ARCHBOLD GRADUATE PARA-ATHLETE … Shane Jernigan, who was on the 1988 Archbold State Champion Football Team and graduated in 1990, will be the special speaker before the “Operation: Stronger Together” 5K in Whitehouse on June 26, 2022. Jernigan enters in his race wheelchair and says he plans to zip right past everyone! (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Rebecca Miller
Awareness has been raised in America concerning the number of suicides committed by veterans. It is a sad thing to think about and many families are grieving the loss of a loved one who suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
TaskForce20 is a group specifically focused on doing even more than raising awareness of this need. They are focused on helping veterans through exercise.
In 2016, Jason Graven, the president of TaskForce20, began this organization to help veterans find a way to get mentally healthy and fight PTSD through physical activity.
On their website it says they are “Providing the healthy and proven outlet of physical fitness for veterans dealing with PTSD and depression.”
Williams County Courthouse security officer, Pat Tusko, in Marine Corps for Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, is a new Board member and was excited to share about this opportunity that is available to local veterans.
He encouraged Williams and Fulton County veterans who are suffering from PTSD or depression to go online to Taskforce20.org, or tf20.org, and click on Apply for Benefits.
Fill out the form and you will get an email to verify your veteran status. Also name the location you want to belong to that is near you and meets your individual needs.
The group is ready and willing to purchase a YMCA daily membership so that the applicant can have exercise opportunities available to help raise their sense of well-being.
They also sponsor special events such as a Veteran specific yoga class in Whitehouse and CrossFit style workout once a month in Rossford.
TaskForce20 was proud to have an Information Booth at the Cherry Festival in Whitehouse on June 10th and to be in the Parade to alert others to what they offer for those suffering with PTSD.
June 27, 2022 is National PTSD Awareness Day, so TF20 is hosting, along with American Legion Post 384, the 2nd Annual Task Force 20 5K – Operation: Stronger Together, in Whitehouse on Sunday, the 26th.
5k’s are a large part of the format this group promotes, not only for better health, but as a Fundraiser. President Jason Graven is looking forward to a great turnout. To participate in this 5K, reach out for more info online.
The cost for participants in this Run, Walk or Roll event is $30. Packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m. and there will be a short gathering before the run begins at 10:15 a.m.
At the gathering they will sing God Bless America and the national anthem, and hear special speaker Shane Jernigan.
Jernigan is a 1990 Archbold Highschool Graduate who lettered in sports, and was in the US Army Airborne Rangers, Special Operations Unit, Special Forces Combat diver, and had other multiple jobs as a Ranger.
He had a parachute accident in 1994, surviving the highest combat accident, breaking his body in many places, causing him to eventually become a one leg amputee in January 2019, from future injuries and surgeries.
Now he competes on the para-triathlon and will be in his race wheelchair for this 5K. His speech is sure to be encouraging to anyone with a catastrophic injury!
ALL VETERANS and their families are invited to come for the day, as there will be a large Veteran’s Resource Fair to pair veterans with the organizations that can help with their own specific needs. It will run from 9 a.m. – noon on the 26th.
For those who really don’t know much about PTSD, ten signs or symptoms of PTSD are: Physical Pain, Nightmares or Flashbacks, Depression or Anxiety, Withdrawal,Avoidance, Repression, Emotional Numbing, Hyperarousal, Irritability, and Guilt and Shame.
Loved ones can watch for these and help those suffering from PTSD get help. Pick up more information at the Resource Fair.
After the race, all who attend the Resource Fair and/or participate in the 5k Run/Walk/Roll are invited to a free lunch provided by Taskforce 20 at the Whitehouse American Legion.
The Legion is the main sponsor of this 5k and are happy to host the luncheon, which will be held from noon to 2.
Task Force 20 has Board members representing every branch of the military except Coast Guard and Space Force and are hoping to have someone from the Coast Guard soon.
The Board is responsible for decisions and keeping Graven on track, he said. He handles the day-to-day operations, as well as doing a Podcast.
Graven said he started in 2016 in Delaware, Ohio, but has since moved to Grand Rapids and is loving working in this area.
Donors are always welcome, too! With the money they raise, TF20 has been able to help veterans get child care, have daily exercise memberships and much more.
They are hoping to funnel the money into NW Ohio to help locally, as this is a local organization.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com