VetsRally4Vets PTSD & Suicide Awareness/Prevention Event For Veterans Postponed

Manhattan Beach, California based Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN) is reaching out to share the unfortunate news that the VetsRally4Vets event has been postponed until June 26, 2021. The event was originally scheduled for October 2020. DVEN is part of the Cancer Journeys Foundation, which aims to help and support people in need all across the US. More information on PTSD and how support can be directed to US veterans is available here: https://dven.org/ptsd/.

Due to major unforeseen circumstances, and in the interest of safeguarding the health of all those who plan to attend, the Vets Rally For Vets event will be postponed until next year. This would have been the inaugural edition of the auto enthusiast event, which was to be held at Summit Point Raceway by veterans in support of their disabled brethren. The purpose of the veteran-founded event is to raise funds in order to provide companion dogs to veterans struggling with PTSD, which in turn will hopefully help combat the deeply concerning suicide rate among US veterans. With 20 US veterans committing suicide every day, it is clear that awareness and prevention in this matter are critical to saving lives—this is the mission of the VetsRally4Vets event.

Robert Hess, founder of Vets Rally For Vets, says, “I’m a combat veteran, myself, so I understand the intensity of the events that result in PTSD. PTSD can be a quiet killer, and beating it takes knowing the symptoms and where to access support.” He continues, “While the delay is unfortunate, we believe that it is for the best as this is the only way we have to guarantee the safety and health of our attendees. We will make use of the additional time that we have to plan an event worthy of our cause. For now, we can say that the event will still be held at the same location that we initially planned, which is at Summit Point Raceway, West Virginia, and that the tentative schedule includes several fun activities.”

During the main event of the rally, veterans will drive across the United States from Los Angeles to Summit Point, West Virginia, visiting VFW and American Legion posts along the way. It is intended to highlight the importance of supporting veterans programs, and it will end with the first-ever inter-service motorsports competition. Other activities will be spread throughout the day to entertain attendees, filling the schedule with different displays of motorsports excellence and driving skills. More information and specific details on the event can be found here: https://dven.org/vetsrally4vets/.

DVEN states that their activity schedule currently includes morning parade laps where drivers can become familiar with the track while entertaining the public. These parade laps are non-competitive, and passengers are allowed during this part of the event. This is followed by a Morning Track Cross clockwise time trial where one vehicle will travel through the course at a time, and the best individual time will be recorded. Next on schedule, around midday, is skidpad fun and lunch. The evening will end with a counter-clockwise track cross race. DVEN states that they have plans to maintain autocross activities all day, where drivers who do not want to drive the track will get to show their skills as well.

DVEN and the Cancer Journeys Foundation invite all locals to the event, and they similarly welcome anyone willing to participate in any of the events. The only requirement is to sign up beforehand and pass a simple vehicular inspection. Trophies will be awarded to participants according to a variety of criteria, including Top Fundraising Team, Best Team Uniform, Most Non-Driving Supports and several more.

The Cancer Journeys Foundation website offers more details on their work helping cancer survivors, the Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network and their myriad support initiatives. Interested parties may reach out to Robert Hess to follow up on any inquiries as well. Read further on PTSD and a novel manner in which it may be addressed at the following link: https://dven.org/ptsd/beating-ptsd-through-bicycling/.