Combat Vets Association sponsors event to prevent veteran suicide

By NMDVS

In an effort to help prevent veteran suicide, a local chapter of the Combat Veterans Association, a non-profit veteran support group, will host a “Suicide Awareness Ride for 22” fundraiser in Albuquerque on Saturday, September 22.

“We lose about 22 veterans to suicide on average every day,” said Jason “Flash” Fleming, chapter commander. “The Ride for 22 event is an opportunity for the public to help mitigate a very serious issue. There are too many brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us that now need us to help save theirs.”

The fundraiser is open to the public and includes a “poker run” for motorcycle enthusiasts starting at 11:00 a.m. at Indian Motorcycle of Albuquerque located at 4509 Alameda Blvd NE, ending by mid-afternoon at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 401 located at 2011 Girard SE. A poker run is where motorcyclists visit several checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. Players present their cards at the final checkpoint to see who wins and earns prizes.

The best times for news media coverage is 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Indian Motorcycle of Albuquerque, and/or 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 401.

Registration is at 10:00 a.m. at Indian Motorcycle. Cost to participate in the poker run is 15 dollars per rider and five dollars per passenger. A raffle for several prizes will take place at the VFW like a Remington pistol, tattoo and restaurant gift certificates. The “kid-friendly” event will have free music, and food and drink available for purchase also at the VFW.

For more information about the event, email combatvets@earthlink.net. To learn about the Combat Veterans Association, visit www.combatvet.us.