UA, Auburn Partnering To Promote Veteran Suicide Awareness

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — The University of Alabama and Auburn University will once again partner later this month to raise awareness of veteran suicides as part of the third annual Operation Iron Ruck, which will begin Nov. 25 in Auburn and end in Tuscaloosa.

As part of the event, members of UA’s Campus Veterans Association will hike alongside Auburn’s Student Veterans Association in the third installment of the march, which will culminate with the Iron Bowl on Nov. 28.

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Ben Shewmake, president of UA’s Campus Veterans Association, said in a press release that veteran suicide is a serious issue in the veteran community and Operation Iron Ruck hopes to further educate the public on behalf of veterans.

“The loss of camaraderie, along with service-related problems leave some believing their only way to fix their issues is to end their life," he said. "This can be attributed to some people not transitioning back into society, sexual assault issues, family problems and military-related illnesses.”

Over the course of the three-day march, UA says each student veteran will hike approximately 50 miles, walking for two and a half hours at a time before climbing into a support vehicle for about five hours of rest before their next hike.

Those marching will also carry 22 pounds of materials to be donated to 3 Hots and a Cot, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that assists homeless military veterans transition into a self-sustained lifestyle. UA said the weight carried by each veteran represents the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day, according to Mission 22, a national veteran suicide campaign.

Shewmake said participation in Operation Iron Ruck will be limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many of the traditional activities, such as a tailgate and other fellowship opportunities, will be adjusted to comply with CDC, state and university health guidelines.

“The awareness is not to say, ‘hey this is happening,’ but more to tell the ones who are thinking about it that there are people who care and are here if they reach out,” he said. “There is also a newer message that is popping up that is to tell everyone to keep in touch with their former colleagues and that one random text or call to someone may keep them from committing suicide and no one will probably ever know that."

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline (1-800-273-8255, Press 1).

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have concerns about someone else who may be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to a local crisis center where professionals can talk you through a risk assessment and provide resources in your community.