Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 6-10, features U.S. Army Veteran Gary Ruc presenting "From the Blast in the Past to Hope and Beyond," detailing his recovery journey. The Resiliency Award follows his talk on October 9
This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 6-10 and will feature Gary Ruck, U.S. Army Veteran, who will be presenting “From the Blast in the Past to Hope and Beyond”. The Resiliency Award will be presented following the speaker on October 9, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gary Ruc is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran who was awarded two Purple Hearts related to his injuries during his second deployment to Iraq. He will be sharing his mental and physical recovery journey that included the use of a Virtual Reality headset. The Resiliency Award will be presented following the speaker.
In addition to the presentation during the week, VA Northern Indiana Health Care System locations will offer virtual reality demonstrations, art walk, labyrinth walk and information booths.
To join the presentation via Webex:
Join Meeting
Meeting ID: 2
Passcode: mkUcNHD5*96 Join from a mobile device (attendees only): +
USA Toll Number Join by phone for non-VA Staff:
USA Toll-free Number For questions, please contact Nat Bryan at nathaniel.bryan@va.gov.
Please see the list of events for time and location information:
Fort Wayne Campus and Annex
10/6/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Display table & Virtual Reality Demonstration in Bldg 1 Hospital lobby
10/7/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Labyrinth Walk at Annex parking lot (weather permitting)
10/8/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Labyrinth Walk at Annex parking lot (weather permitting)
Marion Campus
10/6/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Display table at canteen
10/7/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Display table at canteen
10/8/25, at 11:00a-12:30p Display table at canteen, Art Walk in Atrium, Veteran Band “Section 8” in Atrium (pending confirmation), Virtual Reality Demonstration in B172, Rm 1A-105
10/9/25, at 10:30a-12:00p Display table at canteen
Muncie
10/7 - 10/10 at 9:00a-4:00p Display table & Art Walk
JWC
10/9/25 at 8:00a-4:00p Display table and Art Walk
Peru
10/6/25 - 10/10/25, at 8:00a-4:30p Display table
FW Vet Center
10/10/25 at 10:00a-3:00p Display table and Art Walk
SB Vet Center
10/10/25 at 8:00a-4:30p Display table & Art Walk