Veterans' Honor Run, 22 Hours to Support Veteran Suicide Awareness

By Tom Lang

On Sunday, Nov. 10, Steve Schreiber and the non-profit Everyone Needs A Steve will host the 3rd annual Veterans' Honor Run: 22 Hours of Tribute, starting at 12noon at Heritage Park, 1150 S Canton Center Rd.

This year’s event will continue through Monday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day. Each year, approximately 22 veterans are lost to suicide every day. To honor those who have served and bring attention to this pressing issue, participants will run or walk for 22 hours, symbolizing the daily loss of veterans across the country.

Attendees can join for the entire event or for as many hours as they wish.

“We’re here to make a difference for veterans,” Schreiber said. “By raising awareness and funds, we’re showing our support for those who’ve given so much. Our goal this year is to encourage more community involvement, whether that’s running, volunteering, or contributing to our fundraiser.”

Ways to Get Involved:

• Run: Register to participate in the 22-hour ultra-marathon or a Monday morning 5k. Participants can also sign up to walk/run for any portion of the event to show their support and experience the camaraderie.

• Volunteer: Support the event and runners by volunteering for various roles, from aid stations to event logistics.

• Donate: Help raise funds for veteran organizations, with a focus on suicide prevention and supporting veterans in need. Donations are welcome and encouraged, with all proceeds benefiting Michigan-based veteran support organizations. All funds raised will go to three veteran-focused organizations:

• -Guitars for Vets
• -Victory Gym VHC
• -Michigan Freedom Center

Community members are encouraged to contribute and join this unique opportunity to honor veterans and make a lasting impact.

For more details or to get involved, contact: Steve@EveryoneNeedsASteve.org, or the day of to Matt Hines, 248-640-8361, mhinesruns@gmail.com

The Michigan Freedom Center, aka the Mich Armed Forces Hospitality Center, is a 501 C 3 providing Care, Comfort and Courtesy to our U.S. Veterans and active-duty military as they travel through Detroit Metro Airport. There is a travel lounge in both the McNamara and Evans Terminals.

Veterans’ Day will celebrate the 13th Anniversary for the Freedom Center, which was first developed by Delta Air Lines pilots and staff, and today is supported by Delta, and in large part by individuals in the SE Michigan community, plus American Legion Posts, several Knights of Columbus and VFW’s in the region.

By the end of January, the MI Freedom Center should cross the milestone of One Million guests served, further proof the Centers are needed and utilized. More information can be found at www.mifreedomcenter.org