Area events to benefit Mission 22 for veterans
By Brad Kellar | Herald-Banner Staff, May 14, 2019
LONE OAK — As the Memorial Day holiday grows closer, multiple events are being scheduled in the area to raise awareness of how veterans face daily challenges with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that approximately 22 veterans commit suicide each day after their deployment due to PTSD and TBI, which prompted the establishment of Mission 22, a nationwide organization dedicated to assisting veterans and their families cope with the issues.
Charles Barrow of Lone Oak is hosting a car show and 5K run in downtown Lone Oak on May 18 to benefit Mission 22, and said there is a personal reason behind the event.
“I suffer from PTSD,” he said.
Culpeper National Cemetery unveils new plaque honoring the fallen
May 9, 2019
The Carry The Load is a non-profit dedicated to providing active, meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes — military, veterans, first responders and their families. Members of the foundation are on a mission to visit 26 national cemeteries on their way to Dallas, Texas.
Matthew Priest, Director of Culpeper, Winchester, Staunton, and Balls Bluff National Cemeteries, said the plaque honors all soldiers who have fallen, but specifically mentioned Cameron Thomas, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2017. Thomas’ family was present for the unveiling.