Events and Activities : Operation 23 to Zero: Ruck planned to raise awareness of veteran suicide issue, June 3

ByToni Parizek, Benton County Veterans Affairs Office

The Benton County Veteran's Affairs office is partnering with the organization Operation: 23 to Zero to raise awareness about Veteran's Suicide.

The event is a Ruck March around Vinton.

A Ruck March is the military's equivalent of going on a hike with a heavy pack on your back, but don't worry, a ruck is not required!

Current statistics show that 22 Veterans and one Active Duty Service Member commits suicide per day. This event will not only raise awareness about how widespread this issue is but also provide resources for Veteran's and their friends and family on how to help someone who may be thinking of suicide.

We are also fortunate enough to have the Cedar Rapids Mobile Vet Center in Attendance as well that day, it is a great resource for a wide range of Veteran's Services.

The event will begin at Veteran's Memorial Park (near the Rec Center) in Vinton at 10am on June 3, 2017. The Ruck March will begin shortly after a brief introduction by Benton County Veteran's Affairs Director, Toni Parizek.