American Legion 5th District Riders and Post 129 will present the fifth-annual Challenge 22 Walk at 9 a.m. March 22 at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion. Net proceeds will fund veteran suicide prevention programs and services in the beaches communities.
“Through Challenge 22, we’re not only raising funds to help prevent suicide among our veterans, but also to raise awareness about veteran suicide in our beaches communities,” said Post 129 Commander Jeff Durden. “A survey conducted by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs showed that roughly 22 veterans are dying by suicide each day in our country.”
Walkers can pre-register now at https://give.floridalegion.org/ch22jax. The cost is $22 per walker or $35 for registration and an event T-shirt or tank top.
Post 129 has 30 coalition partners and 13 strategic partners that receive funds to provide veteran prevention services in Northeast Florida.
For sponsorship information and a sponsor form, go to https://give.floridalegion.org/ch22jax or contact Legion Post 129 Treasurer Jim Wineland at Jim@iservedmycountry.org.
Post 129 has set a goal to raise $20,000 through the event, which will be distributed among suicide-prevention groups, treatment providers and nonprofits that help veterans in need of mental health assistance — including the American Legion Department of Florida’s Project VetRelief.
On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. March 22 at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, located at 75 First St. North. The 2.2-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. on the beach to Oceanfront Park and back, followed by a program and live music from the pavilion stage. Silent auctions, raffles and other activities are planned after the event from 4 to 8 p.m. at Legion Post 129 at 1151 S. 4th St. in Jacksonville Beach.
Challenge 22 is part of The 22 Project, which supports underserved war veterans who have traumatic brain injuries and are at risk for depression and/or suicide. In collaboration with physicians, therapists and health care workers, veterans receive advanced medical treatments including care and evaluation by highly trained, board-certified physicians at no cost to the veteran.
