Ruck With a Purpose

10/23/2026

🇺🇸 OCTOBER 22 — CHECK ON YOUR PEOPLE
Sometimes the Veteran who says, “I’m fine,” is carrying more than anyone realizes.

Mental health struggles do not always look like a crisis. Sometimes they look like withdrawing from friends, missing calls, losing interest in things once enjoyed, becoming more irritable, or simply going quiet.

That is why checking in matters.

Send the text. Make the call. Sit down for coffee. Ask:

“How are you really doing?”

Then give them time to answer.

At the Veterans Mental Health Council, we believe su***de prevention begins long before a crisis. It begins with connection, trust, and communities where Veterans and families know someone is willing to listen.

💙 You do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes you simply need to be present.

🌐 https://bit.ly/4uKsDDa

***dePrevention

10/21/2026

10/18/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
October 11th - October 17th 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" as many miles as we can a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health. This weeks "Ruck March"of 22.77 miles is dedicated to USMC combat veteran SGT Ruben DeLaTorre who losst his battle with mental health on September 11th 2014.
After High School at 18 years old Ruben enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Shortly after he married his high school sweetheart, Krystal Aguilar, and together with her, began another chapter of his life. His first assignment was (Cherry Point), based in (Havelock, North Carolina). Ruben faithfully served (8 years) with distinction as a Marine in the United States Marine Corps, which included three tours to Iraq (2006-2008), earning several awards/medals for his dedication and bravery. Personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Good Conduct medal with star. Other awards include Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars. He was medically retired (with an Honorable Discharge) on August 30, 2013. In July of 2013, Ruben accepted Jesus Christ into his life, while residing at the wounded warrior battalion, and shortly after became an active member at Tucson Church International serving on the First Impressions and Set-up Teams.
The sacrifices made by our veterans can never be forgotten.
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

10/11/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
October 4th - October 10th 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" as many miles as we can a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health. This weeks "Ruck March"of 22.65 miles is dedicated to US. Air Force Veteran Senior Airman Elysia Frances Vasquez who lost her battle with mental health on May 2nd 2020.
Elysia was a very loving caring and sensitive person and such an animal lover, she also loved her family and she loved being in the military. Her home was in Kansas, and her place of rest is Calvary Cemetery in Wichita.
The sacrifices made by our veterans can never be forgotten.
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

10/04/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
For the month of September all ruck march dedications will be dedicated to First Responders who lost their battle with mental health.
September 27th - October 3rd 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" as many miles as we can a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health. This weeks "Ruck March"of 17.13 miles is dedicated to Critical Care Flight Paramedic Eric "E.T." Thomas who lost his battle with mental health on 3/21/25.
Eric was a caring and loving husband, and was a Paramedic for 14 years and a critical care flight paramedic for 9 and saved countless of lives throughout his career. He was in school pursuing a degree as a Nurse Practitioner as his goal was to work in pediatric care.
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

09/28/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
For the month of September all ruck march dedications will be dedicated to First Responders who lost their battle with mental health.
September 20th - September 26th 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" as many miles as we can a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health. This weeks "Ruck March" of 11.54 miles is dedicated to Washington DC Capitol Police Officer Jeffery Smith who responded to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 2021 and died by su***de days later.
Officer Smith was a 12-year veteran who was assigned to patrol in D.C.'s 2nd District, which includes the neighborhoods of Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park and Georgetown.
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness