A Lambton County family is hoping to raise mental health awareness with a special walk, held in memory of Sgt. John Little, who passed away two years ago.
Lisa Mason, Little's older sister, said her 36-year-old brother died by suicide on November 22, 2021.
"John was a two-time Afghanistan veteran, he served in 2008 and in 2010," she said. "Shortly after his second deployment, he was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). He fought that for many years and unfortunately lost the battle at home. We know that this is happening more and more."
Mason said the loss of Little deeply affected their family. He was lovingly known as "the warden."
"He actually had a teacher tell him once that he wasn't allowed to be the playground police," laughed Mason. "That's just sort of who he was. He was always there to try to make things better for somebody else."
In the military, Little maintained a knack for uplifting other people's spirits.
"I think that's what makes it hard that he's gone," Mason said. "He spent so much of his time doing that for other people and didn't let us do that for him."
Mason said suicide often isn't spoken about but is something many family members of veterans and first responders face. As a way of raising awareness, Mason and her parents began a non-profit organization called Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny.
"Our first event ever is going to be on Saturday, November 18, where we will be doing a ruck, which is a military term for a weighted walk," she said. "I personally am going to be wearing a weighted vest, a few other people are going to be using backpacks just to make it a little more challenging."
Participants will gather at the Sarnia Armoury at 8:30 a.m. and will travel to the Wyoming cemetery, where Little was laid to rest. Mason said the route, of nearly 24.5 kilometres, signifies where Little's career began and where it ended.
The ruck's path will travel down Confederation Street in Sarnia, to Broadway Street in Wyoming, and to Isabella Street. There will be rolling road closures to ensure the safety of all participants.
Mason said approximately 65 to 70 walkers are expected to participate, including local first responders and members of the Air Cadets.
"It's shaping up to be a really great turnout. We've got guys coming in from the Hamilton area and Owen Sound who served with John," said Mason. "They're excited to be there and help us make some noise to raise awareness about this and the fact that suicide deaths often go overlooked. But first responders and military members who died by suicide really did die in the line of duty and that's the way that it should be honoured and remembered."
For those who wish to partake in a shorter walk, a bus will leave from the Wyoming Legion at 1 p.m. for people to walk the final 7.5 km of the ruck.
Those who want to participate in the ruck can sign up online.
A sponsored dinner will be held at 5 p.m. at the Wyoming Legion. Mason said funds raised in excess will be donated to two organizations, Forging Ahead Inc. and Veterans and Everyday Heroes.
There is no registration fee to participate. Mason said those who would like to contribute financially are encouraged to donate to an organization that supports veterans or first responders.
Since Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny is relatively new, Mason said the non-profit is mainly established on social media for the time being.
