Sometimes the best way to show support for those who have served in the military is to walk in their shoes. News 12's Virginia Huie shows how a group of veterans is taking steps to combat PTSD and the epidemic of veteran suicide.
Carry the Fallen is a hiking event with the ultimate purpose to reduce veteran suicide and assist military families.
On average, every day 22 veterans take their own lives.
Members of Airborne Tri-Team marched while carrying 45-pound weights that symbolize the emotional burden many veterans carry after war.
The 22-mile march, from Calverton National Cemetery to Sayville, honored three Long Islanders who lost their war against PTSD and depression - Darian Clark, of Ronkonkoma, Steve Tarpinian, of Franklin Square, and Bobby Hommel, of Bohemia.
Families of the fallen and hundreds of civilians joined forces with Airborne Tri-Team in their trek. After, nearly 400 Long Islanders kicked off a 5K run at Gillette Park. Every stride raised awareness for treatment of PTSD and money to help veterans.
At the same time as the 5K run in Sayville, 850 U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan participated in a shadow run.
Airborne Tri-Team raised $10,000 at the 5K run for veteran services.