Marine’s Mission to Prevent Veteran Suicides Through a Cross-Country Odyssey

In the vast tapestry of the American landscape, there’s a thread of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.

Meet Dalton Mack, a Missouri native, and a Marine Corps veteran, on an extraordinary journey across the entire country. His mission: to raise awareness about suicide prevention, one step at a time.

A Soldier’s Call to Action

For Dalton Mack, the path to this remarkable journey began with a profound realization. Having served seven years in the Marine Corps Infantry, KAIT8 reports he returned home to witness the harsh reality facing many veterans: the lack of mental health resources. It’s a struggle that hits close to home for countless veterans who transition from a military world where they may have felt abandoned to the challenge of becoming civilians again.

“A lot of guys get out and end up making some rough choices. It’s hard to adjust because they go from being told ‘nobody cares’ to trying to be a normal person again,” Mack said.

In the backdrop of his own journey, Mack saw friends and comrades battling their inner demons, some tragically losing the fight. The statistics are grim, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in veterans under the age of 45, according to “Stop Soldier Suicide.”

Determined to make a difference, Mack decided to embark on an audacious journey—a journey that would capture attention, raise awareness, and provide hope. He set out on foot, commencing his trek from Oceanside, California, on April 23.

Coast to Coast for Men’s Mental Health

With each step, Mack carries a powerful message emblazoned on an orange shirt: “Coast 2 Coast 4 Men’s Mental Health.” On the back, the message is even more poignant: “60 men commit suicide per hour. 76 percent of all suicides are men. I walk for all men. #callyourbros.”

Walking over 20 miles a day on average, Mack pushes a stroller loaded with essential supplies—snacks, water, a tent, and a sleeping bag. He’s so far gone through three strollers on this journey, sacrifices to the harsh conditions and the sheer distance he’s covering.

What sets this journey apart, however, is not just the miles or the gear—it’s the profound human connection Mack has forged along the way. Unexpectedly, people from all walks of life have opened up to him, sharing their stories and struggles, he told KAIT8.

These heartfelt connections are a testament to the impact of Mack’s mission. His journey is not merely a physical one; it’s a profound testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the importance of reaching out to one another in times of need.

“Walking across the U.S., I just kind of want to bring more attention to the issues of men as a whole as far as getting more men to reach out, and reaching out to someone isn’t the end of the world. I would much rather someone call me at 2 a.m. than find out the next morning that they had done something to harm themselves,” Mack told KNWA.

Walking Together, Spreading Hope

As he continues his journey, Mack plans to reach Jacksonville, North Carolina, home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Beyond that, the road ahead remains uncertain. Yet, one thing is clear: he is committed to spreading a message of hope, healing, and camaraderie.

“I want men to realize that you don’t have to carry the whole world on your shoulders. You should be able to reach out to somebody, and if you can’t, you can find me on social media and reach out to me,” he told KAIT8.

Dalton Mack’s journey is a journey of purpose, and it serves as an inspiration for us all to join by spreading awareness, by offering a helping hand to those in need, and by reminding ourselves that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

As he walks across America, Dalton Mack carries with him the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who believe in his mission—a mission to save lives, one step at a time.

Learn more about this veteran’s journey in the video below.