22 mile walk brings awareness to U.S. veterans suicide rate; 22 every day

WINCEHSTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – A group of a little over a dozen people walked 22 miles on Memorial Day to bring awareness to the U.S.’s veteran suicide rate.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 22 veterans die from suicide every day.

The walk is annual for some in the group, like one of the organizers Benjamin Joynt, but it welcomes anyone who wants to join.

This year about 16 people including some kids took part in the 10 hour journey from Richmond to Winchester, most carrying around 22 pounds on their back as well.

All in an effort to show the seriousness of the suicide rate.

“22 miles is no joke,” Arline Litchfield said.

Cars driving by honking in support along the way.

“That’s just three people that I personally know that have taken their own lives, three people that I’ve served with. Everybody out here knows somebody that has taken their own life and it’s something that we’re out here trying to change,” Joynt said.

The walk also is an effort to end the stigma around military and mental health.

“Veterans need your help and your friends need your help. Suicide doesn’t just effect veterans of course. I mean, that’s the specific community we’re bringing attention to, but that’s something everyone can struggle with, especially during covid-19 this last year,” Litchfield said.

The group got a warm welcome from friends and family at the finish line at VFW post 2728.

“If it would save one person’s life, when we got to the finish line we’d turn around and walk back,” Joynt said.

If you want to support the group, it is also raising money for the VFW and the Kentucky Veterans Club, click here to see its Go Fund Me.