A group of 11 veterans recently completed a 100-mile hike from Maine to Massachusetts to raise awareness about PTSD during PTSD Awareness Month in June. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a common issue among combat veterans returning home from their service. The hike aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by military veterans dealing with PTSD. Seven out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD at some point in their life, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
The veterans participating in the PTSD Century Hike were raising money for Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance and support for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. The group started the hike in Kittery, Maine, and ended in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Veteran John Schafer, who suffers from PTSD after surviving multiple brain injuries in combat, shared his motivation for embarking on the challenging journey. Schafer highlighted the physical and mental benefits of participating in the hike and the support he received from the community.
Schafer, a former Marine deployed three times, described the camaraderie and bond shared among the veterans during the hike. He emphasized the importance of connecting with individuals who have experienced similar challenges. The group encountered a car accident during the hike and assisted the victims before first responders arrived. Schafer mentioned a touching moment when a police officer tore his patch off for the veterans to carry in memory of an officer who died by suicide in 2019. The group later met with the officer to take a photo.
The veterans completed their 100-mile hike at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with a special finish-line ceremony hosted by the New England Patriots Foundation and the New England Revolution Foundation. Supporters were able to witness the 11 veterans completing the five-day challenge. The veterans will also be honored at halftime during a New England Revolution soccer match. Schafer expressed his hope that the impact of their efforts will positively affect at least one person and create a ripple effect of change. Anyone interested in learning more can visit the Semper Fi & America’s Fund website.
The hike was a physically demanding and emotionally impactful experience for the veterans, many of whom suffered from PTSD as a result of their military service. Schafer, who found strength and support through exercise, viewed the hike as a life-changing opportunity. He reflected on the previous year’s hike and how it transformed his outlook on life. The bond shared among the veterans through their shared experiences and challenges during the hike underscored the unique camaraderie and support they provided each other. The veterans’ dedication to raising awareness about PTSD and supporting their fellow service members was evident throughout the journey.
The veterans’ journey highlighted the importance of mental health support for military veterans, emphasizing the need for resources and assistance for those dealing with PTSD. The impact of their hike extended beyond raising awareness, as they actively assisted individuals in need during the hike. The gesture of carrying the police officer’s patch in memory of a fallen colleague underscored the veterans’ commitment to honoring and supporting those who have sacrificed for their country. The finish-line ceremony provided a platform for the veterans to showcase their resilience and determination, inspiring others to seek help and support in their own mental health journeys.
