My name is Zeke Meddock, and I was raised in the Texas Panhandle. Like many, my journey is deeply rooted in family—particularly in the bond I shared with my brother, Cameron. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, became a Ranger, and eventually served in the 2nd Battalion. In January 2019, he was killed in action in Afghanistan. His death was a profound and life-altering loss. In the aftermath, the only anchors that kept me grounded were my faith, my work, and time spent in the shop.

Before Cameron's passing, he and I had talked about hiking the Appalachian Trail together. I also shared with him my growing sense of calling to serve in the Army—something that had been stirring in me for years. After losing him, I knew I needed time to grieve and process before making such a commitment.

During that season of mourning, I received a message from Micah Faustin. He reached out in support, and as we spoke, we discovered we both shared the dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. We began planning to make the journey together. However, those plans were put on hold when Micah’s brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He understandably needed to remain home to support his family. I knew all too well what that kind of loss felt like, and I supported his decision fully.

Still, the call to serve never faded. With the encouragement of my church community and my brother’s fellow soldiers, I eventually made the decision to enlist. Around the same time, Micah was able to fulfill our shared dream and completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I was proud of him, even though my own path—at that moment—belonged to Uncle Sam.

I served four and a half years as an infantryman in the U.S. Army—an experience I would not trade for anything. The friendships, the challenges, and the personal growth shaped me profoundly. What meant the most, though, was being stationed near the base where my brother had served. It allowed me to spend valuable time with his daughter and watch her grow—an opportunity for which I will always be grateful.

In May 2023, I sustained several leg injuries that required surgery and led to a lengthy recovery process. It has taken time, but I’m finally returning to the things that bring me life. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is still a dream I feel called to pursue. Injuries or not, I’m going for it—because I know I would regret it if I didn’t.

My passion for blacksmithing and knife-making is a legacy passed down from my grandfather, a certified bladesmith with the American Bladesmith Society. While I was in college, I spent holidays and weekends learning from him—crafting knives, working on firearms, and developing skills in the shop.

After college, I began working full-time as a diesel mechanic with CaseIH. Yet every weekend, I returned to the forge to work alongside my grandfather. What began as a personal hobby—creating blades for myself and my family—quickly evolved when Cameron asked me to craft combat knives for him. He carried them in the field, shared them with his teammates, and encouraged me constantly. Through his belief in my work, I began crafting blades for others in his unit, and what began as a quiet craft grew into a meaningful endeavor.

This is the short version of my story, a story shaped by loss, faith, and brotherhood. It’s the foundation of my connection with Micah and the path I continue to walk today. Life has not unfolded the way I once envisioned, but I’m still standing, still chasing the trail, and still striving to honor the legacy my brother left behind.