Alaska to Argentina PTSD Awareness Ride on Honda CB500X
Army vet supports The Soldiers Project
Iraq combat vet Zachary Sherman is riding a Honda CB500X from Alaska to Argentina to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and raise money for The Soldiers Project. The non-profit organization provides free mental health services to post-9/11 veterans.
Sherman's 9,500-mile route includes events in Seattle (September 13-14), Sacramento (September 23– 26), and Los Angeles (September 29– 30). In each city he will meet with Soldiers Project Regional Chapter Directors and local therapists, who provide the free counseling services. Some of them may even hop on their own bikes and accompany him for part of his journey.
After serving with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Iraq, Sherman was diagnosed with PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Sherman took a job in law enforcement, but his career was cut short by the effects of PTSD. While nearly suicidal, he overcame his depression with community support; only to see six men from his former unit take their own lives. In researching veteran service providers he came across The Soldiers Project.
"The Soldiers Project provides free of charge counseling to post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their families. There isn't a higher calling that I can think of," Sherman said. "I wish that I had been aware of them before it cost me my career."
According to the latest research from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 20 military veterans take their own lives every day in the United States.
"When a veteran suffers from PTSD or any other mental health consequence after separating from military service, it has a ripple effect," said Soldiers Project Interim Executive Director Andrea Schmitt. "Spouses, partners and even children and friends can be affected. That's why The Soldiers Project provides care not only to veterans but to their family members as well. This issue affects entire communities."
The Soldiers Project provides free, confidential and unlimited mental health services to post-9/11 military veterans and their families. Chapters are located across the United States, including Seattle, Sacramento, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Houston. For more information or to get services, call Toll-Free: (877) 576-5343 or visit www.thesoldiersproject.org
To support Expedition Recovery, visit www.crowdrise.com/expedition-recovery