Training for a triathlon is not easy. It becomes a focal point in one’s life. It is especially consuming when doing it for a cause that one is passionate about. John Sherrod from Atlanta, GA knows this very well. John honors a friend, a marine veteran, who suffered from combat PTSD and depression who lost his life to suicide. Even though John is not a veteran, he often regrets not serving. John now serves our country through his triathlon campaign. John has raised so far just over $6,000.00 to help support Active Heroes and our cause to support veterans with a mission to end veteran suicide.
John’s family and friends are supporting him in this mission wholeheartedly. Even though his family is proud, “They think all the training is a bit crazy”, states John.
During the pandemic, John has had time to train, even though he hasn’t done a triathlon for 20 years, he is working constantly to get ready for this feat of the feet. He is a 57 year old lawyer in his law firm Sherrod and Bernard. John’s partner Ken Bernard, of 28 years was an officer in the marines and is an active member and former chairman of the Marine Corps Association of Georgia Lawyers. ” This is a team effort,” states John, ” I have gotten several donations from lawyers who were also marines.” John has 4 grown children with his wife and a goldendoodle named Layla. They often visit Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and John loves to travel, play tennis, and cycle.
John dealt with the grief of the loss of his friend, seeing the pain left on the grieving family being the worst he has ever seen. He feels that “educating the public that PTSD is real and these soldiers that have fought for our freedom need help reentering the civilian world”.
Over 20 veterans a day commit suicide, this changes the lives of their families and friends forever. Veteran suicide is preventable. By providing healing activites, resources, and programs for these veterans Active Heroes is able to lower this number and our hope is to one day see NO lives lost from veteran suicide.John’s making an impact on this number with his support!
Have you thought about giving to support Active Heroes, but aren’t sure how you would do it? John has some advice for you.
” The best advice I could give is to pick an event that you are passionate about as you will likely not mind all the training and even look forward to it. As to fundraising, don’t be afraid to ask for a donation. You never know who will give especially if they know how important this cause is to you”, John Sherrod.
Thank you John for your support, and thank you for being so passionate and working so hard to support our heroes and their families!
To support Virtual Athletes go here.
To donate to John for his event go here.
About Active Heroes:
Active Heroes is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in Louisville, KY with a mission to reduce veteran suicide in every state. Active Heroes provides national activities, national peer – mentors, serves thousands of veterans at the Active Heroes Community Center and is developing a retreat center to help heal post-traumatic stress.
For additional information, please contact Active Heroes at [email protected], or 502-277-9280, or visit www.activeheroes.org.
