Kayaker on a mission for veterans

By Susan Hardee Steger

September 12, 2018 8:50 a.m.

Military veteran Joseph Mullin who suffers from PTSD, wants to raise awareness of the incidents of suicide among veterans. He is kayaking from Maine to Key West to support Mission 22 an organization "United in the War Against Veteran Suicides."  Shocking statistics show the average rate of suicide among veterans is 22 a day. Helping to reduce this number and offering support to veterans is Mullin's mission.

Joseph Mullin Photo courtesy of Scott de Brauwere

Last week Mullin arrived in Fernandina Beach in the early morning hours. He began his journey in Maine on April 21, 2017. According to Mullin, he was capsized three times and was rescued twice.  He expects to end his journey within 30 days in Key West (weather permitting).

While in Fernandina last week, Mullin stored his kayak at "The Boat House," received transportation from strangers, met people who offered transportation, and rested at the Amelia Hotel at the Beach.   "People are nice here," said Mullin.

"A recent post on Mullin's website indicates he left St Augustine on the 9th of September after spending a few days to make minor repairs to his kayak.