Here at Project Echelon, we love to be contacted by veterans who already support veterans. If you're involved with an event, program, or something else that seems to align with what we do, let us know! We love to support, listen, collaborate, and promote stories of those living to make a difference (like on our Podcast, The Art of Endurance) to build up people with our values.
Below are some of the stories, projects, and ways we support Veterans through the Veterans' Initiative Program.
Below are some of the stories, projects, and ways we support Veterans through the Veterans' Initiative Program.
Aaron Hunnel
Ride to Stop Suicide
The Ride 2 Stop Suicide is about aligning forces with military veteran organizations, communities, friends and families so we can work together to reduce the stigma associated suicidal ideation and get bikes in the hands of veterans around the country. We want to bring light to the veteran community and let them know that they are not alone but that there are many ways to feel that sense of purpose and connection to life.
Suicide is tragic for many reasons. Not only does it impact our families and friends, it also impacts our communities. Veterans are at a high risk for suicide because of the service they provide this country. Suicide is the last resort for someone who is hopeless and helpless. Fortunately there are many opportunities to intervene before the hopelessness and helplessness becomes unbearable.
Biking is one way to combat depression, anxiety, or even PTSD. Physical activity is one of the best interventions someone can do if they’re struggling with their life, health, or wellness. A bike is a tool which represents the momentum we must generate by pedaling and making the wheels turn. Pedaling can be hard, especially when climbing a hill, but it’s the only way to make this tool work properly so you can get from where you are to where you want to go. We must pedal to generate hope, cultivate strength, and move forward in life. Not just for ourselves, but also for our families and community.
On September 11, 2021, military veteran and ultra endurance athlete Aaron Hunnel will bike 3100 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD while pulling an empty trailer on his road bike. The empty trailer symbolizes those military veterans we’ve lost to suicide. Our movement will raise $150k that will go directly to Project Echelon and be used to purchase 100 Argon 18 road bikes which will be given away on Veterans Day 2021 to our veteran organization partners. Spreading awareness is great, but it’s not enough. We need to make a difference in our veteran communities by intervening with practical solutions. These veterans are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, neighbors, friends and coworkers.
Suicide is tragic for many reasons. Not only does it impact our families and friends, it also impacts our communities. Veterans are at a high risk for suicide because of the service they provide this country. Suicide is the last resort for someone who is hopeless and helpless. Fortunately there are many opportunities to intervene before the hopelessness and helplessness becomes unbearable.
Biking is one way to combat depression, anxiety, or even PTSD. Physical activity is one of the best interventions someone can do if they’re struggling with their life, health, or wellness. A bike is a tool which represents the momentum we must generate by pedaling and making the wheels turn. Pedaling can be hard, especially when climbing a hill, but it’s the only way to make this tool work properly so you can get from where you are to where you want to go. We must pedal to generate hope, cultivate strength, and move forward in life. Not just for ourselves, but also for our families and community.
On September 11, 2021, military veteran and ultra endurance athlete Aaron Hunnel will bike 3100 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD while pulling an empty trailer on his road bike. The empty trailer symbolizes those military veterans we’ve lost to suicide. Our movement will raise $150k that will go directly to Project Echelon and be used to purchase 100 Argon 18 road bikes which will be given away on Veterans Day 2021 to our veteran organization partners. Spreading awareness is great, but it’s not enough. We need to make a difference in our veteran communities by intervening with practical solutions. These veterans are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, neighbors, friends and coworkers.
SHAWN MORELLI
Shawn Morelli, an amazing athlete and disabled veteran, will be competing under the Project Echelon banner in 2019. Shawn, a Paralympic Gold Medalist from the Rio Summer Games in the Time Trial and Reigning Para-Cycling World Champion, is passionate about sharing her story on how cycling changed her life. She now wants to empower others through cycling, and Project Echelon is honored to support this amazing athlete and veteran in pursuing her goals during 2019.
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ROB VERHELST
Robert Verhelst, affectionately known as Fireman Rob , is a Fireman for the City of Madison, Air Force veteran, and 9/11 volunteer recovery worker. Rob has been struggling with PTSD since his experience at the 9/11 site in addition to events he experienced in the military & fire service. In alignment with our mission, he has found peace and solitude through physical activity and following his passion to inspire others. This year he will competing in a number of endurance events throughout the world, in full fireman's gear, often accompanied by military brothers and sisters or first responders, to raise awareness of PTSD and veteran suicide.
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BEN MATHE
Ben Mathe had a dream of being a professional WWE wrestler. During his service in Iraq Ben was shot in the face, which led to complications that made his dream seem all but impossible. However, Ben has worked to overcome his barriers and has started his own independent wrestling promotion company, which he uses as a platform to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide. Project Echelon is working with Ben to help create a feature length documentary film about his amazing story. Learn more HERE.
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