. >> reporter: for ric ryan it began with a quest, walking every day.oping to escape the demons of vietnam. >> are you the walker? >> i'm the walking man of murphy. >> reporter: in murphy, california, people began to notice. their attention first surprise then inspired him. >> what is going on? >> same old same, walking for the vets. >> reporter: each time someone waves ryan would wave back and donate 25 cents to a u.c.l.a. program called operation men. for soldiers disfigured by war. ric's wife joanne. >> a quarter at a time. and it's something that is helping him mentally and physically and emotionally. >> hey, how are you doing? >> good. this is our man, this is our hero. >> soon residents offered more, than moral support. >> it nice to finally meet you in person. >> nice meeting you, young lady, don't mind the glove. thank you for the donation. >> you're welcome. >> reporter: they opened their wallets as well. >> i just thought it was really cool what he's doing it is simple act of kindness. >> auto shop owner jeff german. >> then you come to find o