Rocco Tucker visits Swainsboro

Employees at Berni’s on West Main recently had the privilege of meeting Veteran Rocco Tucker. Turner was raising funds for the SHARE Military Initiative.

Tucker ‘s journey from U.S. Marine to passionate advocate for veterans’ health is a poignant testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of the SHARE Military Initiative. Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1986, Rocco quickly proved his leadership capabilities in boot camp at Parris Island, earning a meritorious promotion as a squad leader. His career took him across the globe, from Camp Pendleton, CA to Okinawa, Japan.

Despite his commendable service, which included surviving the effects of a lightning strike and multiple traumatic injuries, Rocco faced significant challenges upon returning home. The physical and emotional toll of his experiences manifested in PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and sleep insomnia, leaving him feeling isolated and misunderstood. “When one of my guys didn’t come back one night, it weighed heavily on me,” Rocco shares, reflecting on the burden of survivor’s guilt and the deep scars left by his military service.

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Rocco’s turning point came when he joined the SHARE Military Initiative. “At SHARE, you’re not alone. You’re with people who understand, and they look out for you,” he explains. The program’s comprehensive approach to treating brain injuries and mental health issues offered Rocco the personalized care and support he desperately needed. Unlike the VA’s lengthy processes, SHARE provided immediate, tailored interventions that helped him regain balance and hope.

Inspired by the life-changing impact of SHARE, Rocco has embarked on an ambitious mission to give back. On October 19, 2024, he set off on a 722-mile bike ride (22 representing the 22 veterans per day lost to suicide), starting at his home in The Villages, Florida, continuing to Parris Island, South Carolina, and concluding at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This journey aims to raise awareness and funds for the SHARE Military Initiative. “It’s okay to ask for help,” Rocco insists, inviting others to join him for a mile or more, or simply cheer him on. Along the way, he will connect with communities, stopping at firehouses, police stations, and veteran groups to share his story and encourage other veterans to seek the help they need.

Rocco’s dedication goes beyond personal healing; he is committed to ensuring that other veterans receive the same no-cost, high-quality care that transformed his life. “100% of the proceeds I raise will go directly to SHARE,” he emphasizes, underscoring his commitment to our cause.

As Rocco pedals forward, his message is clear: you are not alone. His heartfelt journey is a testament to the power of community, the importance of seeking help, and the profound difference one individual can make. Rocco not only honors his own journey but also paves the way for countless others to find hope and healing through SHARE.