Silkies Hike In Philadelphia ~ Allowing Veterans To Bond and Cope

‘Camaraderie and Humor Will Save Lives’

Twenty-two veterans a day are taking their own lives! Silkies Hike is built on the premise that camaraderie and humor will save lives. Allowing veterans, both former and active, to bond, build friendships, and become a support network that veterans often need to fight the war at home.

Silkies Hike In Colorado

This hike is not about finding a cure or to raise money, the WALK IS THE CURE. This group wants to reduce PTSD and the suicide rate among the United States Veteran population! – while simultaneously raising awareness among the civilian population. Silkies Hike was co-founded by best friends, Captain Danny Maher, USMC (Ret), and Sergeant Ryan Loya, USMC, through their non-profit Irreverent Warriors. The idea was that camaraderie and humor could save a life. Both Danny and Ryan each lost a close friend to suicide and as a result, made a pact to reduce the epidemic of veteran suicides. The first event was on July 25, 2015 in San Diego and has now skyrocketed to over 40 events nationwide, each coordinated by local veterans. This is a continuing series of events throughout the United States, benefiting Irreverent Warriors,Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 47-4789126) whose mission is to: Bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to heal the mental wounds of war, through therapeutic events and entertainment, in order to reduce PTSD and prevent veteran suicide.

Silkies Hike Philadelphia

In its first year, former Marine Corporal Steven Pagano, will be hosting this year’s Philadelphia Silkies Hike.

Silkies Hike at Penn State Fall of 2015

Participants will hike 13 miles while only wearing their combat boots and “silkies”, green physical training shorts that were made famous by the United States Marines. They will also be carrying 48.5lbs (for whoever enjoys the weight, not required) in their rucksacks to prevent the 22 U.S. veteran suicides every day. The group will meet at Pagano’s Market and Bar at 2001 Market St at 0830. They’ll then proceed to walk to the Liberty Bell, Tun Tavern sign (It is traditionally regarded as the site where the United States Marine Corps first held its recruitment drive during the American Revolution), then the Vietnam Memorial, then Engine 11 House at 6th and South Street at 1050 hrs, then Cookie’s Tavern at 1200, Geno’s Steaks at 1300, then to the Plough & the Stars at 1430 and end back at Pagano’s Market and Bar around 1600. (All the times and places are approximates.) For those that still want to sign up: Sign Up For Silkies Hike in Philadelphia

Press/Media and Donations

The Press is invited to join Silkies Hike Philadelphia at Pagano’s Market & Bar 0830 start and 1600 finish. The coordinator, Steven Pagano, will be available for comments. For on air, pre event interviews please inquire with Steven Pagano (215)588-9196 or spagano84@gmail.com. If you would like to donate money to help with the costs of the event or supply other items for along the hike, please let Steven know. Or for next year if you would like to participate, donate, supply certain items, have them stop by your establishment, please let Steven know.

Marines Birthday Celebration in Philadelphia 2016

Every year since 1977, Marines and other branches of the service have been celebrating the Marines birthday on November 10 at Cookie’s Tavern in South Philly. What started out as a 2 person celebration the first year, to 100 people the second year, has now grown to around 1,500 people. It doesn’t matter if you have served or not, this is one celebration you don’t want to miss. A few blocks on Oregon Avenue are closed off. The fun usually kicks off around noon each year on November 10. There is a ceremony around 12:30 pm that lasts about an hour. There will also be food, beer and drinks, live music and more. People come from North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and even California. Come out and see what it’s all about! Semper Fi!

Friday, May 20, 2016 Flash Mob Run

Those in the Philadelphia area or who will be in town Friday for the Silkies Hike on Saturday May 21: Retired Marine Tom Dailey organizes small 5k runs to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital every year and also runs in the Marine Corps marathon every year.

He has created a 5K Flash Mob run that takes place Friday night here in Philadelphia, May 20. For more information on this Flash Mob 5k run, click here. ~ The 5k Flash Mob Facebook Page ~

The first 5k Flash Mob run was started in Beaufort, SC in July 2014. More Info

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