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Let's Walk It Out: Bridging the gap in veteran suicide
- Details
- Tuesday, 18 March 2025
- Written by Jamie Bishop
Every step counts in the fight against veteran suicide. For the past five years, Let’s Walk It Out - 222 Mile Ruck March Inc. has served as a beacon of hope, standing at the forefront of awareness, intervention, and breaking the stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress and suicide.
Founded by JP Cervantes, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, the organization’s mission is clear: to honor those lost to suicide, support those struggling, and build a stronger community that refuses to let its heroes suffer in silence. With thousands of participants, supporters, and volunteers rallying behind the cause, Let’s Walk It Out has grown into a movement of resilience, unity, and purpose.
Let’s Walk It Out’s 5th annual 222-mile ruck march is scheduled for April 3 through 12. This milestone event promises to be bigger than ever, incorporating new initiatives and further expanding its reach.
"At Let's Walk It Out, we recognize the silent struggles our heroes face, and we aim to be a force for positive change," Cervantes said. "Physical pain may find relief through rest and medication, but emotional anguish isn’t as easily remedied."
A March of Meaning: The Why Behind the 222 Miles
The Let’s Walk It Out ruck is not just a physical test; it is a symbolic and emotional journey. Covering 222 miles from Fayetteville to Camp Lejeune and back, the march mirrors the mental burden that many veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers carry every day.
“Why 222 miles?” Cervantes said. “Because we want to mimic the pain that people suffering from PTS feel mentally. We want to remind them that pain will stop. For us, it stops every 22 miles when we complete a leg for the day. But for someone struggling with thoughts of suicide, they need that reminder: just keep pushing through, and eventually, the pain will end.”
Each participant carries a rucksack, symbolizing the weight of the struggles service members endure. The journey is grueling, but it is designed to remind participants—and those they walk for—that they are not alone.
The Power of Connection
The march’s impact extends beyond those carrying rucksacks. Let’s Walk It Out fosters connections between strangers, unites communities, and creates moments of
profound meaning.
During a previous march, Ryan Oldenburg, a participant and veteran, was stopped by a young woman outside a Subway restaurant. She handed him a small note, its message simple yet deeply powerful:
"Thank you for what you're doing because I had those ideas in the past."
Moments like these reaffirm the necessity of this movement.
“When people approach us and share their stories, it reminds us that we’re making a real difference,” Cervantes said. “That’s what keeps us going.”
A Community Effort
Throughout the 222-mile journey, support comes from all directions. Cervantes highlighted the overwhelming response from local fire departments, sheriff’s offices, and police departments along the route.
"We never ask them for an escort or assistance, but they show up anyway. They tell us, ‘You’re not doing this alone. We’ll be there,’ because they understand this fight is personal for them too.”
Beyond law enforcement, everyday citizens contribute in extraordinary ways. Some walk a mile alongside the marchers, others offer water and snacks, while some simply stand on the roadside to cheer them on.
Even firefighters in full gear have joined in solidarity, proving that no matter the uniform or occupation, the mission is universal.
New Initiative: The Service and Sacrifice Scholarship Fund
As Let’s Walk It Out continues to grow, so does its impact. Cervantes announced a groundbreaking new initiative—the Service and Sacrifice Scholarship Fund—aimed at providing educational assistance to families of veterans and first responders who have died by suicide.
"We discovered that in many fire and police departments if an officer or firefighter dies by suicide, their family doesn’t receive any benefits. That’s unacceptable,” Cervantes said.
The fund will offer scholarships between $1,500 and $2,000 to spouses and children of those lost to suicide. Whether for college, trade school, or professional certification, the goal is to ease financial burdens and provide a path forward.
“If we can help a spouse or child get the education they need to support their family then we’re accomplishing our mission,” Cervantes added.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A key component of Let’s Walk It Out’s mission is ensuring that those struggling know help is available. The organization prominently shares the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, reminding all that they are never alone.
Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Chat live at https://www.letswalkitout.org
“This is about getting people the support they need before it’s too late,” Cervantes said.
Merchandise That Makes a Difference
Supporters who want to contribute to the cause can do so by purchasing Let’s Walk It Out merchandise. Through a collaboration with Red 7 Tees, the organization offers high-quality hoodies, t-shirts, hats, silkies, and tanks—all designed to raise awareness and fund future initiatives. These can be found at https://letswalkitout.red7tees.com
“Every purchase helps us continue this mission,” Cervantes said. “It’s another way for people to show their support and help us save lives.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the organization prepares for its 5th annual march, Cervantes and his team are looking ahead with optimism. Registration is not required, but a signed liability waiver is mandatory for participation. Service dogs are welcome, but owners must provide for their care. Those interested in joining the march can contact the Logistics Coordinator, Kristin, at kristin@letswalkitout.org.
"We keep growing, we keep expanding, and we keep making an impact," Cervantes said. "Our goal is to make 2025 the biggest year yet."
Why It Matters
For Cervantes, Let’s Walk It Out is more than an event—it’s a mission. The march represents the invisible battles many veterans fight daily, and it is a rallying call for communities to stand together in support.
"At the end of the day, this is about people," Cervantes said. "It’s about making sure no one feels like they have to carry their burdens alone."
With every step, every mile, and every conversation sparked along the journey, Let’s Walk It Out continues to bridge the gap in veteran suicide prevention—one ruck march at a time.
For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit https://www.letswalkitout.org. Let’s Walk It Out - 222 Mile Ruck March Inc, is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization.
(Photo courtesy of Let's Walk It Out 222 Mile Ruck March Inc.)
