Epic Vets Challenges Community to Ruck 17.7 Miles for Veteran Suicide Prevention
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 train...
