Post 113 in Elizabethtown held its first veteran suicide prevention walk and prepares for its third VA S.A.V.E. training
American Legion Post 113 in Elizabethtown, Ky., held its first Be the One 2.2-mile walk this past July where more than 350 participants came to support the mission – to end veteran suicide and bring awareness to the cause.
“It was great for morale and also good for our city and our county and for our Legion post to host the event,” said Brandon Curry, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 113 commander and Sons National Executive Committeeman, who retired from the Air Force Reserves after 22 years. “There were times during my career that we lost airmen that it wasn’t deemed suicide. But after going through certain classes later in my military career, there were signs that somebody asked for help, but nobody recognized it. So that's the reason why I've really picked this (Be the One) ball up and ran with it. Just to help promote and try to change the stigma. It’s OK to ask for help even though at times people let their pride get in the way.”
Promotion of the walk was advertised in the local newspaper, on radio stations and on social media channels. As a result, what Curry thought may be 50 to 75 walkers ended up being 350 participants.
“The walk was to bring awareness to veteran suicide, help people look out for the signs and understand what can happen if you ignore them,” said Drew Chitty, Post 113 member and District 4 commander. “You should say, ‘Listen, I see something’s going on with you. You’re not acting the same. What’s going on? Talk to me. We’re friends. Let’s talk.’ Get involved, step up and be the one to stop that person from killing themselves.”
Chitty added that during Post 113 membership drives, two tables are always set up – one for membership recruitment and one for Be the One. He created a trifold that highlights the Be the One mission, veteran suicide prevention resources, and what events Post 113 is involved in to support the mission. Copies of the trifold also sit on a table inside the post by the front door for people to take.
“We feel very strongly about Be the One,” Chitty said. “Brandon and (Post 113 member) Tom (Folsom) have felt that this is an important thing that we need to alert the community, let them be aware and let them know how to look for signs and what to do.”
To help Legion Family and community members identify the signs of suicide, Post 113 will hold its third VA S.A.V.E. training class on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. A VA representative will conduct the training. It is open to the public.
VA S.A.V.E. Training focus on four key facets:
S - Spot the signs a veteran might be thinking about suicide
A - Ask the critical question, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
V - Validate the veteran’s experience.
E - Encourage and support next steps with the veteran to get help.
- Be the One