Wiregrass Times

Barry Moore was mentioned in RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT VETERAN SUICIDE..... on page E1328 covering the 1st Session of the 117th Congress published on Dec. 7, 2021 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT VETERAN SUICIDE

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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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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 211(2)

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