SOLON — It is estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Locally, Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience (IVOE) works to prevent veterans in crisis from taking their own lives through hunting and fishing trips, and other events where they find support, camaraderie, and understanding.
IVOE is an all-volunteer group and all events are paid for through donations.
Saturday, Sept. 23, IVOE hosted a 2.2-mile “ruck (march/walk)” to draw attention to the issue of veteran suicide. Doug “Doc” Thompson, a U.S. Navy Corpsman (combat medic) who was assigned to the Marines during the Vietnam War, and Chaplain for American Legion Stinocher Post 460, organized the event, which drew 35 participants; some donning rucks (backpacks) with 22 pounds to symbolize the 22 vets lost daily.
For veterans Jason Rekers and Tim Bell, it was personal. Their comrade in arms and friend Dave Ashton committed suicide last year. Rekers carried a memorial rock in his ruck while Bell wore a T-shirt with Ashton’s nickname, “Creature.”
Through participant fees and donations IVOE raised nearly $3,000, which will go directly to providing services for veterans. IVOE staff note 14 veterans have stated they were on the verge of suicide, but after going on an IVOE outing, they changed their mind.
For more information on IVOE and how they serve veterans go to https://iowaveteransoutdoorexperience.com, call 319-631-0334, or email [email protected].
Several options are available for a veteran in crisis ranging from the Veterans Administration’s Veterans Crisis Line – dial 988 and press 1, to Cedar Rapids based Salute to the Fallen – 319-775-7353 (24/7 Crisis Line).
Veteran Jason Rekers carried this rock in his rucksack for Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience’s first 2.2-mile ruck walk Saturday, Sept. 23. The rock memorializes friend and fellow vet Dave “Creature” Ashton, who committed suicide last year. The event raised funds for IVOE to use to help vets while raising awareness of veteran suicide, which is estimated at 22 per day.