A group of veterans is hitting the pavement and walking 100 miles across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for the PTSD Century Hike. It’s all in an effort to raise awareness for PTSD and money for a nonprofit that helps wounded service members.<\/p>\n
A group of 15 veterans and three service dogs continued their mission on a brisk Sunday morning. Vehicles honked as the group walked down Fort Worth streets with military flags on the fifth day of their walk.<\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Marine Sergeant Jon Lujan helps run the event with the non-profit organization Semper Fi & America’s Fund.<\/p>\n
“It pulls on my heartstrings,” Lujan said. “We’ve had a group of veterans that started down in the Star, and they’ve worked their way over 90 miles so far, and they’re going to finish at Texas Motor Speedway.”<\/p>\n
Lujan’s life changed while serving our country in Iraq.<\/p>\n
“I herniated two discs in my back, and the subsequent surgery left me with paralysis below the knees,” Lujan said.<\/p>\n
Lujan never lost his will to recover. He competed in the Paralympics and even met the Obamas.<\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Army Major Nekita Hunter laced up her sneakers to walk for the cause.<\/p>\n
“Even though we’re out the military, we’re still family,” Hunter said.<\/p>\n
Seeing the reality of war as a trauma nurse caused PTSD for the Garland native.<\/p>\n
“I did not realize I was struggling,” Hunter said. “My coworkers are the ones that saw the difference in me. I wasn’t in denial. I just was not aware.”<\/p>\n
The group of veterans hopes that the walk is a step in the right direction for PTSD awareness now and in the future.<\/p>\n
“We lose 22 a day because of this,” Hunter said.<\/p>\n
“These service members have injuries that are going to last for life, and we want them to make sure that they’re covered for life,” Lujan said.<\/p>\n
Physical and mental injuries are something the veterans know all too well, as they make a difference one step at a time.<\/p>\n
Data<\/a> from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study reveals that nearly half of veterans who need mental health services do not receive treatment, partly due to stigma.<\/p>\n The Semper Fi & America’s Fund provides lifetime support to critically wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families. Click here<\/a> to learn more about how you can help the cause.<\/p>\n