Joshua Jogensen, the "Masked Veteran", has nearly completed his run across Iowa. Wearing a military grade gas mask provides a challenge, but represents a deeper meaning.

Team Fidelis
Team Fidelis
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Joshua has been running across the state with his breathing restricted to raise awareness for veteran suicide rates. Due to untreated PTSD and depression, 20 veterans take their own life daily.

"The struggle, you know, to me it’s a challenge," Joshua told WHO-TV. "I like to challenge myself to these endurance events, but it’s also become a symbol of what these veterans struggle with when they’re struggling with PTSD."

"When I started out last Wednesday, I was self-supported, and that was the plan," Joshua continued. "I was going to make my way across the state by myself the best way I could, but I haven’t been by myself at all, and that’s the message that we’re trying to put out there, that there’s people out there that want to help and want to be there for you."

Joshua's run is set to end tomorrow in Burlington. He hopes that his trek will inspire other veterans that may be struggling.

You can get updates on Joshua through Team Fidelis on Facebook.

If you're a veteran who needs help, Team Fidelis is here to help. They have a number of resources on their website that can help you.

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