By Desiree Montilla
Posted: Mon 5:46 PM, May 06, 2019, Updated: Mon 7:18 PM, May 06, 2019

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — Members from Carry The Load, a nonprofit that focuses on honoring military heroes, are continuing their journey down the East Coast to pay tribute to fallen military heroes, veterans, and first responders.

The East Coast relay team made a stop in the parking lot of Kohl’s at Hollymead Town Center before walking down Route 29 and continue their journey to Dallas, Texas.

Michelle Stradling, a relay member, said her personal experience with her family motivated her to take on this journey.

“I’m actually the wife of an Arizona state trooper, so my connection is with the law enforcement side of it,” said Stradling.

Stradling said she’s traveling more than 11,000 miles to “carry the load” of stories from fallen heroes so they will always be remembered.

“We just want to make sure that they’re never forgotten and their names are always said and that we just keep remembering them along the way,” she said.

Before heading to Charlottesville, the team made a stop at the Culpeper National Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen heroes there.