Estimates vary but it is generally considered that at least 22 veterans per day end their life by committing suicide. This year, for reasons not fully understood, and based on differing metrics, the number has increased to an estimated average of 44.
This Saturday, the third annual Ruck 22 event, a 2.2-mile “ruck” (march) through Solon will seek to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
Solon based Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience (IVOE) is sponsoring the hike with 100% of the proceeds and donations going to fund the all-volunteer organization’s annual outings for veterans.
Registration is $22 and begins at 8:00 a.m. at Lakeview Elementary School. T-shirts, printed by SYNcere Printing, LLC will also be available for $22. Participants are encouraged to carry 22 lbs. either via a weighted vest or backpack to symbolize the 22 veterans per day.
The ruck leaves Lakeview at 9:30 a.m. and will end at the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance, near the Solon Veterans Memorial, in Legion Park.
“We’ve saved 19 veterans, who have told us if it weren’t for IVOE, they were going to kill themselves,” said Thompson. “I understand what these people go through. It’s a dark hole and it seems right, it seems like the correct answer.”
Help is available 24/7/365 by contacting the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net.