Would anyone in Key West notice a bunch of folks hiking in just their skivvies? One organization is doing it on December 14 for a good cause: to prevent veteran suicide.
On Saturday, December 14, veterans and active duty military personnel will take to the streets of Key West for the Key West Silkies Hike, organized by the nonprofit Irreverent Warriors. They will hike from Hurricane Hole to Simonton Beach while wearing only combat boots and silkies, which are traditional military physical training shorts.
At events across the United States, the Irreverent Warriors unite thousands of veterans. The Silkies Hike is a group of active service members and veterans who hike 8 to 14 miles together. Some of them are in wheelchairs, while others are carrying heavy packs. Their shared goal is to end the pandemic of veteran suicide.
Numerous studies, including the widely cited VA themselves Data Report from 2012, have found that at least 22 veterans and military service members commit themselves every day. Despite its widespread popularity, this figure is sometimes regarded as a glaring understatement of reality. Through their community and activities, Irreverent Warriors aims to connect its members and participants with a network of support that can save lives. According to the group’s website, “everyone fights their battles and heals from trauma differently, but one thing is consistent: no one should have to do it alone.”
Irreverent Warriors and the Key West Silkies Hike have been organized and supported annually by Jess Forsyth, co-owner of Kenna Construction.
This year, we have some amazing surprises in store, Forsyth stated. To give our guests a big dose of real, local Key West, we are adding a lot more local history and long-standing core businesses. Additionally, we are working to increase the number of local resident and senior veterans who will be present and acknowledged at some of the destinations. We believe it is crucial to unite the younger and older generations, to exchange values, to see diverse perspectives, and to express gratitude while receiving it.
The trip this year begins at Hurricane Hole at midday and ends at Simonton Beach, downtown, where the yearly Lighted Boat Parade will sail through the harbor, at 8 p.m.
The overall pace of the treks is usually 2 to 3 mph, and they are not considered athletic events. Along the way, there are often stops for food, beverages, and camaraderie.
The goal of Irreverent Warriors is to reduce veteran suicide by fostering a sense of community and humor among veterans.
The organization extends an invitation to all veterans and active military personnel. It also solicits support from friends, family, and the community, asking people to sign up as volunteers or join the hikers at the designated stations. More information is available from Forsyth at 305-394-7184, on Facebook under Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike Key West and atirreverentwarriors.com.
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