crossville nearly 25 years ago and has called it home ever since.

French served in the United States Navy actively from 1980 to 1984 then from 1984 to 1986 in the reserves. Tim was an aviation ordnanceman petty officer 3^rd class and served on the USS Carl Vinson.

Tim’s family also has deep ties with the U.S. military. His dad and three uncles served in World War II, one uncle in Korea and two grandsons in the Army National Guard.

In 1994, his health took a bad turn when doctors found an inoperable brain tumor and a brain aneurysm. I had brain surgery for the aneurysm the same year. Tim also is battling glaucoma and he does not have a right carotid artery.

But even all of this would not stop him from showing his love for the military and those who served. The stats of what he has done so far indicates that.

As of yesterday (November 4, 2019), Tim has walked a grand total of just over 750 miles. He has logged nearly 25 miles as of yesterday for this month alone. He has embarked on 92 walks in honor of fallen soldiers and even as I write this story, he is out walking now in honor of another soldier.

Impressive giving the fact Tim’s first walk in honor of a fallen soldier was just 7 months ago!

So why does Tim walk?

“It’s to honor soldiers who died and let their families know their sacrifice has not been forgotten,’ French told 105.7 News today. “It is to also show the younger generation the heavy price we have paid for our freedom.”

Tim walks in hot and cold temperatures. In the summer, he prefers to walk in the mornings and in the winter, he waits until the temperature is at least 40 degrees or higher. “I try not to walk in the rain because I do not want the flag to get wet.”

“Walking with the American flag and dedicating my walks to honor a fallen soldier has provided me with a mission……. a task to ensure that the memories of our fallen will always be remembered and talked about. It is all about keeping the memories alive.”

How does Tim decide who to walk for?

“A lot of them are requested walks from families of fallen soldiers. Otherwise, I just pick someone who I have not walked for yet.”

Tim’s walk today (Monday, November 4, 2019) was dedicated in honor of Army Corporal Teddy Thomas Szidlowski who was killed on September 10, 1944 in France during World War II. The walk was requested by his niece.

So how can you help Tim in his missions?

HONK!

“When motorists honk when they see me and give me thumbs up or simply say thank you, it is a great motivator for me to press on with the mission,” said French.

Citizens are also welcome to walk with Tim. To arrange that, simply call Tim at (931) 210-7436 or send him a message on Facebook. The following link will take you direct to Tim’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/tim.french.507