PEMBROKE PINES — Hundreds of bikers and spectators from across South Florida, came out for the inaugural Lance Corporal (LCpl) Janos V. Lutz Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Ride last Sunday, Jan. 12. The 26-mile long motorcycle ride began at Western High School in Davie, and ended at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines.
The Awareness Ride was spearheaded by military mom, Janine Lutz, to bring awareness to remember her son Janos, who died by suicide. “PTSD Awareness Ride is just that, to bring awareness to PTSD as so many of our nation’s finest suffer with it,” said Lutz.
The US Department of Veteran Affairs states a veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes due to PTSD, and with Broward County’s more than 88,171 veterans, it is one of the highest veteran populations in Florida, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness is a strong proponent of veterans support services.
“Many of our fellow Americans have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our great nation continues to be great and our democratic system of government continues to stand strong, therefore I believe we must honor the service of everyone who serves in our armed forces and ensure we provide not only for them when they return home, but for their families as well,” Holness said. “It is imperative we offer support for our military especially if they have a disability, whether it be emotional, mental, or physical and we must provide more than adequate service for them, because they put themselves on the line for us. I thank all who have served our country.”
In addition to a memorial wall, music and a parachute jump by the All Veteran Parachute team, a proclamation was sponsored by Holness that declared Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 as Lance Corporal (LCPL) Jonas V. Lutz Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day in Broward County.
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