ACADIANA (KLFY) -- One man is making it his mission to raise awareness and prevent veteran suicides by walking across the country, with just a sign on his back and a determination to let veterans know they are not alone. News 10 catches up with veteran Ron Zaleski on his journey to spread awareness.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ron Zaleski said it's not enough just to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention, but to put action behind it. He's doing just that by walking from the Florida Keys to San Diego in hopes his journey will inform and inspire people to get involved in helping to prevent veteran suicide.
"To me, awareness doesn't save lives, it's what you do with awareness that saves lives," he said.
Ron Zaleski said when he started his nonprofit organization The Long Walk Home, it was a way to help veterans through a unique set of challenges to prevent veteran suicide.
He said when he first found out years ago the average number of veterans who committed suicide was 18 a day, it was "unacceptable." Zaleski said that's when he closed down his business and first walked the Appalachian Trail barefoot to create awareness.
He said that's when he "realized awareness is no good unless you have a plan and get it instituted."
The Veterans Affairs estimates about 22 veterans commit suicide each day. Zaleski said he wants to bring awareness by walking the country coast to coast. He started his journey on Sept. 11 in Key West, Fla., and is walking until he reaches San Diego, Calif., where a big reception will be held.
Zaleski said this kind of journey is not his first rodeo, acknowledging he will need help. His son is walking with him by trading spots every other day.
"My adopted son is walking every other day with me because after the first month and a half, I didn't think I could make it, so he stepped up to the plate. He's been walking every other day."
Even in harsh weather conditions, he said he has walked and will continue walking as long as awareness is needed. Zaleski travels along Highway 90 and while in Acadiana, Grant Boutte was driving when he saw Zaleski's sign and immediately recognized what it meant.
Boutte said he happened to be going down the highway and saw a glimpse of the sign.
"I only saw a portion that said 22 veterans and immediately knew what it meant."
Boutte said his brother who served in the Army died by suicide.
"It really hit home for me because my brother is one of those one of those fallen soldiers that took his life. I really appreciate Mr. Ron for bringing an awareness because it's something that we need to understand."
Zaleski says if anyone wants to volunteer their time or resources, or even would like him to speak, information can be found HERE.
