The Tri-State Marine Corps League organized the second annual Celebrate Life walk on Sunday, aimed at supporting veterans from all branches of service in the valley. The half-mile event at Boardman Park featured live music and showcased mental health resources.
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Tri-State Marine Corps Commandant Mike Morgensten emphasized the importance of addressing suicide prevention among veterans and first responders. He stated, "To be a forward leader in Youngstown prevention for suicide in veterans and first responders is a huge thing for us. We really need to keep pushing to have more groups come to the Youngstown area because we are one of the largest veteran populations in America."
Multiple agencies providing mental health services attended the event to inform veterans about available resources. Mahoning County Veteran Service Commission Executive Director Susan Krawchyk highlighted the importance of awareness regarding benefits: "Some people don't know: Am I a veteran? Am I not a veteran? What am I eligible for? Whether it's education benefits, widows' pension, because we take care of the widows and widowers as well as the veterans."
Veterans expressed the challenges they face in discussing mental health issues with those who have not served. Will Mayor, a volunteer with Grief & Loss in Motion, noted the significance of connecting with fellow veterans: "Especially being a veteran myself, I know if there's other veterans that I can reach out to and talk with, I'm comfortable because I don't have to explain any further than I served."