The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Sept. 2 that more than 20 Texas State Parks will host Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes throughout September, which is also Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
According to the agency’s Sept. 2 news release, the hikes are open to community members, veterans and their families alike, with or without a ruck. TPWD described the events as being about connection, raising awareness of the mental health struggles veterans face and honoring those who have been lost. Details for each event are posted on the State Parks Event Calendar, the agency said.
“Being able to bring our community and local organizations together to rally around our veterans and their families means the world to us,” Nicole Mechler, the department’s military liaison, said in the release. “We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight. Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them.”
TPWD advised participants to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for the weather, and to bring at least two liters of water per person along with salty snacks.
The agency also pointed veterans and active-duty military members to the Parklands Passport, which provides free entry to all Texas State Parks. According to the release, the passport can be obtained by bringing documentation to any state park headquarters, but is best secured in advance rather than on the day of a hike. Multiple parks also have assistive chairs available for loan that can handle rougher terrain than traditional wheelchairs, the department said, with a complete list of participating parks available on its accessibility page.
More information on veterans affairs at TPWD is available by emailing vetcontact@tpwd.texas.gov, the release said. The hikes offer a month-long opportunity for Texans to spend time outdoors while supporting the veterans in their communities.