Local Veteran Sits in Icy Water to Raise Awareness of Veteran Suicide
Later this month, local Navy veteran Michael Ragan will sit for three minutes either in the Illinois River or a bathtub of ice water to raise awareness of veteran suicide. Ragan founded the nonprofit, 22VA, in 2013 with fellow veteran Randolph Printy to highlight that approximately twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day in America. Ragan is an award-winning artist, and 22VA volunteers also use art to help veterans alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
Three years ago in November, Ragan said he was challenged to jump into the freezing Illinois River by a veteran Marine. Ragan said that it was “brutal” but adopted and adapted the challenge for the Peoria-area community. The three-minute sit in a bath of ice water occurs the 22nd of every month at the East Peoria Boat Club at noon and then later at the Peoria Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars location at 7 p.m. The fire department is present for safety concerns.
Ragan said that he is so passionate about preventing suicide because his own veteran grandfather committed suicide when Ragan was five years old. Five years ago, a close veteran friend of Ragan also committed suicide. Ragan stated that by starting 22VA he “found some healing” and “now helps others find healing.”
When asked what Illinois Central College Students can do to assist with the cause, Ragan said they don’t have to donate, but 22VA is in the need of website creation, and Ragan requests that students follow them on Facebook. Whether, it is sitting in cold water or promoting the cause on social media, the goal is to save veteran lives, he said.
Ragan also hopes students will learn the benefits of cold plunges. “ICC students can learn the health benefits of sitting in ice water.” He said it helps to overcome negative thoughts and gives the brain a dopamine boost.
Ragan now also hosts a veteran Facebook live show from his 22VA platform on Friday afternoons. Ragan discusses a host of issues concerning veterans, including advice on advocating for health care, disability, relating personal stories, and tips for helping PTSD. In the navy from 1986 to 2006, Ragan educates from his personal background about the many challenges veterans face physically and mentally.