Support Out of Darkness: Honor Our Veterans

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn Clark. I'm 23 years old and the proud daughter of Brandon L. Hawkins. My dad served our country as an Infantryman in the United States Army among numerous other honorable men and women and was honorably discharged after his many years of faithful service. He is my hero and the reason I have always been passionate about honoring our veterans.

I dream to someday turn Out of Darkness into a non-profit, bringing zealous and earnest drive to demolish the statistic of 22 a day and bring hope and healing to our hurting vets. 22 is the current number of how many veterans each day, take their life after service.

It is a grief beyond words to know that those who have made it home, are struggling to make it through one more day... and one more day... and one more day.

It is a grief we are responsible for responding to. It is not something we should bat our eyes at, maybe losing a tear, and saying a quick prayer about before getting back to the hustle and bustle of our day to day. If it were not for these men and women, sacrificing all, and then more, the hustle and bustle we are so easily consumed by, would not exist. Therefore this burden is ours too, to carry, and to carry with deep grief and hope for healing.

We should be moved into sincere action by this awareness and Out of Darkness is simply one way to move.

We will be doing a 2-day Ruck march on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th in honor of the 22 a day statistic, raising awareness for veteran suicide, PTSD, and depression. 100% of all donations will go directly to Wounded Warrior Project, an active organization that meets the needs of our veterans daily and fights to end veteran suicide after service.

We will march in light of 3 pillars that I believe exemplify God's heart and will for our struggling veterans and they are as follows:

FREEDOM FOR THE CAPTIVES.

VICTORY FOR THE TIRED FIGHTERS.

PEACE FOR THE MIND.

I believe that as we gather together, march with zeal and intercede upon each step, we will see God go forth and heal our courageous men and women, and restore what has been stolen from them, in the fullness of which can be seen on this side of heaven, and beyond.

This organization, fundraising and event is driven by Psalm 107:14 which says: "He brought them out of darkness, utter darkness, and broke away their chains."

There is truly hope, that our veterans can know light, where they have only known darkness. There is truly hope, that by raising awareness and support, our veterans can believe again, in the light that shines on all their tomorrow's.

Thank you sincerely for your contribution whether in person with us at the Ruck, and or, solely here by giving.

Please do leave your information, that a thank you card can be sent in the following weeks.