By Chad Klassen

Rolling Barrage helping veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD

Aug 21, 2018 | 11:19 AM

KAMLOOPS — For a second year in a row, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts have been riding across the country to raise awareness for PTSD and other mental health issues facing veterans and first responders, many who continue to take their own lives. 

“We had seven deaths since the start of this ride,” said ride organizer Scott Casey, who served as a UN peacekeeper in the 1990s. “Six Canadian Forces members have taken their lives and one police officer. So even with us making all this noise, the issue is still very real.”

The Rolling Barrage started on Aug. 5 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and will conclude in Victoria on Wednesday. On Tuesday morning, the riders were fuelling up with some breakfast in Kamloops before about 300 kilometers of riding to Langley. It’s been a gruelling 16-day adventure, but well worth it for everyone involved.

The group has been supported by communities every stop along the way and they’ve collected $26,000 so far, all through donations.

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“There’s a multitude of different people here. There’s people that ride, people that don’t. There’s seniors, there’s kids. There’s aunts and uncles. It’s about family. It’s really showing. It is great,” noted Casey. 

Scott Gullion is a veteran, serving in the former Yugoslavia as a UN peacekeeper from 1986 to 1995. He’s lost comrades from that mission to suicide due to PTSD and felt it was important to join the ride that began last year. 

“The reason why I signed up is I heard of the ride. It was raising awareness for PTSD,” said Gullion, who lives in Calgary. “The time that we served, you didn’t tell anyone when you got out. ’95 was a dark year and a lot of guys just got lost. You just never heard from them again.”

Gullion knows how traumatic experiences during war can affect someone’s livelihood. Gullion struggled immediately upon returning home from Yugoslavia, as many of his comrades did. He’s worked hard over the years to get his mental health in order, and these rides and camaraderie help in the healing process.

“I had a few dark years, especially right afterwards. Then some challenges since then as well,” noted Gullion. “But these rides are one of those places where it’s just acceptance. Once you get out and see the other guys, there’s no masks. You look right there and say I see you.”

The Rolling Barrage says the $26,000 raised so far this year will go towards helping veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues.