Shepherd's Men running to help veterans

ATLANTA - Many military veterans return from deployment with so-called "invisible scars" that change their lives forever.  15 men will soon begin a 1500 mile run to help.

They're called Shepherd's Men. They bring awareness to the many brave military men and women suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and traumatic brain injuries.  Travis Ellis started the group three years ago.  "So many of our men and women who are deployed have returned with traumatic brain injuries and these invisible wounds of war, we owe it to them," says Ellis.

That's why the men are running from Boston to Shepherd Center in Atlanta where veterans are treated at the SHARE program.  The SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center is a rehab program that assesses and treats men and women who have sustained mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries and PTSD from the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Each runner will run 22 kilometers a day wearing a 22 pound vest. "The number 22 is symbolic of the 22 veterans who commit suicide in the U.S. a day," says Sgt. Leo Briseno of the US Marines.

US Marine Sgt. Nathaniel Beaver is running this year.  "I've deployed with people who went through harsh times in their lives, problems with their families, had troubles transitioning back to normality in the civilian sector," says Sgt. Beaver.  He says many are afraid to say or do anything about it, but he hopes this program tells them it's okay to ask for help.

The Shepherd's Men hope to raise one million dollars on their run for the SHARE program at Shepherd Center.  They say each step they take is a step toward healing and saving lives.

The group will leave Boston March 26 and will arrive in Atlanta on April 3.  You can track their journey on their website, www.ShepherdsMen.com