Howard County 11-Year-Old Honors Veteran Uncle with 2.2-Mile Awareness Runs

Eleven-year-old Guy Kroll is turning miles into meaning this May as he runs 2.2 miles every day in memory of his late uncle, Ben Kroll, a military veteran who died in 2023 after a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Following in his uncle’s footsteps, young Kroll began the running challenge in 2024 as part of National Military Appreciation Month, inspired by Ben’s tradition of running with a weighted backpack each day of May. Now, Guy is using the campaign to raise awareness about PTSD and honor those affected by it, using the hashtag #bensheart22 to challenge others to run, do pushups, or pray in honor of the 22 veterans who die by suicide daily, a statistic long associated with veterans’ mental health awareness.

“My uncle fought and lost his battle with PTSD, one he was battling for 17 years,” Kroll said. “Even a kid can be an influence and make a difference.”

Guy’s efforts are part of his 4-H Healthy Living project, which he’s expanded to include mental health advocacy. His mother, Samantha Horn, said it’s been an emotional journey for their family, but one that has opened up important conversations about mental health and healing.

Guy’s grandmother also hosts a bi-monthly support group for families affected by PTSD at Life House Church and Outreach Center in Texarkana, offering a safe space for youth and adults to connect.

For more information on PTSD resources for veterans, visit ptsd.va.gov. To learn more about Arkansas 4-H and extension programs, visit uada.edu.