LAS VEGAS -- On Wednesday, ESPN Radio 1100 led an eight-mile walk to raise awareness and money for the troops overseas.

It started as one DJ's idea when he became tired of hearing how some troops are treated when they returned.

He received some help from some real heavyweights when former heavyweight champs Mike Tyson and John Ruiz put on their walking shoes.

People from ESPN radio, other professional athletes and valley veterans are hoping to raise funds for veterans' expenses like utility and rent.

“They need us. Some of them get injured and can no longer work. They just can't afford it, and they need people like us to support them and their families,” said ESPN Radio 1100 and walk organizer Seat Williams.

“Gotta' give back to the troops. Gotta' lotta' friends that have served, friends in Iraq,” said extreme fighter Tyson Griffin.

“It's something we have to get behind and make sure after they are done with their military service that they’re taken care of,” said boxer John Ruiz.

The walk started at City Hall and ended at Nellis Air Force base with some important stops along the way.

The first stop was at the Woodlawn Cemetery, the gravesite of two Civil War soldiers, one from the north, the other from the south.

There the group left a wreath to remember fallen soldiers and to remember whatever differences people have about the war, there's at least one thing everyone should support.

“A lot of people don't agree with the war, but as long as we're over there, we need to support our people that are there,” said Mike Tyson.

“Someone needed to make a statement and get the attention of the public. The vets say this will really help those who need it most, the reserves,” Williams said.

“A lot of them are leaving good paying jobs to go into the military. That's a big pay cut,” said Vietnam veteran James Dorsey.

“They drill once a month on the weekend and, all of a sudden, they're packed up, mobilized and then they're in a combat zone,” said Bruce Hollinger of the VFW.