Photo Caption: (L-R) Post 178 members Joanne Schumm, Terry Gilbert, Larry Wilhelm, and Ted Ruybal. Photo by Ed Reed.
While participating in Frisco Merry Main Street festivities on Saturday, December 2, 2023, American Legion Post 178 volunteers informed attendees and distributed information about reducing the rate of veteran suicide. The American Legion is leading a nationwide initiative – “Be the One” – to eliminate the stigma related to mental health treatment, and in turn, lower the number of veterans who die by suicide every day.
The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated to be between 17 and 22. The American Legion and its 12,000 posts nationwide have elevated “Be the One” to be its top priority, empowering veterans, servicemembers, their family members, and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk. The initiative intends to bring more awareness to the problem while providing resources to those who may be able to help save the life of a veteran.
Post 178 veterans that volunteered at Frisco’s Merry Main Street included Larry Wilhelm, Terry Gilbert, Joanne Schumm, Ted Ruybal, Thor Anderson, Bill Drake, John Stammreich, and Ed Reed.
If you know a veteran who needs immediate help, please refer him/her to the Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then Press 1.