TAMPA, Fla. \u2014\u00a0The National American Legion Convention kicked off Friday in Downtown Tampa.<\/p>\n
This is the organization’s 106th annual gathering where delegates will approve constitutional changes, pass programs, elect national officers and participate in workshops and classes that focus on veterans-related issues.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Five men cycled 1,300 miles in 21 days to raise awareness about PTSD While the convention is just beginning, another related event has come to an end. The 2nd Annual American Legion Ride for PTSD.<\/p>\n After 21 days on the road, a team of five riders ended the nearly 1,300-mile journey in Tampa on Saturday to a cheering crowd<\/p>\n Starting in their home state of Texas, then east through Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi \u2013 with stops along the way \u2013 the band of veteran brothers arrived in Tampa.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a fantastic trip. We got to visit so many people, so many different posts with the American Legion. We got to go to VFW posts,\u201d said Jeff Perkins, the team\u2019s leader.<\/p>\n Their mission was to raise $1 million in support of PTSD treatments for veterans and to put a spotlight on the urgent need for more resources related to both PTSD and suicide prevention.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to reduce the number of suicides. Not only among veterans, but first responders too,\u201d Perkins said.<\/p>\n
\n
The end of the ride coincided with the 106th National American Legion Convention in Tampa
\n
The ride for PTSD is one of the ways the American Legion is raising awareness through its\u00a0Be The One initiative<\/a><\/p>\n