2.2 miles, in 22 states, in 22 days, a walk to end suicides among veterans
DOVER, Del. – To bring awareness to suicide among veterans dozens of people gathered on the steps of the legislative hall to do just that.
2.2 miles, in 22 states, in 22 days Organizations and community members are walking to bring awareness to the 22 veteran suicides that happen daily in the U.S. veterans are suffering every day, veteran suicide has become an epidemic and it doesn’t get enough attention.,” says John Ring founder of walkforvets.org.
Ring says he has a mission of addressing mental health and addictions among veterans and ending veteran suicides. “The walk is a tool to bring people together bring organizations advocates veterans together because when we work together we’re stronger together,” says Ring. He adds, “I don’t care if you’re in uniform I know you were taught to be tough but if you’re having problems reach out to somebody.”
During their 22-day tour, the organization is stopping in 22 different capitals. Saturday, Dover was checked off of their list. “It’s been phenomenal here, they feel the military love and support that we have here in Delaware,” says Bernadette Meehl, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, and walk participant.
Meehl tells us, she’s had her struggles, and after retiring and working to become a massage therapist, she saw how important it was to bring awareness to the trauma veterans have endured. “I join them because after I retired I went to school for massage therapy and I know how much massage therapy can help veterans with their health issues, with PTSD and PTSD from military sexual trauma, anxiety depression, chronic pain insomnia,” says Meehl.
Veterans at the walk tell us this mission is personal and they’ve had their struggles with depression, and even losing their sense of purpose. “I’ve lost some brothers so I wanted to honor them and I also wanted to help honor all of her brothers and sisters to know that they’re not alone,” says Meehl.
Walk participants say just taking the first step to reach out can be the start to a life-changing journey. “If you’re struggling, reach out to their family and the families left behind are our families, you’re not in your struggles alone,” says Meehl. Ring adds, “Just go out and bring people together strengthen the community and let’s help as many veterans as possible.”
Tomorrow the organization is headed to Virginia for their next walk.
If you are a veteran or know one in need of help, call the veteran’s crisis line at 1-8000-273-8255 or text the veteran’s crisis text line at 838255.
Delaware Resources:
Kent County
DE Guidance Services: 302-678-3020
VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator: 302-354-7052
Sussex county
Mobile Crisis Southern DE Hotline: 1-800-345-6785
Other resources:
National Call center Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838
