atlantic crossing As they continue to raise money and awareness for struggling veterans, Foar from Home prepares to row across the ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. BY MANDY HAYNES • PHOTO BY MICHAEL RITTER
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ach year, over 6,000 veterans lose their life to suicide. Six thousand. It’s hard to imagine that the same people who put their lives on the line for others can end up feeling completely alone. Many veterans suffer from PTSD, which impacts every aspect of day-to-day life. Lack of affordable housing, financial problems, and the struggle to fit back into civilian life can be overwhelming for anyone. Imagine how overwhelming it is for the men and women who suffer from PTSD and the mental and physical issues that accompany that diagnosis. Americans need to understand that many of its veterans are struggling. That is exactly why Paul Lore, veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Billy Cimino, veteran of the United States Army, Cameron Hansen, veteran of the United States Air Force, and A.M. ‘Hupp’ Huppmann, veteran of the United States Navy, will be rowing the 3,000-mile course from La Gomera, Canary 39 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •
Islands, to Antigua. The Foar From Home team is joining 40 other row teams to compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December. Their mission? To bring awareness to the overwhelming problem of veteran suicide. But before we look at this incredible feat, let’s go back to 2018. Three years ago, Billy Cimino and Paul Lore created a paddle event called Cross the Line – Paddle for Veterans. It was a fun and successful event that brought members of the community together to show their support. More than 80 people showed up with their kayaks and over $8,000 was raised. The money was donated to Fight Oar Die, a nonprofit Veteran Organization focusing on PTSD and veteran suicide. Inspired by Fight Oar Die and the mission, Billy and Paul formed a non-profit organization called the Cross the Line Foundation. Cross the Line continues to fight the good fight for continued on next page
NOVEMBER 2021
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