MISSION: TO END VETERAN SUICIDE

Banquet Dinner 09.12.2025
Ruck March 09.13.2025

The Warriors Walk

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.

click here to learn more about us

About The Ruck March

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.
Participants can choose from the following distance options:

*The Memorial Mile (1 mile)
*5K (3.1 miles)
*5 miles
*10 miles
*20 miles

The ruck march takes place annually on the second Saturday of September, starting at 9:00 AM at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL). Marchers will proceed east along the Old Plank Road Trail, a scenic route managed by the Will County Forest Preserve. Halfway points for each distance will be marked, and participants will turn around to complete the march back at the Village Commons. Join us for this powerful event as we ruck together to honor our Veterans and raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Together, we can ruck toward a brighter future for our Veterans.

Making a Difference

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. Together, we can ensure every Veteran gets the care and support they deserve.

Roughly every ninety minutes, a Veteran commits suicide. That equals a staggering 22 Veterans a day. In one year, more Veterans commit suicide then the total number killed in action during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined. Veteran suicide has long plagued the United States in its war on terror. It is estimated that in ten years of the US measuring suicide rates, the rates are comparable to those killed in action of the Vietnam War. The number of Veterans that returned with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other untreated diagnoses is too much for the service member to bear alone; they need help.