TEXARKANA, Ark. - The VFW Riders, motorcyclists who are Veterans of Foreign Wars, are gathered here this weekend to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention.
"Everyone has heard about suicide awareness. They are even aware of the crisis situation in veteran suicides. The number that stood out was 22 a day. That number has in fact grown, with as many as 34 a day now," said Thomas "Bear" Anderson, of Belton, Texas. "We want to bring awareness to the issue of suicide prevention,"
The Twin Cities are a rally point to kick off the creation of Operation Daily Battle, an organization intended to provide aid to veterans in a moment of crisis.
Veterans groups are marshalling to take care of their own.
"Members of VFW Riders got together to discuss solutions, ways to help. We wanted VFW National to have a suicide prevention program. Right now, we don't. We have been relying on the Veterans Administration's suicide programs. Given the present situation, we decided something more was called for," Anderson said.
From that conversation, Operation Daily Battle was formed.
The Texarkana event is bringing in people from several states.
"This weekend, VFW Riders are coming to Texarkana from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa," said Anderson. "We are putting Operation Daily Battle officially into place."
Operation Daily Battle will raise fund for scholarships. These scholarships will fund veterans in taking suicide prevention instruction. As each becomes qualified, they will be put into a database and contact list, a ready resource for veterans who are contemplating suicide.
"This will be an added resource for veterans who need it," he said. "For right now, the need is clear."
The VFW Riders gathered at VFW Post 4562 Friday evening for an initial meet-and-greet and dinner. Saturday and Sunday will feature rides around the community, building the brotherhood.
"Besides the rides, we will have breakfast at the VFW Saturday and Sunday morning," said Anderson. "Among the other organizations that have served as inspiration is 22Kill, who will have speakers at this weekend's event, kicking off Operation Daily Battle."Anderson says one particular case on his mind is that of a 24-year-old veteran who lived in Belton, Texas. The veteran committed suicide, leaving behind a wife and child.
"It is a case like this and many others that made it clear to us that something more needed to be done," he said. "That's why Operation Daily Battle is being formed."
(Those interested in finding out more about Operation Daily Battle can contact Commander Michael Rhodes, VFW Post No. 4562, 4700 E. Ninth St., Texarkana, Arkansas 71854. Call 870-406-2140 or 870-772-1771 or email [email protected])