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PTSD Memorial

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According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Many veterans over the course of their military career have received campaign stars and medals, and at times commendation medals for acts of valor. These veterans are heroes. But that fact alone is not enough to free some from the darkness that followed them home from their service.  Way too many veterans fall into a pit of despair and tragically end their own life. These veterans didn't die in the line of duty, but they are still a casualty of war. And yet, their stories are often still ignored. What PTSD Looks Like (A Photo Series of what PTSD Looks Like) With your generous contribution a memorial will be erected, and our veterans will finally get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they made on and off the battlefield. This memorial will commemorate the struggles of those who bravely served our nation and died in the fight against PTSD.  It will provide a place to honor and reflect on those service men and women whose injuries, while perhaps not physically apparent, were no less devastating. The memorial will bring awareness to the seriousness of our veteran’s struggles. These veterans’ deaths are no less important because they suffered from a mental illness. They are heroes and sacrificed for us and our country.  We must expand the discussion of mental health and its effect of suicide on service members and families.  The military has a long way to go when it comes to decreasing the mental health stigma, and coming together to do that is a great start. By acknowledging these internal struggles, this memorial can help us heal from the past and pave the way for better veteran mental health care in the future. Veterans are unique in their background, history, and reason for joining the military. They are our relatives, neighbors, and family members.  We have to take a community approach and responsibility to not only prevent suicide, but create access to treatment and understanding.  Mental health in general is still a complicated issue. A monument alone won't change that. By bringing visibility to the hidden struggles, we can start a conversation and make it easier for people to ask for help, and sometimes it’s the crucial step that can make all the difference. Will you help to make a change? Ways to Donate: Online: HTTPS://GOFUNDME.COM/PTSD-MEMORIAL Check Payable: American Legion Post 178 / Memo: PTSD Memorial Cash: American Legion Post 178 M-F 3:00pm-9:00pm Contact:  SSgt Carl W. Bledsoe, USMC [email redacted]  AMERICAN LEGION ISAAC VAN WERT POST 178 PTSD Support Group EVERY MONDAY @ 2000 VETERAN CRISIS HOTLINE 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1
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Donations 

  • Mark Copenhaver
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Rachel Bledsoe
Organizer
Van Wert, OH

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