For the third consecutive year, Liberty Military Housing proudly partnered with the Infinite Hero Foundation to support 22 Miles to Break Boundaries, an annual weekend-long community running event at Annapolis High School dedicated to raising awareness around military mental health and suicide prevention. This powerful initiative was founded by Captain Kyle Butters, US Army (Ret.) with one mission: to raise awareness, inspire action, and break the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community.
This year’s event began on June 6th, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of D-Day, when over 2,500 Americans gave their lives during the historic World War II invasion. Cpt. Butters and a dedicated group of runners, including Liberty’s CEO, Philip Rizzo, took on the physical and emotional challenge of running 22 miles per day over two days (totaling 44 miles) in honor of the ongoing battles that many service members face after returning home.
The following day, hundreds of community members gathered for the 2.2-mile Hero Run and Community Festival, sponsored by Liberty. Families, veterans, active-duty service members, and supporters walked, biked, and ran side by side, united in purpose and compassion. Thanks to Liberty’s sponsorship, the festival was free and open to the public, creating a safe and celebratory space for families and supporters. Attendees enjoyed over 20 local food trucks and pop-up vendors, hands-on crafts, games, and a variety of educational resources spotlighting mental wellness and veteran support services.
This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising $70,000 to benefit the Infinite Hero Foundation’s programs that provide innovative, personalized treatment options for military personnel and veterans. From clinical therapies to peer support, these programs help struggling individuals find hope and healing. Liberty also helped expand the reach of the event by coordinating earned media coverage with local television stations WJZ and WMAR, ensuring that this important message of advocacy and healing resonated across Maryland. Check out the story that aired on WMAR!
As Philip Rizzo, Liberty’s CEO and Infinite Hero board member, put it: “Every step we take with Kyle and the 22 Miles to Break Boundaries participants, we remember the military heroes who have left marks on our hearts and are encouraged to keep pushing for positive change in tribute to them.”
With over 200 Liberty communities located near military installations across the country, our commitment to service extends beyond housing. We are proud to stand with veterans and their families in this fight for better mental health care and suicide prevention resources.
To learn more or support the mission, visit Infinite Hero’s event page.
