The Goodness of America
A Man of Action
Army veteran Ernesto Rodriguez decided he wanted to do something to raise awareness about the 22 veteran suicides that take place daily in the United States. To call attention to this tragic epidemic, Rodriguez embarked on a journey to travel 2,200 miles across America, which began in December. That journey continues today, and along the way, Rodriguez has connected with veterans who were inspired by his actions.
Rodriguez, 34, is a father and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served for 15 years and been deployed on four tours of duty. He told WFAA8 Dallas that he lost friends to PTSD and has twice attempted suicide himself, so this cause is particularly dear to him. “I was in a really bad way after my first tour in Afghanistan and my second,” he said in the interview. “I have a daughter, and she would have been without a father. And that’s what I think about when thoughts like that creep up.”
Rodriguez’ trek began in Clarksville, Tennessee, and will end in Los Angeles. He is documenting his journey with the hashtag #Forthe22.
JBS Member or ShopJBS.org Customer?
Sign in with your ShopJBS.org account username and password or use that login to subscribe.
Subscribe Now
- 24 Issues Per Year
- Digital Edition Access
- Exclusive Subscriber Content
- Audio provided for all articles
- Unlimited access to past issues
- Cancel anytime.
- Renews automatically
Subscribe Now
- 24 Issues Per Year
- Print edition delivery (USA)
*Available Outside USA - Digital Edition Access
- Exclusive Subscriber Content
- Audio provided for all articles
- Unlimited access to past issues
- Cancel anytime.
- Renews automatically