North Dakota veterans walk statewide Sept. 22 to raise awareness about veteran suicide

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - About 22 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States, according to Heroes Compass, a Fargo-based nonprofit. On Sept. 22, veterans and community members across North Dakota will walk to bring attention to that number. Heroes Compass is holding its fifth annual 'Walk for the 22' event, and for the first time, it's expanding statewide. Eight veteran organizations, including American Legion posts, VFW posts and AMVETS chapters, have registered to walk in their own communities at the same time as the main event in Fargo. Every detail of the walk is deliberate. Participants will gather Sept. 22 at 9:22 a.m. to walk 2.2 miles from Percy Godwin Park in north Fargo to Post 762 VFW in downtown Fargo. 'Every number in this event is intentional,' said Tim Kuhn, CEO and founder of Heroes Compass. 'The date is 9/22. The time is 9:22 a.m. The distance is 2.2 miles. It is a commitment to make sure the 22 veterans we lose every single day are never just a number we stop saying out loud. This is year five. We are taking it statewide.' Communities participating alongside Fargo include Moorhead and West Fargo in North Dakota's Red River Valley, along with Mantador, New Rockford and Wahpeton. The walk is free and open to the public. Veterans, families, and community members can join the Fargo route or register their own organization to walk locally or virtually. Every registered chapter receives a free Walk Day Kit by mail. Registration and details are available at heroescompass.com/operations/2-2-mile-walk. The Fargo VA Health Care System will also have a presence at the event. The walk falls during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. Heroes Compass said the event is part of its broader effort to keep veteran suicide in public conversation and connect North Dakota communities with resources to support those who served. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.