Sergeant First Class Jimmy Novak, 42, passed through Wauneta and arrived in Imperial May 20 on his walk across America to raise awareness for veterans’ PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and suicide.
    His journey began on March 22 at his home in Dupont, Washington and will end on Aug. 22 at Disney World in Florida.
    After 21 years with the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Novak wanted to do something to mark his retirement.
    On average, 22 veterans take their own lives every day.  
    Novak struggles with anxiety and depression, and during his first deployment, those struggles morphed into suicidal thoughts.
    He had a lot of survivor’s guilt, as his job was relatively safe while others were in combat.
    On Dec. 21, 2004, he asked his commander if he was ready for lunch.
    “In a minute,” the commander responded.
    Minutes later, a suicide bomber entered the chow hall, killing 22 Americans and himself.

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