Apple Pie, stars and stripes, and the Bald Eagle are all symbols that are synonymous with the America. But John O’Brien actually might be more “American” than all of those combined.

He chain smokes Marlboro’s, drinks Budweiser, cracks wise at every opportunity, doesn’t take handouts, plays and sings country music on his guitar and served two tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. He also has the determined spirit of America’s forefathers, which is on full display in his current “mission” which is to walk and ride his way back home to Estes Park, Colo. from his starting point in Morgantown, W.Va.

“My whole goal is to get home to Colorado,” O’Brien said. “I did two tours in Vietnam so nothing scares me (on why he chose to walk and ride with strangers to get home) and the bus is too boring.”