By:John Harris

As a veteran and UAGC student, getting involved with the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, a suicide prevention effort by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, has been one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences I’ve had within the veteran community.

I did my first walk in 2023 and honestly didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t joined a group or connected with anyone except for my walking coach beforehand. When one signs up to be part of the fundraiser, they are assigned a “walking coach” to provide volunteers with an overview.  But the moment I arrived, I felt this powerful, welcoming energy like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

After signing in, I started to feel a little nervous. I couldn’t find my coach and didn’t really know what to do next. That’s when an older gentleman approached me and asked about my shirt, a 22 A Day jersey I had personally designed because I didn’t have the blue event shirt yet, as I’d registered late. When he found out I was in the military, he immediately introduced me to his team, Ruck-Up, and without hesitation, they invited me to join them.

After talking for a bit and sharing it was my first walk, it felt like they instantly went into protective mode. Everyone made sure I knew that if I needed anything, they had my back. During the walk, I met even more people who genuinely wanted to support and motivate me.

During the walk, I ended up catching up with two teammates who let me walk alongside them. They talked with me, checked on me, and encouraged me all the way to the 16-mile finish. When the event ended, several people insisted that I message them once I got home safely. Within the next few days, I received multiple friend requests on social media from teammates and others I had met. What started as a solo experience quickly turned into something that felt like family.

Over the past three years, I’ve continued participating in this event. Each year during the opening ceremony, they invite walkers to represent the many communities affected by suicide and last year, I was selected to represent the military and first responders. That moment meant everything to me. I walk in honor of my fallen brothers, friends I’ve lost, and for my students and clients who are currently struggling.

Finding purpose and connection through this walk has helped me continue serving others in a meaningful way. This year will be my fourth walk, and every year I meet incredible people like walking coaches, event staff, fellow walkers, new teammates, and of course, the legendary “Go Guy.” I continue to make new friends and feel more connected within a community that truly cares.

If you’re looking for a way to give back or support our veterans, this is one of the most powerful ways to show them they’re not alone. You can donate or sign up by using the links provided below.  If you choose to participate, and this is your first time, just remember: the moment you put on that Out of the Darkness shirt, you’ve joined a family that supports you, stands with you, appreciates your presence and that doing something is better than doing nothing.

Oh, and if you need a little extra confidence… come find me.  I’ll be the guy in the camo kilt.

John Harris II
UAGC SVA Member

To donate:

https://www.theovernight.org/participants/John_HarrisII_RuckUp

To register:

https://www.theovernight.org/register

John Harris at the 2024 Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk.