Military veteran's painful walk across airport tarmac sparks strangers to raise over $135K

Passenger Lacinda Thackeray said she filmed the worker after noticing he appeared to be in significant pain while performing his duties.

"Watching him work so hard - he could barely move - truly broke my heart," Thackeray said.

"I know there has to be a way we can help him retire."

Years of physically demanding work have taken a toll on his body, particularly his knees, Blair told CBS News.

Despite the chronic pain, he continued working while also helping care for his 90-year-old mother, who is receiving hospice care.

The fundraiser has since surpassed $135,000 toward a goal of $200,000.

Blair said the donations have been life-changing for him and will help ease some of the financial burden associated with his medical challenges.

Several commenters described him as a hardworking employee who had spent years putting others before himself.

"That's my coworker James," one user wrote. "I have been working alongside him for five years now and talking to him is the best part of my shift."

"Our vets deserve so much better," one user wrote.