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Sterling-based Veteran's support organization hosting 5K

22Mohawks is hosting the event, which raises awareness for suicide prevention and provides resources to veterans, and their families in Illinois.

STERLING, Ill. — Editor's Note: The video above talks about 22Mohawks fundraising efforts for last year's 5K race.

22Mohawk Illinois will be hosting its 5K for suicide prevention on May 4th, 2024 in Sterling. The 5K, along with family-friendly activities will begin at the Sterling Township Building. That is located at 505 W. Lynn Blvd. in Sterling.

It costs $30 to register for the 5K and you can register by clicking here. The event runs from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

In addition to the 5K, people can participate in events like axe throwing, face painting, bounce houses, gear and more.

What is a 22Mohawk?

The 22 stands for an old statistic from the VA that found 22 veterans die by suicide every day. The Mohawk represents "the outlier" according to the 22Mohawks website — "The person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and above all, stand tall in the face of adversity".

What does 22Mohawks do?

The organization works to support veterans as they deal with the struggles of everyday life after serving our country. 

"Be it physical, mental, or financial support, we strive to do everything in our power to improve the lives of veterans while combating PTSD and raising awareness for the prevalence of veteran suicide among our former service members," according to the 22Mohawks website.

The organization started an Illinois chapter of 22Mohawks in 2023, led by Sterling resident and retired Army Sgt. Floyd Dunn. 

"I'm just trying to bring awareness here, bring prevention here, run these programs to help veterans because I think it's something in Illinois and locally that we need," said Dunn. 

How will 22Mohawks Illinois help area veterans?

The organization raises money through various events and then uses that money to fund programs that help veterans. One of those programs is Pups for Vets. The organization gets dogs trained to serve as emotional support to veterans and their families.
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