Running 22 Miles in Idaho Falls to save veteran lives
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IDAHO FALLS — It was a chilly 25 degrees at 9 a.m. Wednesday, but that didn’t stop Maighen Paskett and Gary Azevedo from running 22 miles, carrying large flags, through the streets of Idaho Falls.
“We’re going 22 miles to represent the 22 veterans who will take their lives today,” Azevedo said as the pair jogged past the EastIdahoNews.com newsroom.
Paskett and Azevedo of Idaho Falls hope they’re noticed as they run to raise awareness that suicides among veterans is a problem.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 19-22 veterans commit suicide every day.
“There are organizations out there to help veterans,” Paskett said. “They’re not alone and there are people that want to help them. Their sacrifice for our country was not in vain.”
The duo established a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to raise money for national nonprofit Team Red, White and Blue. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activities.
