American Legion Family members encouraged to share their stories with us on how you are promoting the organization’s suicide-prevention initiative.
As the American Legion Family national conventions came to an end, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month was starting. This September is a perfect opportunity for Legion Family members to spread the word about the Legion’s “Be the One” suicide prevention initiative.
On the final day of the Legion’s 2022 National Convention, newly elected National Commander Vincent J. Troiola said veteran suicide prevention would be his No. 1 priority. “The American Legion is asking you to ‘Be the One,’” he said. “And by you, I include every one of us, military and civilian alike. We all need to ‘Be the One’ to begin thinking, talking and acting to save just one life.”
We want to know how you will ‘Be the One.’ Individuals and American Legion posts, American Legion Auxiliary units, Sons of The American Legion squadrons and American Legion Riders chapters who are promoting the ‘Be the One’ message and implementing its goals are asked to share with us how you’re doing so. We’ve created a new section on Legiontown to share your suicide-prevention stories.
Some of the things Legionnaires or Legion Family members have already done or planned:
· On Sept. 24 in Hoover, Ala., Ryan Winslow Post 911’s American Legion Riders have scheduled a motorcycle and Jeep ride in north Shelby County to help bring awareness to veteran suicide. The ride is being called Operation S.A.V.E. (Suicide Awareness for Veterans Everywhere). A portion of the proceeds from the ride will go to Vet Force Multiplier, a suicide prevention and emergency services portal created by the Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama. “Suicide is a significant issue for veterans,” ALR Chapter 911 Director Barry Nance said in a news release. “We want our brothers and sisters to know there is help.”
· On Sept. 25 in Yelm, Wash., American Legion 164 is hosting Suicide Stand Down 2022. The event will bring together the community and local mental health resources in the mission to combat veteran suicide.
· On its Facebook page, SSG Michael W. Hosey Post 205 in Clay, Ala., posted a simple but effective message on its page, complete with a photo of the September American Legion Magazine: This month’s front cover on the Legion Magazine is titled “Be The One”! September is Suicide Prevention Month! I encourage everyone to complete at least one Buddy Check this month! A simple 5 min phone call can change the life of a individual! What impact are you making in the community???
While this month is focused on suicide prevention and awareness, the ‘Be the One’ initiative is ongoing. Please help us get the word out to your local communities about this critical issue.
- Suicide Prevention