As Veterans Day passes, a troubling reality remains for many who once served our country. A local activist says every 48 hours, a veteran in Alabama takes their own life.
) - It’s a heartbreaking statistic and for some people, it’s not just a number.“I also have personal stories where, you know, I’ve lost several brothers from military and even my next-door neighbor growing up,” adds Steiner.
Less than a year ago, JD Drinkard met Keith Steiner and the pair and several others formed the nonprofit organization, ‘I Got Your Six Gulf Coast or IGY6.’ The phrase “I got your six” dates back to World War I and means “I got your back.” “It’s a subtle reminder that suicide is real,” Steiner explains. ”We’re really trying to get the folks that are out there that are potentially struggling to understand that there are resources out there.”
Their recent memorial walk in Daphne, called ‘Ruck the Bay,’ brought over 70 people to the Eastern Shore Trail to honor those lost to suicide, with memorial markers along the route representing local veterans and first responders. “My wife was one of the memorial markers out there,” said Drinkard. “But we also had another young widow whose husband’s sign was out there, several friends who you know, their loved ones were out there as well, their friends, people they had served with in combat.”Gulf Coast says they’re just getting started, with plans for more events to make sure veterans and first responders feel seen and supported. To get involved with IGY6 you can reach out by emailingin Mobile.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This Veterans Day, let’s remember the educational needs of our veteransOur nation’s veterans, in times of peace or war, not only deserve our thanks but also our commitment to never forget their service.
Read more »
San Antonio honors veterans past and present on Veterans Day,San Antonio honors veterans past and present with parades, ceremonies and tributes on Veterans Day.
Read more »
Honoring Houston’s veterans: Free meals, discounts, and more this Veterans DayHouston businesses are honoring Veterans Day with various deals and freebies for veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.
Read more »
Veterans Day 2024 Ceremony at Mt. Soledad National Veterans MemorialHonoring Veterans of the Korean War: Remembering the “Forgotten War”Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 11 a.m. – NoonLocation: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037Free Event • Open to the PublicJoin us at the Soledad Memorial on Nov.
Read more »
Hundreds gather at Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial for Veterans Day ceremonyJane Kim joined the ABC 10News team in Oct. 2024 as a news producer and multimedia journalist.
Read more »
Veterans deserve 'national moment of gratitude' on Veterans Day to help heal 'unseen wounds'This Veterans Day and beyond, Americans can show thanks to those who have served the country by sharing a moment of gratitude and making real connection, says USAA, the financial services company.
Read more »