Army veteran John Newcomb recently went on a 22-day march holding a skeleton dressed in Army fatigues. Some who came across the marching veteran may have assumed it was a Halloween costume, but the reality is a lot scarier — and sadly, very true.
Facebook user Stacy Kieper ran across Newcomb in Troy, New York, and posted this photo with an explanation.
I saw this man walking and I had to stop. He was sweaty and out of breath, struggling to carry this skeleton dressed as a soldier. I asked what he was doing and he was holding back tears. He told me he is raising awareness. When I asked what for, he told me he lost another friend to suicide yesterday. His friend is a soldier too.
If you see this man walking in Troy, he has fought for our country. And is still fighting for his brothers and sisters. By far one of the most amazing & beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Newcomb says the goal of his march is to bring attention to the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in America. Many people have been touched by his campaign, and have shared words of encouragement for bringing attention to this cause.
What a wonderful cause it’s a terrible shame it’s needed but thankfully attention is being brought to this great cause. God bless our Veterans. Praying there will be no more death, no more spirits of suicide, heaviness, or lies from the enemy. I speak resurrection life over these men and women, and life more abundantly in Jesus name I pray. Amen. I pray you’ll know the love of the Father God in heaven… That in those darkness moments you’ll cry out to Jesus nd receive His grace mercy, truth and love. He loves you and so do I, and so do sooo many others.
He is an inspiration to everyone. What a moving thing to do for his soldiers and fellow veterans. Some people forget how hard their struggle was, but it is nice to see that some will go above and beyond to honor and protect and leave no man behind.. Well done. I admire you
You can find more information and photos about his march on his Facebook page.
His message to veterans who suffer from mental and physical pain is simple but powerful — “You are never too heavy, I will carry you.”
Thousands of people have seen and supported his cause — but this is an issue that should be known to millions. Let’s do our part and keep it going.
