Retired Army Colonel Robert Hess is visiting American Legion posts as he drives across the country in his corvette to raise awareness about Veteran suicide (Photo: Central Oregon Daily News)
Retired Army Colonel Robert Hess of the Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291 is driving his Arctic White 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6 across the country to raise awareness about Veteran suicide, which claims about 20 lives daily.
As part of the Rally4Vets initiative, Hess is traveling along the 3,365-mile Medal of Honor Highway, passing through 15 states from Oregon to Massachusetts. His journey will end at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, where the Top Dog Motorsports Competition, a race between military branches, will take place on October 12.
The Corvette, decorated with emblems from various organizations that support the cause, serves as a moving billboard for suicide prevention. Hess hopes his efforts will inspire people across the country to reach out to Veterans in crisis and potentially save lives. He emphasizes the importance of Veterans supporting one another, stating that shared experiences can turn personal struggles into a collective sense of purpose and belonging.
As Hess, a PTSD survivor, drives the length of the Medal of Honor Highway, he is stopping by American Legion posts along the route. These visits allow him to connect directly with Veterans, share his mission, and listen to the stories of those who have served. Each stop reinforces the sense of community among Veterans and provides an opportunity to remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
During his stop in Bend, Oregon, Hess met with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dick Tobiason, who played a key role in establishing the Medal of Honor Highway. Tobiason, who has known Veterans who have attempted suicide, shared Hess’s belief in the strength that Veterans find in being part of a group with shared experiences. They discussed how connecting with others who understand their challenges can provide essential support for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
Hess’s journey also honors previous efforts to recognize Veterans. A few years ago, three Veterans walked the entire length of the Medal of Honor Highway to remember the 80,000 service members still missing in action. For Hess, this drive is not just about raising awareness but also about honoring those who have served. He considers it a privilege to spend three weeks on the road, visiting American Legion posts and connecting with Veterans across the country.
His hope is that this journey will inspire action to prevent further loss of life among Veterans and ensure that their sacrifices are honored and remembered. Through his travels, Hess seeks to remind the nation of the ongoing challenges faced by many Veterans and the critical need for support within the Veteran community.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.