Maine National Guard Participates in the 3rd Annual 'Ruck to Remember' for Suicide Prevention Awareness

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BANGOR, ME (09/26/2024) (readMedia)-- Soldiers and Airmen from the Maine National Guard gathered at the Bangor Air National Guard Base on Sept. 20, 2024, to participate in the third annual Ruck to Remember event. This event, held during Suicide Prevention Month, is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention among veterans.

The event honors the 22 veterans who tragically lose their lives to suicide each day. Participants completed a 22-kilometer ruck march, symbolizing those 22 lives, while promoting open dialogue and mental health support.

The Ruck to Remember underscores the commitment of the Maine National Guard to address the mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans. By fostering a compassionate and supportive environment, events like this aim to reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek help.

Service members face unique challenges such as deployments, high-stakes responsibilities, and the pressures of military life, which can contribute to mental health struggles. Fostering an environment where seeking help is encouraged and free from stigma is critical to addressing this crisis.

"The CDC reports veterans have a higher rate of suicide attempts than the general United States population, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45," said Carla Mowatt, the Maine National Guard's Integrated Primary Prevention Officer. "According to the 2023 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report, veteran suicide rates increased by 11.6% from 2020."

One participant, Staff Sgt. Andrea Burrows, an Electrical and Environmental Specialist with the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, shared her personal connection to the cause. Burrows, an Electrical and Environmental Specialist who joined the Maine Air National Guard a year ago, completed the event for the first time. Having served 17 years in the United States Navy, Burrows tragically lost her boyfriend to suicide six years ago.

"I do these events because I feel it's important to raise suicide awareness and remove the stigma around suicide," said Burrows. "If sharing my story can help someone else out, then it's well worth it."

Burrows also participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk in 2019 in South Portland, another event aimed at raising suicide awareness. Events like these serve as reminders that seeking help is a sign of strength.

"If you're struggling, it's important to reach out," Burrows encouraged. "Just know that nothing bad lasts forever, and there are people out there who care."

"Each life lost is a tragedy that demands improved services, programming, policies, and awareness efforts such as the Ruck to Remember," added Mowatt.

About the Maine National Guard:

The Maine National Guard is a dual-status military force composed of Soldiers and Airmen, committed to serving the citizens of Maine and the nation. The Guard is dedicated to both military readiness and the well-being of its service members, including efforts to address mental health and suicide prevention.

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DSC_0537: Soldiers and Airmen from the Maine National Guard gathered at the Bangor Air National Guard Base on Sept. 20, 2024, to participate in the third annual Ruck to Remember event. Participants completed a 22-kilometer ruck march, symbolizing those 22 lives, while promoting open dialogue and mental health support.

DSC_0541: Members of the Maine National Guard participated in a 22-kilometer Ruck to Remember event to honor the 22 veterans who tragically lose their lives to suicide every day. The Ruck to Remember underscores the commitment of the Maine National Guard to address the mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans.

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Myrick, Maine National Guard.