I had the opportunity to speak today with Steven Babin with the Irreverent Warriors Baton Rouge Chapter on the Silkies Hike coming up March 6th. The interview is below, and the news release on the event:
Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Baton Rouge, Veterans and Active Duty Service, National Guard, and Reservists to Take The Streets in Silkies
On March 6th, 2021, veterans and active duty service members will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike. During the 2021 season, over 60+ events will bring thousands of veterans together across the United States. Veteran and military participants hike anywhere from 8 – 14 miles, some carrying heavy packs, some in wheelchairs, but all in a spirit of support and camaraderie with a singular mission – to eliminate veteran suicide. Veterans normally hike wearing only their combat boots and “Silkies”, traditional military physical training shorts full of nostalgia that help promote the environment of humor and camaraderie we are trying to create.
Irreverent Warriors, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 47-4789126) whose mission is to: bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. According to the VA’s Suicide Data Report, 2012 study, 22 veterans a day are taking their own lives. Although this stat is commonly known, it is a gross underestimate as only 21 of the 50 states participated. The Silkies Hike was created to fit an unmet demand for veterans to bond with other veterans, to relive the sense of brotherhood and family felt while in the military.
We INVITE warriors of all branches and ranks – Veteran, Active Duty, Reservist, and National Guard to join us for the step off, hike, and after party! We will begin at City Park. We ASK family members, friends, and the community to volunteer or join us at the stops and/or after party. Also, feel free to cheer and/or honk if you pass the hike as you are sure to get a cheer from the hikers!
What: The Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike Baton Rouge
Who: Combat and non-combat Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, National Guard, and Reservists from all over the country
When: March 6th, 2021 with registration and staging starting at 08:00 Step off at 10:00
Where: Registration starts at City Park. We will be stopping at multiple locations throughout the hike for food, drinks and camaraderie. Register on Eventbrite at www.silkieshikebatonrouge.eventbrite.com