WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) — On Memorial Day, a group gathered to ruck march 22 miles with 22-pound rucks, to bring awareness to veteran suicide.
The march started at White Hall in Richmond and ended at VFW Post-2728 in Winchester.
Justin Williamson, a co-founder of the veteran’s march, said the 22 miles was in honor of the 22 veterans who commit suicide in the country every day.
Williamson and his partner, Arline Litchfield, started the annual march seven years ago.
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On Monday, 18 people total marched and it was a mix of active duty, reserves, and retired soldiers, as well as civilians who believe in doing something to stop veterans from losing hope.
“So when we started this, it was literally just me and Ben and Bill just chilling and talking about things. And suicide is a terrible issue and it often hits close to home and we knew we had to do something about it. We didn’t know what that something was, and that’s what this became,” Williamson said.
Many in the march could relate to the cause, including co-founder Arline Litchfield.
“I struggle with suicide,” Litchfield. “I know a lot of people who have just in the last year alone, I’ve lost two fellow service members to suicide, both from the Kentucky Guard and the Minnesota Guard, which is where I used to serve. So I’m thinking about them today while I do this and thinking about myself. and I’m thinking about a lot of the people who are still here, who have survived suicide because they won that battle that they had back.”
The march took over 10 hours to complete, including the few times the group had to stop to give their blistered feet a break and to hydrate.
Williamson and Litchfield have set up a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $10-thousand dollars.
“The proceeds go to veterans’ service organizations. We don’t keep any of it,” Williamson said. “We give to the veteran’s crisis line. We give to the veterans club of Kentucky who builds homes and takes care of physical issues. So we’re trying to attack this from all sides.”
To donate, click here: Fundraiser by Justin Williamson: Veterans Suicide Awareness March (gofundme.com)