Challenge 22 veteran suicide awareness

Hugh T. Gregor American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, Fla, hosts its fifth annual Challenge 22 event to raise awareness about veteran suicide and to support organizations that help veterans facing mental health challenges.
American Legion Post 63 commander Kurt Giesspeaks at the start of the Challenge 22 event. Gies started the Challenge 22 suicide prevention event to raise awareness for the 22 veterans that take their own lives everyday Photographed Saturday, November 13, 2021. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
American Legion Post 63 commander Kurt Giesspeaks at the start of the Challenge 22 event. Gies started the Challenge 22 suicide prevention event to raise awareness for the 22 veterans that take their own lives everyday Photographed Saturday, November 13, 2021. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Members of American Legion Veterans Memorial Post #347 in Lady Lake fold the American flag opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Members of American Legion Veterans Memorial Post #347 in Lady Lake fold the American flag opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Veterans and other attendees hold hands during opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event in Winter Garden, FL. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Veterans and other attendees hold hands during opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event in Winter Garden, FL. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Members of the Gymnastics USA Climbers perform a routine during opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event in Winter Garden, FL. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Members of the Gymnastics USA Climbers perform a routine during opening ceremonies of the Challenge 22 event in Winter Garden, FL. American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
100-year-old WWII Army veteran Gilbert Waganheim walks in the 2.2 mile Challenge 22 walk organized by American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies. This will be the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
100-year-old WWII Army veteran Gilbert Waganheim walks in the 2.2 mile Challenge 22 walk organized by American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies. This will be the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies reflects on the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Participants, including members of the Winter Garden Fire Dept in full gear, walk the 2.2 mile walk organized by American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies. This will be the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston
Participants, including members of the Winter Garden Fire Dept in full gear, walk the 2.2 mile walk organized by American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies. This will be the 5th anniversary of the Challenge 22 event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Fla., on Saturday, November 13. Photo by Jacob M. Langston