A reminder of the need to be aware of veteran suicides will be this Friday. “Silent Watch” will dramatize the issue at the Ross County Courthouse steps from 8 to 4.
The Ross County Veterans Service Office is working with the statewide effort to “stand for our veterans” and provide information on where to find help: local support, resources, and prevention assistance.
Jennifer Fligor and Johna Pulver of the county office explained that two people will stand for 15 minutes shifts at either end of a flag-draped coffin, all day Friday, to highlight the loss of more than 22 American veterans a day who commit suicide.
They said Haller’s Funeral Home loans the casket (which is empty), but volunteers are needed to man the watch. As of Monday morning, they said most of the slots before noon were filled. Anyone can volunteer regardless of age, as long as you can be present in respectful silence. Chairs are provided if you can’t stand. Entire families have volunteered in the past, and some people do it in memory of someone else.
The Ross County Honor Guard will hold an opening ceremony with a few words and a playing of taps. Then the McClain Cadet Corps from Greenfield High School will hold a closing ceremony.
To volunteer, call 740 / 772-1600 ask for Jen. The Ross County Veterans Service Office is open 8 to 4, Monday through Friday.
I also asked Fligor and Pulver about the other services of their office, like van transportation of veterans to VA appointments; filing claims for veterans or their dependents; emergency assistance programs like groceries, presciption, utilities, and eyeglasses; and more.
Fligor is a veteran Army medic, and says she is glad to be able to help vets. Pulver says so far this year they have helped more than 400 vets with emergency assistance, and easily 900 vets with transportation.
They said they can’t speak on the “Ruck 22” effort, the separate volunteer organization also raises awareness of veteran suicide, with their name referring to the 22 veterans a day who commit suicide. Fligor and Pulver said they look forward to their big event on Saturday, September 28th, in Yoctangee Park.
“Silent Watch” has a website and Facebook page. The Ross County Veterans Service Office also has a website and Facebook page. Hear Fligor and Pulver in their own words in a video interview in the article on the Scioto Post.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.