“Vets Ride 4 PTSD” Bike Ride To Tallahassee To Raise Awareness

Oct. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- George Tice, a Desert Storm veteran who suffers from PTSD, is on a mission to raise awareness and funds for veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide among our military. On Saturday, October 27 at 9 a.m., George Tice has committed to riding a bicycle over 480 miles to the state capital in Tallahassee. He will begin his weeklong journey at the American Legion Post 38 in Downtown Fort Myers at 9 a.m. A public press conference and short ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. prior to the ride including influential speakers from the community.
Tice hopes to encourage more aid for soldiers who suffer from PTSD. Presently, there are minimal resources and volunteers available to help those suffering from this widespread illness. He plans to meet with active duty family members, veterans and the public along the way to Tallahassee. “Currently, 1 out of 8 soldiers who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan show signs of having PTSD, and every 24 hours or less a military person will take his or her own life. It is vital for veterans in crisis who call the suicide crisis line to get the help they need and not be left on hold,” says Tice.
Tice would like to see some changes when military veterans call the crisis line. He would like to see boots on the ground and a response team that will meet with the distressed veteran face to face within a 3-hour time frame. “It’s a lot easier for a veteran to talk about their problems with someone face to face,” says Tice.
Tice has received the backing of many influential leaders including Representative Matt Caldwell, Commissioner John Manning, Representative Ray Rodrigues, and Sherriff Mike Scott. A cameraman from Pineapple Productions has committed to riding along, and videotaping the entire 480-mile ride to our state capital.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available to help fund Vets Ride 4 PTSD, with remaining proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Veterans Outreach Program and Southeastern Guide Dogs that provide service dogs for veterans with PTSD. To make a donation, visit VetsRide4PTSD.us and click the ‘Donate’ button or visit any Fifth Third Bank and mention you would like to make a donation to the memorial account for Vets Ride 4 PTSD. For more information visit VetsRide4PTSD.us or call (239) 738-0601.