What's Happening?
Epic Vets, a local nonprofit organization, is challenging the community to walk, run, or ruck 17.7 miles throughout November to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention. Rucking, a military training
exercise, involves walking with a weighted backpack. The 17.7 miles symbolize the average number of veterans who die by suicide daily in 2024, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data. Epic Vets founder Ronnie Ordaz and Dane Hollis, both veterans, highlight the difficulties veterans face transitioning out of military service, including the loss of close unit camaraderie. The organization aims to foster communities where veterans feel included and can openly discuss mental health, moving beyond just crisis intervention. They encourage everyone, not just veterans, to participate in the challenge to broaden the conversation about veteran mental health within communities. Beyond this November initiative, Epic Vets organizes shared experiences and adventures for veterans, such as a Muay Thai training program in Thailand and a skydiving experience for three veterans, including one with quadriplegia. The nonprofit is also working to raise $5,000 to fund future veteran experiences and community events.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by Epic Vets is crucial for addressing the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide in the United States. By engaging the broader community in a physical challenge like rucking, the nonprofit not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards veteran well-being. The focus on community building and open dialogue about mental health is vital, as it tackles the isolation and stigma often associated with post-service struggles. The 17.7-mile target, directly linked to the daily average of veteran suicides, provides a stark and tangible representation of the issue's severity, urging greater public attention and support. Furthermore, Epic Vets' broader mission of creating shared experiences and adventures helps veterans rebuild camaraderie and find new purpose, which are critical components of successful reintegration and mental health stability. The fundraising efforts will directly support these programs, offering tangible benefits to veterans facing financial hardships, homelessness, or food insecurity, thereby strengthening the safety net for those who have served.
What's Next?
Epic Vets will continue its 17.7-mile challenge throughout November, with upcoming group events like a run scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11, at Zócalo Food Park in Milwaukee, in collaboration with Buena Tierra Run Club. The organization will also persist in its fundraising efforts to reach its $5,000 goal, which will directly fund future adventures and community events for veterans. These funds are essential for expanding their reach and impact, allowing them to offer more transformative experiences. Beyond the November challenge, Epic Vets plans to continue its core mission of building connections among veterans through shared experiences, mimicking the camaraderie found in military service. This includes organizing more 'epic adventures' globally and hosting local community events. The ongoing emphasis will be on creating supportive environments where veterans feel comfortable discussing their mental health and building lasting relationships. The nonprofit also encourages individuals to regularly check in with veterans in their lives and promote mental health conversations.
Beyond the Headlines
The Epic Vets initiative highlights a deeper societal need to re-evaluate how communities support veterans beyond immediate crisis intervention. By emphasizing shared experiences and community building, the program addresses the profound sense of loss and isolation many veterans face after leaving military service. This approach recognizes that mental well-being is not solely about treating illness but also about fostering belonging, purpose, and connection. The use of 'rucking' as a central activity also subtly reclaims a military practice, transforming it into a civilian act of solidarity and remembrance, thereby bridging the civilian-military divide. This effort could inspire other communities and organizations to adopt similar proactive, community-centric models for veteran support, shifting the paradigm from reactive care to preventative well-being. The long-term implication is a potential cultural shift where veteran mental health is seen as a collective community responsibility, leading to more integrated and sustainable support systems that address the root causes of distress rather than just the symptoms.
