It is not every day that one sees scantily clad military members hiking together, but residents of San Diego, California, were treated to just such a sight on July 25. More than 50 active duty service members and veterans banded together for a 13-mile walk from the Mission Beach jetty to La Jolla cove. The hikers, all shirtless and in short shorts, were part of an event called "22, with 22, for the 22" during which they walked 22 kilometers carrying 22 kilograms to raise awareness for the 22 veterans that commit suicide each day.
The founders of the beach hike are a veterans' group called Irreverent Warriors. Their mission is to help veterans out of their depression and anxiety through humor. They hope their hike does more than raise awareness to veteran suicide. They want struggling veterans to recognize that there are support groups available if only they reach out.
Retired Marine and Irreverent Warriors co-founder Donny O'Malley told Take Action, "If I can get guys together, and if I can inspire little Irreverent Warriors groups to start popping up across the country, then [veterans] who are alone and lonely and in a dark place will feel supported and loved."
O'Malley's Irreverent Warriors inspired a second hike on Aug. 1, in Houston, Texas.