When we talk about preventing suicide among veterans, it can feel like an overwhelming challenge. But often, real impact starts with a simple decision: To take action.
For one supporter, that decision turned into a 1,000-mile motorcycle ride—and a powerful reminder that no one who has served should ever feel alone.
When Jim Herbert first signed up for Stop Soldier Suicide’s March fundraising challenge, the goal was straightforward: ride 400 miles and raise awareness about veteran suicide.
Jim set a fundraising goal of $500 and within 24 hours he achieved that goal! Instead of stopping there, he leaned in. He pushed harder.
He reimagined the challenge—committing to ride an additional mile for every dollar raised beyond his original goal, up to 1,000 miles in a single day. What started as participation quickly became something more: a personal mission.
And people responded.
His fundraiser didn’t just grow—it surged, eventually surpassing $7,462 and becoming the largest individual fundraiser among more than 5,000 challenge participants nationwide. That is the kind of impact that happens when dedication meets action.
Before sunrise on March 29, Jim and two experienced long-distance riders from American Legion Riders Post 72 in Warrenton, Virginia—Mark Grapin and Ryan Blankenship—set out from Virginia in near-freezing temperatures. It was just 31 degrees, with windchill dropping even lower at highway speeds. For hours, they pushed through the cold, mile by mile.
Their destination was Charleston, South Carolina, which was a halfway point marked by a late lunch at Rodney Scott’s BBQ. That brief pause allowed them to refuel and reset before turning around and doing it all again.
What followed was a long return ride, stretching late into the night, with more stops, and more miles. Endurance was required and a relentless spirit kept the group forging ahead. By the time they arrived home, the team had completed:
1,067 official miles in under 24 hours
Over 1,100 total miles ridden
A certified SaddleSore 1000 ride
But more importantly, they accomplished something far greater than a milestone.
This story isn’t just about distance. It’s about what happens when someone chooses to show up—fully and intentionally—for a cause that matters.
Because of his decision to act:
Thousands of dollars were raised to provide free, personalized, life-saving care to veterans
Awareness was expanded, reminding veterans that they are not alone
A community rallied around a mission that saves lives
He didn’t wait for the “perfect” moment.
He didn’t stay within the bounds of the original challenge.
He saw an opportunity to do more—and he took it.
At Stop Soldier Suicide, we often say that this work is only possible because of people who choose to stand with us.
This is what that looks like.
One person.
One decision.
One action—multiplied into something that reaches far beyond a single day or a single ride.
Because of supporters like Jim, more veterans are finding connection, care, and a path forward.
And because of actions like these, we move closer to a future where no one who has served feels alone.
If you are ready to take action with us, visit our Get Involved page to learn the many ways you can support our life-saving mission.