Planning for Operation T.A.L.K.'s 3rd Annual Motorcycle Run and Casino Night

Operation T.A.L.K. is excited to announce planning is underway for our 3rd annual Motorcycle Run and Casino night on June 24, 2017. Operation T.A.L.K's mission is to support accredited organizations that raise awareness of and help prevent active duty and veteran suicide as well as to encourage people to get help for PTSD and depression. VA Suicide Prevention Program report dated July 2016 states that from 2001 the suicide rate for active military and veterans have increased by 32.2%. Isn’t even one not getting the help they need too many? For many active military and veterans, there is a stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. Operation TALK wants to help bring the subject of depression to a different level, making it less taboo. Proceeds from our event will benefit two wonderful organizations, Give an Hour™ and the SSSRA’s Healthy Mind Healthy Body Program. These organizations are dedicated to meeting the physical and mental health needs of active military personnel, veterans, their families, and the communities affected by the ongoing conflicts around the world and at home.

Operation T.A.L.K. came to be after the loss of James Walsh USAF, son of Tim and Maureen Walsh and Victor J Andrew graduate. On February 9, 2013 Jimmy lost to the battle within himself, he was only 22 years old. His story is not uncommon, but we can help have a different outcome for future service members. Depression and PTSD are as real as the uniform they wear for our country. They suffer in so many ways not only do they fight in other countries to ensure we can continue to enjoy our freedoms, but some come home still fighting a war we cannot see. It is time for us to help our heroes, let them know we are here to do what we can to ensure their well being.

The last two years we have been on an exciting journey down a road of the unknown in fundraising, but after careful planning and the overwhelming support of many companies and volunteers we created a wonderful day long event to support our service members and veterans. In 2015 rain may have put a damper on the motorcycle run, but the brave souls who weathered the storm, the cold and even a funnel cloud are forever in our hearts. Our riders multiplied in 2016 as we were blessed with an outstanding day of sun and warm weather. Planning is underway for our 2017 day.

Our motorcycle run will kick off at 11 am; the ride will be approximately 90 miles, bringing us back to Tinley Park VFW where our fun continues with The Casino Night. Even if you do not ride you can still come out to join us for games of chance such as Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, and Poker; we will also have many raffles for everyone. Updates will be available on a regular basis on both this site www.operation-talk.org and our Operation TALK Facebook page, please like us so you are the first to know. We look forward to seeing you at our event.