In Key West, would anyone notice a group of people hiking through town wearing only their skivvies? On Dec. 14, one particular group is doing it for a worthwhile reason — to combat veteran suicide.
The Key West Silkies Hike, presented by the nonprofit Irreverent Warriors, will return to Key West on Saturday, Dec. 14, when veterans and active duty military service members will hit the streets and hike from Hurricane Hole to Simonton Beach wearing only combat boots and “silkies,” traditional military physical training shorts.
The Irreverent Warriors bring thousands of veterans together at events across the United States. In the Silkies Hike, active duty personnel and veterans hike from 8 to 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, which has become an epidemic.
At least 22 veterans and military service members commit suicide daily, according to numerous studies, including a commonly referenced VA Suicide Data Report conducted in 2012. Although this statistic has become very well known, it is often considered a gross underestimation of reality. Irreverent Warriors works to introduce its members and participants to a life-saving network of support through their events and community. “Everyone fights their battles and heals from trauma differently, but one thing is consistent — no one should have to do it alone,” the group’s website states.
Jess Forsyth, co-owner of Kenna Construction, has been an annual organizer and supporter of Irreverent Warriors and the Key West Silkies Hike.
“We have some great surprises planned this year,” Forsyth said. “We are incorporating much more local history and long-time staple establishments to give our visitors a huge dose of authentic and local Key West. We are also focusing on bringing in more local senior and resident veterans to be present and recognized at some of the stops. It is important to us to bring old and new generations together, to share ideals, see different viewpoints and show appreciation while gaining it as well.”
This year’s hike starts at noon at Hurricane Hole and finishes at 8 p.m. downtown at Simonton Beach, where the annual Lighted Boat Parade will sail through the harbor.
The hikes are not treated as athletic events, and the overall pace is typically 2 to 3 mph, with frequent stops along the way for food, drinks and friendship.
Irreverent Warriors’ mission is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
All veterans and military service members are invited; the group also asks family members, friends and the community for their support and invites them to register as a volunteer or join the hikers at the stops. More information is available from Forsyth at 305-394-7184, on Facebook under “Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Key West” and at irreverentwarriors.com.
