Murphy – “Our mission today is raise awareness of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day,” Lorrie Rooney said in her clear, resounding voice.
Rooney was personally devastated by suicide when her son, Alan Rooney, an active-duty Marine staff sergeant serving as a bomb technician, killed himself.
“He was trained to do a job. You don’t reach out for help, you just do the job,” she said of his highly skilled but stressful job in the military.
Warriors Veterans Outreach Director Gary Wilson added, “You don’t want to ask for help because you don’t want to be considered weak. You would be sidelined, and we all want to fight.”
The group walked – a more civilian-friendly word than “hump” – 22 miles from downtown Murphy to Marble and back again on April 29, traversing 1 mile for each service member who every day on average is dead by suicide. Last year’s walk attracted more than 100 volunteers.
Among this year’s walkers, several young people joined in. Autumn Kamaras and two fellow Hiwassee Dam middle schoolers, Jelly Morris and Carter Johnson, added youthful energy and warmth to the overcast, chilly day.
One of the services WVO offers veterans is a 24-hour hotline to call if they ever feel distressed or suicidal.
“They can call about anything,” Wilson said. “We want them to know we are there for them, and that we understand.”
Wilson said the nonprofit organization, which serves veterans and their families in need, averages three or four calls a day.
“We’ve got between 3,500 and 3,700 veterans in Cherokee County,” Wilson said, and Rooney interjected, “And those are only the ones we know about.”
In a perfect world, Rooney would like to see the U.S. Veterans Administration offer programs to help the military transition from military to civilian life.
“The government provides assistance to inmates leaving prison to help them bridge between the two, but there is nothing in place for our military,” Wilson said grimly.
The Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society donated their time and equipment as well. Pete Michel, a volunteer for WCARS, gave up his Saturday to help with logistics.
“We provide the communication arm of the event,” he said. “Anyone needing emergency services or even just a ride back.”
The 22 Hump involves complex logistical planning. A group of volunteers serving as the Treat Brigade tailgated at the Ingles entrance off of U.S. 19, a few miles from the starting point.
The team stood ready to provide water, treats and encouragement to the volunteer walkers. Among them were Tom and Chris Hall, who met on active duty in South Korea and have been married 25 years.
“We were deployed together,” Mrs. Hall explained, when her husband jumped in. “She was stalking me,” he said with a laugh. Mrs. Hall responded convivially, “It was actually the other way around.”
Dr. Elaine Dilbeck, WVO resident counselor, stood by a truck bed full of treats.
“I take care of these guys with their mental health needs,” she said, adding, “It’s a free service for them.”