GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – The community and military members came together Sunday for a walk of remembrance for veterans who have taken their lives and to raise awareness to prevent these tragic events from happening in the future.
Roughly two veterans per week take their own life in the state of Wisconsin alone, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. H.O.O.A.H. WI’s mission is to break the stigma around mental health struggles and ensure those who served are not alone.
“We had a 69-year-old veteran this year in Marinette County that took his life this past weekend and when we continue to hear stories like this, it just reinforces why we’re here,” said Scott Conklin, the Vice President of H.O.O.A.H. WI.
This organization provides a number of programs for vets, like the Warrior Wellness program, a Scuba Diving Certification program, and more.
For people, like Ken Corry, he says it’s helped him to get out of his shell and active in the community.
“They’ve definitely done a lot for me,” said Ken Corry, a training specialist with the V.A. Office of Green Bay. “I know I struggled for 3 and half years when I got out of the military. Whether I was getting in fights, in and out of relationships, drinking all the time, depression, anxiety, you name it. It was programs like this that helped me out.”
Not only do they offer programs, but they give a reminder of how these struggles have impacted people like them. Inside the event hall, community members can take a look at this display of boots that have the names of veterans who have taken their lives.
“These are brothers, sisters, fathers, daughters, everybody across the board, and these are people here from Wisconsin. When it does happen and it does affect you, you’re like, how did we miss it? How did we not see it? This is somebody I know or somebody I was friends with. It’s a good reminder, but also a brutal reminder,” said Scott.
Some may feel like they don’t want to be a burden, but it only takes one call to make a difference.
“I’m happy to come sit with you for a day. If it means spending one of my days to come talk with you rather than showing up to your funeral, we’re all going to do that,” said Scott.
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