09/03/2026
September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and communities across North Texas are coming together to honor, remember, and fundraise for our veterans and first responders.
🎗️Some battles don’t end when the uniform comes off, and no one should have to fight alone. Here is your comprehensive roundup of the veteran mental health briefings, awareness events, and fundraiser initiatives happening this month around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex:
📅 Featured DFW Events & Gatherings
🏃♂️ Run for the V 5K (Benbrook)
What: A community 5K Run, Ruck, or Walk presented by Pinnacle Bank and VFW Benbrook Memorial Post 10429. The event features live music from "Proud Country," a raffle drawing, and a Kids/Special Needs 1K.
When: Sunday, September 20 | 7:00 AM Registration / 8:00 AM Opening Ceremonies
Where: VFW Post 10429 (1000 Stevens Drive, Benbrook, TX)
Impact: Proceeds directly benefit local nonprofit organizations providing essential services to veterans and first responders facing life struggles.
Link: Lock in your registration on the Athlete360 Run for the V Sign-Up Page.
🗣️ Su***de Awareness & Prevention Briefing (Weatherford)
What: An essential community briefing hosted by Pecan Valley Mental Health – Veteran Services to recognize warning signs, explore critical prevention resources, and learn how we can support one another.
When: Thursday, September 17 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: VFW Post 4746 (224 Zion Hill Road, Weatherford, TX)
Speaker: Guest speaker Mr. Fred Santiago from Pecan Valley Mental Health.
Access: Fully open to the public; everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Check out the official updates via the VFW Post 4746 Instagram Bulletin.
🧠 8th Annual Veterans Mental Health Summit (Dallas)
What: A comprehensive, FREE day focused entirely on veteran wellness, interactive workshops, a resource fair, and hands-on wellness activities.
When: Friday, September 18 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Dallas College Mountain View Campus (with Livestream options available)
Perks: Free breakfast and lunch provided.
Link: Learn more and secure your spot via the Dallas College Health Mindset Registration page.
🥾 Texas State Parks Veteran Su***de Awareness Ruck Hikes (Regional)
What: Organized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), these awareness hikes and remembrance walks bring together families, friends, and veterans to network, share resources, and break the silence around mental health.
Local DFW Hikes: Keep a close eye on local trail schedules—such as the annual Shoreline Trail candle-lit remembrance walk at Cedar Hill State Park—to hike side-by-side with our community heroes.
Details: Park entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass or a Veteran's Pass. Find local schedules at the TPWD Newsmedia Hub or view calendars on the McKinney Falls Event Page.
👕 Ways to Give Back & Fundraise Directly👕
E2 Apparel Awareness Collection Fundraiser
What: Wear the message proudly. E2 Apparel has launched a dedicated line of graphic apparel.
Impact: For every single military and veteran su***de prevention shirt sold, a $5 donation goes directly to the Veterans Resource Center of Dallas and the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Texas Chapter to fund localized counseling and intervention efforts.
💰 The Monthly Giving
What: If you can't make it to an in-person event but want your dollars working in North Texas right now, consider joining a sustaining network.
Impact: Setting up a small, recurring donation helps fund critical local volunteer initiatives, Guardian Network training, and peer connection programs.
Link: You can pledge your support directly through the Military Veteran Project Contribution Form.
Remember: Connection protects. Check in on your battle buddies, pick up the phone, and show up for the people who stood in the gap for us. 🤝
🚨 Need immediate support? You are never alone. The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Dial 988, then Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255.