TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — On Tuesday morning, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets gathered to place 150 flags in the front of the quad.
This was part of a collaboration with Alabama Veterans Affairs for Operation We Remember, which aims to bring awareness to veteran suicide in the state of Alabama.
“It’s our hope that people will see this display of flags and know that for one, they are remembered, that people have put forth the care to make sure people are known and remembered,” said Scot Brumbeloe, Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at Troy University.
The number of flags placed is to remember the 150 veterans who committed suicide in Alabama, a number that increases every year.
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Davis Menefee, Trojan Company Commander for the Army ROTC explained that this is exactly why it’s important to make people aware and let them know of resources they have access to.
“I think that mental health, especially within veterans, is looked over,” Menefee said. “It’s important to realize what’s actually happening behind the scenes.”
Chase Lunsford, Wing Commander for the Air Force ROTC further explained that the event is to avoid forgetting the sacrifices that these veterans made.
“The worst thing that we can do is forget the battles that they fight not only overseas but also in their own minds,” Lunsford said. “By coming out here, we’re remembering them, we’re remembering their legacy.”
If you’re a veteran that’s struggling with mental health, you are encouraged to reach out to the 988 crisis line or you can visit the Vet Center or the Troy for Troops office, which can offer you counseling.
Among other events throughout the month of September, the Army and Air Force ROTC will hold a 9/11 stair climb on September 10th to remember the soldiers who fell on 9/11. You can find last year’s report on that here.
