June 27 marked a special event at the Marshall County Area Veterans Memorial Park, dedicating the addition of a bronze statue and memorial bench in honor of the military men and women who have had or are currently suffering the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The occasion took place to recognize the month of June as PTSD Awareness Month and June 27th as PTSD Awareness Day, designated by the US Senate in 2010 to raise awareness of the mental health issues that can develop after exposure to traumatic events.
PTSD may occur either immediately after trauma or later on in life and can be triggered by various situations or incidences that cause symptoms to recur. The month of June is nationally designated to emphasize the need to diagnose and treat all individuals and families affected by PTSD and especially those military veterans affected by the disorder.
Although the ceremony was moved to theAmerican Legion Clubrooms to avoid the threat of rain, it did not dampen the turnout as more than 110 Legionnaires, visiting dignitaries and members of the general public were in attendance. Outstanding renditions of the National Anthem, Taps and patriotic musical pieces were performed by the WAO Freedom Force Boys Choir, Audrey Bienek and Ava Wesinburg. Visiting Dignitaries included State Representatives John Burkel and Deb Kiel, who both spoke of the importance of recognizing the mental health issues of PTSD and the need to work together to provide adequate treatment and understanding for those afflicted by the disorder. Russell Steer, Chair of the Marshall County Area Veterans Memorial Committee, acted as the Emcee for the ceremony. Howard Lunsetter provided the Invocation and Benediction, and in a moving tribute members of the County American Legion Club Color Guards advanced and retired the Colors as well as Firing Squad duties at the end of the service.
Brett Brandon, CW3 (Retired) U.S. Army and Marshall County Veteran Service Officer, was the main speaker for the evening. Brett provided a history of PTSD and a statistical background of its effects on the American public and especially the military community, noting that as many as 44 million Americans are believed to have suffered a traumatic event in their lives and approximately 6-8% of those will develop PTSD. In his job as CVSO, Brett also spoke of the personal costs to friends and fellow servicemen and women he has worked with who have been affected by PTSD and how it impacts families and friends in the community. He noted the importance of supporting one another and the need for those afflicted to ask for help in dealing with mental health issues as a result of PTSD.
If you need assistance, help or support with issues related to emotional or mental health, please contact the Department of Human Services at 1-800-282-5005. The Crisis/Suicide Prevention line is available for calls, texts or online chat by dialing 988. For military veterans, the Wounded Warriors PTSD number is 1-888-997-2586.
