one by one®: Let’s Walk It Out
Let’s Walk It Out is a North Carolina-based nonprofit launched by J.P. Cervantes, a decorated U.S. military veteran. Each spring since 2021, the organization has hosted its marquee event: a 222-mile ruck walk from Fort Liberty to Camp Lejeune and back. The journey, which usually takes about 10 days, was designed to raise awareness around the issue of suicide among veterans and first responders.
“J.P. was a Green Beret, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, and he realized that more and more he was seeing friends die by suicide,” said Tiffany Betts, marketing director. “He wanted to bring awareness and try to fight the stigmas around mental health and suicide in the military and first responder communities.”
A long walk together
The 2024 event was held in April, and a team of four dedicated supporters made the full ruck, covering more than 20 miles a day. (The term “ruck” comes from the rucksacks—or sturdy backpacks—soldiers often carry long distances.) The goal is to raise awareness, normalize conversations about mental health, and help get support to those who need it.
Beyond the most hardcore of ruckers, other supporters join in the walk along the way. Sometimes it’s just a few minutes or a few miles. No matter how far participants walk, it’s a meaningful show of support.
“I’ve seen the effects that suicide and mental health challenges can have on both the military and first responder communities, and to be able to make a difference makes me proud to be a part of this organization,” Betts said. Along with starting conversations, Let’s Walk It Out collaborates with other organizations on a variety of projects. It has raised more than $45,000 for mission-aligned organizations, including A Flag to Remember and Operation Enduring Warrior.
Passing along bracelets for awareness
A one by one grant provided bracelets that organizers handed out to participants, volunteers, or anyone who stopped to ask questions along the way. Imprinted with the message “You are loved,” the bracelets offer a simple reminder to each recipient.
Betts said the grant made the branded giveaway possible. “We would have never been able to afford these items otherwise,” she said. “Fundraising was pretty hard for us the previous year, so for us to be able to get this made a world of difference. It really expanded our reach.”
A note from Cheryl
The mission of Let’s Walk It Out is an important one. It has the power to save lives. We were honored to be an ally, even if in a small way, by providing bracelets for awareness. We hope the message spread far and wide. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.