VetsWhatsNext Suicide Prevention Run & Walkathon
Retired U.S. Army Major Eric King is drawing attention to the number of veterans who commit suicide.
He shares his own experience, as his organization launches the first run and walkathon for suicide prevention. Major King and his brother ran a course around Downtown Irving, while others participated virtually.
This year’s event raised money for the Irving Family Advocacy Center, which offers services to veterans.
Transcription of the news story:
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
As the clock stricks, 12 noon retired army major Eric King is at Whistlestop Plaza to kick off a special event, and if you could turn back this clock to this very day in 2005.
Eric King
That is when I first had my IED attach that lead me to the darkest time in my life. I was almost a victim myself of suicide.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
This event aims to improve those dark times many veterans experiences.
Eric King
We need to recognize our veterans who have serviced our great country from combat and have been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental illness and got to a point in their lives where they took their own lives.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
That is why he is setting out on a virtual walk and runathon to raise money and awareness of suicide. Because it is virtual people could participate anywhere, this army Sargent is in New Mexico.
Army Sargent
I recently, it’s hard to say lost my own brother. And so this mission is I take personally.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
Major King’s own brother is running alongside him. Tarence King hopes this event will help break down the stigma around mental health issues.
Eric’s Brother
He called me and said brother I need to talk to you about something. So we sat on the phone and talked and I was like why did you not come to me at first, and he was like I didn’t know how to, at that point that’s when I broke down and we both cried on the phone.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
There running through downtown Irving for 22 minutes because
Eric King
it’s reported that 22 veterans a day are taking their lives”.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
Along the way, there is a moment of silence at Veterans memorial park and at Irving city hall a special salute with Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer a strong supporter of Major King and the nonprofit he founded VETSWHATSNEXT.
Mayor Rick Stopfer
What really touches me is his desire to give back. He has had a lot of challenges in his life but he is committed to giving back to those veterans who have suffered through similar important he has. It’s important to him to make them understand the benefits and the help available to them.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
Major King has already launched an app to help connect veterans to resources.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
For him, his biggest support comes from his family.
Eric King
This little guy right here fills my heart and just makes me want to continue every day, what can I do better, how can I contribute more, how can I save a life.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
As the run continues his thoughts shift between the heavy.
Eric King
My best friend Captin Howell Wade, who took his life.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
And the hopeful
Eric King
Today may be hard for you but tomorrow can be better and if tomorrow isn’t better look for the day after to be better. You have a reason to live.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
It’s that optimism that guides his work with VETSWHATSNEXT.
Eric King
That’s another great thing that VETSWHATSNEXT is doing with our scholarship foundation, to help remove the burden of the veterans who are putting their depends through college by taking advantage of VETSWHATSNEXT scholarship.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
This year’s proceeds benefited the Irving police department’s family advocacy center.
Eric King
We’re going to be back here next year doing the same thing again and for many years to come.
News Anchor – Thomas Gandy
As long as the need persists he vows to keep running and talking about the issues.
Eric King
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