OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Progress, one step at a time.
This year marks the first time the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Walk will be held in the evening on PTSD Awareness Day, making it more accessible for the entire community. The event will take place on June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
“It’s a 2.2-mile walk, but we don’t care if you walk 2.2 steps—we’re just looking for the public to come out, support the walk, and buy a t-shirt,” said Todd Belknap, president of Veterans Helping Veterans USA. “If you buy a t-shirt—and this is the first year we’re offering three different designs—they’re all dry-fit. One shirt features the Marion County Fire Rescue logo, another has the Ocala Fire Rescue logo, and the third displays the PTSD ribbon with the year 2025 on the sleeve.”
All three shirt designs are available for $25 and can be ordered through the Veterans Helping Veterans USA website. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit three local organizations committed to combating PTSD: Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support, H3 Adventures (which supports first responders and veterans), and Veterans Helping Veterans USA.
“Last year, we raised almost $6,000 for each of those three charities,” Belknap said. “This year, our goal is $30,000—which would mean $10,000 for each organization. It’s local dollars helping local veterans and first responders. None of it leaves Marion County. We’re hopeful that the people who need these services will step forward and get help to fight the demons they may be facing.”
Belknap encouraged community members to support the cause by purchasing a t-shirt or participating in the walk.
The event will also feature food trucks, watermelon, vendors offering free services to veterans, first responders and their families, and live music. Belknap described it as a family-friendly evening at the park.
Free parking will be available at the Marion County Library parking lot.
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