During the month of June, which is recognized as PTSD Awareness Month, a group of 11 veterans embarked on a remarkable journey to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These brave men and women walked a total of 100 miles over the course of five days, starting their trek in Kittery, Maine, and ending up in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The goal of the PTSD Century Hike was to shed light on the critical issue that many military veterans face upon returning home from service.
PTSD is a well-known condition that affects combat veterans who have experienced trauma during their time in the military. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, approximately seven out of every 100 veterans will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. The toll that PTSD takes on the mental health and well-being of those who struggle with it cannot be understated, which is why initiatives like the PTSD Century Hike are so important in raising awareness and providing support to those in need.
One of the veterans participating in the hike, John Schafer, spoke with Fox News Digital during the third day of the journey. Schafer, who served in the U.S. Marines for nine years and was deployed three times, shared his own struggles with PTSD after surviving multiple brain injuries in combat. Through his participation in the 2023 PTSD Century Hike, Schafer found support and strength through exercise, which ultimately changed his life for the better.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an organization based in Camp Pendleton, California, that provides financial assistance and support to wounded and injured service members, was the beneficiary of the fundraising efforts of the veterans on the PTSD Century Hike. Schafer emphasized the importance of organizations like Semper Fi & America’s Fund in helping veterans cope with the lasting effects of war and trauma.
The camaraderie and solidarity among the veterans on the hike were palpable, with Schafer noting the unspoken bond that exists among those who have shared similar experiences. He recounted how the group came together to assist victims of a car accident they witnessed during the hike, a testament to the compassion and selflessness of these individuals.
On the fourth day of the hike, the veterans were touched by a gesture of support from a responding police officer who tore a patch off his uniform for them to carry in memory of an officer who died by suicide in 2019. This poignant moment underscored the interconnectedness of those who have been impacted by trauma and loss.
As the veterans completed their 100-mile journey at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, they were met with a special finish-line ceremony hosted by the New England Patriots Foundation and New England Revolution Foundation. The culmination of their efforts was a reminder of the resilience and determination of these veterans in their mission to raise awareness about PTSD.
Looking ahead, Schafer expressed his hope that their efforts would positively impact at least one person, with the potential for a ripple effect that could be monumental. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, these veterans have not only raised awareness about PTSD but also fostered a sense of community and healing among those who have walked similar paths.
To learn more about the work of Semper Fi & America’s Fund and how you can support their mission, visit their website. The PTSD Century Hike serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues in our veteran community and providing the necessary resources and support for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
