Veteran To Hike Appalachian Trail To Honor Brother, Raise Awareness Of Veteran Suicide

An Oklahoma veteran plans to hike the Appalachian Trail in honor of his brother, veteran Joe Littleton, who died by suicide last year.

Joe’s family said his struggles were silent and that’s why they try to give a voice to this important issue.

JR Littleton said his brother Joe was struggling with PTSD and it was just too much for him.He said losing Joe was the hardest thing he's ever gone through and hopes other veterans know, there's always help available. 

Joe’s family said he dreamed of joining the military since he was a little boy. 

"He wanted to go fight for his country," JR said.

JR enlisted in the Army first, and Joe soon joined him.

Joe was deployed three times, once in Iraq and twice in Afghanistan, saving lives, leading others, and seeing things that left deep emotional scars.

"He wanted to make a difference in this world," JR said.

Joe moved to Florida after leaving the military, and JR said during COVID, and after some tough life events, Joe's mood shifted.

"He slowly drifted away," JR said.

Joe took his life in September. It's a day Joe's mother Kimberly Tracy and JR say will haunt them forever.

"Now we will hurt for the rest of our lives," Tracy said.

The two now wear dog tags in honor of Joe to always remember him and the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. They say there must be a better way to get help for so many struggling vets.

"Twenty-two a day," said Tracy. "We've got to do better for them."

"I'm trying to throw myself into as much positive stuff as I can," JR said.

On Monday, JR will begin a self-described months-long spiritual journey through the Appalachian Trail. He plans to spread Joe's ashes along the trail.

"I'll be carrying him, but he'll also be carrying me," said JR.

JR and Kimberly said they want every single veteran to know that their lives are so important.

The Veteran's Crisis Line is open 24-7. That number is 1-800-273-8255. You can visit their website here.