Swampscott walks for its veterans

SWAMPSCOTT — The Veterans of Foreign Wars held its first “5K Run/Walk” Saturday with the theme of suicide prevention, specifically for veterans.

All proceeds raised through pledges benefitted Company 2 Heroes, a Danvers-based nonprofit organization that connects veterans with trained support animals at no cost. Founder Kate Van Auken launched the organization in 2017 after adopting her own service dog following multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. VFW Quartermaster Dave Emerton explained how Van Auken got on his organization’s radar.

“Kate (Van Auken) came to a couple of our meetings and explained the whole thing,” Emerton said.

The run began at the VFW’s Pine Street post, as participants then went through Humphrey Street and Puritan Road. They then returned to the post following the same route for a cookout and raffles.

Emerton gave credit to Director of Veterans Services Mike Sweeney and his wife, Sarah, for their contributions to making the event a reality. The pair has organized similar fundraisers through their Military Friends Foundation.

Emerton emphasized the importance of veteran suicide prevention, saying more than 20 veterans take their own lives per day.

“We feel that number is underreported because it doesn’t count overdoses, automobile accidents, and things of that nature,” Emerton said.

He added that the presence of a service animal can be incredibly beneficial to mental health.

“I have a cat, and my wife passed away two years ago. Now she’s my company at night,” Emerton said. “As service dogs, they can help with things to keep veterans calm.”

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