WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — November marks Veterans and Military Families Month.

Throughout the month, Spectrum News 13 is showcasing issues that impact veterans and military families.

A local nonprofit is working to break barriers when it comes to veterans asking for help to overcome mental health challenges.

Their goal is to end veteran suicide. 

What You Need To Know

  • The eighth annual Challenge 22 walk is set for Nov. 2 at American Legion Post 63 on West Plant Street in Winter Garden
  • The goal of the event is to end veteran suicide
  • In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated 22 veterans died by suicide each day 
  • As more recent VA data show a slight decline in the veteran suicide rate, Challenge 22 remains committed to helping veterans manage post-traumatic stress

“If you’re struggling, raise your hand and we will help you. We’ll give you options," said Kurt Gies, who founded the nonprofit Challenge 22. "You pick what’s most comfortable for you. If it doesn’t work, pick something else. We pay for it all."

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated 22 veterans died by suicide each day. 

That’s why Gies named the volunteer-led nonprofit Challenge 22.

As more recent VA data show a slight decline in the veteran suicide rate, the nonprofit remains committed to helping veterans manage post-traumatic stress.

Gies said they do that through partnerships with other nonprofits to provide veterans resources.

The eighth annual Challenge 22 walk is set for Nov. 2 at American Legion Post 63 on West Plant Street in Winter Garden.

Money raised at the event will go to nonprofits that provide resources for vets. 

Post-traumatic stress is something army veteran Edgardo Comulada knows well.

Comulada was one of eight veterans who took part in Deep Blue Dive Therapy at the Georgia Aquarium. 

This is one of the nonprofits Challenge 22 supports. 

“The water is very calm, quiet," Comulada said. "It lets you become at ease with the fish and the nature of it."

He said scuba diving is his medicine.   

“Just being down there with these animals, it’s so peaceful," Comulada said. "They’re so friendly, it’s great."

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Larry Wilson, who founded Deep Blue Dive Therapy, said he’s making it his mission to make sure veterans heal. 

“Even going through certification and the course and going through these iterations to get certified, it makes you feel like you’re a part of something again,” Wilson said. 

Being a part of an effort to change the stigma and breaking the barrier for veterans with post-traumatic stress, a reminder that focusing on the here and now is what matters most.

“When you need help, you just have to ask,” Gies said. 

Gies said in the first year the Challenge 22 walk took place, it raised more than $30,000. 

He said that over the years, it has raised $650,000 total.