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Veterans groups hold ruck march and 32-mile run to raise suicide awareness; city offers park sites
Summary
Veterans groups described upcoming ruck march July 4, a planned Sept. 11 5K fundraiser, and reported success of a 32-mile "Hope and Honor" run to raise veteran suicide awareness; the committee discussed locations, safety, and ongoing peer-support meetings.
Local veterans and peer-support groups outlined a series of public events to raise awareness of veteran suicide and to build community support, including a ruck march July 4, a planned Sept. 11 5K fundraiser, and a recently completed 32-mile Hope and Honor run.
A peer-service coordinator, Randy, described the June long-distance run as both a personal challenge and a public awareness effort. “It does bring the conversation to the table. It is okay to ask for help,” Randy said, and explained a chain he wore during the run: “The chain had 19 links. 17 of those links represent the veterans that die by suicide every day. The 2 extra links are the 2 most recent…suicide deaths that we experienced here in our community.”
Randy said the Hope and Honor Run attracted community support, including participants from Border Patrol and local first responders, and that organizers will hold a peer-support meeting June 28 at the main public library (Colton and McPherson) at 12:30 p.m.; Pedro Villareal, a VA suicide-prevention coordinator, is scheduled to present.
Veterans-group representatives reminded attendees about safety during July 4 festivities and encouraged supervision of children, caution about fireworks, and avoidance of firearms. A Marine Corps League representative urged caution around fires and drinking during the holiday and emphasized child supervision.
Councilwoman Vanessa Perez offered to help identify trail and park locations for the Sept. 11 5K, suggesting Father McNabbel Park and the city’s hike-and-bike riverbank trails as possible sites and noting those locations have parking and are easier to manage than a public roadway. Organizers said they were also considering Shiloh Trails but that site requires additional coordination.
Discussion only: event logistics, safety planning, and site selection. Direction: Councilwoman Perez and committee members offered to coordinate site visits and local resources; organizers will follow up with specific dates and permits. Decision: no formal permits or city approvals were recorded during the meeting.
