“It affects everyone”

BELLEVUE, Neb. — As the war in Iran continues, a nonprofit in the Omaha metro area is expanding its efforts to support active duty and veteran families through new programming and free counseling services.

50 Mile March, a nonprofit known for its annual fundraiser walking from the Capitol Building in Lincoln to the Omaha metro, is ramping up efforts to help those who serve. The organization is introducing new programming year-round, recognizing the need for support among active duty and veteran families.

“Especially in times now, where deployments, times of conflict, especially when the news is just headlining a lot of things, we need to take a step back. As civilians and as military and veterans, to really say, what are these families going through right now?” Founder Jay Miralles said.

To address these needs, the group is beginning to offer free counseling services once a week in collaboration with The Christopher Bremer Foundation.

“Not just the veterans, not just military members, but their families, the community at large. Because if you really think about it, the veterans are someone in uniform. But if you think about the community, it affects everyone,” Miralles said.

No insurance or appointment is needed, and individuals can walk right into The Link in Bellevue, between 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Outside the weekly counseling sessions, 50 Mile March helps support veterans year-round.

“We have a list of about 150 organizations that we have direct connection to that we can offer those. So, whether it be food support, rent support,” Deputy director Jodi Teal said.

Miralles noted the ongoing nature of support for military families.

“There’s no end game to support. There’s not like a, oh, you’ve arrived. It’s a process, right? And for some people, they heal faster and heal slower,” Miralles said.

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