Zac Crewson knows the weight of loss. Within 11 months, the Salem man lost both his brother and mother to suicide. Now, he’s turning his grief into action, partnering with Mission 22, a national nonprofit dedicated to veteran suicide prevention, to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Crewson’s brother, Lance Corporal Jake Crewson, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2015 to 2019 before being discharged due to a health-related injury. After struggling with the transition to civilian life, Jake died by suicide on March 28, 2022. The devastating loss took an unimaginable toll on their mother, Jennifer Costello, who died by suicide on March 14, 2023, just weeks before the first anniversary of Jake’s death.
“The pain she endured was just too much,” Crewson said of his mother. “Losing Jake broke her in a way that none of us could fully understand.”
Determined to honor them both, Crewson is organizing “Walk 22,” a charity event scheduled for March 22, 2025, at the Malvern High School track. The event symbolizes the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day—a number that underscores the urgency of Mission 22’s mission.
“I walked 50 miles last year with a rucksack and raised over $7,000,” Crewson said. “This year, we’re organizing an event with a goal to raise $22,000.”
Participants can join the walk for a $22 entry fee, with all proceeds going to Mission 22 to support its work with veterans and their families.
A Mission to Support Veterans
Mission 22, headquartered in Sisters, Oregon, provides a holistic approach to veteran mental health, including mental wellness programs, stress monitoring, meditation coaching, and exercise regimens. The organization aims to break the stigma around mental health struggles and provide support for those transitioning out of the military.
Crewson says he saw firsthand how difficult that transition was for his brother.
“Jake joined the Marines in 2015 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune before being discharged in 2019,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy road for him after leaving the service.”
His own family’s loss fuels his passion for making a difference.
“This is about more than just my family’s pain—it’s about making sure other families don’t have to go through what we did,” Crewson said. “We need to normalize conversations about mental health and give veterans real resources to help them heal.”
Community Support and Long-Term Impact
Crewson, who works in the sales department at Daystar Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Malvern, has received strong support from his workplace. The dealership is helping to sponsor the event and plans to be involved in future fundraising efforts.
“We’re planning on making this an annual event,” he said. “This isn’t just about one day—it’s about building a lasting conversation and continuing to raise awareness.”
In addition to the walk, the event will feature vendors, a DJ, and community resources to make it both impactful and engaging for participants.
Crewson hopes his efforts will keep his brother and mother’s memory alive while helping those who need it most.
“If we can save even one life—if one veteran finds hope through this event—then it’s worth it,” he said.
For more information or to participate in Walk 22, details can be found on the event’s Facebook page. Donations to support Mission 22 can be made through their official website.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
