[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT VETERAN SUICIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARRY MOORE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, today I would like to bring to 
your attention Operation Iron Ruck, an event led by the University of 
Alabama and Auburn University's Student Veteran Associations to raise 
awareness of the critical issue of veteran suicide. Operation Iron Ruck 
is held every year ahead of the Iron Bowl, the classic football game 
where the Auburn University Tigers face off against the University of 
Alabama Crimson Tide.
  Unfortunately, each day, twenty-two veterans and active-duty service 
members take their lives. To raise awareness of this tragedy, Operation 
Iron Ruck participants hike 151 miles from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, all the 
way to Auburn. Participants carry twenty-two pounds of gear to 
represent each of those fallen warfighters.
  Once at Auburn, the items inside the rucks are then donated to 
Alabama State Veteran homes and to Three Hots and A Cot, a nonprofit 
organization committed to securing housing for veterans in need. 
Additionally, over $5,000 was raised this year to further support these 
organizations and other support groups, such as Mission 22 and the 
student veterans' associations of both universities.
  Madam Speaker, we owe it to every American who has ever worn a 
uniform in military service of our great nation to honor their 
sacrifices and ensure that they never face a scenario where they 
falsely believe their last option is to tragically take their own life. 
As a country, may we renew our dedication to these men and women and 
care for those who have put their own lives on the line for our liberty 
and safety. Let this commemoration forever be preserved in the 
Congressional Record of the United States, and may the world never 
forget the sacrifices of these brave men and women.

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