Local woman does 50-mile ruck march challenge for Veterans

Carolyn Burinsky of Basin is no stranger to the challenges of veterans. One of those challenges is suicide. Veterans are at a 57% higher risk of suicide than peers who have not served. Suicide is the second highest leading cause of death for Veterans under age 45.
Burinsky comes from a very large military family on both her mother and father’s sides, dating back to WW2.
Between husband Ron and her, they have six kids in the Navy. She explained it like this. “His oldest daughter’s husband, and his youngest daughter
with her husband. Correct, two boys (youngest sailor currently oversees), and second eldest sailor and his wife (also Navy).”
What is a ruck? Claire Lankford from Stop Soldier Suicide (SSS) explained that it is a 50-mile march. But not your typical march. Those doing it carry a backpack that weighs 20-30 pounds, not counting food and water. This weight represents what a soldier typically carries when they are on the move in the field.
Lankford went on to say “The virtual challenges, like the 50-mile ruck Carolyn is participating with support our organization in two ways. First, it helps spread awareness and share our mission. Those meaningful conversations in the community have helped veterans and service members find us and find the support they need. The other area that the challenges support is through the generosity of participants who fundraise. These fundraisers help our organization extend our wellness center and be able to provide high quality, suicide-specific mental health services. Our clients never see a bill, and their journey is fully confidential.”
 Burinsky started training last month by taking daily hikes with increasing lengths. She carries 35 pounds in her back. She explained, “I wanted to be realistic as possible with what these men and women put themselves through.
Those ruck sacks for the seasoned military can be up to a 100 lbs.”
As far as what motivated her to do so she said, “As a military family, I have already been aware of the broad spectrum of military suicides. Active and Veteran.” She explained that a former comrade of her youngest son Tommy committed suicide recently. “He was somebody’s son. It felt like the last straw for me. I had to try at least to do something. I recalled the SS site, so I registered myself with hopes to involve the community on my behalf.”
Lankford explained Veterans who communicate their thoughts of suicide are almost 10 times more likely to die in the coming year than those who do not - so if a veteran does communicate thoughts and reaches out, take it seriously and help them get extra support.
In 2022 SSS served over 1,400 clients and provided over 17,500 hours of care. To date they have served over 4,000 Veterans and service members with no clients dying from suicide.
 Burinsky said donations may be made through November at this link. https://www.facebook.com/donate/316399457756494/