A show of support
About 500 participants take part in annual Marion County PTSD Awareness Walk in Ocala.
Marion County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Brent Murray, Division Chief Chris Whitler and Battalion Chief Alex Caban prepare to make the 2.2-mile Marion County PTSD Awareness Walk at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala on June 27, 2026. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano kicked off the annual Marion County PTSD Awareness Walk at the McPherson Governmental Complex with two words: “Let’s walk.”
An estimated 500 plus walkers headed out on the 2.2-mile course around the property off Southeast 25th Avenue early June 27. Marciano said the walk supports those who, like veterans and first responders, “stand beside us every day” and “carry burdens we never see.”
Roger Waddell with Marion County served as master of ceremonies as walkers gathered. The temperature was around 80 degrees at the start just after 8 a.m.
“Veterans, first responders and domestic violence victims (suffering effects of PTSD) don’t have to fight alone. We are here for you,” County Commissioner Matt McLain told the participants.
McLain said the large turnout was “testimony” to the community’s support.
The event included display booths by nonprofits such as The Vet Center of Ocala, Marion County Veterans Services Office, USA Veterans Helping Veterans of Marion County, Marion County Fire Rescue, along with a number of vendors. It was organized by Marion County Administration. The theme was “Stronger Than the Storm.”
The annual walk is aimed at bringing awareness and showing support for people suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The long line of walkers was led by representatives of several local PTSD support nonprofits and first responders.
Walk leaders were Lena Krumm with Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County; Katie Boyd, a board member with Critical Aspects a nonprofit focused on the overall well-being of members of law enforcement; and about a dozen members of Marion County Fire Rescue dressed in full firefighter gear, including Brent Murray and Chris Whitler and headed by MCFR Battalion Chief Alex Caban.
Melanie Keller, a veterans outreach program specialist with the Ocala Vet Center, said she was pleased about awareness being raised about the effects of PTSD. Connection, camaraderie and community are the part of the “readjustment counseling” offered through the Veterans Administration’s Vet Centers, which are “counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components” at no cost, according to the website.
Ron and Angelia Cooper showed up to walk, as did Nicole Morris, Lauren Erice and Ashlyn Dellheim. Three members of the Crusader Chapter of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, Greg “Chomp” and John R. “MacGyver,” veterans of the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, and John M. “Rust,” a veteran of service in Kosovo, came to show support for comrades. Lacy Larramore with Marion County made sure walkers had hydration available. Kathy Henderson, a member of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard attended the event in uniform, showing her support.
Marion County Animal Services brought out five adoptable dogs to meet the public and staffer Leah Woolman said all five dogs were making the walk.
According to Make The Connection, “By the Numbers,” by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 8 million adults annually suffers from effects of PTSD.
“PTSD is a reaction to a trauma or a life-threatening event. For some, that reaction can mean reliving the event over and over in their mind. For others, it can mean withdrawing from friends and family, or feeling numb, or feeling hyperaware of their surroundings,” the website states.
Katie Boyd, a board member with Critical Aspects, and members of Marion
County Fire Rescue dressed in full firefighter gear, lead about 500
walkers at the event. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
next to Myles McConico, deputy director with
Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County,
at the Marion County PTSD Awareness Walk on
June 27, 2026. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
Marion County and Marion County Fire Rescue posted on social media about the event: “In honor of National PTSD Awareness Day, first responders, veterans and all members of the community came together to ensure that no one in Marion County fights this affliction alone.”
To learn more, visit these sites:
marionfl.org
vhvusa.org
firerescuesupport.com
criticalaspects.org
maketheconnection.net
vetcenter.va.gov
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