U.S. Marine Vet To Kayak 22 Miles Across LI Sound For Veteran Suicide Awareness

SMITHTOWN, NY — Mike Kilano, a United States Marine combat veteran, is set to participate in 22Pac's 22-Mile PTSD Awareness Challenge to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicides, according to a news release.

Kilano, a crisis coordinator and veteran advocate with Paws of War, plans to kayak 22 miles across the Long Island Sound starting in Bridgeport, Connecticut and ending in Port Jefferson.

The 22Pac PTSD Challenge, scheduled for Aug. 30, brings together veteran related nonprofits to raise money and promote their services to veterans in need across the region.

Kilano is currently raising money to support Paws of War, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide critical services for veterans and first responders with PTSD and their service animals.

His goal is to raise $22 a day, which will go toward rescuing a service animal and pairing it with an at-risk veteran or first responder.

People can support Kilano here.

"I have experienced the horrors that many soldiers and veterans like myself have faced during combat," Kilano said in a news release. "The invisible scars create lasting memories that many will never overcome. As I set forth to complete the 22PAC challenge, every dollar raised will go toward furthering Paws of War’s mission to assist soldiers and veterans with PTSD and to ensure that veteran suicides are reduced around the country."

The event is slated to begin in Bridgeport at 10:30 a.m., where participants will kayak 22 miles across the Long Island Sound, finishing in Port Jefferson Village Center, at 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson.

The 22-mile venture represents the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day, according to 22Pac.

"Since first meeting Kilano, he has made significant progress in overcoming challenges related to his PTSD," said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. "He now plays a crucial role as our organization’s crisis coordinator in providing support and comfort to fellow combat veterans struggling with PTSD. Through his efforts, he has saved countless lives. We commend Kilano for his heroic efforts and urge the community to support him as he gets ready to embark on this latest endeavor."

Kilano has transformed his own personal struggles into a mission to support his fellow veterans, according to Paws of War. Kilano served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003. Shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Kilano was deployed to the Middle East to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom.

"His service and combat experience left Kilano with deep scars," Paws of War wrote. "After only three months of being deployed, Kilano had already noticed the sights, sounds and experiences of war beginning to change him and take a toll on his mental well-being. As a result of the many combat missions, Kilano struggles to complete daily life activities as a result of anxiety and has been diagnosed with combat related PTSD."

The impact of PTSD on Kilano's life has been "profound," particularly in his role as a father, according to the nonprofit.

"Raising five children while managing PTSD has presented unique challenges, requiring patience, resilience, and constant effort to maintain a stable and nurturing environment," Paws of War wrote. "Despite these difficulties, Michael has found ways to manage his PTSD, allowing him to be the great father that his children need."

The "pivotal moment" in his recovery came when he received a service dog from Paws of War, the charity wrote. The service dog improved his mental health and bolstered his ability to be present and engaged with his family and children.

With help from Paws of War, he was paired with Nova, a rescued Rottweiler puppy. Nova, who is more than just Kilano's fully trained service dog, is a greatly loved member of the family, he told Paws of War.

Inspired by Paws of War, Nova, and the positive change in his life, Kilano, who began as a volunteer, now works full-time with Paws of War, helping other veterans navigate their own struggles.

Kilano also serves on a suicide prevention panel with The National Association of Social Workers, contributing his insights and experiences to help prevent veteran suicides and help veterans who are struggling with mental health.

"His journey from combat to advocacy showcases his resilience and commitment to making a difference in the lives of his fellow veterans," Paws of War stated. "Balancing his responsibilities as a father with his commitment to helping other veterans, Michael exemplifies the meaning
of dedication and service. His journey from combat to advocacy showcases his determination to provide a loving and supportive environment for his children while making a difference in the lives of fellow veterans."