Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes: A 22 Mile Walk with Veterans
Vet2Vet of Ulster County is going on another Walk and you can participate virtually starting Thursday, July 2, 2022 to support those that will walk on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from Highland NY to Kingston NY
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“Walk a Mile in My Shoes” represents a Veteran’s difficult struggles that lead to self-defeating thoughts. Many Veterans face a battle that can only be described as hard and painful. Through their struggles, abandonment and despair can carry them through a valley filled with substance usage and mental health challenges. These struggles can result in homelessness and suicide. The 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report stated, “Among U.S. adults, the average number of suicides per day rose from 86.6 in 2005 to 124.4 in 2017. These numbers included 15.9 Veteran suicides per day in 2005 and 16.8 in 2017.” Our walk has entered its third year with the mission to raise more awareness about the struggles and issues Veterans continue to face. With each step, we will continue that fight to help heal our service members.
Vet2Vet of Ulster County's third annual walk will cover over 22 miles beginning at Apple Greens Golf Course- Highland NY and ending at the Hudson Valley Nation Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR) located in Kingston NY. Our walk will be an estimated 8 hours. Each continued step and every minute signifies the ongoing battles that veterans face day-to-day.
WHY
Our military is trained to perform vital tasks under extreme conditions for the greater good of our country while being taught to deal with physical pain and emotional discomfort. They are trained to suck it up and not complain. They are trained to do whatever it takes to complete the mission. During their time in the military, the reality is, that this is sometimes necessary. Unfortunately, many carry this mindset into the civilian world. They alienate themselves, avoid help, and sometimes fall through the cracks not knowing that help is out there waiting for them.
HOW
By integrating non-clinical services and programs, veterans will be connected to resources such as The Veterans Administration (VA), Veteran Service Agency (VSA), and countless other programs that are specifically designed to help Veterans reintegrate into their communities. Whether that is by education, counseling, or comradery, the program tailors itself to the individual. Through direct interaction and peer-to-peer counseling techniques, the Vet2Vet of Ulster County program is designed to empower Veterans by reinforcing the same team-building skills they are familiar with within the military.
WHO
The Vet2Vet of Ulster County Program is a non-clinical program that is intended to provide services and build a bridge to community resources. Sometimes all someone needs are time around like-minded individuals. The time spent in the Vet2Vet of Ulster County program reminds them of who they are. Some require a bit more help and can discuss their concerns and issues with Veteran Peers within the program. Others require further assistance and may not know what they need. That is when the peers and volunteer staff can help assess the veteran’s situation and suggest resources that are available. We can’t fix everything or help everyone, but we are just one more tool available to the military community.
Participate Virtually
Participants will be able to join the Veterans that will be walking the 35.4 km (22 mi) distance on Sunday, October 16, 2022, virtually by inputting their progress on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Whether you begin on a trail or at a local gym, we encourage everyone to walk and feel united with our military service members. You can walk 5, 10, or 22 miles and track your progress then share it with friends and family.
Your journey will show our large military community that they are supported and someone is ready to walk with them in any struggle they may experience.
We invite everyone to join us in the afternoon on Sunday, July 24th. You can walk the last 3 miles with us in solidarity when we leave our last break at the Kingston NY VFW- Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 Veterans of Foreign Wars- 708 E Chester St, Kingston, NY 12401. Continue to follow us on Facebook as we share updates and introduce you to the Veterans Walking 22-miles that will raise awareness of the issues and struggles that our military community encounters.
Donors/Supporters
Community Sponsors/ Donors/ Supporters
Ulster County Law Enforcement Agencies:
Ulster County Sheriff Department, Town of Ulster County Police Department, Town of Lloyd Police Department, NY State Troopers, Town of Kingston Police Department
Ulster County Fire and Ambulance Corp:
Esopus Fire Department, Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Port Ewen Fire Department,
