Suicide Awareness Ruck March in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The second annual Suicide Awareness Ruck March will take place Monday, August 3 at 7 a.m. in South Bend to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. The event will start at the U.S. Army Reserve Center on E. Rose St. and end at Notre Dame Stadium.

The event is being sponsored by Teacher's Credit Union in support of veterans who have suffered injuries during military service.

The march itself is a 22 kilometer, or 13.7 mile, walk with military members dressing in "boots and utes" exercise uniforms and carrying small rucksacks.

According to officials, the distance of the walk represents the 22 suicides per day among veterans and service members.

“The suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times the rate for non-veteran adults. The Wounded Warrior Project is truly saving lives by making vets feel more comfortable addressing the physical, mental and emotional challenges that many face long after their service,” said Stephany Leonard, TCU Valparaiso Service Center Manager.

Leonard has personal experience with this type of loss, losing her veteran husband to suicide.

Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project can be made at their website.