On Wednesday, November 5, Kean University’s Center for Veteran Student Services (CVSS) and the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) hosted their 2nd annual Ruck March for Veteran Suicide Awareness to recognize veterans' mental health.
From 3 to 4:30 p.m., students, veterans, participants, and staff gathered at the Learning Plaza Pavilion to walk a half mile to honor fellow veterans. Attendees were given gifts, including CVSS T-shirts, fidgets, hand sanitizer, clips, heating/cooling pads, and more.
Rossanna Silva, Associate Director of the CVSS, expressed her gratitude to the Kean community for coming together to recognize the significance of mental health challenges.
“Mental health is a serious issue, especially amongst our veteran population, and they do so much for us that I felt like it was our turn to do something for them and show them that they’re not alone,” Silva said.
The Ruck March helped veterans and students build a supportive community by connecting with peers and friends who share health and wellness challenges. Walking side by side, participants demonstrated Kean’s dedication to showing strong leadership, resilience, and compassion.
“Our goal is not only to respond when challenges arise, but also to proactively remain present, visible and accessible, so every veteran student knows they have a team invested in their success, well-being, and long-term reintegration beyond the classroom,” Silva said.
Gary Reeder, Recruiter and Retention Specialist for the Army National Guard in Union, NJ, said he participated in honor of his brother.
“I have a brother who has PTSD and seeing him deal with stress and depression made me feel more interested in caring for people who have the same thoughts and problems,” he said.
Ricardo Nazaire, a third-year Communications major from Freehold, NJ, and Navy Sailor, shared his passion for marching for sailors, pilots, and soldiers.
“I hope that people will take away that even showing up for veterans in the littlest way can change the way veterans are feeling and thinking,” Nazaire said. “If we can save another life or just one, that can make a huge difference.”
Kean’s CVSS and Kean Wellness Center (KWC) are dedicated to uplifting physical and mental welll-being and provide resources for free counseling and support services to help students and veterans navigate anxiety, depression, and other mental challenges throughout the year.
Tonio Guglietta, a first-year Business major from Collingswood, NJ, reflected on the goal of getting involved.
“It’s like a stepping stone into more outlets for people to gather in the community, and I do believe there are passionate students who care about mental health issues,” he said. “It’s a battle that we as students can help show support for everyone.”
Kean students are helping build empathy and gain perspective—a cause that will create a space for the Kean Community, as mental health is equally important. Students and veterans strive for success in their education; with reinforcements from friends, faculty, and staff, Kean will be a place where mental health is valued and understood.
