WASHINGTON — A Wilmington, North Carolina, man just completed a 15,000-mile motorcycle ride across the country to raise awareness of veteran suicide. The ride took the Army veteran nearly three months to complete, spanning 48 states.
Perry Steed wasn't making the trip for fun. He did it for veterans who are struggling with mental health issues.
Military veterans are 50% more likely to die by suicide than non-veteran U.S. adults. That's an astounding number.
Steed connected with veterans along his route and shared stories with those he met.
The work to bring awareness to mental health continues now that Steed's Ride For Light has come to an end. Steed has started a nonprofit called Operation Purpose. He says he already has counselors ready to donate their time to the cause.
If you have something you'd like to share, email us at GetUplifted@wusa9.com or contact Allison Seymour on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Be sure to subscribe to the Get Up DC newsletter, where we'll be sharing an uplifting story every morning as well.
Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.