Saturday, September 14, 2024
Post 9545 with a Check of $40,000 for Project Headstrong
Warriors Walk 2024: A Triumphant Weekend of Honor, Community, and Patriotism Raises $40,000 for Headstrong
New Lenox, IL – September 30, 2024
The 5th Annual Warriors Walk wrapped up with resounding success, leaving participants and organizers with a profound sense of pride and achievement. This yearly event, dedicated to honoring veterans and active-duty service members, brought the community together through a series of heartfelt activities—including a commemorative dinner, a symbolic walk, and a spirited Patriots Party. Most notably, this year’s efforts raised $40,000 for the Headstrong Project, a non-profit that provides mental health care for veterans, bringing the total to $125,000 raised over five years.
The two-day event, hosted by Warriors Walk – New Lenox with primary sponsor Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545, was filled with reflection, unity, and celebration. We extend our gratitude to committee members from the New Lenox and Mokena VFWs, New Lenox American Legion, their auxiliary members, and many others whose invaluable contributions made this gathering possible. All proceeds go directly toward supporting mental health services for veterans, underscoring the ongoing need for community-driven efforts to address the invisible wounds of war.
Event Recap:
1. Warriors Walk Dinner: A Night of Tribute
The weekend kicked off on September 13, 2024, with the highly anticipated Warriors Walk Dinner at the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977. Over 130 attendees gathered to honor event sponsors, volunteers, and veterans. Guests enjoyed a meal catered by Gatto’s Italian Restaurant, with desserts provided by Sugar Shack Cookie Co. Veterans and military leaders shared Powerful stories of resilience, giving attendees insight into the personal journeys of those who served.
Raffles held throughout the evening raised additional funds for the Headstrong Project, and keynote speaker Joseph E. Troiani, Ph.D., retired U.S. Navy Commander and founding director of the Military Psychology Program, delivered an emotional speech on the vital importance of mental health care for service members.
2. The Warriors Walk: A Moving Tribute
On Saturday, September 14, over 100 people gathered for the Warriors Walk, a symbolic event starting and ending at the Veterans Memorial in New Lenox Commons. Participants of all ages and backgrounds, including veterans, military families, and supporters, walked side by side, carrying flags and wearing tribute shirts to honor their loved ones.
With various route options available—from the SPC James L. Bartz Memorial Mile to a 20-mile stretch along the Old Plank Trail—the walk was accessible to everyone, allowing all to demonstrate their support. Many participants walked in memory of those who lost their lives to suicide, while others joined in solidarity with those who continue to face mental health challenges.
3. Patriots Party: A Celebration of Unity
The weekend it was concluded with the lively Patriots Party at the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545. This event brought families, veterans, and supporters together for a day of unity and celebration, featuring live music, food from local vendors, and activities for children. It was the perfect way to cap off a weekend of reflection and support for veterans.
$40,000 Raised for the Headstrong Project
One of the weekend’s most significant achievements was the overwhelming generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, who helped raise $40,000 for the Headstrong Project. This national non-profit provides stigma-free, cost-free mental health care for veterans and their families. These funds will directly support veterans in need of comprehensive mental health treatment, ensuring they receive the care they need to overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and other service-related mental health issues.
Ryan Brazel, lead coordinator of the Warriors Walk, expressed deep gratitude for the community’s unwavering support, saying, “It is official! The Warriors Walk raised and shall donate $40,000 to the Headstrong Project from this year’s event. Thank you to all who donated, sponsored, participated, and volunteered.”
Looking Forward
With the success of Warriors Walk 2024, organizers are already planning next year’s event, with an ambitious goal of raising $75,000 to bring the total donations to $200,000 by the 6th annual Warriors Walk. “WE GOT THIS!!” Brazel proclaimed, highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting veterans.
About Headstrong Project
The Headstrong Project offers cost-free, confidential, and evidence-based mental health care to veterans and their families. Their treatment model is designed to address the unique challenges faced by those who served, helping them heal from PTSD, trauma, and other service-related mental health issues. For more information, visit https://theheadstrongproject.org/.
Media Contact:
Ryan Brazel
Phone: (312) 221-1347
Email: info@warriorswalk-il.org
Website: https://www.warriorswalk-il.or…
The Warriors Walk 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-driven initiatives to support veterans. Raising $125,000 for the Headstrong Project not only honored our nation’s heroes but also provided critical mental health resources for those continuing to fight the unseen battles of war.
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About Warriors Walk – New Lenox
Warriors Walk’s mission is to create a community where veterans’ mental health is a top priority, providing access to resources that supplement services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through partnerships with organizations like the Headstrong Project, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding veteran mental health and offer tangible support to those in need.
Thank you all for your generous support these five years.