September 23, 2023- In observance of Veterans Suicide Prevention Month in September, the VA Illiana Health Care System’s Suicide Prevention Team and Richland Community College hosted the Third Annual Operation Obstacle: The Race to End Veteran Suicide. The 2-mile, timed race was held on Richland’s campus at the Workforce Development Institute.
The event was open to the public, and Richland students and employees also took part in the race and volunteered at the event.
Upon completion of the obstacle course, participants received challenge medals, goodie bags and snacks/water. Trophies were awarded to the top 3 male & female finishers.
For participants who wanted to jog, walk, or skip some obstacles, they were able to participate in the newly added non-competitive fun run for participants.
Veterans, as well as current military members, participated in the course.
“I am here today to bring into recognition we are also people,” Zach Lewis, Army Reserves 236 ICTC said. “We are not just war machines. We are people and we go through things and life as well. I am here today to bring that to light. I am supporting the veterans and to end suicide. I am also bringing to light the first responders and EMT’s because without them we wouldn’t be able to do the things that we are able to do in our lives.”
The obstacle course had a special meaning for Lewis, as he wore his uniform during the race in honor of the men and women who have served their country, like he has.
“It means a lot; it means I am one of the few who was able to stick it out,” Lewis said. “I wear this uniform with a lot of pride and respect. I wear it for the people that come before me and after me.”
Learn more about the race at richland.edu/operationobstacle
All proceeds went towards supporting Richland Community College’s Student Veteran’s Resource Center which provides free resources and services to veterans – helping them overcome financial obstacles to education. The Richland Veteran’s Student Resource Center was opened in 2019 and serves as a comfortable space for Veteran students to study, relax, communicate, and collaborate.
For more information on how to support veterans and service members struggling with mental illness, visit va.gov or call the veterans suicide prevention number 988, and press 1.
