Our Mission
Every single day, more than twenty US veterans die by suicide. According to the CDC, approximately every 26 seconds someone attempts suicide.
Operation VEST’s mission is to eradicate suicide one at a time by addressing the different needs of our veteran population. We aim to create awareness and remove stigma surrounding mental health so our veterans and active military can heal.
What We Do
- At Operation VEST, we promote awareness and inform the public of the staggering statistics affecting our veterans through programs, local events and social media.
- Operation VEST connects veterans to veterans, veterans to non-profits, and non-profits to other non-profits because TOGETHER is how we will effect change!
- A portion of funds Operation VEST raises helps to cover the cost of alternative healing for our veterans who are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress. This is done through partnership with other local veteran service organizations.
Upcoming Events
8th Annual Dog Tag Run 2.2-mile
2.2-mile run, walk, ruck, or dog walk Sunday, June 9, 2024, 9 am (opening ceremony at 8:30 am). Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore, NY Details: Register or Donate Here for this event
3rd Annual 22 Degree Run & Plunge 1/20/24 – PAST EVENT
January 20, 2024
Walker Park, Brightwaters, NY 11718
Dog Tag Run 2.2 Mile, 7th Annual – PAST EVENT
2.2 mile run, walk, ruck, or dog walk
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore, NY
2nd Annual 22° Run & Plunge- PAST EVENT
January 2023
Walker Beach, Brightwaters, NY
Pictures from our event can be found here:
https://facebook.com/events/s/2nd-annual-22-run-plunge/929259358047354/
6th Annual Dog Tag Run – PAST EVENT
2.2 mile run, walk, ruck, or dog walk
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 9am
Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore, NY
Pictures from our event can be found here:
https://facebook.com/events/s/dog-tag-run-22-mile-6th-annual/294503135871226/
Press
21/01/2023 - 22° Run & Plunge Event Coverage- News 12 Long Island
26/01/2023 - 22° Run & Plunge Article – Messenger Papers
16/06/2022 - Dog Tag Run 2.2 Mile- 6th Annual – Islip Bulletin
05/02/2022 - First Annual 22° Run & Plunge – Newsday
22/05/2021 - Bulletproof Veteran Podcast
