Kayaker on a mission for veterans

By Susan Hardee Steger
September 12, 2018 8:50 a.m.

Military veteran Joseph Mullin who suffers from PTSD, wants to raise awareness of the incidents of suicide among veterans. He is kayaking from Maine to Key West to support Mission 22 an organization “United in the War Against Veteran Suicides.”  Shocking statistics show the average rate of suicide among veterans is 22 a day. Helping to reduce this number and offering support to veterans is Mullin’s mission.

Joseph Mullin Photo courtesy of Scott de Brauwere

Last week Mullin arrived in Fernandina Beach in the early morning hours. He began his journey in Maine on April 21, 2017. According to Mullin, he was capsized three times and was rescued twice.  He expects to end his journey within 30 days in Key West (weather permitting).

While in Fernandina last week, Mullin stored his kayak at “The Boat House,” received transportation from strangers, met people who offered transportation, and rested at the Amelia Hotel at the Beach.   “People are nice here,” said Mullin.

A recent post on Mullin’s website indicates he left St Augustine on the 9th of September after spending a few days to make minor repairs to his kayak.

 

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Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
5 years ago

What an incredible journey for a most worthwhile mission. As a kayaker myself I can’t begin to imagine the endurance as well as the danger that Mr. Mullin faces. Even on a “quiet” water day the currents and such in the St. Mary’s River and all along the intracoastal can be quite treacherous. God Speed Mr. Mullin on your journey.

Ben Martin
Ben Martin(@ben-martin)
5 years ago

Veterans who are leaving the service can obtain monthly monetary benefits if they claim and qualify for PTSD status. With all the veterans that have the PTSD diagnosis it seems like it is very easy to qualify. Veterans are then prescribed psych meds that have horrendous side effects. It is as if chemical warfare is being conducted on our veterans (and schoolchildren also.) and adding to the bottom line of pharmaceutical businesses. For those veterans who truly do suffer from the psychological trauma of combat they should be able to use Cannabis. It is not addictive or expensive. It is an analgesic that has been used for thousands of years. No one has ever died from a Cannabis overdose. If you want to live a long time, stay away from Doctors.

https://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-drugs/drug_warnings_on_violence/