{"id":2777,"date":"2026-06-06T20:34:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T20:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=2777"},"modified":"2026-06-06T20:34:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T20:34:32","slug":"defender-ruck-honors-fallen-marine-by-raising-awareness-for-veteran-suicide-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=2777","title":{"rendered":"Defender Ruck honors fallen marine by raising awareness for veteran suicide prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMPA, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>Participants laced up and took part in the fourth annual Sergeant Anthony Muhlstadt Defender Ruck, a 2.2-mile walk designed to raise awareness about military suicide prevention and mental health.<\/p>

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A journey with a purpose<\/strong><\/h2>

What we know:<\/p>

Organizers say the event is more than just completing a walk. It’s an opportunity to bring people together, encourage conversations about mental health, and remind veterans and service members that help is available.<\/p>

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“A lot of people think that they’re alone in their own demons,” said Anthony’s brother, William Muhlstadt. “You have people that care about you, no matter who you are.”<\/p>

Remembering Anthony Muhlstadt<\/strong><\/h2>

Why you should care:<\/p>

The event honors Sergeant Anthony Muhlstadt, an active-duty Marine who died by suicide.<\/p>

Following his death, Anthony’s family established a foundation focused on military mental health and suicide intervention. Through the annual Defender Ruck, they continue sharing Anthony’s story while working to prevent other families from experiencing similar loss.<\/p>

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Anthony’s mother, Tanya Mort, described her son as kind, loving, funny, charismatic, dedicated, and loyal.<\/p>

“He was the kid that would meet me at the door every day coming home from work and give me a hug,” she said. “He was the one that would dance with me in the kitchen.”<\/p>

His best friend, Chase Georgevich, remembered Anthony as a strong and independent person who always wanted the best for himself and those around him.<\/p>

“I helped him out through things I tried to go through, but again, he was much bigger than me, so he helped me out a lot. But he was just such a strong, independent individual and I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend in my life,” Georgevich added.\u00a0<\/p>

Breaking the stigma around mental health<\/strong><\/h2>

What they’re saying:<\/p>

Event organizers say one of their primary goals is encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide.<\/p>

She hopes events like the Defender Ruck can help reduce stigma and encourage those struggling to seek support.<\/p>

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“22 veterans a day are lost to suicide,” Mort said.<\/p>

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“We want to bring people together as a community,” Mort said. “Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s talk about suicide. Let’s break down that stigma.”<\/p>

Organizers emphasized that asking for help is a sign of strength and that support systems are available for those who need them.<\/p>

All proceeds from the Defender Ruck benefit Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, workshops held on military bases across the country.<\/p>

The training teaches service members how to recognize warning signs, engage in meaningful conversations with someone in crisis, and develop personal safety plans.<\/p>

Mort believes those skills can save lives.<\/p>

“We go out onto military bases and teach these men and women how to identify, how to engage, and develop a personal safety plan to keep them safe,” she said.<\/p>

Honoring the 22<\/strong><\/h2>

Dig deeper:<\/p>

Organizers say the 2.2-mile distance serves as a powerful reminder of the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.<\/p>

While the walk honors Anthony’s memory, it also honors countless veterans and service members who have been lost and reinforces the importance of mental health awareness, intervention, and support.<\/p>

“We want to make sure these guys are equipped with this knowledge,” Mort said, “and hopefully save some lives.”<\/p>

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.<\/i><\/p>

Read more House votes to cut funding for WIC, program that feeds pregnant women and children<\/a><\/p> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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