Video summary
The fourth annual Veterans Standown was recently held at Cornerstone Christian Church, marking a significant gathering designed to honor veterans and provide them with essential resources. Organized by Post Commander Charles Atkinson, this event has grown to become the largest of its kind in four years, featuring an almost equal number of vendors and attendees. The choice of venue was strategic, as the church is located directly on Hamley Street, making it highly accessible for all veterans, including those with mobility challenges who may face difficulties traveling as they age. Special thanks were extended to West Care for supplying food and to the various community vendors who supported the logistics of the day.
A central focus of the event was the work of the Pikeville Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition, a community group dedicated to addressing the critical issue of veteran mental health. With September designated as suicide awareness month, organizers highlighted a disturbing statistic showing an average of 22 veteran suicides per day nationally. To combat this tragedy, Atkinson outlined a two-pronged approach: fostering camaraderie among veterans and encouraging higher education. The event emphasized that staying connected with fellow service members allows individuals to feel heard and process their internal struggles, while studies indicate that obtaining a college degree can reduce suicide rates by 50% compared to those with only a high school diploma due to improved self-esteem and economic opportunities.
The Recovery Resource Center, situated within the Pike County Health Department, was prominently featured as a hub for support, guidance, and resources available to veterans and their families. Attendees were encouraged to reach out via phone at 509-5500 to access these vital services, reinforcing the message that recovery is possible with the right help. The atmosphere of the day underscored a strong sense of community care, where citizens and local organizations actively support those who have served in both combat and peace-time roles. This collective effort aims not only to provide immediate assistance but also to build a sustainable network of support that keeps veterans safe and connected long after their service ends.
Read the full video transcript
On Friday the 4th, the 4th annual
Veterans Standown was held at the
Cornerstone Christian Church to bring
together our veterans and let them know
that we are forever thankful for all
they have given this country. Here we
have Post Commander Charles Atkinson to
tell us more about the event.
>> This event's the fourth year that we've
been able to do it since co and it is
our largest event of the four. We've had
almost an equal number of vendors and
veterans which is great. this particular
location. Shout out to Cornerstone
Christian Church for allowing us to
borrow this facility because it's right
here on Hamley. It's easy for any of our
veteran veterans to get into as
especially any that are handicapped
because as they age they tend to end,
you know, have more issues. We're
thankful for the venue West Care for
providing the food, all the different
vendors that come along along to support
it. But here's the deal. By and large,
this standown took place because there
is a coalition in the community and it
this coalition is named Re. It's a long
one. Ready? Pikeville Veteran Suicide
Prevention Coalition. Told you it was a
mouthful.
>> The Recovery Resource Center located
inside the Pike County Health Department
offers support, guidance, and resources
for you and your family. Call 509-5500.
That's 509-5500.
Recovery starts here.
>> With September being suicide awareness
month, a study was done which revealed
there is an average of 22 veteran
suicides a day. Atkinson has a plan to
bring that number down.
>> Our VFW is hosting a 5K next week over
in Cole Run and it is suicide awareness.
the numbers right now, the national
average is 22 veterans a day, which is
horrible. And by and large, the way that
we need to deal with that to drop that
um those numbers, I I would say in two
ways, 22 for two ways. Number one is
camaraderie. Those veterans need to get
involved with other veterans. Stay
involved. When you have interaction with
others, you feel heard. you have the
ability at least to say things u that
you're feeling inside and and to deal
with things. The second of those two
reasons it there was a study in 2017
uh American Journal of Medicine that
showed that there was a 50% reduction in
veteran suicide rate for those that had
a college degree versus just a high
school diploma. There's two reasons for
that. is they feel better about
themselves and then two they have more
economic opportunity through the
education. You need to realize that this
community cares about its veterans. So
thank you from a combat veteran to the
community, the people within the
community and from other veterans here.
Thank you for your support in whatever
place you served whether in combat or
peace time. It everyone makes their
contribution and it also takes the
citizens that support the veterans to
make it happen. keep us all safe.