Department of Wisconsin to conduct veterans awareness walk

 

In conjunction with its upcoming department convention, the Wisconsin American Legion will hold a 1-mile walk and 5k run for veterans in Madison on July 16. Leading the walk will be American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett, of Douglasville, Ga., and Department of Wisconsin Commander Dale H. Oatman.

“The purpose of this walk is to raise public awareness about the crucial issues facing America’s veterans and their families,” Barnett said. “An estimated 20 veterans a day commit suicide. Traumatic brain injuries have become a signature wound of the Global War on Terrorism and up to 20 percent of the men and women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans still have difficulty receiving health care in a timely manner and too many have been waiting years to have their disability claims resolved. We owe it to those who served our country to never forget their sacrifice and devotion. We are walking for those who marched for us.”

The walk will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, at the Madison Marriott Hotel West located at 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr. in Middleton. All members of the public are invited to participate and can register at the event or online here. The 5k run will commence after the walk. Proceeds will benefit programs which assist Wisconsin veterans.

Registration fee is $20 and will include a T-shirt. Also participating in the walk will be a contingent from the University of Wisconsin marching band.

Watch a TV interview with Department of Wisconsin Adjutant Dave Kurtz about the upcoming Awareness Walk for Veterans here.