Thomas Lynn | The Valdosta Daily TimesJoshua Powell, a marine veteran and founder of Project Zero, and his daughter, Kenzie Powell, walk down Bemiss Road Saturday as part of the Second Annual Hike for Veteran Suicide Prevention.

VALDOSTA — The Second Annual Hike for Veteran Suicide Prevention took place Saturday between Moody Air Force Base and Downtown Valdosta.

A crowd of about 30 people hiked down Bemiss Road to raise awareness of veteran suicides as part of the group Project Zero.

Joshua Powell, a marine veteran who said he has struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide, founded Project Zero. Last year, he wanted a way to raise awareness of veteran suicide and thought a hike along one of the community’s busiest roads was a good way to get attention, he said.

As the participants walked, wearing military attire and carrying a large American flag, vehicles honked to show their support.

Powell said he came up with the distance of 22 miles based on how many veterans reportedly die by suicide every day. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 20 veterans die by suicide every day.

The event started at Moody Road just across from the base at 9 a.m. and ended at the Azalea City Church of God, 247 St. Augustine Road.

Powell said he wanted to give back to families that have lost a loved one to suicide. 

“I thought one of the best ways to give back was to have a bunch of people walking through town to show their support,” he said. “It’s a crazy concept to walk 22 miles, but if you’re not sacrificing something, then it’s not worth doing.”

A marine who served one tour in Iraq in 2003, Powell has overcome his own demons to be where he is at today, he said. 

Powell said there was definitely more of an interest this year. So long as the event keeps attention on the issue, he said he wants to continue the hike each year.

However, his hope is they won’t have to do this hike at all — that would mean veteran suicide would no longer be an issue. 

“We will do it for as long as PTSD and veteran suicide is an issue,” Powell said. “I definitely want more people out here. I’d love to see the streets lined with people to show the families that have lost someone that this community has their back.”

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256