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AUSTIN – More than 20 Texas State Parks will be hosting Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes throughout the month of September, which is also Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Community members, veterans and their families alike are welcome to participate in one of the hikes, with a ruck or without. These hikes are about connection, raising awareness of mental health struggles faced by veterans and honoring those we’ve lost.
Visit the State Parks Event Calendar to view specific details for each event across the state.
“Being able to bring our community and local organizations together to rally around our veterans and their families means the world to us,” said Nicole Mechler, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Military Liaison. “We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight. Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them.”
To prepare, wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen and proper clothing for the weather, and bring at least two liters of water per person, along with salty snacks.
Veterans and active-duty military members are invited to check out the Parklands Passport, which provides free entry to all Texas State Parks. You can bring documentation and register for your passport at any Texas State Park headquarters but are best obtained in advance and not on the day of the hike.
Multiple parks have assistive chairs available for loan. These chairs can handle rougher terrain than traditional wheelchairs. Learn more about these assistive chairs and see the complete list of parks with the chairs on the Texas Parks and Wildlife accessibility page.
For more information on Veterans Affairs at Texas Parks and Wildlife, contact vetcontact@tpwd.texas.gov. For more information on Texas State Parks, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s webpage.
