SOLON — When our nation called, they answered. Volunteers or draftees, men and women; they raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It is said in doing so they write a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life. When they came back from war, some bore physical scars, others returned with mental scars.
Some, unable to cope with civilian life, and tormented by the horrors of combat and the loss of comrades, turn to suicide.
Statistics tell us 22 veterans take their own life every day. Some veterans service organizations feel such deaths are under-reported. Regardless, be it one, 22, or more, every such death is preventable; and groups such as Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience (IVOE) are working to bring that statistic down to zero.
About IVOE
IVOE, based in Solon, is a non-profit volunteer organization made up of veterans and people who care about vets. IVOE sponsors fishing and hunting trips exclusively for veterans with the mission statement to provide opportunities for all veterans to enjoy Iowa’s great outdoors. The group has also hosted retreats exclusively for female veterans recovering from harassment and sexual assault while in the military.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, IVOE will host a unique event, for the general public, to raise awareness of the issue of veteran suicide and funds to enable IVOE to help more vets.
Ruck for vets
In the military a “ruck” is the backpack personal equipment and supplies are carried in while marching. “Ruck” is also a term synonymous with military personnel marching for some distance and has become a popular way for fitness buffs to challenge themselves by going on long hikes while carrying a heavy load. When Doug “Doc” Thompson “rucked” as a Navy corpsman attached to the Marine Corps’ Fleet Marine Force as a combat medic in Vietnam, he carried the same 50-pound load the Marines did plus an additional 40 pounds of medical supplies.
Thompson is spearheading the ruck with an eye toward making it accessible to as many as possible.
Originally Thompson strategized rucking 22 miles wearing a 22-pound vest on his own while seeking pledges of $1/mile. He has since revised his plan to a 2.2-mile “ruck” through the streets of Solon with the option of wearing a 22-pound rucksack or weighted vest.
“It’s for anyone who wants to try a two-mile walk and any walkers or runners who want a challenge,” said Thompson. “We’ll set a pace most can handle.”
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and Thompson wanted to hold the event as close to the 22nd as possible as a symbol of the 22 vets per day statistic.
The event will depart the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 in downtown Solon at 10:00 a.m. and will end there as well. A registration fee of $22 will be collected the day of the event, and participants are encouraged to ask friends, family, co-workers, etc. to sponsor them.
“Fundraising is 100% of IVOE’s funding,” Thompson pointed out. Veterans put up a deposit ahead of a camping trip, fishing trip, etc. however they get it back the day of the event, he noted as IVOE covers all costs. IVOE also receives help from businesses such as Scheels in Coralville, who recently provided the organization with a $400 gift card.
Helping vets in crisis and making a difference
To date Thompson said he knows of 14 veterans who have told him or other IVOE staff they had seriously considered suicide but changed their thinking after participating in an IVOE event. “One was literally about to do it,” Thompson recalled. The veteran was sitting in his truck, ready to pull the trigger, but decided to go on a bow hunt IVOE was hosting. “He realized he wasn’t alone,” Thompson said, “And he’s still alive today.”
Thompson, the chaplain for the Legion Post, urges veterans to enroll in therapy through the Veterans Administration (VA) or to seek other therapists. While therapy can’t take away memories and feelings, it empowers a veteran to cope. “You’ll still be broken, but it won’t control you.” Many view seeing a therapist as being weak. “But that’s wrong,” he said, “It takes a lot of courage to go see a therapist.”
Ruck 22 with IVOE details
What – 2.2-mile ruck march through Solon
When – Saturday, Sept. 23
Where – Starts and ends at Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460
When – The ruck leaves the Legion Post at 10:00 a.m.
Cost — $22 registration fee the day of the march
Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience
Phone – 319-631-0334
Email – [email protected]
Website – https://iowaveteransoutdoorexperience.com