Ruck march held for PTSD, veteran suicide awareness

RALEIGH. (WTVD) -- A group of people spent Memorial Day walking 22 kilometers to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide.

People participating in the Hero Challenge Ruck March carry 22 kilos (48 pounds) while walking 22 kilometers (14 miles). The distance was chose to represent the 22 suicides every day among veterans and active duty service members.

Organizers say events like this are a simple way to show their continued support for fellow service members.

"It's kind of hard to wrap my mind around, so that's why a lot of us feel compelled to say we need to get out in front of this, we need to combat this," said event organizer Russell Walker, a veteran. "Our service in the military may be over, but our service to each other to help out those folks that do come back and suffer from those issues, we need to help them get on the right page."

Monday's event also helps raise money for 22 Kill which helps veterans through empowerment programs and support of local agencies that provide aid to veterans.