MISSION: TO END VETERAN SUICIDE

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Purchase Banquet Tickets
SAturday 10/03/2026

sponsor or donate

Stand Against The Silence Program

The Warriors Walk offers a **FREE** set of Memorial Dog Tags to any family or friend that has lost their Veteran to suicide. Click below for details.

Apply Now

Create a Team!

Begin raising money amongst your family and friends and fight against Veteran suicide through Kindful! Once an account is created through the link below, go to “causes” on your account’s menu, click on the current campaign, and create your team! You can then add as many registered Kindful fundraising team members as you like.

**Individual registration for the Walk is still required**

**FREE**

Warriors Walk After Party!

The Warriors Walk After Party is a free event located at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL). The After Party is on the same day as the Walk from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm. This year it will be held on September 19th, 2026. Join us for live music, refreshments, food, jump houses, face painting, and a vendor fair!

become a vendor!
**it’s free**

2027 Design Contest Winner!

Ella Peters of Lincolnway East is a family member of a proud line of Veterans. It clearly shows with her design and message of support for the 2027 T-shirt contest!

see the past winners

Get Your Gear!

Available at:
New Lenox VFW Post #9545
New Lenox American Legion Post #1977
All Warriors Walk Events

The Warriors Walk

The Warriors Walk is a 501c(3) Not-For-Profit Corporation based in Illinois, uniting a network of VFWs, American Legions, businesses, and schools throughout the Chicago area. Together, we are dedicated to ending Veteran suicide and raising awareness for the mental health challenges faced by our nation’s heroes.

Founded in 2019 by Ryan Brazel, the Warriors Walk has been proudly supported by the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post #9545 and has experienced exponential growth.

In 2024, the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post #1977 transitioned from a lead supporter to a contributing partner, playing a pivotal role as we grew into an independent organization.

With the support of our community, we are determined to make a lasting impact on the issue of Veteran suicide. Together, we can work toward creating a brighter future for those who have served.

learn more about us

About the March

The Warriors Walk is a FREE event dedicated to raising awareness for Veteran suicide prevention through a ruck march. A ruck march, a longstanding military tradition, involves walking while carrying a backpack or weighted pack, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and unity.

DISTANCE OPTIONS:
-The Memorial Mile (1 mile)
-5K (3.36 miles)
-5 miles (4.8 miles)
-10 miles (9.96 miles)
–20 miles (19.5 miles)

WHEN & WHERE
The third Saturday of September, 9:00 AM at the New Lenox Village Commons (1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL). Registration begins at 8:00 AM.

ROUTE
East along the Old Plank Road Trail towards the Frankfort VFW located at Pfeiffer and Sauk Trl Rd. Halfway points for each distance will be marked, and participants will turn around to complete the march back at the Village Commons.

Donated To Combating Veteran Suicide

Making a Difference

The Warriors Walk is dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families by raising funds to provide essential mental health care. Every dollar raised through fundraising, events, sponsorships, and partnerships goes toward organizations that promote positive mental health for Veterans.

Our Commitment to Veterans
We collaborate with various organizations that specialize in providing accessible, stigma-free mental health services for Veterans, Service Members, and their families. These organizations offer:

*Cost-free and affordable therapy sessions tailored to trauma treatment.
*Ongoing access to mental health care through in-person and telehealth services.
*Personalized support through a network of experienced mental health professionals.

By participating in The Warriors Walk, you are directly contributing to life-changing mental health services for those who have served our country.