Great Bend Post
More than 6,300 veterans died by suicide in 2023, and the suicide rate for veterans and first responders is consistently higher than that of the general public. Fortunately, there are those who continue to raise awareness about the issue.
On Sept. 14, Alan Zeitvogel began a border-to-border Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness Ride, traveling U.S. Highway 281 from the International Peace Gardens at the Dunseith, N.D. Port of Entry at the U.S. - Canadian Border to the Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas at the U.S. - Mexican Border.
Zeitvogel's journey will take him through Great Bend for an overnight stay on Wednesday, Sept. 16. He expects to arrive at American Legion Post #180 between 3-3:30 p.m. While in town, Zeitvogel will speak with members of the American Legion Family, and he hopes, members of the Great Bend community. The talk will center around veteran and first responder suicide awareness, Buddy Checks, and the importance of reaching out to those who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Zeitvogel will be making his journey on his 2021 Indian Roadmaster, Faith, as he travels through the Dakotas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
"This ride is also deeply personal for me," he said. "I know firsthand what it is like to reach a point of crisis and to need someone to reach out. Someone did that for me, and I am still here because of it. That experience is a major reason I am making this ride—to remind people that a phone call, a Buddy Check, or simply being there for someone can make a difference."
Members of Post #180 and the community are invited to meet with Zeitvogel and ride part of the 281 route with him.