1. U.S. suicide rate has risen sharply since 2000, with greatest increase among middle-aged whites

Hundreds of Veterans will hit the streets in short shorts to raise awareness for suicide preventions among veterans.

The Silkies Hike Tyler event will benefit Irreverent Warriors Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing veterans together using humor and camaraderie to heal the mental wounds of war, reduce PTSD and prevent veteran suicide, according to the organization.

Silkies are the tiny green shorts worn by United States Marines when they run. The hike is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.

Participants will hike 13.6 miles while carrying roughly 50 pounds of gear, but the weight is not required. The organization hopes to bring awareness to the fact that more than 22 veterans take their lives each day. The event will begin with registration at Republic Icehouse before the participants are bused to Faulkner Park.

For registration information, visit silkieshiketyler.eventbrite.com

– Cory McCoy