We've all heard about or participated in the physical challenge 22 push-ups highlighting veteran suicide prevention. Now a group of military spouses is instead using that symbolic 22 count to collect exercise miles as part of their own suicide prevention project.
The Million Mile Project, organized by Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year winners, kicked-off Aug. 15th and will run through Sept. 5. Their goal is simple: collaboratively log 1 million miles. To get there they are asking military spouses and others to run, hike, walk, swim, spin or row -- anything really! -- and then log their miles with the project.
Why 1 million miles?
"I wanted a goal that was huge and that I knew could not really be tested unless we brought our community together," said Paulette Fryar, the 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year.
Fryar, a Coast Guard spouse, lost her cousin to suicide this spring. Her cousin, who was also a veteran, was the inspiration for this project, and his parents have also joined the group logging miles.
"I also felt that if it was a huge goal, and that it would be implied by the 'size' that those who joined in would have ownership in it as well, giving them a place to share the stories of their loved ones they have lost," she added.
Related: Learn more about military suicide prevention
If you or a loved one are in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or the Trained counselors are available 24/7.
While the "22" number has become broadly symbolic of the fight against veteran suicide, actual suicide rate estimates vary. The 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which sites the most current data available from 2017, says the average daily suicides among veterans is 17, and officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly cite the rate at 20.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, and the 1 Million Mile Project ends the day prior to a National Suicide Prevention Week kick-off Sept. 6.
With a goal of 1 million miles moved between August 15th and September 5th, the group is encouraging everyone to participate. Join the Facebook group or simply log your miles and email your mileage tracker to 20AFIMSOY@gmail.com (subject line, "Million Mile Project 2020") between September 6th and 12th.
When sharing images of you logging your miles on social media, use the hashtag #20AFIMSOYMMP to encourage others to join you, this is open to everyone, anywhere. To learn more about the Million Mile Project or to add your miles to their goal, join their Facebook group.
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--Rebecca Alwine can be reached at rebecca.alwine@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebecca_alwine.
