As 22 Veterans Die Each Day of Suicide, Holly Ambassador Shares Info on Mission 22

(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 10, 2023)

Holly, MI – Every day an average of 22 military veterans and one person on active duty dies of suicide in the U.S.

It’s a statistic that not everyone knows, but Holly resident Jeff Myers wants to change that. Myers is the Holly Area Ambassador for Mission 22, a national organization that “provides support to Veterans and their families when they need it most: right now. Through a comprehensive approach of outreach, events, and programs, we’re promoting long-term wellness and sustainable growth.”

Myers spoke at the recent Holly Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast to raise awareness and support for the organization.

“I got involved three months ago because of my son,” he said. “He did two tours in Iraq, ’03 and ’05, as a combat medic.” He said his son had been in Bradley vehicles that took hits on four occasions, once even lifting the tank off the ground. He came home with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury, and on Fathers’ Day 2019 he took his own life.

Mission 22 seeks to reduce the number of suicides, by providing support to veterans in a number of ways.

“It’s holistic health and mental illness support and recovery, and supporting families,” Myers said. “There’s a biometric program focusing on stress and alternatives to drugs and meds.”

The website also outlines services such as equine therapy, gym sponsorships, service dogs, and a resiliency program that includes nutritional supplements. Mission 22 is based in Oregon and has five local ambassadors in Michigan, including Myers. Learn more about Mission 22 at https://mission22.com

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call 988 for help from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or dial 988 and press 1 for the Veteran Crisis Line.

Learn more about the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce at https://hollyareachamber.com.