One man — armed with nothing but a pressurized can of paint — criss-crosses the country to lift up those who've experienced tragedy. Ohio native David Graham, better known as Cowboy Dave, follows disasters wherever they may strike. Graham travels light and spends most of his time painting messages of love and hope and making sure locals see a smiling face. "Just find debris that is flat that can be spray painted, put a heart on it," Graham said. "I go through $150 of spray paint every disaster I do. It's awesome, I love it."Sleeping in his truck, he's been questioned as a suspected looter, thief or even a drug dealer. But it doesn't take long for him to prove he's just here to help."The first question is, 'Who are you?' Then they say, 'Why do you do this?' and I say, 'Because you're worth it,'" Graham said. "I got time, I got the financial ability, I've got the support of my family and I've got a heart." » MORE THIS IS IOWA: Visit the This Is Iowa page on vlog's website and follow the series on FacebookOn a Greenfield corner earlier this month he spent the day painting messages of hope and cheering on the seemingly endless parade of workers driving by his corner.Graham started his nonprofit, Hearts Hurt, after the Dawson Springs, Kentucky, tornado in 2021. He has volunteered at similar disasters over the last 20 years. He encourages people to stop by for therapeutic chats. "Doesn't take no money, doesn't take no time. It just has to be serious and they can sense it," Graham said.Many people in Greenfield need help. Some need extra hands, others need money. But whether it's conversation on the corner, or a friendly wave, everyone needs to know that someone cares. And sometimes all someone needs is a can of paint.More from the June 27, 2024, This Is Iowa episode:This Is Iowa: Perry students turn tragedy of school shooting into lesson of love, support and serviceThis Is Iowa: Greenfield rallies together, showing the 'power of people' after deadly tornadoThis is Iowa: Perry teachers training dogs to be permanent therapy dogs in the district
