S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride: Veterans suicide prevention awareness and memorial ride Sept. 21

The S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, 921 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, and ends with a memorial service at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. 

“S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride is a movement,” said Kristen Melton, chief of Chaplain Services at OKCVAHCS. “We're calling on the community to join us in this critical mission to save lives and support our Veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend. Motorcycles are not required. Two, three and four-wheeled vehicles can all ride along the route with us." 

Riders will navigate historic Route 66, paying tribute to fallen Veterans and promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The ride is open to all who wish to show their support for Veterans, their families and caregivers. 

The event's name, S.A.V.E., stands for these critical steps in suicide prevention: 

• Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized 
• Ask the most critical question: "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" 
• Validate the Veteran's experience 
• Encourage treatment and expedite getting help  

If you have a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911, the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1, or go to the nearest emergency department. OKCVAHCS Emergency Department is open 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Registration and Information: Contact David Potter at 405-456-5138  for more information and to register. Participants can register up to the day of the ride.