By Karen Haave

Adopt A Soldier’s poignant Teal Star Run returns on September 20 in Wilmington, concluding in Morris.

The fundraiser strives to battle the effect of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that results from agonizing experiences and can lead to suicide.

Self-described “Military Mom” Sue Wackerlin is hosting the Teal Star Run for the sixth year, honoring veterans struggling with PTSD and families who have lost loved ones who have taken their own lives.

She said it is more than just “an event. … These families lost their hero on American soil — not to bullets or bombs, but to an invisible enemy: PTSD.”

“Our families arrive Friday evening and will be staying at Grand Bear Resort in Utica for the weekend, on us,” she said.

“We changed locations for the celebration of life fundraising event last year and will continue in Utica (Starved Rock). The resort is a relaxing environment where our Teal Star Families can connect, share their journeys with each other and continue to heal.

“The resort offers the children of the fallen to connect on their own level, enjoying the water park, and activities that are offered.

“The run will start from the Wilmington VFW, with kickstands up at 11 a.m.

“We unveiled the Teal Star Memorial Wall last year at the ceremony, which is held at the Middle Eastern Conflict Memorial Wall, located in Marseilles. It is such a beautiful, peaceful, sacred place, perfect to honor our heroes and embrace the families.

“During the ceremony the families see their hero’s name revealed on the wall, receive a Teal Star banner and pin – similar to Gold star families – and their bracelet for their hero.

“The bikes will then finish their beautiful ride at Jamie’s Outpost, a veteran-owned business, where the fundraiser will take place. We have two stops, Morris VFW, Middle Eastern Conflict Wall, Marseilles and then to Jamie’s Outpost.”

There is another goal to the Teal Star Run, Wackerlin said.

“One of our greatest goals is to enlighten Americans — to help our communities take notice of the silent battle too many veterans and service members are fighting.

PTSD does not wear a uniform. It hides in plain sight — in a family member, a friend, a coworker.
“And sometimes, it’s a compassionate stranger who makes the difference.

“The Teal Star Run shines a light on this hidden war, encouraging education, empathy, and action,” Wackerlin said. “Together, we can bring hope to those still fighting — and honor those we’ve lost.

“They may not have fallen in combat — but they deserve to be remembered just the same. The Teal Star Event ensures they are never forgotten.”

Registration is open at adoptasoldier.org along with sponsorship opportunities.

“I think the most powerful thing our participants need to know was simply said to me by one of the Teal Star mothers as she saw all the bikes and people at the ceremony: “I didn’t think this many people cared.”