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Each day, 22 veterans take their own lives by suicide. March for the 22 was was created to bring awareness to suicide rates and destigmatize asking for mental health support.

About Us

Poppy Wall

Our Story

In 2020, Adin Colon set off to hike 22 kilometers to bring greater awareness to the increasing rates of veteran suicide. After learning of Adin's plan, Liz & Charlotte refused to let Adin hike alone - and just like that, March for the 22 was born. Since the first hike in 2020, the route has been expanded to include an additional 22 mile route, along with a 2 kilometer route.  

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Since March for the 22 began, American Legion Post 539, has been able to provide shelter, food, and employment resources to three homeless veterans. When made aware of a retired USCG veteran, who was facing financial difficulties, they provided him with a one-year membership to Rock Steady Boxing - an organization dedicated to combatting the effects of Parkinson's in Vietnam Veterans that were subject to Agent Orange exposure. Additionally, American Legion Post 539 has provided emergency financial support to veterans in need - covering rent, car, utilities, and grocery payments - after a thorough vetting process. Additionally, the Post has used funds from the March for the 22 to provide financial support to the families of two Active Duty Marines who suffered an unexpected crisis, grocery & gas cards to servicemember widows struggling to make ends meet, lap robes to veterans across the county, service animals and training to veterans in need of emotional and physical support, pregnancy packages for female veterans in the county, and much more.

Meet The Team

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Adin
Colon

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Adin retired from the Army as a SFC. He is a 4x Combat Veteran and a recipient of The US Army Bronze Star Medal.

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Elizabeth Hartman

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Liz is a Marine Corps Veteran. She is the District 6 Commander of American Legion Department of North Carolina.

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Charlotte Martin

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Charlotte Martin is the back bone of March for The 22, ensuring we all stay on track with planning. She is an Employee Benefits Sr. Account Manager. 

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Jack Olstead

Jack Olmstead is an Air Force Veteran and served in the Vietnam War. He is our Ride Captain - ensuring we are safe throughout the hike. 

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Bruce Van Apeldoorn

Bruce Van Apeldoorn is a Marine Corps veteran and the Finance Officer of American Legion Post 539. His wife, Nancy, is the founder of Lap Robes for Veterans. 

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