Suffolk Man, Dad Kayak 22 Miles For Veterans, PTSD Awareness

EAST MORICHES, NY — A PSEG Long Island employee and veteran took to the water recently to help raise awareness about PTSD and depression.

Devin McLaughlin, along with his father, also a PSEG Long Island employee, were among a group of seven military veterans and PSEG Long Island employees who participated in the fifth “22 PTSD Awareness Challenge” event, an 22-mile kayaking trip from Bridgeport, CT to Port Jefferson to help shine a light on veteran PTSD and end veteran suicide.

In teams of two, a total of 22 veterans "pedaled, not paddled, the kayaks in a physically demanding, five-hour cross Sound journey. The hot sun, humidity and headwinds made the trip that much more difficult," PSEG Long Island said.

The number 22 is significant for the event because it is the estimated number of military veterans who take their own lives each day, PSEG Long Island said.

Devin McLaughlin of East Moriches, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, participated for the second time this year.

“Some people I met in the service are no longer with us because they lost their battles with depression,” said McLaughlin. “In a small way, doing this ride helps me think of them and lets me know I’m doing my part for them and for other veterans facing challenges.”