Veterans advocate launches urgent suicide prevention initiative

During a recent government meeting, Roy Manning, assistant commander of American Legion Post 202, addressed the council, highlighting the organization's commitment to supporting veterans and their families in the Brentwood area and beyond. Manning detailed the post's activities, which include community parades, veteran escorts to cemeteries, and youth programs such as American Legion Baseball, which boasts over 100,000 players nationwide.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion has grown to encompass more than 2,000,000 veterans across approximately 13,000 posts globally. Manning emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that Post 202, chartered in 1922, serves not only Brentwood but also surrounding areas like Antioch and Oakley.

A significant portion of Manning's address focused on the alarming statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. He introduced the \"Be The 1\" program, aimed at identifying and assisting veterans in crisis. Manning encouraged community members to engage with veterans who may be struggling and to share resources, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline (988, option 1). He distributed informational cards to attendees, urging them to reach out to those in need.

Manning's remarks underscored the vital role of the American Legion in fostering a supportive environment for veterans and their families, while also addressing the pressing issue of veteran mental health and suicide prevention.