Today our hike was dedicated in honor of:
HIKE #10 OF 22 — VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS
Today’s hike was dedicated in honor of
Army National Guard Veteran
SGT Wesley Thomas Kubat
Age 40 — Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Died October 25, 2021
Today, we completed Hike #10 of 22 to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide.
This hike was dedicated to the memory of SGT Wesley Kubat, a combat veteran who proudly served our country in the Minnesota Army National Guard.
Wesley joined the National Guard in August 2000, just a few months after graduating from high school. He was deployed from 2005–2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and received an honorable discharge in 2010 due to medical conditions related to his deployment.
He was a proud American who loved serving his country.
In the years following his military service, Wesley continued serving others in his community. He was an enthusiastic member of the VFW and volunteered every chance he could. He was known for helping friends and neighbors, especially fellow veterans, with whatever they needed.
Wesley was also a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) in the Twin Cities. His CVMA name was “Snipes.” He helped start a chapter in northern Minnesota and served as its commander.
Today, we completed three hikes in Wesley’s honor:
🥾 Crossville Greenway Trail
🥾 Centennial Park Paved Trail
🥾 Mayetta Trail
Total distance: 5.21 miles
It was an amazing day. The heat didn’t stop us.
We walked close to the road on one of the trails, and after finishing the other trail, we walked home. Along the way, we received 81 HONKS!
I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted us today. Every honk, wave, and salute is a reminder that people still care and that our veterans and Fallen Heroes have not been forgotten.
I also want to give a special thank-you to SPC Jonathan Bryant, a Fallen Hero, for joining us today and helping us honor SGT Wesley Kubat.
Today wasn’t just about walking 5.21 miles.
It was about remembering a veteran.
It was about honoring his service.
And it was about bringing awareness to the fact that Veteran Suicide is real.
If you are a veteran struggling, please know that you are not alone. It is okay to reach out. It is okay to ask for help.
SGT Wesley Kubat — you are remembered.
You are honored.
You are not forgotten. 🇺🇸
Hike #10 of 22 complete.
One Step At A Time.
One Hero At A Time. 🇺🇸
#iwalk4them
#Hike10of22
#VeteranSuicideAwareness
#WesleyKubat
#SGTWesleyKubat
#FallenHeroes
#Veterans
#NeverForgotten
#OneStepAtATime
