A Marine Veteran Walked Over 800 Miles In 42 Days To Raise Awareness For Veteran Suicide

Oct 14, 2019 by apost team

Travis Snyder, a former marine, is walking for change. The veteran sold all of his belongings and set out to walk over 800 miles around Lake Michigan all in hopes of bringing more awareness to veteran suicide.

Snyder took on this mission to bring awareness to the issue after a close friend took his life earlier this year. The friend had been deployed with Snyder in Afghanistan, his death came as a shock to Snyder and other veteran friends.

"For my Marine brothers and I, that was a big shock to us," he told CNN.

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"I can't say that many of us knew a lot about his struggle, otherwise we would have reached out, and definitely would have helped in any way we could've. I guess you could say it was a wake-up call to check in on each other a little more often and to really make sure that we don't lose anybody else."

In honor of his friend and other veterans who may be facing similar challenges, Snyder walked in 42 days 810 miles around Lake Michigan. He gave daily updates and shared encouragement. Many people joined Snyder during his walk and spoke with him about their own struggles.

"In a good way, it was a little overwhelming,'" he said to CNN. "And I was honored to share part of their burden with them, just going through the loss of losing a loved one or struggling themselves with suicide."

Even though his walk is completed, Snyder hopes to continue advocating for veteran suicide prevention. He updated his Facebook according to CNN saying,

“This is our main objective; to bring a light to a situation that needs answers, and needs attention. You and I are to be that light, and to help those that are combating those challenges everyday. Together, we will make a tremendous difference."

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