Missouri State Highway Patrol employees hope to raise
public awareness about an important issue: The number of veterans
committing suicide every day. As a way to do this, Patrol employees are
accepting the challenge to do 22 pushups every day for 22 days, a number
that represents too many veterans taking their lives.
“This is an important discussion to have,” said Colonel J. Bret Johnson,
superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “A recent Veterans
Administration report relayed that suicide rates are higher among
veterans than civilians. We support all veterans, both outside our
organization as well as those who currently work for the Patrol. One
suicide--veteran or civilian--is too many.”
Patrol employees taking part in the 22 pushup challenge are using social
media to call out friends and neighbors to join them. The challenge: Do
22 pushups each day for 22 days. It is hoped this social media-driven
awareness campaign encourages the public to reach out and make
connections to the people around them. Together, we can make a
difference.