A 2.2 mile round-trip run from Walker Beach in Brightwaters to benefit veterans ended in some of the participants braving the cold waters of the Great South Bay. The bravest among the crowd dipped into the frigid 40-degree waters with air temperatures at 18 degrees.

 

Proceeds from the run went to benefit Operation VEST to support the prevention of veteran suicide.

 

Photo: Town of Islip.

 

Tragically, each day more than twenty US veterans die by suicide. Another suicide is attempted every 26 seconds. Operation VEST’s mission is to meet this issue head on by addressing the unique and varying needs of our veteran population, while removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

 

For more information about Operation Vest, or for ways to get involved, email info@operationvest.org, or visit www.operationvest.org.