Upstate NY Vet to Walk Across America for Mental Health Awareness

Veteran Tom Zurhellen plans to walk cross America to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Zurhellen plans to walk from Portland, Oregon to Poughkeepsie, NY, a walk that will take him 2,888 miles to complete.

Zurhellen plans to walk 22 miles a day. The number 22 is significant in the fact that on average 22 veterans a day commit suicide in the United States.

A veteran and commander of VFW Post 170 in Poughkeepsie, Zurhellen operates VetZero. VetZero is a non-profit organization that looks to reduce the suicide rate of veterans in the Poughkeepsie area.

Followers and fans can keep themselves update on his journey through his Facebook page.

Zurhellen is looking to raise $40,000 for his efforts, and donations can be made at his GoFundMe page.

[via New York State]