Upstate vets walk 22 miles to raise awareness of suicide

The walk from Landrum to Greer was part of a national movement called #Mission22 that seeks to raise awareness about suicides among vets with PTSD, brain injuries and other complications.

The number 22 refers to an oft-cited Veterans Administration estimate from 2012 on how many veterans commit suicide each day. Since the study included statistics from only 21 states, many believe the actual number is larger.

Some in the group wore backpacks, others carried flags as they headed down Highway 14. They waved at passersby who honked and shouted their thanks.

“I’m doing this for all of us who struggle every day. Keep putting one foot in front of the next and keep ... fighting,” said retired Staff Sgt. Davie Nardone, who served 17 years in the Marine Corps.

Nardone, of Greenville, recently lost a member of his former battalion to suicide.

The walk began at the Ingles parking lot in Landrum, where the Rev. L.J. Meyers, who owns Homeward Angels, released 22 white doves before the group set out.

“The cause is certainly a worthy one, and I felt compelled to do this. I was moved by their cause,” Meyers said.

Leah Turner of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., who served 22 years in the U.S. Army, said her husband was killed in Afghanistan eight years ago. The loss of her husband nearly drove her to suicide, she said, but she coped with help from supportive people in her life.

“After my husband’s death, it was a very difficult time. I kind of felt my whole world had fallen apart,” Turner said. “It’s been an uphill battle. … Find help wherever you can. You’re not alone.”

Anita Wilson, who coordinated the walk, served in the U.S. Army for 30 years.

“Everybody in the community knows somebody who is a veteran or who is currently serving. We’re asking them to reach out to talk to that person and let them know that they’re not alone,” Wilson said. “Even though they’re home now, we’ve still got their back.”

The group was expected to reach Mutt’s Barbeque in Greer by about 7 p.m. Friday.

Those wishing to donate to #Mission22 can go to mission22.com.

“Twenty-two. Twenty-two of my brothers and sisters are ... killing themselves every day. And that’s just a guesstimate. There’s more than that,” Nardone said.

Nardone suggested veterans reach out to a fellow service member on the 22nd of every month to check up on them.

“Let them know that you love them,” he said.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 8:08 PM with the headline "Upstate vets walk 22 miles to raise awareness of suicide."