7ven-Feathers Photography American Legion Commander Robert Seibert and Suicide Prevention event coordinator Michelle Stegner hand out flags for participants to carry prior to the 2.2 mile walk.
By Becky Long
Publisher
A multitude of red, white and blue flags greeted participants and volunteers who numbered more than 90 during Saturdays’ 2.2-mile walk, the highlight of a Suicide Prevention Campaign sponsored by the George Lee American Legion Post 532 in Hayesville.
Coordinator and retired Army veteran Michelle Stegner said they were happy with the turn out for the inaugural event which congregated in a pavilion near the rec gym at the Clay County Veterans Park.
“I was surprised and pleased,” said Stegner of the participation, “We had no clue how many would show up the first year. I had so many people come up and tell me their stories.”
The crowd wasn’t there just to enjoy the beautiful weather, but for a significant reason — to bring awareness to suicide prevention in the military where numbers are particularly high, as well as in our general population.
“In the military 17 to 22 veterans commit suicide a day and the numbers are very high among women in the military,” said Stegner who retired in 2013 after serving 30 years. “But we also want to reach everyone who has been touched by it.”
Stegner sees suicide as a silent killer. “There’s a lot of people who have been affected by it. It’s something not talked about. It’s so hurtful for some families who may feel guilty because we couldn’t help them and felt disconnected,” she said. “We do have support groups in our community.”
American Legion Commander Robert Seibert agreed with Stegner that suicide has affected a vast number of people.
“Almost everyone has been affected by suicide and others probably aren’t aware since it isn’t something you brag about,” said Seibert. “It is important to let everyone know they have value even when life isn’t perfect. For veterans who have fought in wars, they have scars for the rest of their life and have seen how little value is placed on life by others. Some find it easier to no longer participate in life, sometimes by withdrawing while others simply end their life.”
Seibert explained how the idea for the walk surfaced: “The Legion National Commander made this a priority for 2022-2023. So Michelle Stegner came up with this idea to bring awareness and to try and end the stigmatism of those who are struggling with the thought as being weak or a lesser person,” he said. “ There is nothing wrong with getting help.”
Stegner expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in any way, from volunteering to walking the sometimes cumbersome, sometimes up hill 2.2 miles from the park, through school, through town and back to the rec center.
“I had a great committee helping me,” Stegner said which included Seibert and his wife Moyna and veteran Phil Cantley. “I want to thank everyone who came out from the walkers, other participants, the fire department and sheriff’s officers and the people who donated. Saturday was a perfect day for it.”
Stegner said plans are already in the works for a second event next year.
“This was one of the best events we have had and best supported by the community,” Seibert added. “Almost all of the sponsors gave the top rate asked for, private donations were given and many people blew their horn while passing by in support of the walk.”