​Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA) hosted the Second Annual Veterans Get Outside Day at Ft. Adams, Newport, Rhode Island June 9, 2024. This was the second year for the event that connects Veterans with resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. You didn't need to be a Veteran to attend this free event.

One of MVA’s issues of concern is the Veteran suicide rate. It is no secret that suicide claims far too many people. For military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) they are at an even greater risk of depression, unclear thinking, and suicide. In 2021, the most recent data available, nearly 6,400 Veterans took their lives. Of the 48,183 Americans who died from suicide in 2021, 13% were Veterans. Since Veterans make up about 6% of the U.S. Adult population, this is significant. Sixty-two percent of Veteran suicides were among those who had not received VA healthcare services in the previous two years. They may not even be aware of the resources available.

Studies have shown that individuals who spend time outdoors in natural settings, whether they are doing sports or other activities, have a better outlook on life. It is hoped that this event will encourage Veterans and others that may be struggling to find an activity or resources that will excite them about spending more time outside and enjoy life. It is hoped that events like Veteran Get Outside Day can help bridge that gap.
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Newport Get Outside Day Event Schedule
8:30 a.m. --Doors open/Start free trolley service from Newport Gateway Visitors Center, 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI to Ft. Adams
8:30 to 9 a.m. -- US Navy Northeast Ceremonial Band
9 a.m. -- Opening Ceremonies Welcome; Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem sung by Benjamin Pomrance, Invocation Chaplain Captain Charles Varsogea, Commanding Officer Naval Chaplaincy School, Speakers: John Wells, Chairman Military-Veterans Advocacy, RI Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarns, Sean Douglas
9:30 a.m. -- Start Bay Walk -- walk/run with Run Newport
9:30 a.m. -- Fort Adams open for tours ($5 discount on guided or regular tours.)
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. -- US Navy Northeast Jack Tarr Brass Band
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. -- 30-minute excursions with Sail Newport – Free for Veterans and their families First Come, First Serve
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. -- Adaptive sailing with Sail to Prevail
10:45 to 11:30 a.m. --  Project Opus (PTSD Songwriting)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- List Academy of Music Interactive music for those with PTSD, TBI and other disorders
1 to 2 p.m. -- Guitars for Vets
2:30 to 3 p.m. -- Closing Ceremonies

• Closing remarks, John Wells, Chairman Military-Veterans Advocacy, Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong 
• 50-50 drawing  
• Washington Tattoo Bagpipes
• Taps

3 p.m. Last Trolley run to Newport, Gateway Visitors Center.

 
For more information contact [email protected]
 
 
Copyright Military Veterans Advocacy 2024