The American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden is holding a 2.2 Mile Ruck Walk to help raise money and community awareness of the 22 veteran and active duty suicides happening per day due to PTS. Two WWII vets will be celebrating their 100th and 101st birthdays the weekend of the event and will be leading the 2.2 Ruck Walk!
A traditional military ceremony will include the presentation of colors, flag folding ceremony, and musical tributes to the armed forces. Along with the JROTC “Walt to Win” (1st Prize $750), Beer and food vendors, silent auction and so much more!
Over the past 5 years, over $300 thousand has been raised and as a result, 8,000 veterans and 1st responders were referred to non-profit partners. The money raised will be distributed to organizations that provide help and hope to our active duty and veterans.
This year’s event features the former Sec of VA, Peter O’Rourke, as our guest speaker. A memorial service will be held for those who have lost hope and their lives and a flag will be presented to the fiancé of 1st LT Evan Fitzgibbon who was recently killed in a training accident during his last week of Ranger school.
For more info and a schedule of events, visit www.challenge22walk.com
The Challenge 22 event is just one of the vehicles used to create awareness and raise money for this important cause.
PROJECT VetRelief provides assistance to active duty, our veterans, and their families in the form of funds (Emergency Assistance), experience (Benefits Support) and encouragement (Community).
SOF Missions is a non-profit organization that empowers warriors to find their purpose, be resilient and live well. They develop personalized care plans for veterans and walk with them through 365 days worth of care: psychological, social, spiritual, and physical.