Every single day, more than twenty veterans in the nation die by suicide.
Tragically, suicide is attempted approximately every 26 seconds.
The reasons are as unique and individual as each veteran, as is every experience. Operation VEST’s mission is to address the different needs of our veteran population with the goal of eradicating veteran suicide, one at a time.
The purpose of a vest is to protect.
Operation VEST aims to do the same by working side by side with other local organizations and veterans to help fight the battle within. We believe we can achieve this by banding TOGETHER!
Operation VEST works to honor the hearts, the service and the sacrifices of our military service-members, regardless of backgrounds, beliefs, or political alignment. We believe supporting those who have served is the second-best way to honor a love of country, besides service itself.
They’ve had our 6. Now it’s time we show them we’ve got theirs. See you on 6/6!
DOG DIVISION!!! 🐾
Now you can officially register your best friend to cross the finish line with you! All furry “paw”ticipants will receive their own chip timed bib! For completing the Dog Tag Dog Walk, all pawticipants will receive an Operation VEST bandana and a dog tag.
All proceeds raised from the Dog division will go to Paws of War.
*Please keep in mind, pooches are not able to pawticipate without a registered human.
For safety reasons and park rules, dogs must be on a 6' leash at all times.
Registrants receive a t-shirt!
Event sponsorships available, email info@operationvest.org
AMENITIES
C4 Energy Drinks
Black 6 Coffee
Smiles Per Hour Photo Booth
Ralph's Italian Ices
Post Race Stretching on site
Race Day Agenda
7:30AM packet pickup begins
8:20AM FREE 1K Fun Run
8:30AM Opening Ceremony
9AM 2.2-mile start (dog walk division will be a staggered start. must be on a 6' leash at all times).
Parking
Gardiner County Park has very limited parking spaces and will also be open to the general public. There is no parking fee. Once the lot is full, participants will be directed to park on the SOUTH side of Montauk Hwy on the grass or on the adjacent side streets.
Ruck
Weigh-in will be at the Suffolk County Veterans Run Series tent on the day of after you pick up your bib. Official requirements are 10lbs if you are under 150lbs, 20lbs if you are over 150lbs.
Water
There will be a water stop at approx the 1-mile mark for all including the puppies! Water will also be provided at the end of the course for all participants.
AWARDS (must be present to receive)
Run/Walk
Top 3 Overall M/F
Custom Medals Top 3 M/F Age Groups: (5 year) 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Ruck
Top 1 Overall M/F Backpack
Top 1 Overall M/F Vest
Veteran
Top 3 Overall M/F
Dog Walk
Paw-ticipation award given out upon packet pick up
Guaranteed T-Shirt if you register by Midnight May 13
All finishers will receive custom and authentic dog tags
Ruck Division includes custom Dog Tag Ruck velcro patch
BENEFICIARY
Proceeds from the event go to Operation VEST. Operation VEST will also partner with local Veteran Service organizations in order to aid and assist in the eradication of veteran suicide