First Capital Ruck 22 to hold event in support of veterans

CHILLICOTHE— Every day 22 veterans commit suicide.

These men and women who put their lives on the line for our country are often unable to get the resources they need once they are back home. Organizations like First Capital Ruck 22 are trying to lower that number by supporting local veterans in need.

"Our local Army unit has lost at a rate of two to one," said Ed Kirker from First Capital Ruck 22. "Twice as many at home to suicide as they did to combat in Afghanistan."

First Capital Ruck 22 will be holding its first Ruck 22 event in Yoctangee Park on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. to raise money for organizations that directly help veterans and their families. The events includes a 22 km march, two 5K marches and a 22-step reflection walk that will feature important facts about veterans who commit suicide. Participants in these marches have the option to carry a rucksack weighing 22 pounds to help better understand what military members go through.

To end the event at 6 p.m. country music recording artist Ryan Daniel will be performing. As a veteran, Daniel knows how important having support is, which is why he is taking a break from his tour to perform in Chillicothe and help raise money.

Many organizations will be present including the Chillicothe VA, the Army Reserves, Burn Pit 360 and Dress Right. The VA will be handing out gun locks and literature to help people better understand what veterans face when coming home and how they can help.

"We are just trying to raise awareness and do a good thing," said Kirker.

Tickets for the event are available online or in person for $22 with all the money raised going to help those who served. To learn more about First Capital Ruck 22 visit them on Facebook.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: First Capital Ruck 22 to hold event in support of veterans