Thirty veterans and first responders kayaked 22 miles across the Long Island Sound Friday, traveling from Connecticut to Port Jefferson as part of the annual “22 PTSD Awareness Challenge.”
The event raises awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and veteran suicide while honoring those who have lost their lives.
Michael Kilano, a veteran who took part in the challenge, said he understands the importance of having support.
“We’re losing people daily, right? I was almost a victim before I found Paws of War to help get me back on the feet,” Kilano said.
The 22-mile distance represents a commonly cited statistic about veteran suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that an estimated 22 veterans died by suicide each day in 2010 and 2011, based on data available at the time.
For Jimmy Lavoie, of Patchogue, the journey was about turning that statistic into a call for action.
“You’re in the middle of the Sound, but then you are wondering, what am I doing? But then you realize you’re doing it to raise awareness. Everyone knows someone,” Lavoie said.
After arriving in Port Jefferson, participants gathered on the beach for a moment of silence, remembering veterans who died by suicide and those who continue to struggle with PTSD and other challenges.
Veteran Michael Sweeney said talking about mental health can be difficult for those who have served, but reaching out for help can make a difference.
“A lot of my brothers, sisters, they don’t talk about it. They are embarrassed, and that’s a problem,” Sweeney said. “I talked about it myself, and that’s how I got the help. And today I’m better for it.”
Organizers say the challenge is meant to remind veterans and first responders that they do not have to face those battles alone.
Resources for veterans and their families
https://www.pawsofwar.org/ Paws of War — Provides assistance and support to veterans, active-duty military members and their families.