Each day, 22 veterans commit suicide – a staggering statistic considering how much these citizens have already sacrificed. One marine from Columbus, Indiana is on a quest to raise awareness of PTSD and its connections to the high rate of suicide among veterans, traveling 3,333 miles across the country by foot.
“I lost quite a few people that I served with before I even knew about the 22 vets that commit suicide every day,” said 33-year-old Kyle Killinger, who served in the Marine Corps from 2007-2009. “That number really strikes home because I feel like I could have been there for them and I wasn’t.”
Killinger, who works at a factory making fasteners for Toyota, said he first learned of the statistics behind veteran suicide in 2015. From 2016-2019, he ran 300 miles to attempt to raise awareness. During that time, he met a man who was traveling cross-country with the same mission – battling the 22/day statistic.
“The number of 22 per day is probably a lot lower than what it really is – this is just based on what’s been reported,” he added. “As soon as the seed was planted, I knew I had to do this. Once my place of employment approved my time off, that was it. Here I am.”
Killinger started his journey on July 19 in San Diego and is scheduled to arrive at the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. between noon and 1 p.m. on November 13. However, he’s not traveling alone. Mike Manon, of Canton, Ohio has volunteered his time to drive an RV alongside Killinger, ensuring his safety along the way.
“I think it’s phenomenal that he’s doing this. I am retired and a disabled veteran myself and I suffer from ptsd,” said Manon. “So I jumped at the opportunity to come on board… this truly is a great cause.”
A mutual friend connected the pair and Manon began planning the route, finding RV parks and making sure Killinger stays hydrated throughout the trip. The RV offers Killinger a place to shower, rest, eat and sleep safely. Every 5-6 miles, Manon will drive the RV ahead of Killinger and wait for him to catch up.
“There really is a lot that goes into this,” Killinger laughed. “I’ve ran for 25 years and there’s no comparison to now… there’s nothing that can prepare you for this. We started in Strafford this morning and we’ll end tonight in Phillipsburg. I average about 25-30 miles per day.”
According to Killinger, the experience thus far has been challenging, but rewarding and ultimately healing. He has a lot of time each day to think, block the world out, or just work through his own battles.
For more information or to follow Killinger’s journey as he makes way to Washington D.C., search “Because He’s My Brother” on Facebook or visit becausehesmybrother.org.
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