By Lulu

This event is on my bucket list for 2025! I had a client’s event that conflicted with this one, but I got up at 5am to arrive at the staging area on US 1 in Port Orange to snap photos of the people who took their day to shine attention on the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Way before sunup adults, children, veterans, first responders, sponsors, and even a guy with a prosthetic leg anxiously awaited the beginning of their day. Over 140 walked! Many were wearing T-shirts that proclaimed 22 A DAY IS 22 TOO MANY. Dick Steinmeier, a well-known and well-loved veteran, led the 22-mile hike on an adult 3-wheel tricycle. He made the entire journey. So proud of you Dick! Anyone who knows me and Thunder Roads Florida, know that we love our veterans. Many may not know I worked a psych unit as a nurse and even back 30 years ago, long before they used the term PTSD, many of our patients were Vietnam Veterans dealing with things they experienced that no one should have had to. It was often more a survivor’s guilt that they were struggling with, as much as anything else. So, keep an eye out for this event next year and put some walking shoes on! What a simple way to shine attention on a real problem in America and to honor those who have already given their all!! The tentative date for 2025 is the last Sunday of September. Jordan Snipes keep us posted with 2025 date!! Thank you to the sponsors Red, White & Blue Heating & AC, Legacy Mortgage Corporation, and High Profile 4 X4. Check out the events website SpeakUpTomorrowNeedsYou.org!