The American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County once again took a stand during their seventh annual Walk-A-Thon for Military and Veteran Suicide Awareness at Riverside Park.
In addition to finding strength and fellowship with one another, Gold Star Mothers honor their fallen sons and daughters by serving the living. They support veterans, active-duty military and their families, while promoting patriotism through community involvement.
Walk-a-thon participants spent the morning visiting veteran support organizations and resources, including Wreaths Across America, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, American Legion, Voices for Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wounded Waters and Veteran Service Office.
Also on hand were the event beneficiaries, organizations who provide local veteran mental wellness programs, including Dogs for Life, Next Generation Veterans and the Mental Health Association.
Michelle Dale, Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County chapter founder, whose son, Army Cpl. Dale J. Kridlo, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010, highlighted the success of these veteran-facilitated sessions.
“Since we started in 2019, we have not lost one of the attendees of these sessions,” said Dale.
People were also invited to honor past and present service members by writing their names on a cross or a star and either placing it on the Wall of Valor or carrying it with them on the walk.
“That way, they are walking with you and you are walking with them during this walk-a-thon against military suicide. It’s still happening, and it is unacceptable,” said Jason Patzer, event emcee.
After the presentation of the colors by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard, accompanied by bagpiper Michael Hyde, as a large American flag billowed in the wind as it hung from an Indian River County Fire Rescue ladder truck, U.S. Air Force veteran Kyle Kraft sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Vietnam Air Force veteran Gary LoPinto shared his decades-long journey of healing from service-related PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma, a topic rarely spoken of , especially by men from this era.
“I felt isolated. I felt alone. Didn’t know where to turn, who to talk to,” LoPinto recounted. He revealed that when he first sought help from his commanding officer, he was told to “suck it up, buttercup.”
Early in his struggle, he admitted to a failed suicide attempt. With time, faith and persistence, he eventually found help, albeit after navigating through mental health services at the VA, where he initially felt like a “lab rat” due to over-medication.
LoPinto shared that it was alternative therapies that ultimately provided him with the tools to heal. A psychologist suggested that he write about his experience, putting a positive, revised ending to the story instead. Reading this positive version every night before he went to bed “changed the course of his nightmares,” said LoPinto.
Other helpful methods included inspirational readings each day, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, Equine Therapy, battlefield acupuncture, and Tai Chi, followed by meditation.
“Write out your story, change the ending to a positive one, and then read that every night before you go to bed, and hopefully that will help you. There is help and you’re not alone,” suggested LoPinto to other struggling veterans and active military.
Participants next set out on their walk in hopes of generating awareness and raising funds to assist others who need help.
For more information, visit IRCGoldStarMoms.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
