#FWD22

22 American Veterans commit suicide daily. Nearly one every hour. 6 o’clock news bleeds word of warriors taking their lives in record numbers. Has the message below the fold become so commonplace that we’ve stopped listening? Do we no longer care?

These are the men and women who volunteer to pack rucks, lace boots, lock, load and leave family to go God knows where for however long to fight our nation’s wars. They are owed.

Society fails to prepare our troops and their families for war, often fails to properly care for them during deployment, and fails to help successfully reintegrate them once they come home. After serving 10 years, two combat deployments, and 10 more years surfing and suffering the tidal bore of the VA, I have witnessed too many friends and former Soldiers lost to the aftermath of battle.

Post traumatic stress is legit. Politely mis-dubbed “the invisible wound,” some carry it better than others, but I dare you to look into the eyes of a combat Vet and not see spiritual scars, mental suffering, and pain.

22 American Veterans per day carry their burdens to untimely graves.

When we are sick with the flu or a physical disease, we seek a physician. The stigma associated with being mentally unwell can block many who need it from seeking professional help. Beyond that, the barriers of gaining access to a qualified provider, finding transportation, and a way to pay can be overwhelming. Even when one does finally reach “care,” it is not a one size fits all solution. My sick is not necessarily the same as your sick and should not be treated as such.

We need more, improved, and comprehensive mental health for the men and women who have served our Country. We need awareness.

The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation was born of a mothers love in the Pacific Northwest by an incredible woman with a deeply vested interest. The Foundation’s focus is PTSD awareness, education, healing retreats, and alternative therapies for Veterans in need. It serves as a beacon of light and goodness.

I plan to ruck march 22 miles per week with 22 pounds of weight on my back to honor the 22 daily victims who have succumbed to PTSD. I have logged 190 miles so far this year through the lush foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the beat of mostly Pearl Jam. If you are unable to pledge please feel free to share this with whoever you see fit.

https://www.permissiontostartdreamingfoundation.org

#FWD22