Community Corner
6th Annual Warriors Walk Banquet September 12, Warriors Walk & Patriots Party September 13
To raise funds for veterans' suicide prevention—22 each day is too many! Events begin Friday evening, with walk and party on Saturday.
https://www.warriorswalk-il.or...
The Weekend kicks off with the Warriors Walk Dinner, Friday September 12, 2025 at Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977, New Lenox, IL. Tickets are available at the door. All you can eat, and an open bar.
The Warriors Walk is a Not-For-Profit Corporation based in Illinois, uniting a network of VFWs, American Legions, businesses, and schools throughout the Chicago area. Together, we are dedicated to ending Veteran suicide and raising awareness for the mental health challenges faced by our nation’s heroes. Founded in 2019 by Ryan Brazel, the Warriors Walk has been proudly supported by the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post #9545 and has experienced exponential growth. In 2024, the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post #1977 transitioned from a lead supporter to a managing partner, playing a pivotal role as we continue to grow and expand into an independent organization. With the support of our community, we are determined to make a lasting impact on the issue of Veteran suicide. Together, we can work toward creating a brighter future for those who have served.
The Warriors Walk is a FREE event dedicated to raising awareness for Veteran suicide prevention through a ruck march. A ruck march, a longstanding military tradition, involves walking while carrying a backpack or weighted pack, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and unity. DISTANCE OPTIONS:-The Memorial Mile (1 mile)-5K (3.1 miles)-5 miles-10 miles-20 miles. WHEN & WHERE: The second Saturday of September, 9:00 AM at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL). Registration begins at 8:00 AM.
The Warriors Walk is dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families by raising funds to provide essential mental health care. Every dollar raised through fundraising, events, sponsorships, and partnerships goes toward organizations that promote positive mental health for Veterans. Our Commitment to Veterans. We collaborate with various organizations that specialize in providing accessible, stigma-free mental health services for Veterans, Service Members, and their families. These organizations offer:*Cost-free and affordable therapy sessions tailored to trauma treatment.*Ongoing access to mental health care through in-person and telehealth services.*Personalized support through a network of experienced mental health professionals. By participating in The Warriors Walk, you are directly contributing to life-changing mental health services for those who have served our country.
The Patriots Party is a free event located at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL). The Party coincides yearly on the same day as the Walk from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. This year it will be held on September 13th, 2025. The Patriots Party is meant to be a family fun event to greet our Ruck Marchers as they return. Join us for live music by the band Schtillrokken, refreshments, food, jump houses, face painting, and a vendor fair!
