‘Be the One’ takes center stage at California revitalization

Military veterans, servicemembers and their families in and around Merced, Calif., are invited to a special Veterans Awareness Campaign that will include free VA claims assistance, discussions on reducing the rate of veteran suicide and more.

The event takes place from Feb. 17-19 at American Legion Post 83 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 939 W. Main St. in Merced. Officers and staff members from National Headquarters and the Department of California, along with local post members, will be available throughout the three-day event. 

On Feb. 18, American Legion Post 190 member Jeffrey Freeman and Department of California Chaplain Dave Whalen will present on the organization’s Be the One initiative. The goal of Be the One is to reduce the rate of veteran suicide by reducing the stigma of mental health treatment and empowering everyone to “Be the One” to act accordingly when the life of a veteran is at risk.

Freeman, who shared his story of surviving a suicide attempt on the Tango Alpha Lima podcast, and Whalen will discuss Be the One at 11:40 a.m. and again at 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Other day-by-day highlights include:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17: Accredited American Legion service officers will be available to assist veterans and their families with VA claims and other questions related to benefits. Additionally, a membership outreach program will be conducted at this time.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18: Guest speakers will address a number of topics including VA benefits claims, veteran housing, assistance available for victims of natural disasters, American Legion Baseball, American Legion history and more.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19: Accredited American Legion service officers will be available to assist veterans and their families with VA claims and other questions related to benefits. Additionally, a membership outreach program will be conducted at this time.  

See the flyer for more details. 

Each day, there will be food and coffee available for a minimal purchase.