On October 10, 2025, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation completed our 2nd Annual 5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans & First Responders at Veterans Park in Delaware, Ohio.
The purpose of the 5K ruck/walk event is for attendees to complete the designated route while carrying a ruck (backpack), a weighted vest, or nothing, to symbolize the extra weight that veterans and first responders carry as they quietly navigate mental health struggles.
Program Manager & Veteran Liaison
I am the Program Manager and Veteran Liaison for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). I manage the First Responder Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Instructor Training grant, the Man Therapy Ohio campaign, the Workplace Prevention program, serve on the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio (2024-2026) implementation team, and co-lead the Ohio Governor’s Challenge Team, which aims to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). This team works closely with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Ohio Brain Injury Program, the Ohio Army National Guard, and the Department of Behavioral Health.
During our 5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans and First Responders, it felt weird wearing camouflage clothing for the first time in 6 years, minus my 30-lb weighted vest, since I use it often.
I served in the US Army for 22 years (1997-2019) and retired in 2019.
We received recognition from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose during our 5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans and First Responders. I’d like to thank his Veteran Liaison, Carl Mason, for attending our event.
2nd Annual 5K Ruck/Walk Video
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
- OHIOcares: Ohio Cares
- VA Mental Health Services
- Mental Health | Department of Veterans Services
- Find a CVSO | Department of Veterans Services
- Star Providers Registry: www.starproviders.org
- Stockhands Horses for Healing Veteran Outreach Program
- VA Central Ohio Health Care System is four VA clinics, a stand-alone behavioral health clinic, and a level 2 complexity ambulatory care center that offers a full spectrum of primary care services, evidence-based behavioral health care, specialty medicine services, and same-day ambulatory surgery for more than 40,000 veterans in 14 counties throughout central Ohio.
- Life Side Ohio is a campaign of direct suicide prevention outreach dedicated to the firearms community. It provides resources like hunting dates, mental health training, mental health support, and firearms stories.
- Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is a non-profit organization that educates, advocates, and builds connections and support for individuals, families, and communities to prevent suicide. 614-429-1528
- Department of Behavioral Health provides training and technical assistance to communities, supporting resiliency in youth and families and promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.
- Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) represents all local mental health and recovery boards at the state level. Crisis Text Line: Text “4Hope” to 741741 or call 614-224-1111
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio provides free programs and training for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24/7
If you are having suicidal thoughts
- Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- Call your mental health specialist.
- Call a suicide hotline number – 988 press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line
- National Suicide Prevention Line
- Seek help from your primary care provider.
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Discover more from Jason Lee Hughes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Jason Lee Hughes 
Leave a comment