In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month this September, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is set to host the second annual Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hike across 16 state parks. The aim is to highlight the mental health challenges faced by veterans, offering a chance for community building and resource sharing amongst veterans and their families. With a unique mix of activities planned, from kayaking to yoga, the event seeks to provide a supportive environment without the pressure of fundraising.
"We are so excited to have more parks involved in this initiative," the TPWD Veteran’s Liaison Nicole Mechler, who is organizing the event, told TPWD in a recent release. This year's Ruck Hike isn't confined to physical challenges alone—it'll stretch to accommodate a variety of interests. "We encourage veterans from around the state to take part in these events and enjoy what Texas State Parks have to offer," Mechler said, emphasizing the casual nature of attendance: "There is no need to sign up for any of the park’s activities, just show up!"
The lineup for September includes a swim race at Balmorhea State Park, therapeutic yoga sessions at Dinosaur Valley State Park, and a sunrise paddleboarding experience at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. These diverse activities are intentionally designed to forge connections and to actively benefit attendees' mental and physical health. In keeping with this spirit, TPWD collaborates with veteran and military groups to ensure participants have access to valuable resources right where they are—the parks.
For a full schedule of events and details on participating parks—from the tranquil grounds of Hueco Tanks State Park to the waterways of Cooper Lake State Park—interested parties are encouraged to visit the TPWD website. The TPWD initiative represents a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support, particularly among veterans, and the therapeutic value provided by engaging with nature and the community. "We encourage veterans from around the state to take part in these events and enjoy what Texas State Parks have to offer. There is no need to sign up for any of the park’s activities, just show up," Mechler added, according to the TPWD announcement.
There's no need for reservations; all events are open for veterans and their loved ones to attend freely. For any inquiries, TPWD has made the email address [email protected] available for assistance. As September approaches, TPWD invites Texas veterans to connect, build support systems, and enjoy the healing aspects of nature and camaraderie through this thoughtful and inclusive series of events.
