Move for a Mission: The One Mile Challenge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 21, 2025 (Hudson Valley, NY)
Participants across the U.S. are pledging to walk, run, or roll one mile a day this September to raise awareness and support for military, veterans & first responders.
Guardian Revival has opened registration for the 4th annual One Mile Challenge (OMC) — a month-long movement challenge inviting people (as individuals or on teams) to walk, run, or roll one mile a day in support of the mental health and well-being of our guardians & their families. The event is open to all and runs throughout September — Suicide Awareness Month.
Why The Challenge Matters
Veterans and first responders are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges — including PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation — often compounded by barriers to care, stigma, and lack of culturally competent providers. Recent research underscores the urgency:
A SUNY New Paltz statewide survey found that 16% of first responders have experienced suicidal thoughts — four times higher than the general NYS population.
Among veterans in New York recently separated from military service, 25% screened positive for PTSD, and nearly 1 in 10 reported suicidal ideation in the past year.
53% of first responders report symptoms of depression, and 38% report PTSD symptoms — while 80% cite stigma as a reason they avoid seeking care.
The findings of SUNY’s First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment are already driving action: New York State Assembly Bill A7285, known as the First Responder Peer Support Program Act, is now under review. The proposed legislation would fund and formalize statewide peer-to-peer mental health support for first responders — a model Guardian Revival already implements through its Peer Services program.
How The Challenge Helps
The One Mile Challenge raises awareness as well as critical funds to support Guardian Revival’s no-cost mental health programs for guardians and their families — including outdoor adventures, peer support, companion dogs, musical opportunities, and community events.
“One mile may not seem like much — but it’s a powerful symbol of purpose, progress, and solidarity,” shared Aaron Leonard, CEO of Guardian Revival. “This challenge is about showing up for our military, veterans & first responders — and reminding them they’re not alone.”
How to Join OMC
Participants can register solo or as part of a team. Teams have already formed across families, friends, departments, gyms, companies, and other organizations. Guardian Revival’s own programs are leading the charge, with teams that anyone can join:
Another Summit’s Team: give.guardianrevival.org/as-omc-2025
Boots & Paws’ Team: give.guardianrevival.org/teambootsnpaws
Encore’s Team: give.guardianrevival.org/encore-omc2025
Homefront’s Team: give.guardianrevival.org/homefront-omc2025
Peer Services’ Team: give.guardianrevival.org/psd-omc2025
Learn more about the challenge and steps for how to join, create a team of your own, and download social media graphics: guardianrevival.org/blog/join-2025-one-mile-challenge
Up for the Challenge?
Let’s go the distance — together. Register now: give.guardianrevival.org/omc2025
30 DAYS. 30 MILES. 1 MISSION.
About Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health and well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them. Learn more at guardianrevival.org
For questions, media inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities: press@guardianrevival.org
About GOVX
The 2025 One Mile Challenge is presented by GOVX. Delivering exclusive benefits to those who keep our country and communities safe and thriving, GOVX proudly serves the passionate, loyal community of US Military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, government workers, and medical professionals who comprise a deserving community of over 10 million members. Learn more at govx.com
In addition to providing unbeatable deals on top brands, GOVX also donates a portion of every order to military and first responder non-profits through the GOVX Gives Back initiative. To date, GOVX has donated over $2 million in support.