Imagine walking 2,200 miles with 60 pounds on your back.
One man is doing just that — all for an important cause.
“There is a lack of education on what veterans go through.”
His name is Ernesto Rodriguez. He started his trip in Clarksville, Tennessee on November 11 — Veterans Day — and plans to trek all the way to Los Angeles.
He says many are unaware our men and women in uniform are suffering every day.
“There’s many people that I’ve actually spoken to that didn’t know the statistic that 22 veterans have committed suicide a day.”
And this veteran is no stranger to PTSD. He served four tours and lost comrades — but that doesn’t stop him fighting for his cause.
“We should wear it as a badge of honor. We got that PTSD because we served our country, and I believe now it’s time for our country to serve us. The VA and government is overwhelmed with how many people need help, so I think people need to look in before they blame out.”
Rodriguez is using social media to carry him through his long walk. He’s using the hashtag #ForThe22 because 22 veterans die in the United States each day because of PTSD.
Rodriguez is carrying plenty of company on his broad shoulders.
“Things that I hear is, ‘Thank you,’ ‘This needs more attention,’ ‘I lost my soldier to suicide,’ ‘I lost my soldier,’ or ‘I left my soldier because I couldn’t handle his PTSD.’ ‘Thank you for bringing awareness.’ ‘We need to find a better way.’”
So, with 60 pounds on his back and an American flag waving behind him, Rodriguez has one message:
“What can you do to help a veteran? What can you do to change the status quo of this 22 veterans’ suicide?”
Rodriguez will be arriving in Abilene within the next couple of days. So, keep your eye out for that flag!
