WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Katie Glynn’s walking goal doesn’t change — not a tenth of a mile more, and not a tenth of a mile less. Just one exact number.

What You Need To Know

  • An estimated 22 veterans take their life every day

  • Katie Glynn has walked more than 484 miles during her challenge

  • Resources for veteran mental health are listed on Glynn's walk site

"What if I walked 22 miles, on the 22nd of each month, for 22 months to bring awareness to the 22 veterans that lose their life every day to PTSD? That would be ridiculous, right?” Glynn said.

That ridiculous goal became a reality for the Navy veteran, who lives in Wake Forest.

She laced her shoes and strapped on a weighted vest for a 22-month mission. Glynn called the challenge Bravo Tango Charlie, based on an acronym for "be the change."

“That’s 8,030 people per year that have served our country, that lose their lives to something that can be worked on and fixed," Glynn said. "That’s 8,000 people a year.” 

In October, on the 22nd day of the month, Glynn walked her 484th mile.

Her community walked with her on the final mile, empowering her to finish what she had started.

“If I can make it an annual event, and draw more and more of these veteran service organizations together, and pull in more of the community veterans and their families," Glynn said. "It could really help reduce that 22.”

Glynn said the mission is all about standing up for those who served alongside her.

“It’s my OCS shirt. It’s got my class logo on the front, but it’s got everyone’s last names on the back. I don’t walk for the name at the top because that’s mine, but it’s more for the officers that are on this shirt," Glynn said.

Reminiscing on her service time, Glynn says one of the hardest things for soldiers to face when coming home is survivors guilt. When people you serve alongside are not able to make it back home.

“For a lot of people that’s a rough one. That gets me," Glynn said. "But I think just being able to talk about it, and keeping their memory alive is what they would want. They would want you to carry on, adapt and overcome. Never quit.”

Whether it's walking, running or whatever ability you have to raise awareness, Glynn encourages everyone to take a stand for veteran mental health. 

“Do 22 of something. Hopefully, God willing, that number will be down to 10 and then five, and then zero," Glynn said. "There’s no need for it to remain as high as 22.” 

Glynn will continue her walks this weekend at the Run for Your Life 5K at Joyner Park in Wake Forest on Saturday.

The event will raise money for veteran mental health resources, along with hosting a veterans health and wellness fair at the end of the race.