Mission 22 Event a Success in Kings Mountain NC
By: Rusty Wise – Wise News Network
Kings Mountain, NC (WNN) – Mission 22, a National Veteran non-profit organization, held an event at Deal Park (YMCA) 211 Cleveland Ave, Kings Mountain, NC, on Friday, June 21st, and Saturday, June 22nd. The event was part of the Mission 22 National Suicide Awareness Walk – United We Heal program, which started across the USA on June 22nd, 2024.
This local walking event, Veterans Walk & Roll, at Deal Park’s walking track area started at 10:00 PM on Friday and ended at 8:00 PM on Saturday. Participants could walk 2.2 miles during the event. The official walk times were 10:22 AM and 2:22 PM on Saturday. The “22” theme is related to Mission 22, which is named after the 22 veterans who lose their lives to suicide every day, according to a 2013 study by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
The event on Saturday began with a performance of the National Anthem by local rising star Bailey Marie and the presentation of colors by the Lincoln County NC Honor Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 20309, which consists of 9th and 10th graders from Kings Mountain High School and Pinnacle Classical Academy.
Doug Jackman was the keynote speaker for the day. Jackson is a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who performed two tours in Iraq during his 2002-2006 enlistment. In his powerful message, he stated, “I’ve seen and done things to people that most people can’t even begin to comprehend. I’ve sat in the corner. I’ve separated myself from the people I love because of my demons. But I am still here. I am here because instead of putting that gun in my hand, I reached out, and I got the help I needed.” In his closing remarks, Jackson said, “I don’t know why I’m here, and several of my brothers are, but one thing I do know is that I will never stop helping veterans any way I can. Thank you all, and let’s get the word out there”.
According to the Mission 22 Ambassador and event organizer, Kevin Evans, “We raised 5,281 dollars going to Mission 22, of which 88 percent goes to our resources! We had 43 veterans walk 122 miles, 110 non-veterans walk 133 miles, 40 people walked and didn’t log the laps, and 5 people couldn’t make it and still walked 12 miles, for a total of 266 miles for the 22-hour period. It is our goal to get resources and information to our brothers and sisters who may be experiencing the demons of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, MST, anything we can do to ease their journey and, number one, eliminate veteran suicide.”
Retired Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers, also known as “The Saluting Marine,” attended the event to pay his respects. Sergeant Chambers is the veteran who stands in his uniform and salutes amid motorcycle traffic during the Rolling To Remember (formerly Rolling Thunder) motorcycle demonstration event in Washington, D.C. This event takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year. “I salute every participant, not only the veterans but also the Patriots. People show they care about others. They deserve my respect and the salute is the highest form of respect you can give to someone”. – Stated Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers (The Saluting Marine).
Also, a treat for adults and kids alike was the 1971 Huey Helicopter used in Vietnam and the 1985 military transporter on display. These military vehicles were displayed by the Post 5466 VFW in Taylorsville, NC, and their commander, Terry Harrington. The helicopter has bullet hole patches where it was shot in the Vietnam War.
Many vendors offered everything from food to flowers, and Gastonia’s AMVETS Post 920 provided a huge USA flag hung by cranes to guide the way. The pet-friendly event featured many dogs accompanying their owners and the Southern Soul band playing classic songs. Veteran Rick Villarreal with Camp Centurion, also known as “The Button Man,” was busy giving all the participants Mission 22 buttons for the day.
The event’s primary goal was to raise awareness about veteran suicide and mental health, and it successfully achieved this objective with all the smiling faces. Wise News Network was honored by the invitation to cover this important story.
The WNN LIVE Video is below of the Mission 22 Event
How to get in touch with these organizations:
Mission 22 – https://mission22.com/
The Saluting Marine – https://www.thesalutingmarine.com/
Helicopter/Transport Display – Commander Terry Harrington Ph 828-358-9273
Camp Centurion – https://campcenturion.org/
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