Veterans Get Outside Day Newport will be held at Fort Adams State Park on Sunday, June 9, from 9 am to 3 pm. This is the second year of the event that connects veterans with resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. This event is free, and you don’t have to be a service member or a Veteran to attend.
The event will feature adaptive sports opportunities, Veterans Benefits and Veterans Health Administration representatives, community sports organizations, and local and regional vendors. Event Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Veterans Get Outside Day is one of the initiatives sponsored by Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA) to address the Veteran suicide rate. It is no secret that suicide claims far too many people. Military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at an even greater risk of depression, unclear thinking, and suicide.
To help encourage participation a free trolly will run continuously between the Newport Gateway Visitors Center, 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI and Ft. Adams.
Following opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., the day will kick off with a fun run/walk around the Ft. Adams Bay Walk hosted by Run Newport. Entertainment will include the U.S. Navy Ceremonial and Brass Band, Project Opus (veteran songwriting), List Academy of Music, and Guitars for Vets, both of which do music therapy. Elements from the Washington Tattoo will be on hand to entertain with their Fife, Drum group, and bagpipes.
Event partners Sail Newport and Sail to Prevail will provide free 30-minute sailing excursions for Veterans and their families. Ft. Adams is offering a $5 discount on self-guided and guided tours of the fort.
Military-Veterans Advocacy is a nonprofit corporation established to protect the rights of current and former military members. The organization focuses on education, legislation, and litigation to ensure Veterans’ rights are protected and they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.
Additional information on the event can be found at this link.
