SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – A Vietnam veteran is cycling across the United States to raise awareness about veteran suicides, and today he passed through Siouxland.
Robert Hess served in the U.S. Army for 25 years before retiring in 1992.
A member of the American Legion, he was inspired to start the campaign in 2022 when the American Legion’s National Commander asked every member to contribute to their “Be the One” campaign, which works to remove the stigma from veterans seeking help during a mental health crisis. To do his part, Hess drove his 2007 C6 Corvette down Veteran’s Highway 20.
“I thought, ‘This is about veterans, so why not drive down the Medal of Honor Highway to honor these men and women while also raising awareness about veteran suicides?'” Hess said. “What I didn’t realize is that it’s one thing to see the distance on the map. It’s quite another to do it yourself.”
Hess was about halfway through his journey when he arrived in Sioux City. He had traveled 2,100 of the nearly 5,500 miles from Oregon to Massachusetts. He will travel even further than Highway 20. When he reaches the end in Boston, he will continue on to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, which will be his final stop.
He says his car has been a topic of conversation the whole time.
“When I park it, people come and start talking. I know they’re reading the message,” Hess said. “For us, it’s just about getting out into the community and talking to people. I’m pretty sure we’re helping someone, I just may never know who.”
Hess will continue his journey tomorrow on Highway 20 with a stop in Dubuque.
Click here for more information about Rally 4 Vets.
All rights reserved.
