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BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Saturday morning, the American Legion Post 145 organized its fourth annual walk to raise awareness about veteran suicide as part of its ‘Be The One’ initiative.
The ‘Be The One’ program is a crucial effort by the American Legion aimed at combating veteran suicide. It focuses on educating people on how to support veterans by checking in with them, listening to their concerns, and providing help when they face challenges.
The walk covered a distance of 2.2 miles, representing the alarming statistic that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide each day, according to event organizers. Participants began their journey at Marion Street, proceeded along Martin Luther King Blvd., and made a stop at the Bristol Veteran’s Memorial.
Paul Federow, a veteran of the Vietnam era, shared with News Channel 11 his reasons for joining the annual walk. He emphasized the importance of shedding light on the experiences of veterans like himself.
“The treatment Vietnam veterans received upon returning home, coupled with the horrific experiences they faced during the war, takes a significant mental toll,” Federow explained. “It’s vital for us to make an effort to address this issue, and participating in this event is heartening.”
American Legion Post 145 Commander, Butch Rhymer, said the event started years ago where he was among one of the walkers on the very first day it started. The event started with a handful of people, where over 60 people showed up today to walk the event.
Rhymer said the event has brought more awareness in suicide prevention as of today.
“It’s made a change, and especially in veterans’ suicide prevention,” Rhymer said. “It’s helped a whole lot. It’s just bringing awareness out to where people know some of the signs to look for and just, take care of their family members that are veterans or their friends.”
American Legion Post 145 Adjutant, Roy Davis, said from American Legion to veterans, help is available to those who are lost.
“This county has got a very high suicide rate is amongst veterans,” Davis said. “It struggles with the fact that once you’re in the military, you always have guidance. You always have something to do, some direction. When you get out of the military, you lose that.”
“We have support for people that are with struggles and have strife in their life and that we are here for anybody and anybody can come Be The One,” Davis said.
To get help through Be the One, call 9881. If you are not a veteran and in distress, call 988.